Some Doctors and PhDs Claim Sugar Is As Addictive As Cocaine, But It's Not
Last modified 3 months ago.
In the middle of his life, Felix Dennis, the English magazine-publishing magnate, playboy, philanthropist, and good chap, became an inveterate crack-cocaine user.
You would figure that wouldn’t make sense.
If you’re mega-rich, why get caught up in such a nasty habit? Isn’t too much at stake?
But, by his own account, he was neck-deep in addiction.
The details and events surrounding his addiction and unusual life are amazing. But that’s besides the point. The point is, one day, Dennis just decided to quit. Just like that, he decided he was done, and he stopped–for good.
Dennis claims he decided to quit when he was walking around his home with a hammer, ready to strike a person coming down through the skylight of his home. Thing is, his home had no skylight, and no one was trying to enter his home, either. He was losing his mind, and decided, then and there, to quit.
Being addicted to a hard drug, like cocaine, sounds downright nasty.
I’ve never tried it. I never will.
I much rather have struggled with trying to quit binging on junk food, like I did.
That’s why the research that states that refined sugar (or junk food) is as addictive as cocaine doesn’t pass face validity for me. (You’ll hear MDs and PhDs–even good ones, citing this research, but practically, I believe it’s not valid).
My conclusion comes from practical experience–just with the junk food, of course.
Would you rather be attached to eating refined sugar and junk food or addicted to hard drugs?
Of course a food attachment is far preferable to the destructive effects of drug addiction.
So, when you hear a doctor or researcher saying how addictive refined sugar is, don’t buy it. Sure, it’s an irritating attachment and bad habit, but it’s not that bad. If you want to quit, you can. And that’s what it’s going to take if you find that refined sugar, white flour, caffeine, or other junk foods or drinks don’t sit well with your metabolism.
There can be mild withdrawal symptoms from dumping refined sugar (the stuff in ice cream, baked goods, and soda), white flour, or even, coffee. You might be irritable and anxious, tired, get some light headaches, and crave the thing you’re trying to quit (of course).
The first round of symptoms comes after a few days. A few weeks later, another wave of symptoms will hit again.
The enhanced energy and physical performance far outweigh the benefit of the food “buzz” from eating junk, though.
Any minor "withdrawal" symptoms will pass. And a new life of greater clarity, energy, vitality, and wellness will open up to you.
It’s not as bad as breaking a drug addiction.
You’re going to be OK.
Just quit.
The very-temporary symptoms are manageable, too. Drink water–stay hydrated. Eat regular meals and nourish yourself with whole, nutrient-dense foods. Get enough sleep. Exercise moderately, too.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to tell a tale of epic proportions, like Felix Dennis. You’ll need to do something else to fill your bucket of adventure.
However, when you’re eating well and taking care of yourself, you’ll have all the energy you need for adventure.
(If you’ve been struggling to stick to a healthier diet or have any questions, email me.)
Link/Reference
A reference to Felix Dennis. I recommend his book How To Get Rich, too. It’s a fun read.