Sweet Escape: How I Got Out Of My Sugar Cravings
Illustration by me
Everyone knows that sugar, eating in high amounts is a killer. Even in moderation… We always end up eating more than we should. Overcoming my sugar cravings was a journey deeply intertwined with understanding my emotions and their influence on my relationship with food.
Initially, I found myself reaching for sugary snacks during moments of stress or sadness, seeking comfort in the fleeting pleasure they provided. However, this cycle left me feeling even more depleted. To break free, I began to explore the emotional triggers behind my cravings. By practicing mindfulness and journaling my feelings, I identified patterns that revealed how certain emotions led me to seek out sugar as a quick fix. That being said, I sometimes still have sugar cravings but so much less than before. I just don’t myself up when it happens.
In replacing sugary treats with healthier alternatives, like fresh and dried fruits or nuts, I not only nourished my body but also created a new emotional connection to food—one rooted in self-care rather than escapism. Also, doing no-sugar challenges and eating raw vegan from time to time, for example, are great tools to detoxify the body and clarify the mind because we are what we eat, and food nourishes the body physically and spiritually.
Additionally, engaging in physical activities such as yoga and walking helped me process emotions more constructively, reducing the urge to turn to sugar for relief. This holistic approach transformed my cravings into opportunities for emotional growth, allowing me to cultivate a balanced and positive relationship with food. Ultimately, embracing this journey has empowered me to navigate my feelings without relying on sugar as a coping mechanism.
