As someone with a sugar problem, I can tell you the following are accurate indications that you do not have a healthy relationship with sugar. While it is natural to like sugar, finding that you depend on refined sugar for an energy or emotional boost, or you have a negative experience when you try to cut back are signs that you may have developed a dependent (a.k.a. an addictive) relationship with processed sugar.  If, after reading the list below, you decide it sounds like you, what should you do? I recommend doing a sugar cleanse! See my blog posts for how mine went. The following are signs of sugar addiction:

1. When you feel anxious, stressed, or sad you crave sweets or simple carbs like pizza, pasta, pretzels, and chips (these turn into simple sugar almost as soon as the food hits your saliva).
2. When you feel tired or get that afternoon dip in energy, you reach for something sweet.
3. You feel guilty after eating sweets.
4. You experience frequent bladder or vaginal infections (UTIs, yeast infections, etc.) or have dandruff or flaky scalp.
5. You eat processed sweets like cookies or ice cream  (even just one serving) every day.
6. You can’t have just one cupcake, cookie, bite of ice cream.
7. You always or almost always crave a sweet after lunch and/or dinner.
8. You have tried to cut back on sugar, and been unable to. Or you have tried to quit sugar and experienced withdrawal symptoms like headaches, irritability, fatigue, or nausea
9. You feel your energy crash shortly after eating something sweet.
10. You drink your coffee or tea very sweet, consume soda or diet soda, or drink a lot of fruit juice.

If you’re ready to quit the sweet stuff, regain your control and your health, and want some inspiration, read about my sugar cleanses: The Sugar Diaries

Acupuncture treatments can help curb your cravings and reduce withdrawal symptoms. Acupuncture also helps regulate blood sugar and control your appetite!