Emotional Sugar

Understanding Sugar Addiction, Through the Lens of Emotional Regulation

By: Brittany Forrester

Narrated by: Ashton Haugen

From cupcakes to pies to iced coffee drinks, sugar is found in many foods and is almost impossible to avoid. Emotional or psychological dependence on sugary foods and drinks, also known as sugar addiction, is a real cause of concern for health officials in America. Processed foods and refined grains create additional sugar in the body once the body metabolizes the food. Sugar in moderation is not harmful; however, many overdo it. A recent study suggests Americans eat far too much sugar. To be specific, approximately 75 percent of Americans eat excessive amounts of sugar, many of whom could be classified as having a sugar addiction.

Sugar consumption can create a short-term high and a spark of energy in the body. Some studies have suggested sugar is as addictive as cocaine. People often enjoy the dopamine release sugar brings. However, due to the addictive nature of sugar, long-term health effects like obesity and diabetes are a risk of sugar overindulgence. Similar to other compulsions or behavioral addictions, sugar addiction is a special risk for people with low moods, anxiety, and stress.

This book explored sugar use as an addictive process, through the lens of emotional regulation, addressing the research question: What is the lived experience of emotional regulation through sugar addiction?

This study aimed for a greater understanding of the interdependent nature of sugar and emotions. What might a sugar-addicted population express that facilitates recovery and emotional regulation? The lived experience revealed that envy, deprivation, fear of sugar’s control, and lack of support from authority figures contributed to an inability to get enough of comfort foods or to stop overconsumption, and contributed to feelings of guilt, shame, and loss.

©2020 Brittany Forrester (P)2020 Brittany Forrester

HOW GOOD IS YOUR COMPREHENSION

I have to pick up the book again and listen it further. One thing: remember the names and background of each character as you read the book. It's important because there are twists and turns!!

As Good As the First Time!!

One of My Favorites!! Excellent Book - I loved this book the first time I listen to it and when it was my book club’s choice this year I was again hooked from the very first page.

I enjoyed this book

This book had many turns. Pay close attention to the Prologue because it sets the tone for the whole book. I enjoyed this book immensely.

Great read!

Excellent research to back his assessments and recommendations. It's obvious that he truly cares about the health of humanity.

Excellent!

This book gave me more of as n insight on the mindset of the interaction of people in the rural south. The usual and despair of life even upon death of a child. Life went on without the help of professionals helping to heal but through faith and the usual patterns of life one goes on.