I did an experiment yesterday on sugar and how I react to it.  I had 13 AP’s yesterday to burn, not that I used all of them but technically I had a lot of wiggle room if I wanted.  So I decided that after lunch (Spinach, Pine Nut, Asiago Caesar Salad = 6.50 pts) on a full tummy I would have a WW Mint Cookie Crisp Bar (2pts).  I was full after lunch but ate it anyway just to see what would happen with the introduction of sugar.

Here’s what I found, I became really hungry again.  Prior to the Mint Cookie Crisp bar I felt full and satisfied.  I really didn’t need to eat anymore but since I had extra points and I was curious, I ate the bar.  Resulting in a ravenous craving for more sugary stuff.  Luckily, I was going for a second run in the evening and needed to have an empty tummy, so I woudln’t allow myself to eat anything more (I can’t eat anything 2 hours prior to a workout).  Note: I don’t run twice a day all week long, just on Monday’s with two different running partners.

Then after dinner I decided I would try the experiment again, just to see if it was consistent.  For dinner I had 4 oz of Salmon, 1/2 Cup of White Rice, and 1 Cup of steamed Green Beans lightly drizzled in Olive Oil (9 pts).  Completely full and feeling very content. 

I should have stopped there but decided I had the AP’s and I was curious.  Wondering if I would go from full to hungry again after trying one of the new Dreyer’s Slow Churned Light Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream bars (4 pts  & very tasty by the way) for dessert? 

Sure enough!  I went from full to hungry for more sugars!  I stopped at the Ice Cream Bar for the evening but reflected on my discovery.  If I eat sugar, I want more sugar.  Hmmm… Beginning to see a pattern here now. 

I need to focus more on my cravings for sugar.  I’m not one to give up sugar completely, that would be pure torture.  However, I’m more aware of how my body reacts to sugar and if I’m really not hungry or craving it why indulge just to indulge?  It’ll only make me want more. 

I also found out that after giving into the sugar, I get hungry for more sugar but the cravings subside after about 30 minutes, and I can survive 30 minutes of hunger.

This whole process has given me a better understanding of my body, my appetite, and my thoughts involving food.  Just because other’s are having dessert, if I’m not craving the sugar, perhaps a coffee as an indulgence for dessert is the wiser choice.

This little experiment yesterday boosted my emotions, faith in myself and faith in my decisions now.  I feel like if I can understand myself better, evaluate food more independently (from thoughts, emotions, influences, etc.) then I’m more equiped for success!     :)