I didn’t even use a fork. I shoveled pieces of the coconut layer cake into my mouth with one hand, while gripping the steering wheel with the other. It was the first time I gave in to a sugar craving to this extent. Never had I ever put my bra back on at the end of the day, got into my car, and driven to the grocery store to get a fix. By the time I returned home, I had eaten half of the Pepperidge Farm boxed cake. The craving was gone, but now I felt sick. Worse than the unsettling ache in my belly was the feeling of remorse. I was a sugar-addicted glutton.
I have always had a sweet tooth. Cookies, coconut layer cake, and miniature candy bars are my favorite. I am one of those women who buys a bag of Halloween candy and then eats it all before Halloween. One time, I baked a batch of Christmas sugar cookies for our neighbors and ate them before I could get them in the decorative tin. I was horrified that I spent an entire afternoon baking, only to have nothing to give away as gifts. That year, our neighbors received store-bought bags of Ghirardelli chocolate Peppermint Bark instead of cookies. I like to justify my behavior. I am stressed. I work hard. I am a grown woman – if I want to treat myself then I will. Besides, it isn’t like I do it all the time. That last part has not always been entirely true. The day I ate cake alone in my car was rock bottom. I had to stop abusing my body.
The next day, I reached out to a nutritionist who taught me about balanced eating and the difference between good and bad sugar. Good sugar is found in whole, unprocessed foods such as berries, bananas, and skim milk. Bad sugar, also known as added sugar, is found in soda pop, cake, cookies, white bread, crackers, and rice. I was placed on a nutrition program and meal plan to help my body detox. The withdrawal symptoms I experienced were unexpected and real. I had an untamed headache for a week. The cravings got worse before they got better, and as they intensified, so did my mood. I hated everything and everybody.
My nutritionist suggested I remove all sugar from the house so I would not be tempted when the cravings came. I did not tell her I had a history of going to the store for a fix when the house was void of sugary treats. Her suggestion, though well intended, was not helpful. I decided to turn to Scripture and prayer instead.
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke describe how Jesus, after fasting for forty days, was tempted by the devil. Jesus was mentally exhausted and hungry, yet He resisted every temptation. He never caved, though I suspect He wanted to. The Bible says with every temptation, Jesus talked back to the devil and quoted Scripture. What a perfect example of unwavering courage, strength, and self-discipline!
It took my body six months to rid itself of the overabundance of sugar. Since then, I have maintained a balanced diet. I won’t lie, I still have a sweet tooth and I enjoy a treat occasionally. But no longer do I slap on a bra and flip-flops for a sugar run, and I don’t snarf down half a cake in my car. Instead, I replace cravings with prayer and physical activity such as going for a walk, riding my stationary bike, folding laundry, or stretching.
If sugar has become a stronghold for you and you would like resources on how to break the addiction, check out the Addiction Center website. If you would like prayer in this area, please contact me or use the comment section below. I understand where you are. The good news is God understands too and He will set you free!
Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so you can endure it.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV)
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.
Temptation of Jesus:
Matthew (Matthew 4:1-11), Mark (Mark 1:12-13), and Luke (Luke 4:1-13),
Prayer:
Lord, I come before You acknowledging that I struggle with sugar cravings and lack self-control in this area of my life. I recognize that my body is a temple and desire to honor it by making healthy choices. Please grant me the strength and discipline to resist the temptation of sugary foods and drinks. Help me to find satisfaction in nourishing my body with healthy, balanced meals. Help me slow down and recognize triggers and emotional patterns contributing to my sugar cravings. I surrender my cravings and urges to You.
Oh Vivan, this is so powerful! Thank you for sharing this story and the verses to help others through unhealthy cravings. The image of driving home from the store with cake and fork in hand is so vivid, as well as the pathway you chose to follow afterward. I love the 1Corinthians 10:13 verse and the prayer. Thanks so much!
Thank you Sarah! I am glad you enjoyed it!
This is good. Love the verses that go with it. I struggle with sweets.
Oh Susan – the struggle is real, isn’t it? It is an on-going battle, but it does get easier over time! Thank you for sharing your comment!
What an excellent story you chose to share Vivian! It was so authentic, candid, real, and relatable. Although I know your blog is targeting females primarily, many of us have “addictions” of some kind that cause negative impacts of various degrees. I love how you ended up giving us the before, during, and like Paul Harvey used to say, “the rest of the story”. Thanks for the inspiring scripture quotes.
Hi Anthony – you are welcome here any ole time! I appreciate your taking the time to read the story and that it spoke to you!
Thank you for sharing this story. Being a sugar addict myself I can truly relate to it. Sugar addiction is a real addiction that isn’t often talked about. I usually keep my addiction to myself because I’m ashamed of it. I’ve been working really hard to overcome it my entire adult life. In May I decided to get very serious about it. I was on the wagon and doing great! Until two weeks ago.
Since you were so brave to share your story, I will do the same.
I don’t keep sweets in my house because I can’t be trusted with them. Two weeks ago I needed a fix. I needed it real bad. I fought against it for a couple of days. In the end I failed myself. I was driving home from the gym and I told myself that I had earned it. It wasn’t just a small piece of candy either. I cheated big time. I bought an entire box of zebra cakes and brought them into my house! I knew I was in trouble! I ate one cake. Then I could not stop thinking about the rest of the cakes that were in my pantry. The obsession was real! Long story short, I ended up eating the entire box within 24 hours. YIKES!! I felt so ashamed of myself. Gut wrenching shame.
I have since forgiven myself for tumbling off the wagon and have moved on from the shame. I think it may have actually helped me too. Since the zebra cake incident I have pushed myself to double my daily workouts in the gym and I haven’t had any sugar!!
Oh sis! Thank you for being so brave! I am sorry you felt shame in giving in, but I am so happy that you have forgiven yourself. You are very right; sugar is an addiction. In fact, in my research, I read where it is actually compared to a cocaine addiction! Yikes! I am glad you have taken steps to beat the cravings – and working out does help! I do that too. I am proud of you in more ways than one. Keep up the good work – and you know how to reach me if you need me!