Break the Sugar addiction

Break a sugar addiction within a week using three easy steps

(NaturalNews) Refined sugar is a drug that is similar to opiates in its power to become addicted to it. The Journal of Psychoactive Drugs stated in a study published in 2010 that sugar releases euphoric endorphins in some people's brains in a manner very similar to that of certain drugs which are commonly abused.

"Sugar addiction" follows the same pathways in the brain that a habit-forming drug does. Fortunately, sugar cravings can be stopped within a week of withdrawing from the white crystals.



The entire scope of drug addiction has been observed in people with sugar addiction. There are cravings, an escalation of tolerance levels, and dramatic withdrawal symptoms associated with sugar addiction that parallel that of both prescription and non-prescription "street" drugs. In addition, sugar addicts often become narcotic addicts, according to the above study.

The study, performed at California State University, found that children of alcoholic parents often had a "sweet tooth," and were more likely to become alcoholics themselves when they became adults. There are also genetic markers connecting sugar addictions with alcoholism, bulimia, and obesity.

Raw, organic fruits and vegetables form the first step in breaking a sugar addiction

The first step in breaking a sugar addiction is to make sure all fruits and vegetables consumed are 100 percent organic. Organic fruits and vegetables are full of natural sugars, or complex carbohydrates. Not only does organic produce taste better, the complex carbohydrates break down slower than simple carbohydrates do. This means the body does not send "craving" messages as quickly to the brain.

Substitute pastries with whole grain bread and raw honey

While those on an ancestral diet may cringe at the suggestion, a person who is just beginning to transition from the Standard American Diet (SAD) by breaking a sugar addiction can dramatically reduce sugar cravings by eating a slice of homemade whole grain bread drizzled with raw, unpasteurized local honey.

Whereas someone on the SAD might normally reach for a quart of their favorite ice cream and the better part of a bag of cookies for an evening snack, homemade bread with raw honey is a wiser, healthier choice.

According to MyFitnessPal.com, there are approximately 290 calories in just one cup of a commercial brand of vanilla ice cream, along with 16 grams of fat and 30 grams of refined sugar. By comparison, a 1.5 gram slice of homemade whole grain bread contains 100 calories, 1.5 grams fat, and 18 grams of complex carbohydrates.

Drizzling a whole tablespoon of raw honey onto the slice of bread adds 70 calories and 15 grams of sugar. Rather than eating 28 grams of refined sugar from a cup of vanilla ice cream alone, sugar cravings are reduced by eating 15 grams of raw honey.

In addition, the destructive chemicals in refined sugar are replaced with the scientifically proven anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and appetite-regulating benefits of raw honey.

Break the need for crunchy snacks with raw nuts and trail mixes

Raw nuts and seeds along with natural trail mixes made with dried, unsweetened fruit are perfect for the person who is breaking a sugar addiction. Raw nuts and seeds offer protein, energy, and healthy plant fats.

Trail mixes, as long as they do not contain added candy or sugar- sweetened fruit, contain an interesting combination of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and good fats which help tide an individual over until meal time. There is just enough natural sugar in trail mix to offer an energy boost without a sugar spike.

Sources:

Pubmed.gov, Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. .2010 Jun; 42(2):147-51. "Sweet preference, sugar addiction and the familial history of alcohol dependence: shared neural pathways and genes," by JL Fortuna.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20648910

MyFitnessPal.com, "Breyers Vanilla Ice Cream"
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/calorie-chart-nutrition-facts

Calorie Count. About. Com, "Calories in Really Raw Honey"
http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-really-raw-honey-i191541
Pubmed.gov, Biotechnology Research International. 2011; 2011: 917505. "Antibacterial Efficacy of Raw and Processed Honey." DP Mohapatra and V Thakur, et al.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3042689/
Pubmed.gov, Journal of the American Dietary Association. 2009 Jan; 109(1):64-71. "Total antioxidant content of alternatives to refined sugar." KM Phillips and MH Carlsen, et al.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19103324
Pubmed.gov, Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2010 Oct; 29(5):482-93. "Effect of honey versus sucrose on appetite, appetite-regulating hormones, and post meal thermogenesis." DE Larson-Meyer and KS Willis, et al.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21504975

About the author:
Brad Chase is the President of ProgressiveHealth.com. His website provides articles and natural remedies to help people solve their health concerns.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/037337_sugar_addiction_habits_raw_honey.html#ixzz27gAqyXFR

Chewy granola bars - A homemade treat to feel good about

(NaturalNews) Granola bars are a convenient on-the-go snack. Unfortunately, typical store-bought varieties are loaded with corn syrup, soybean oil, coloring and flavoring agents and preservatives. If you prefer to eat foods that are grown in nature, rather than created in a lab, try making your own bars with the recipe included here. This recipe is packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients that actually contribute to your health such as cocoa, raw honey, coconut oil and cinnamon. These bars are chewy and delicious, and they are gluten-free and dairy-free, as well. They are perfect for an after-school snack, a lunchbox treat or your other on-the-go needs.

"Chewy granola bars"

Makes 24 bars

INGREDIENTS:

4 cups old fashioned oats (gluten-free if you prefer)
1/3 cup coconut oil*
1 cup raw honey*
4 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 1/2 cups almonds, chopped (a food processor works great for this)
1/2 cup cocoa nibs* (optional) - These are unsweetened bits of chopped cocoa that contain no sweeteners or other ingredients.

* This ingredient is often not available at regular grocery stores. You may need to shop at a natural health market or online.

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place oats on an ungreased 11" x 17" rimmed baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 minutes, stirring every three to four minutes.

Meanwhile, melt honey and oil together in a medium saucepan over medium heat, being careful not to burn it. Remove pan from heat; and add vanilla, salt and cinnamon. Stir until dissolved.

Add toasted oats to the saucepan mixture and toss to coat evenly. Add chopped almonds and stir. Add cocoa nibs (optional) and stir to combine.

Line a smaller (10" x 15") rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. (Tip: Sprinkle the sheet with a few drops of water first to help keep the paper in place.)

Transfer batter to this cookie sheet and gently spread to all edges. Once entire sheet is covered, press batter firmly into the pan. You can use a large spatula or your hands for this step. To prevent the batter from sticking to your hands, wet your hands or place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between your hands and the batter before pressing.

Bake 8-10 minutes at 350 degrees. The bars are done when they just begin to turn brown at the edges. Don't wait too long or they may burn. Bars will be moist and crumbly when removed from the oven, but they come together as they cool. (It may take a few attempts for you to figure out the best amount of time in your own oven.)

Let bars cool completely (about 90 minutes on a cooling rack; longer if you don't have a cooling rack). Transfer bars and parchment paper to a cutting board and cut into 24 bars.

If you like your bars a little firmer and sweeter, store them in the fridge. They also freeze well for later use; and they can be eaten frozen as well if you forget to thaw them out.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/cinnamon-benefits-explained
http://www.naturalnews.com
http://www.naturalnews.com/036156_Coconut_oil_superfood_healing.html
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com

About the author:
Christy Pooschke is the founder of CompletelyNourished.com - an online community where you can network with others who are interested in natural food, holistic health, green living and positive thinking. The site features hundreds of natural recipes (with photos) for a variety of dietary restrictions (gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, vegetarian, soy-free, MSPI, etc.), and more recipes are added weekly. The site also features natural living and inspirational videos, discussion groups and more! Join today! Satisfaction is guaranteed - or your money back! 

Christy's passion for natural food and holistic health was sparked in 2007 when she eliminated her Fibromyalgia symptoms through diet and lifestyle changes. Now she is on a mission to help others take control of their own health, as well. Christy is also the author of "Eating Additive-Free" - a natural cookbook and shopping guide. Hard copy and e-book versions are available for purchasehere. If you desire a more individualized approach, Christy also offers long-distance personalized Diet Make-Over consultations to help you reduce your reliance on processed foods in just a few weeks!

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/037101_chewy_granola_bars_recipe_healthy.html#ixzz25qYVrOOs