Formerly — ‘Depressurizing’
These Babies Are Made of Sugar
I contemplated introducing a countdown, until we ran out of time
Breathe deeply; nine months, sugar free— a higher score than most fetuses, I guarantee.
It’s true. Almost a full year has passed and I’ve managed to avoid ingesting all forms of desserts, and survived! Furthermore, I’ve never — generally — felt better in my life.
Of course, the journey wasn’t always so smooth.
This was my fourth time reaching the six-month mark!!
But, ah—
No more candies, chocolates, cakes, ice creams, biscuits, pastries, sugary drinks — macaroons!!!
More.
It’s fine.
I don’t need ‘em.
From my notes, August 7th, 2023--
latenight:
Grandfather, mid-eighties,
passes
away from type 2 diabetes.
It's the first death
in the
family.To each their own pace
I’ve quit perusing the ⚡DANGER⚡ aisles at the grocery store, where, only a few months ago, I used to torture myself by mentally experiencing the desserts as I walked by; on some days, had nobody been watching, I dreamt of dropping to one knee, right there in the middle of the store, one hand clutching my heart, the other in a downward fist, supporting me from planting myself face-first onto the floor—
This sounds dramatic, and it is.
It’s still true.
This is why I really feel for any pregnant woman who truly loves herself and her child.
Or for most people, really!! But look, not ALL is lost—
“Good” sugar is the type found naturally-occurring in unprocessed foods. Foods such as fruits, some vegetables including squash and onions, nuts, dairy products, and whole grains.
On the other end of the spectrum, “bad” sugars are those added to foods to sweeten them or to act as a preservative. Here’s a great example for comparison: One medium-sized banana has about 15 grams of sugar. However, the sugar is naturally-occurring fructose, the “good” sugar. That banana also has potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6. All of these vitamins have a number of health benefits.
An Original Glazed Donut from Dunkin’ Donuts contains 12 grams of sugar, but all 12 grams are added sugars. Really, the donut has no real nutritional value. — How Does Sugar Affect My Pregnancy? — VieraFertility Center
But there’s really so much more to gain by taking this route, from improved moods and sleep to greater mental clarity and focus, healthier weight, smoother skin, longer lifespan, less chances of degenerative diseases while growing old, and more!!
I’m not saying it’ll be easy.
Of course not!
The cravings may never go away; most people never learn to deal with it— which is why, in the meantime, I’m working on my own personal list of tips and tricks for beating sugar addiction to someday hopefully share with you all.
For now, this is where I'm pointing you.
👇👇
Sugar Addiction — Find Help Today
— Addiction CenterThough I’ll also drop these three simple hints—
1. Fruit is SWEET. Factory sweets aim to destroy your taste buds in this way, but it’s okay!! Because you’ll get it back in weeks. Seriously, bananas are my favourite, along with watermelon, peaches, grapes, oranges, pineapple, most berries, and I’m sure several others. 🙄😜 I’d recommend learning which fruits will do you the most favours vs. which ones to have in strict moderation. 👈
2. Remember WHY you’ve quit sugar. This isn’t a game to see if you can stay away. No!! You care about yourself, and the people in your life, and perhaps also your unborn child, AND IT’S NOT WORTH IT TO KEEP SUPER-AGING YOUR BODY AND MIND. Because you’re hurting yourself, and that’s not okay. Remind yourself what matters to you. Write it down if you have to, and put it up where you’ll see. The short high you get from sweets will never compare to your true love of life. And your true love of life will increase as you get over the sweets.
3. In the moment, don’t run from your cravings, but face them head-on. Self-soothing is okay in limited amounts, but at some point, you’re better off just feeling the pain for a while.
4. Given the opportunity, don’t go at it alone. Luckily for me, I live with a good friend who, due to severe allergies, hasn’t experienced most foods in nearly twenty years. If you don’t know anyone personally who could relate to your struggle, then consider finding a relevant group online, or you could even start one of your own!!
A future guide will be more detailed and sensitive to different types of people.
Questions about my process, or anything else on the topic?
Well, I’m warning you, I am NOT a doctor.
Nope—
I’m just a guy who quit sugar for nine months.
Only trust doctors, obviously.
NOTE: To be fair, my grandfather's
doctor was uber sexist and
wouldn't listen to my
grandmother on his true
state of health
anyway.Also, randomly, for my fellow Canadians only now, I have these two simple, completely unrelated offers ready to go —
So, if you’re Canadian, and you know you’re definitely safe from wildfires, and you enjoy a little extra cash and other unique benefits for your money on the side and haven’t already joined KOHO— then here’s your invitation to get started today!!
Do it for you and me.
It’ll be fun!!!
On that note, I’m IN LOVE with my water. Does this knowledge put too much power in your hands?
Depends how creative you are—
If you really intended to hurt me, this information couldn’t POSSIBLY be the determining factor of your results.
In. Love.
Again, creativity is key!!
Either way, it’s good.
Dearly,
— G
P.S. I’d like to thank Jason Provencio for having me back once more in his wonderful and majestic Bouncin’ and Behavin’ Blogs!!! It’s been a while since my last confession— which I won’t share here because it’s one of those ones I kind of want people to forget about. And I’m sorry I mentioned “fetuses”? It’s for a good cause.
P.P.S. I take back any invitations to — further — mess with my H2O!! Trusting y’all.
Sources and Resources to Explore —
Get the Facts: Added Sugars — Center for Disease Control and Prevention
How Too Much Sugar Is Harmful in Pregnancy — Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials
The Dangers of Sugar for Developing Brains — Viera Fertility
Is Sugar More Addictive Than Cocaine? — New Hall Hospital
The sweet danger of sugar — Harvard Health
Sugar Consumption by Country — World Population Review
Do You Know How Much Sugar You Consume? — ThedaCare
Sugar consumption among Canadians — Statistic Canada
10 Signs That You Are Eating Too Much Sugar — Fitness 1440
What Happens to Your Body When You Cut Out Sugar? — EatingWell
How Sugar is Linked to Dementia and How to Curb Your Sweet Cravings — Ocean Hills Senior Living
The Best Fruit for People With Diabetes to Eat (and the best) — AllRecipes
Say Goodbye to Sugar Cravings: Just 10 Days for Your Taste Buds to Reset — Just Date
The Role of Suffering — Wholebeing Institute
FA and Sugar Addiction — Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous
Sugar Addiction — Find Help Today — Addiction Center
About the Author:
🔍 ㅤGustave Deresse Is a Canadian Writer, Editor, Roamer & Musical Artist Exploring Themes as Spirituality, Logic, Love, Life, Technology, Philosophy, Nature, Art, Neurocognitive Psychology, Creativity, Writing, Humour, Inspiration, Music, Well-being — and the Weird.
P.S. Subscribe by email to catch my original works! ✨
My Introduction Page —
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I appreciate you, take care.
Sincerely, — G
