Can You Be Addicted to Sugar?

Tony and I have had debates on the blog and in person about whether I’m addicted to diet soda.

While I’ll debate that one, there’s one thing I know I’m addicted to and that’s sugar and sweet foods, such as chocolate and chocolate cakes, frozen yogurts, candy, that have sugar in them. It’s a rare week when I don’t eat some of these. The longer I go without them, the more difficult it becomes for me physically.

Many people point to the increased use of high fructose corn syrup for addicting many other Americans to sweet-tastng foods as well. I came across a great article on that topic in a British newspaper recently.

It delves into the politics that affect our food supply. Every recommendation from government about what to eat involves politics, make no mistake about that. Take such recommendations with that in mind and do your own research about what you eat.

Returning to the article, though, as I said, it focuses on corn syrup as does a lot of the anti-obesity literature these days. I tend to think that’s too easy an answer.

In my case, I started my sweets addiction as a child and then became an adult who now can basically afford to indulge myself every day.

What were once treats for me, such as a Hershey bar at my grandmother’s house after Sunday dinner, are now accessible whenever I want them, witness my HoHo and M&M habits from last year.

So rather than blame only the corn lobby, I say the ultimate responsibility for what I eat is mine. I think we all have to start there so we can start eating better.
John