How Hard it is to Kick Sugar to the Curb

Let me tell you guys…
I read an article a few months ago that discussed how sugar is a harder addiction to kick than cocaine and I can certainly attest to that. I have struggled with trying to quit drinking soda for over 2 years now. I have recently started noticing signs of my health being compromised because of it and I STILL can’t stop.
I’ve noticed a tingling sensation in my legs and upon further investigation, it could be a sign of poor circulation and diabetes. Even with this, it is difficult to completely walk away from sugar.
Sodas and carbs are my biggest sources of sugar intake. I never add sugar to foods unless it is a sweet or something I am baking that calls for it in the recipe. I rarely eat sweets, too. Sodas are bad enough…I can’t imagine if I was eating sweets on top of that. Even my teeth have been more sensitive from the acid in the soda.
I have all these reasons for why I should quit and I can’t do it. Every day I tell myself I need to. I set a goal to drink at least one bottle of water before drinking any flavored drinks and most days I fail at that. I wake up craving flavor and sugar. If I go without what I am used to, I go through withdrawals, which mainly consists of headaches.
My energy level is so wonky because of the sugar and caffeine I consume. Last year, I actually made it to a point where I was drinking water mostly and would have a soda or two on the weekend. I felt fantastic and like I had a solid amount of energy throughout the day. So I know what it’s like to be on a limited amount. I know it’s a much better life for me, yet I still struggle to change.
That is addiction, my friends: fulfilling the insanity. I will share with you that I struggled with addiction when I was younger. I fought through and sought after a much healthier lifestyle without my drug of choice and I made it. But here I am today, fighting another addiction that seems much harder to overcome. I think it’s because it is readily available and acceptable to consume. It’s normal for nearly everyone! I don’t think people really believe it can be an addiction because of that, but it is.
I am hoping that through my story, maybe someone else will come to realize that they, too, have the struggle and want to overcome it. Our nation consumes SO much sugar. Last night on the radio, I heard the man say that our number one health cost is for diabetes in this country. I think he said we spend $15 billion fighting it.
I am not overweight, but my diet and exercise are under par. I am 38 years old, 5’3″ and 132 pounds. My diet is the reverse of what it should be: barely anything for breakfast and a big meal for dinner. I am working to make changes in that area, but first and foremost is kicking my sugar addiction!
Here is an infographic with some alarming info about sugar consumption:
