I am an addict. I’m not addicted to alcohol, drugs or cigarettes – but to sugar. When I tell people, they just say, “oh, a little bit of sugar won’t hurt you.”
But if you’re an addict, you can’t just have a “little bit” of sugar.
Once you start, you can’t stop – and it can become lethal.
There is type 2 diabetes in my family, which can lead to serious cardiovascular problems.
So do I feel I’m living in a nanny state because the Government may introduce a “sugar tax”?
No, I don’t. I don’t feel that way about its interference to help those struggling with alcohol, smoking or other drugs.
So I welcome the Independent National Food Strategy report, which identifies that “cheap, highly processed food is taking a toll on our bodies”.
It says 80% of processed food sold in the UK is unhealthy.
There is good reason why unhealthy food is more popular. The human appetite evolved when calories were hard to come by, so we are predisposed to pounce on any food high in fat and sugar.
Do you back the Government's 'sugar tax'? Or is there a better way to beat Brits' obesity? Tell us in the comments below
Once we start eating this kind of food, we are programmed to keep going. And our hormones take longer to send out satiety signals than they do with lower-calorie foods.
The report goes on to say how we have become trapped in a vicious circle – “the Junk Food Cycle”. It says the consequences for our health are devastating. The UK is now the third-fattest country in the G7, with almost three in 10 of our adult population obese.
Four out of the top five risk factors to health are diet-related.
With all this research, which proves we as a nation are addicted to highly processed foods rich in sugar, salt and fat, why are we in denial and resist those who want to help us to become healthier, reduce the burden on the NHS and lead happier, better-quality lives?
There are too many people banging the health drum, too many diets, too many options.
I’ve been there – dieting, over-exercising, trying to get that perfect body you see in the magazines.
But I failed to understand the effect certain foods have on my hormones. I had to face up to the fact that I had an addiction. I needed to stop the cravings – not go on a diet.
Thankfully, I came across Dr Michael Mosley, whose FAST800 programme has helped me to understand my body and finally kick the sugar habit.
I followed his advice for three months. I started eating more of a Mediterranean diet, choosing more full-fat options, eating more vegetables, reading food labels, drinking more water, getting at least eight hours of sleep, walking more.
It worked.
I no longer crave sugar. I feel lighter, more energised and happier. And once you start feeling better, you want to stay that way.
The good news is that you too can do something about your addiction.
So why shun those who want to help you? It doesn’t make any sense.
