Sugar 101 + How to combat cravings
I was fortunate to get the opportunity to sit down with Audrey Wilson, the woman behind The Audie Inspiring Athlete Podcast. We discussed all the details on sugar overload, understanding your cravings, and how to combat them. This was such an interesting topic to discuss because it seems there are so many people out there who feel they are addicted to sugar. It’s not uncommon to feel the cravings, you just need to learn why you’re body is feeling those cravings and how to combat them.
Below is the link to listen to the podcast for ALL the deets on sugar!!
Top 5 takeaways from our conversation:
There are 61 different names for sugar when you’re looking at a nutrition label. It can be very deceiving to notice if you aren’t familiar with them. Check your labels on processed food items to ensure you’re eating things that are minimally processed with NO added sugars.
Carbs + sugar are the main drivers of insulin release. Insulin’s job is to help store nutrients, including fat. Sugar in the body tricks your metabolism by turning off your body’s appetite-control system. Insulin is then not released and fails to suppress ghrelin - “the hunger hormone”, which then fails to stimulate leptin - “the satiety hormone”. This is what causes you to eat MORE + develop insulin resistance.
Sugar and processed junk foods release the feel-good chemical dopamine, which affects brain function over time. It’s a vicious cycle, we crave sweets and simple carbs like pretzels, breads, and pastas when were in a “funk” and looking for those feel good comfort foods. Once you get that in your system, your body processes through it so fast that you’re hungry again in an hour, so you’re constantly looking for that sugar rush again and again. It’s better to have higher satiety foods for your meals or snacks that will keep you fuller for longer periods of time, such as proteins and fats. That way, you’re not getting that insulin spike and drop like you would with simple carbohydrates.
Overall, fruit is the best type of sugar to intake, as it contains fiber which creates complexities in digestion so the sugar isn’t absorbed as easily.
Sugar can negatively impact your brain function as well as your mood. Inflammation in the brain is linked to depression + anxiety.
Hope you enjoy listening!
xx Brit
Podcast details
The Audie Inspiring Athlete Podcast by Audrey Wilson covers SO many different topics in the health + wellness industry. Check out her content if you’re looking for additional education!
IG : @theaudieinspiringathlete
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Facebook : The Audie Inspiring Athlete Podcast
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