Sugar and Carbohydrate Addiction  by Michael Collins

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Recently, I was giving a group consultation when the subject of carbohydrate addiction came up. Some people in the group swore that they’re addicted to carbohydrates, mainly sugar.

 

All of the people who swore they were addicted to carbohydrates were also overweight. 

 

So, is it really possible to be addicted to sugar or carbohydrates?

 

Well, it’s a complicated answer, so let me break it down for you.

 

When you eat sugar or high glycemic carbs, certain feel good and relaxing chemicals and hormones are released. Of course, it depends on the quality and quantity of the carbs and whether they’re combined with any other foods that will determine the extent of their release.

 

Is this hormonal release in response to carbs addicting? I don’t believe so. Especially not to the extent that certain drugs are. It’s simply not potent enough, and there are many more variables that go into addiction. Although many people report a feeling of well- being after consuming carbohydrates, I believe addiction is the wrong label for it.

 

What many people experience through countless bouts of “carb abuse” is conditioning. Some people use consumption of carbs to relax themselves after a long day. They use it to calm down stress. They pound carbs when they are bored or in front of the TV. Eating carbs becomes a crutch that neutralizes other feelings.

 

When you are conditioned to eating carbs at every turn, they make you want more. Each time you pound your body with these levels of sugar, your insulin raises and crashes, leaving you even more hungry and irritated. You increase your risk of diabetes over time and open yourself up to inflammation problems. We haven’t even gotten to fat gain yet!

 

When you’re conditioned to anything, your body expects it. Just like the endorphin release of exercise, when you’re doing it every day, your body and mind expect it. The body and mind like consistency and patterns. If you miss a day, your body will let you know it. Addicted? No. Conditioned? Yes.

 

This conditioning can be reversed. It’s not something you have “no power over”. This is a topic I’ll be fully expanding on in a future book.

 

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