I have always had a sweet tooth. However, it has only been in recent years that the single sweet tooth has developed into a sweet mouth. I believe it came from stress. I started using sugar as a way to deal with the stress of my job. I don’t think I was aware of it at first. About 2 1/2 years ago I got another job, one that was far less stressful. However, by that time I think the damage was done. I was addicted and there was no going back.

First, I looked up to see if sugar addiction was really a thing. Turns out it is. Sugar can feed some of those same addiction genes, and manifest addiction symptoms. It can start running your life, as I fear that it has started to run mine.

Here is an example: Today I ate 3 sweet rolls, gummy worms, 2 cups of Coke, a large piece of chocolate cake, and 1 1/2 scoops of ice cream. That was just in one day. Even as I type this out I can’t believe I actually ate all that and don’t have diabetes. You eat one thing, and you almost forget you had it because you are still craving more. You don’t even want to eat a meal unless there is going to be something sugary and sweet in it.

I took a sugar addiction quiz to see what would happen. I scored very, very low. There was only one question that didn’t put me squarely in the addicted category (and even that one was on the borderline). Do I hide sweets? Yes. Do I prefer to eat my desserts in private where no one can judge me? Oh yes. Do I make plans around a way to get my hands on some sweet and tasty morsel? Sadly yes.

I have tried to stop before, but always rebounded. This time I hope to curb my addiction for good. Not only do I want to give up my sugar addiction for my own health, but I want to set a good example for my little one. I don’t want him to grow up with the same issues I have. I also don’t want him to think that any of this is normal. Imagine trying to explain why mommy has a secret stash of treats that she doesn’t share with anyone else!

I realize that I may need to give up sugar entirely, which would be hard. Sugar is everywhere, and can be hard to avoid. I also hate the thought of missing out on fun treats. However, if that is what it takes I will try to make it work. To start with though, I plan on just cutting back on sweets instead of eliminating them entirely. I have read that cutting out sugar cold turkey can backfire in the worst kind of way.

As I go down this new journey, I hope I can beat this sugar addiction and start living my best life. Not only for me, but for my family as well.

-Aurora