Sugar Support Group

[hostmelissa]

Well, there were several people interested in some sort of support around sugar. Let me ask you, what is it that you need most from a support group?

Support around cutting back or giving up on sugar?
Ideas for alternatives?
Other things?

I encourage you to respond here and let me know what kind of support you need most! Using the contact talk radio forum allows us to communicate as a group without any concerns about spam filters.

[sleek otter]

It's so great to have this opportunity, Melissa.

As I mentioned to you in an e-mail, I've been all about cutting sugar for about 5 years now. I didn't have all the scientific info that you have and I lumped together HFCS, sugar, honey, etc.

1. I would like to know more about the different kinds of sugar, maybe ultimately having some kind of a chart to understand them better.

2. Some good sugar dessert recipes might be fun to share.

3. I have tips for avoiding sugar that I can share. It's in things that we don't think of as sweet like pasta sauce, salsa, healthy cereals, soy/rice milks, ketchup, etc. I'm an avid label reader for this reason.

If I knew #1, the different types of sugars, then it would make #3, reading labels more effective!

Can't wait to hear what others are thinking.

[speedy17]

Hi Melissa, Im happy to be part of this elite group of people who may need support for their sugar habit/cravings/addictions. I would like to know why my body craves for the sugar, to the point of feeling like I have an addiction. Its like I have this love/hate relationship with the stuff. I am pretty knowledgeable when it comes to sugar, like substitutes and how to read labels and how sugar is hidden in almost everything we eat, and I know the damage that is being done and has been done over the years, but, I cant seem to kick it or even just modify my intake. So, Im hoping that a little support from others, may, just in fact, be what I need to "break up" with sugar.:o

[hostmelissa]

Hi sleek otter

I think it is a great idea to get a list of different kinds of sugar for label reading.

Right now, in my quest to give up sugar I am trying to stick with "healthier" sugars.

The sugars that I am keeping in my diet in moderation are maple syrup, agave nectar and honey. Brown rice syrup is one that you will find in a lot of vegan cook books - it is a nice alternative too. Molasses are nice as well and a great source of iron for those who are concerned about that.

Let me do some digging for tricky label names for sugar. Sounds like a great newsletter article!
:)

Dessert Recipes
I am an avid baker. There is nothing that I love to do more than baking. So this is a great topic for me and the next step. I am looking at some recipes that I can bake without the sugar. As I test and find good ones I'll share them here.

[hostmelissa]

Hi speedy17

In my overcoming emotional eating telecourse I present tones of information that supports that idea that sugar is addictive.

Sue Grigson, an associate professor in neural and behavioral sciences at the Penn State College of Medicine explains that scientists have found similarities to the response to drugs like heroin and cocaine when rats react to sugar. When humans and rats eat sweets, their brain levels of dopamine—a neurotransmitter that regulates reward suggesting that sugar may have addictive qualities.

Here's another interesting study:

A 2002 study at Princeton University found that rats deprived of food for 12 hours then given food and sugar-water tend to binge on the drink. This research has also shown that rats' brain systems change in response to sugar. When researchers blocked the brain's opioid system—which plays a role in the feeling of pleasure derived from a substance—the rats showed signs of withdrawal-like anxiety.

I think, as with everything, moderation is the key. A sweet now and then is not habit forming. However, one might look want to look more closely if that sugar craving comes up every day around the same time and find alternative ways to fuel the body.

[sleek otter]

Melissa,

I'm hearing more and more about candida lately, not just the typical vaginal yeast infection, but systemmic candida. In fact, I wonder if I have that problem and am thinking about trying a candida diet for a while to see if some of my problems clear up. It's pretty restrictive though and I haven't committed yet. Any thoughts?

[sleek otter]

I know what you mean about the cravings. For me it's usually salt rather than sweet but it's like a compulsion and you never seem to get enough! I can't have any kind of potato chips or flavoured corn chips in the house because I eat until there are no more, no matter the size of the bag! With sugar I get a stomach ache pretty quickly and rarely eat too much though I think even a little isn't good for me.

So, here's a recipe contribution.

No sugar cocoa.

I got this idea from a very popular cafe out west here. I ordered cocoa there one day a couple years ago and they warned me that there is no sugar in it and I'd have to add my own, the way you could add sugar to your own coffee. Fine I thought. When I got it and tasted it, it was so good I didn't even try to add the sugar. Now when I make my own, I just skip the sugar. Who knew it didn't need sugar?

I'll give you one of my favourite variations.

1. start boiling some water in the kettle
2. Start heating one cup of milk-like substance (I'm a big fan of fat so I'm currently using organic whole unhomogenized milk but I've done it with rice milk and soy milk. All fine. If you have a cappuccino maker and can froth it up, even better! I think you froth with cold so you could make it all with water and just add froth. Or, when I was out of milk I used all water but poured in some heavy cream at the end because, as I said, I'm a fan of fat.)
3. While your liquids are heating, in a big 16oz mug put a tablespoon of plain cocoa. I use frye's but there may be other fancier or even fair trade cocoas out there. Make sure it's plain, no sugar!!
4. Add some cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, a dash of salt (really -- it brings out the other flavours), and a dash of black pepper. (You could vary the combination of spices including cloves, allspice, vanilla, or cayenne, which would make it more like Mexican hot chocolate. The former is just my favourite combo)
5. When the water boils, pour a little into the cup and stir until all the cocoa lumps are gone and you have a nice smooth brown paste.
6. Then add one cup of water (more or less depending on how much milk you are going to use) and stir until well mixed.
7. Finally, add the cup of hot milk (or froth or cream).
8. Enjoy!

If you are already off sugar, this will probably taste divine to you. If you are just starting, it may seem bitter. Try to focus on the cinnamon flavour and think of it more like coffee than chocolate. Other cultures use chocolate in savoury dishes. This application is something we who are trying to kick the sugar habit should learn to appreciate.

Let me know if you like it!

[hostmelissa]

I love this recipe for sugar free cocoa. thanks for sending it. if you are into a really rich tasting cocoa you can make a really amazing one with coconut milk. It is super amazing and really rich - which I think will satisfy your high fat cravings! :cool:

[hostmelissa]

with regards to systemic candida - yes I think it is a problem and yes, if you can do the diet and think it will help. Basically you want your body's environment to be more alkaline than acidic - this is great for overall health too. Why don't you call in during the show tomorrow morning Wed. Sept. 3rd b/w 8 & 9 am PST, my guest, Brendan Brazier will probably be able to comment on this - plus you will get some great free vega products for calling in!
Melissa

[hostmelissa]

Well, I was sugar free for two weeks and beginning to feel the difference. Besides all the increased mucous (toxins coming out of the body) and moodiness I was finally experiencing some positive results. Less bloating.

That was, until my hubby took me on a romantic weekend for two to Niagara on the Lake. Enter irresistible ice wines and who could say no to fresh peach desserts featuring local, in season peaches. Not me!

We're back from the weekend and back on track with no sugar.

My friend Laura sent me a great resource called Sweet Savvy (http://www.sweetsavvy.com/) to help you find options beyond refined white sugar and artificial sweeteners. Sweet Savvy (http://www.sweetsavvy.com/) also includes a list of natural sweeteners and lots of recipes.

I hope all of this helps. As always, feel free to e-mail (info@melissawest.com) me with any questions.