Understanding Sugar's Impact on Your Health: Awareness is Key

Apr 21
3 min read

Updated: May 5

The Hidden Truth About Sugar

For years, I didn't realize how much sugar influenced my life.

If you know me, then you know…cookie cake, Burger King Cini Mini’s, and Red Bull had me in a chokehold—and I didn’t even realize how much damage it was doing.

In 2007, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. At that time, I was young, active, and thought I was healthy. However, I overlooked the stress, the sugar, and the warning signs my body was desperately trying to share. I even had surgery scheduled at the Mayo Clinic to have my colon removed.

Back then, I didn’t grasp that my gut needed support—not just rest and medications, but better fuel.

I was a full-blown sugar addict. My nervous system was fried, my digestion was inflamed, and I constantly sought comfort in something sweet.

🍭 Why Sugar Isn’t the Enemy—But Awareness Is Everything

Let’s clarify this: Sugar isn’t evil. However, it is sneaky.

It can hide in seemingly healthy foods like yogurt, coffee creamer, sauces, and snacks marketed as "healthy." When your body is stressed, sleep-deprived, or without proper nourishment, it often craves quick energy. That’s what sugar provides… but only temporarily.

After the initial high, these issues can arise:

Your blood sugar crashes.
You feel foggy, anxious, or hungrier than before.
You find yourself reaching for more sugar.

Before you know it, you’re overreacting to a loved one for taking a bite of your brownie.

It’s not about eliminating sugar altogether. It’s about cutting through the chaos and figuring out how to eat in a way that genuinely supports your body.

🧠 So What Does Work?

Making three key shifts can help you regain control over your cravings:

Check your energy levels before blaming cravings.
Are you tired? Under-eating? Dehydrated? Start with these questions. Sugar often fills the gap for what your body truly needs.
Get curious—not judgmental.
Instead of chastising yourself for the cookie, ask questions: “Did I eat enough earlier?” “Am I feeling overwhelmed?” “Am I simply bored?”
Choose real satisfaction.
Eating meals rich in protein, healthy fats, and fiber can keep you fuller for longer, reducing the urge to snack. This retrains your taste buds and helps you step off the sugar rollercoaster.

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Craving in Your Head Versus Hunger in Your Stomach

Not all cravings stem from hunger. Often, they come from your mind or body seeking comfort.

Here’s a quick gut-check (literally):

Head craving: This is sudden, specific, and feels urgent. You might think, “I need something salty or sweet NOW!” Usually, these cravings are linked to boredom, stress, or strong emotions, often leading you towards cookies, chips, or soda.
Stomach hunger: This builds slowly. You’re more open to options. Your body feels low-energy, and you sense that food would be good—not just one type of food.

Recognizing the difference between these cravings helps you respond appropriately instead of reacting impulsively.

Try this next time:

Pause and reflect:

Where am I feeling this craving?
When did I eat a real meal?
Am I genuinely hungry, or am I feeling overwhelmed, tired, or bored?

Sometimes the solution is food; other times, it’s water, rest, or just a moment to breathe.

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✨ 3 Quick Ways to Apply This Today:

Start your day with a protein-rich meal to avoid that mid-morning crash.
Incorporate something sweet that also contains fiber or fat, like fruit with nut butter or dark chocolate with almonds.
Read one label today. You might be surprised to find how many “healthy” foods are loaded with sugar.

This journey isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about noticing, adjusting, and learning to eat in a way that rebuilds trust with your body.

💬 Tell Me This…

What’s one thing you’ve learned about your cravings over the years? I’d love to hear your insights.

Drop a comment below or reply to this post—let’s have a conversation about it! 👇🏽