In a world filled with temptation, I have been locked in an ongoing battle with my sweet tooth for as long as I can remember. Sugar, in all its delightful forms, has been my trusted companion during times of stress, anxiety, and even happiness. My desk, laden with chocolate wrappers, an empty Coke can, and a packet of Cheese Cheetos, is a testament to my lifelong struggle with sugar addiction. However, with my weight on an ever-increasing trajectory, I have finally realised that I must confront this addiction head-on. In this article, I will share my personal journey, shedding light on the dangers of sugar compulsion, aspartame in zero-calorie drinks, and the need for change.
The Seductive Pull of Sugar
My affair with sugar began innocently enough in my childhood, when I indulged in sweet treats as rewards for good behaviour, by overworked but loving parents, or as a means to celebrate special occasions. As I grew older, the intensity of my craving intensified, leading me to seek solace in the sweet embrace of chocolate, the fizzy satisfaction of a cold can of Coke, and the irresistible crunch of Cheese Cheetos. These sugary and savoury delights became my escape from the stress and worries that had accumulated in my life.
The Desk-Bound Lifestyle
Compounding the issue was my sedentary lifestyle. Spending hours upon hours at my desk, engrossed in writing, researching, and work tasks, left me physically inactive. As a result, my metabolism suffered, and the excess sugar I consumed was stored as unwelcome pounds on my body. It was a vicious cycle, as the weight gain only added to my stress and further fueled my sugar cravings.
The Awakening
It wasn’t until my reflection in the mirror no longer matched the vibrant, intelligent person I felt inside that I realised the severity of my situation. Clothes that once fit me perfectly are now uncomfortably tight; clothes shopping is basically a nightmare; and climbing a flight of stairs leaves me breathless and cursing my not-so-sweet eating habits. Not to mention that, in the past 2 to 3 years, my weight gain has taken a toll on my self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being.
Positive Lifestyle Choices
Truth be told, I have taken smaller steps towards a healthier lifestyle: I do Pilates every week, 1 to 3 times (and it always makes me feel better, even when I feel like not going); I stopped drinking coffee or caffeinated drinks six months ago; and I started drinking more water (not as much as I should, I’m told, but I am getting there).
Confronting the Dangers of Aspartame
In my quest for a healthier lifestyle, I decided to turn to zero-calorie drinks, believing they would be a healthier alternative to my beloved sugary beverages.
Sugar substitutes, such as aspartame, sucralose, and stevia, are used to sweeten and enhance food flavours.
The FDA ensures that sweeteners are safe for consumption under certain conditions. The agency lists six sweeteners as food additives: aspartame, Ace-K, sucrose, Neotame, Antame, and saccharin. Additionally, the agency evaluates GRAS notices for three plant- and fruit-based high-intensity sweeteners: steviol glycosides, extracts from Siraitia grosvenorii, and thaumatin (or talin). These sweeteners contribute to the overall sweetness of food and are essential for maintaining a healthy diet.
Nevertheless, my research led me to an alarming revelation about the dangers of aspartame, a commonly used artificial sweetener found in many zero-calorie drinks. Despite its lack of calories, aspartame has been linked to many health concerns, including headaches, dizziness, and even more severe conditions such as neurological disorders.
Another study has found that erythritol, a natural sugar alcohol found in many vegetables and fruits, is a popular choice for diet products like zero-calorie energy drinks.
However, higher levels of erythritol added to processed foods or beverages may increase people’s risk of heart attack and stroke.
The Cleveland Clinic found that those with elevated levels of erythritol had an increased risk of heart attack and stroke over the next three years. The researchers also found that adding the sweetener to blood platelets made them clot faster. The study also found that participants had levels of erythritol in their blood above the threshold known to increase the risk of clotting.
We need more studies to learn about artificial sweeteners’ long-term effects on heart attack and stroke risks, particularly in people at higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Still, knowing this will put me off zero-calorie beverages for a while!
Breaking Free from the Shackles
With newfound knowledge and determination, I embarked on my journey to break free from the clutches of sugar addiction. It was not an easy path, as cravings persisted and temptations lurked at every corner. However, armed with healthier snack alternatives, such as fruit and nuts, and the support of loved ones, I gradually weaned myself off the sugar rollercoaster.
Embracing a Balanced Lifestyle
As I bid farewell to my sugar-laden past, I am rediscovering some of the joys of a more balanced lifestyle. Regular exercise became my companion, boosting my energy levels and reducing stress.
Weight loss has yet to happen. But I do have a plan for that! And no, it is not a crazy diet.
The goal is to clean my environment and go back home to cook my meals. Nourishing my body with wholesome, nutritious meals will certainly help replace the empty calories of my sugary indulgences. Basically, the balanced lifestyle I am looking for means I have to commit to prioritising self-care and finding healthier ways to cope with stress and worries through meditation, journaling, and spending time outdoors. The good news is that I have done meditation and journaling before and have enjoyed them; what I need is to carve out the time to restart. As for the outdoors part, there was a time I even took part in hiking challenges; I’ve got plenty of hiking trails nearby to restart — my dogs will surely love it.
Finding the balance
My struggle with sugar addiction has been an arduous journey filled with setbacks and a few triumphs. Recognising the dangers of aspartame in the zero-calorie drinks I once relied on was a pivotal moment in my quest for a healthier life. By breaking free from the shackles of sugar addiction, I will gain more than just physical benefits. My mental clarity will improve, my energy levels will increase, and my self-confidence will be restored. Each day, I am reminded of my little progress so far (no caffeine, more water, Pilates) as I notice positive changes in my body and mind—a calmer, happier, more confident, and more flexible person.
I do know that this journey is not without its challenges. Temptations are everywhere and will arise. I cannot tell you that I am going cold turkey on chocolate. I am not there yet! And there are moments when the allure of a chocolate bar or a sugary drink is hard to resist.
Through my experience, I have realised that true freedom from sugar addiction lies not in deprivation but in finding a balance. I will try to see if, for me, moderation will be the key, allowing myself the occasional indulgence without falling back into old habits. The fact is that it will have to be about making mindful choices and being conscious of the impact of my decisions on my well-being.
In sharing my story, I hope to inspire others who may be trapped in their own battles with sugar addiction. It is never too late to make a change, to prioritise your health, and to reclaim control over your life. Recognising the dangers of artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, is essential to a healthier future.
So, to all of you out there fighting your own sugar demons, I encourage you to take that first step. Arm yourself with knowledge, seek support from those around you, and embrace the power within yourself to break free from the sweet seduction. A life of balance, vitality, and well-being awaits us on the other side.
The dare
If you haven’t guessed it yet, full disclosure: I am set on rebooting my life and committing to healthy lifestyle changes. Knowing me, the best way to make it happen is to put it all out there. So I am making this commitment public. From now on, you can call me out on this.
Follow me as I write about it here — the good, the bad and the ugly — fighting my sugar addiction and making lasting, healthy lifestyle changes.
