When the Archies crooned longingly "You got me wanting you" in the song "Sugar, Sugar," they described perfectly what it's like to crave the sweet stuff - and millions of you feel the same. Nearly 13 percent of North American adults' caloric intake comes from high fructose corn syrup and sugar. That adds up to 152 POUNDS of sugars a year - another whole person! No wonder so many people are fighting obesity, metabolic disorders, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Ever since the book "Sugar Blues" came out in 1975, researchers have debated whether sugar really can trigger an addiction's "gotta have it and have it now" response. Now it seems it really does. Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology say mice will cross an electrified zone to get to sugar even when they're completely full, and getting that sugar bomb stimulates the same brain regions that are associated with good lovin' and bad drugs.
So if you have a sweet tooth that just won't quit, it's time to use proven detox methods:
1. Talk to your doctor about reducing your sugar intake; set up an appointment with a nutritionist or coach who can offer you nutritional guidelines, emotional support and a plan.
2. Get a buddy to do the added sugar elimination with you! You can kvetch, offer each other support and cook healthy foods together.
3. Tell your honey you want to substitute some sweet lovin' for sweets - that'll make those brain circuits light up and satisfy your sweet tooth!
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.