659-Sugar & Happiness

Did you know that sugar reacts in the brain the same way as cocaine? In this episode of Everyday Happiness, we teach how sugar and happiness mix…and how they don’t!

 

Transcript:

 

Welcome to Everyday Happiness where we create lasting happiness, in about 2 minutes a day,  through my signature method of Intentional Margins® (creating harmony between your to-dos and your priorities), happiness science, and musings about life. 

 

I'm your host Katie Jefcoat, and did you know that sugar reacts in the brain the same way cocaine does? As glucose, sugar provides the body with energy while connecting direct stimulation to the brain by releasing dopamine, that “feel good” neurotransmitter we’ve discussed in past episodes. To put it simply, you get a time-constricted sugar high. Unfortunately, too much sugar isn’t good for you, but studies show the average American consumes almost 17 teaspoons of added sugar daily! That’s 34 pounds of sugar a year, folks!

 

Too much sugar has been linked to the development of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, and other problems. Extended sugar abuse turns that fun sugar high into a psychological condition. Psychology Today states that it can perpetuate craving, increase negative emotions over time, and reduce the ability to produce serotonin. It can even go on to increase anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other conditions. Not so fun anymore, huh?

 

So how can we consume sugar properly and teach our children to do the same?

 

First, sugar is not a substitute for happiness. It can be tempting to want to shove one’s face full of cake when we are stressed because it triggers that feel-good hormone. But it doesn’t last, and the long-term effects can be detrimental. Rather than looking to sugar for a quick spike in happiness, I recommend finding an alternative source of joy, such as exercise, reaching out to a friend, writing a gratitude list, or anything else that makes you happy.

 

Second, minimize artificial sugars. While I’m not saying you can never have ice cream or cookies again, it is essential to reduce artificial sugar consumption. If you are craving something sweet and you’re hungry, I suggest trying blueberries, bananas, carrots, and other forms of natural sugar.

 

Third, ditch sugar as a reward. It can be tempting to place sugar as a reward for an accomplished task, such as getting an A on a school project or completing a tough challenge at work. But this theory doesn’t teach healthy processing. Rather than using sugar as a reward, we suggest experiences like going outside to play, going out with a friend, or trying something new to use as a treat for a job well done.  

 

Until next time, I encourage you to be the sugar in someone else’s life by doing something sweet for them. Remember, kindness is contagious! 

 

Life is heavy enough, we shouldn’t have to search for happiness.  Get the exclusive happiness email, delivered with a smile twice a month to your inbox. https://www.katiejefcoat.com/email 

 

And, let’s connect on social at @everydayhappinesswithkatie  and join the community on the hashtags #IntentionalMargins and #everydayhappinesswithkatie on Instagram

 

Links:  https://onamission.bio/everydayhappiness/

 

Inspired by these articles:

• -   https://www.pursuit-of-happiness.org/science-of-happiness/exercise/nutrition/#:~:text=Sugar%20leads%20to%20direct%20stimulation,%2C%20ice%20cream%2C%20etc.
• -          https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-modern-brain/202303/how-sugar-and-sweeteners-may-affect-your-brain
• -          https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-healthy-journey/202105/sugar-may-be-stealing-your-happiness