Got a serious sweet tooth? Can’t resist an afternoon sugary treat? You’re not alone. Sugar addiction is real — and lots of people suffer from it. Studies have shown that sugar stimulates the exact same pleasure centers of the brain as heroin or cocaine. So it’s no wonder we keep reaching for those cookies.
While there’s nothing wrong with indulging here and there, going overboard can have some not-so-sweet side effects. The negatives of too much sugar include weight gain, cavities and an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. Nope, not sweet at all.
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What’s scarier: You might not even realize how much sugar you’re really consuming. While you may think you’re doing your body some good by avoiding dessert, chocolate or ice cream, some other seemingly healthy foods have sugar lurking in the ingredient list. For example, your morning yogurt and cereal could have upwards of 24 grams of the sweet stuff. And your regular happy hour routine? Those alcoholic beverages make up an average 11 percent of our daily sugar intake. Finally, that fruit juice you’re drinking is loaded with sneaky added sugar sources, but none of the nutritious fiber you’d get from eating the whole fruit. Yikes!
RELATED: How to Do a Sugar Detox (Without Going Crazy)
It’s not all bitter news, though. You can drastically cut back on sugar just by making a few simple changes to your daily eating habits. Kick your sugar addiction to the curb — once and for all — with these easy hacks. You’ll be amazed how much better you feel. And just how much sweeter life is sans sugar.
RELATED: 6 Simple Food Swaps to Quit Sugar for Good
How to Stop Sugar Addiction in a Few Simple Steps
