This is something I've wondered about for a long time, mainly because my own behavior with sugar mirrors my experiences with alcohol........I can't seem to grasp the concept of moderation, it's either complete abstinence or total loss of control. When I'm not eating sweets, I feel very healthy and vigorous, but as soon as I fall off the wagon I literally eat every sweet thing I can get my hands on, and feel like death warmed over the next day: headachy, hung over, moody, and tired.
My sister has a theory about my problems being interrelated because alcohol does convert to sugar in the body, and both substances act on me in much the same way (except I don't get combative and roll around in the grass half-naked when I eat candy or cake). I'm not sure she's wrong. But all the research I've done is inconclusive.......seems that there are strong beliefs on both sides of the debate, with very little middle ground. Most of the so-called experts either totally deny the possibility that one can be physically and/or emotionally addicted to sugar, or make blanket statements condemning it as the worst poison on the planet.
What I'm looking for is not only hard science, but peoples' experiences. Are there others out there as messed-up as I am? How do you deal with the cravings, and how do you feel when you indulge? Have you learned to control your consumption of sweet treats, or are you always just one bite away from a binge? And do any of you who are recovering alcoholics like me find that you have a similar problem with sweets?
I'm looking forward to your responses, as I'm trying to face the fact that I need to give up sugar for good and I need to know that if I have to suffer, there's a legitimate reason!
