And so, rebelling against doing anything that has become the subject of mass popularity (remember the leggings rant?) I stopped baking. OK so it was also partly because I was too focused on Triathlon training and volunteering at so many sports events in order to improve my CV, that I just didnt have time and partly because my Mum's wonderful old Kenwood, complete with marble bowl, finally gave up the ghost. Also, when you bake- you eat - cake scraps, lick the bowl, oh I better just taste one to make sure etc. One afternoon at the begginning of the summer, after a marathon bake for a wedding, I sat down feeling sick and headachie, partly due to the stress and partly due to the taste testing and berated myself for not eating like the athlete I try to be.
The next day I felt awful again, tired and craving sugar for no reason. Some birthday or other had meant treats at work and of course I couldnt resist. The next day after a huge protein filled salad I got a chocolate craving... this continued throughout the week and on the Sunday I thought back over the past few weeks and couldnt remember the last time id gone a day without something sweet....I suddenly realised; Im an addict.
Initially I laughed this off, then I Googled "the signs of drug addiction" and this is what I found;
Signs that you or a friend may have an addiction;
- Tolerance to the drug (erm I can happily eat a whole tub of Ben & Jerry's without feeling sick sooo...)
- Taking the drug to avoid withdrawl symptoms; restless, headaches, feeling low.
- Loss of Control (taking the drug even though you said you wouldn't)
- Life revolving around the drug, spending time thinking about and using
- Continuing to use despite side effects
- Physical signs; headaches, changes in apetite, weight gain,deterioration in appearence, dull skin, spots etc.
This post has been a while in the making, but comes at a time when the press is waking up to the scientists and nutritionists who have, for decades, been saying that sugar is a drug. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24159944
A sugar tax has been discussed, as well as making sugar illegal.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2424396/Sugar-dangerous-drug-time-come-smoking-style-health-warnings-says-Dutch-health-chief.html
Ive read loads of books on nutrition for the purposes of effectively fueling sport and getting the best from your body by giving it the best fuel you can and of course..staying slim. The Best one has to be Gary Taubes "Why we Get Fat and what to do about it" http://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-We-Get-Fat-Vintage/dp/0307474259 the above video is also narrated by him.
Ive given up sugar before and felt a thousand times better, more energy, better skin, no headaches along with the weight loss - I honestly dont know why I ever went back... its Laduree, they MADE me do it!
I'm giving up sugar for one month. And I mean all sugar- no fruit, no sugar laden ketchup- the effect of sugar in fruit is the same as that in a mars bar once it gets into your system. Ill report back and let you know how I get on.... aaaafter I bake this giant Salted Caramel Chocolate cake for a friend's dads 70th.....
