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My Drug of Choice

-MY DRUG OF CHOICE-

I have lived a pretty sheltered life.

I’ve never done drugs or been a drinker. I’ve smoked a cigarette, which was more like dying from coughing because I had no idea what I was doing. Not to mention, I’m allergic to smoke, so that didn’t help. Ha! Sometimes I wonder how teenagers even survive.

My drug of choice? Sugar.

However, I will admit that I am totally and completely, 100% addicted to sugar.
Everyday, I start my day by making a gallon of sweet tea.
And everyday, by dinner time, that gallon of tea was gone.

Now that the kids are home all day, it’s usually gone by 2 or 3:00!

But I don’t always drink sweet tea…

When I go anywhere, I always stop to grab a Dr. Pepper fountain drink.
Sonic’s “Happy Hour” is probably the greatest thing ever created. I can’t even count how many times I have driven the 15 minute drive into town just to grab a Route 44 Dr. Pepper. It’s just so good.

Have you ever stopped to think about what you are drinking? I never put much though into what I was drinking. Sure, I knew it was an unhealthy habit, but just how bad is all that sugar for you?

My drug of choice? Sugar.

One night, I woke up in the middle of the night, with a terrifying thought.
I had just read an article debating whether or not sugar “feeds” cancer.
It may, or may not…the article was more of a debate with no solid concrete facts.
Regardless, I am allowing my children to have a cup of sugar every single day, in their drinks! Not to mention the sugars in foods, candies or anything else they eat.

I made the half awake decision that we needed a change, right there in my bed, then I rolled over and went back to sleep.

The next day, I forgot about my decision until we were in the car, driving to the girls’ soccer games. I started telling them about my “dream” and Ms. Bookworm instantly chimed in saying “We should do a family water-drinking challenge.”

And so it began.

My drug of choice? Sugar.

We have been on a “water challenge” for the last 3 weeks. We are tying our hardest to only drink water or other healthy drinks. The challenge makes it fun because it adds a little bit of competition to it.

Do we only drink water?

No. I have stopped by Sonic and I’ve made 2 gallons of tea.
But that is such an improvement for us!

I wish I could say that I feel great, but in reality, I’m exhausted.

The first full day of no caffeine ended with a major headache and lots of puking.
I’m talking full-on shaking, raging headaches, cold sweats and throwing up, which are all symptoms of withdrawals.

Why was I feeling this just from not having my usual drink?

This NY Daily News article states that sugar, not cocaine, is one of the most addictive and dangerous substances.

I was addicted. Sugar was my drug.

My body was craving it.

No, it probably isn’t as bad as some hard drugs, but if my body relies so heavily on it that I end my day in withdrawals, isn’t it just the same?

Unfortunately,  I’m still getting too much sugar in my other foods. I would love to completely cut out all sugars but for now, this is enough of a challenge for us. My next goal is to have a breakfast makeover. One glimpse into our cereal stash makes me cringe. Every cereal is crammed with sugar!

I do take a caffeine pills to help with the lack of tea and pop I’m drinking. I will eventually wean myself of those, too.

I want my kids to know that they are in control of their body and shouldn’t rely on anything, whether it’s tobacco, alcohol or sugar. By making smarter choices, we are taking control of our health and teaching our kids to do the same.

I encourage you to begin your own family water challenge. Pay close attention and notice the changes that take place in your family.  It’s just a small step but it’s made a huge difference.

With every decision to avoid sugar, I am changing my family’s future.

PIN IT!

My drug of choice? Sugar.

And that is an amazing feeling!