It’s 3 p.m., and the sugar cravings
are relentless. I’ve tried satisfying them with a handful of fresh
blueberries and some chocolate-covered espresso beans that I found in
the back of my desk drawer. But I’m still struggling not to sabotage my
withdrawal progress with a chocolate shake from In-N-Out Burger. I
fantasize about the sugar hitting my bloodstream and soothing my nerves.
Instead, I stand in my pantry brainstorming possible alternatives: A
pinch of coconut. A spoonful of raspberry jam. A swig of maple syrup.
I’m in really bad shape.
We all know about the negative effects of sugar. (The list keeps growing: Weight gain, increased blood pressure and cholesterol
levels — plus a higher risk for diabetes, cancer and heart disease.) So
like many others, I’ve forced myself to get used to drinking my iced coffee black and watch out for added sugar in my pasta sauce and yogurt. But in a quest to lose 10 pounds, I’ve pledged to go cold turkey.
