So, I've been working on this post (in my head) since Friday...trying to gather my thoughts...so I thought I would just sit down and get them out...
For the last three months I think God has been trying to tell me that I need HIM and not sugar. Our family started cutting back our sugar, especially desserts, after P's diagnosis. But I still didn't feel right, physically or emotionally. My head was "foggy" and I was tired and grouchy all the time, especially in the evenings after work.
So then...we went on the Daniel Fast and NO sugar allowed! Do you know what I crave now more than sugar? God's Word! Spending time with Him! Praying! Sharing my thoughts here!
I don't think I even realized the effects that sugar had on my body. My mom and I were just talking tonight about how much clearer our minds are without the sugar. I can't say I'm never grouchy...but WAY less than I was 8 days ago.
How many pounds of sugar would you say the average person consumes in one year? 140 pounds! That's about 30 tsp a day! (and if you're a carb counting momma...that's 120 grams of pure sugar!)
Our brain naturally produces a "feel good" chemical called serotonin, in balanced amounts. When we eat sugar, the serotonin levels in our brain rise. That's why we feel good! (But is doesn't last long, does it?) I've often thought (as many of you probably have) after eating a sugary treat, "Why did I just eat that?" Was it really worth it? I usually eat it so fast...that I don't even really enjoy it!
I found a quote during my research that I found interesting: "Sugar is a drug that has no nutritional value and is an addictive chemical." Why not let God give us value and be addicted to Him?
"Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved."
Psalm 55:22 ESV
"Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7 ESV
Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.
Psalms 54:4 NIV
But the LORD has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
Psalms 94:22 NIV
"Life is like a box of chocolates...you never know what you are going to get!" - Forest Gump
(I just had to include that...) We know what we are going to get from God - strength!
Will I ever eat sugar again? Well, of course I will! But...with much more moderation and thought. First, I want to honor God with my temple and by letting Him sustain me. Second, my son needs my support. He has never once complained about not getting a sugary treat. He knows...he understands what's good for him and what he needs...and he's 6! He didn't have time to "think it over" or to "gradually" change his eating habits. Let's take refuge in God and try some of His rock candy!
I watched a really fascinating lecture online last year about fructose (specifically fructose in the absence of fiber -- so essentially added sugars, not fruit) and its biochemical effect on our bodies. It basically makes a very convincing argument that too much of it combined with the lack of fiber in our diets causes it to be metabolized in a similar way as alcohol. In short, the sugar acts on our bodies as though the sugar were toxic.
ReplyDeleteThe lecture is called "Sugar: The Bitter Truth" if you're interested (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBnniua6-oM). It's a bit long, but very interesting.
On a shorter scale, Gary Taubes, who has similar ideas about sugar, wrote an article called "Is Sugar Toxic?" (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/magazine/mag-17Sugar-t.html?pagewanted=all) for the NYT last year that discusses the ideas in the lecture.
Admittedly, both Dr. Lustig and Gary Taubes are controversial figures when it comes to nutrition, but my observation has been that the controversy is more political in nature than scientific.
Of course, convincing arguments aren't always enough to keep you out of the sugar jar (my struggle for the past year!), but as you've pointed out, God helps us in those times if we let him.
Good luck with your fast! How long are you/will you do it?
Thanks Anna for the information! I will definitely check those out!
ReplyDeleteWe started the fast on Jan 15...and it's 21 days long. I feel really good...I hope to adjust my eating habits, incorporating many things from this new lifestyle. The best thing is being drawn closer to God.