Re: confused about sugar

Hi Katie -
The amount of time it takes to clear an addiction to a stimulant like coffee or sugar really varies from person to person.

The best indicator for whether or not you can take a hit like that a couple of times a week or not without throwing yourself out of balance is whether or not symptoms or cravings show up.

I usually recommend that people go off stimulants for a minimum of 90 days if they want to clear it. Then test the waters by having something and seeing how it affects them.

Often when people do this they find that it has lost it's appeal or they become so aware of how it affects their body/mind system that they choose to only have it on special occasions as a real treat.

Working on getting your blood sugar balanced before, during and after, too really, is one of the most important factors when it comes to breaking free from addictive extreme foods. Helps tremendously with the cravings/withdrawal symptoms.

One of the best products for doing this is Just Barley, by Organic by Nature -- can get at most health food stores and also online. Taking chromium picolonate for 6 months is helpful for balancing blood sugar as well.

I actually just wrote an article about cravings and am in the process of writing another one about balancing blood sugar. Will have them up on my website soon: http://www.FoodFitnessByPhone.com - check there or get back to me and I'll make sure you have access to them.

Having been a major sugar addict and helped many others overcome this addiction, I can tell you that your life will change and whatever you have to go through to get there is well worth the effort -- and it can be much easier than you think once you get over "the hump."

Good luck! Happy New Year! - Kelly Tweet