Do Sugary Soul Searching to Begin to Break Free of Your Sugar Habit

People often ask me, “Connie, what should I do first to help me kick my sugar habit for good?”

This has been one of the FAQs I’ve been fielding since I  began helping sugar and carb addicts after I quit sweets and processed carbs on doctor’s orders in 1998.

I believe that the best way to begin to overcome your destructive dessert patterns is to start learning your “sugar truth.” This tactic may be a little challenging or embarrassing, but most of all, you’ll find it enlightening and eye-opening. You see, it’s vital for you to figure out why you want that donut or Danish now!

Look, let’s face it: In those gotta-have-“goodies”-now moments, it usually doesn’t help to know that eating a bunch of sugary foods and processed carbohydrates just isn’t good for you. That’s why, now, when you’re not rattled by cravings, is a good time to embark upon “Sugary Soul Searching.”

Thousands of “Sugar Kickers” worldwide have discovered that this is a simple, effective technique, where you tune into what’s going on in your heart and soul that drives you to “rely” on those inferior, nutrient-lacking foods. Once you know what’s making you turn to sweets or those  “culprit carbs,” you stand a better chance of being able to easily steer clear of them.

In other words, especially if you’re an “emotional eater” (that’s most of us), it’s helpful to decode or deconstruct the source of your often-mysterious cravings. So, let’s delve now into why that chocolate ice cream, strawberry cheesecake, and white pasta are so darn appealing. Think about it: Why would you be willing to ditch your diet, damage your body, and ignore your best intentions just to have some fiber-lacking, nutrient-deprived sugary substance?

Try to complete this interactive exercise quickly. Your rapid responses will be telling. But please be truthful, and remember, you don’t have to show anyone your answers! When sugary foods and much-like-sugar carbs beckon, do you feel:

* Angry    Yes _____ No _____
* Anxious    Yes _____ No _____
* Apathetic    Yes _____ No _____
* Ashamed    Yes _____ No _____
* Betrayed    Yes _____ No _____
* Bewildered    Yes _____ No _____
* Bored     Yes _____ No _____
* Challenged    Yes _____ No _____
* Cheated    Yes _____ No _____
* Competitive    Yes _____ No _____
* Confused    Yes _____ No _____
* Contrite    Yes _____ No _____
* Defeated    Yes _____ No _____
* Depressed    Yes _____ No _____
* Discouraged   Yes _____ No _____
* Embarrassed  Yes _____ No _____
* Envious    Yes _____ No _____
* Exasperated   Yes _____ No _____
* Frantic    Yes _____ No _____
* Frightened    Yes _____ No _____
* Frustrated    Yes _____ No _____
* Grumpy    Yes _____ No _____
* Guilty    Yes _____ No _____
* Helpless    Yes _____ No _____
* Hurt     Yes _____ No _____
* Ignored    Yes _____ No _____
* Jealous    Yes _____ No _____
* Left out    Yes _____ No _____
* Lonely     Yes _____ No _____
* Melancholy    Yes _____ No _____
* Rejected    Yes _____ No _____
* Sad    Yes _____ No _____
* Sleepy    Yes _____ No _____
* Tired    Yes _____ No _____
* Worried    Yes _____ No _____

Now that you’ve uncovered some great clues, it’s time to put them to good use.

• Spend some time (at least a couple of minutes) looking over your answers.
• Next, write a list of which specific emotions drive you the most to sugary over-indulgence.
• Now study that list, and think back to times you “blew” your diet. (What were you feeling?)
• Finally, bring your Sugary Soul Searching emotions list with you whenever you leave the house. (You can put it in your wallet, handbag or even slip it in your pocket.)
• Make sure to post your list to your fridge or your computer, too.

You’re now better prepared to face those inevitable sugary temptations out there! Just knowing what emotions set you off can help give you the strength and even inner wisdom to say “no” the next time those “treats” taunt you. Start to realize that you are much bigger than this sugar habit. And remember, Life is Much Sweeter Without Refined Sweets™.

Join the Conversation. What are your biggest A-hahs?