Sugar is a drug

Last night we were watching the news and they were talking about how sugar is a drug and that it's as addicting as cocaine and other heavy drugs. They talked about how it slowly kills you by causing people to put on weight faster, it can contribute to you getting cancer and many other diseases that it contributes to such as diabetes. This is of course a common known thing (I think). The commentary on this news story that got me thinking was that someone said they thought kids shouldn't be able to drink soda until age 18. I thought it was interesting because if sugar is in fact this dangerous to our health, and if they actually passed some sort of law in that regard, then do you think people might take it more seriously as to how bad sugar is for your body? They were putting it in the category of alcohol or cigarettes in which a person has to be of mature age to make the decision to take such an addictive substance. Now, this is somewhat unrealistic of course because there is pretty much sugar in everything... from multi-grain bread to "no sugar" drinks. It is said that sugar actually blocks the receptors in your brain that tell you to stop eating and instead, you eat more. On top of this, many sugary things are targeted to our young children which gets them hooked early on in their lives.

We really want to make some major changes in our lifestyle while we are here. We have the perfect opportunity to focus on everything with 'our' family. We have discussed trying it out for a month, but have to really get in the mindset before doing it. But, I really think it would help us and help our kids. Do any of you have thoughts on this?

The desire to be healthy, and not just be 'skinny' became a lot more important now that our children are growing up and are following our bad examples. It is more of a punch in the face when you see the reality of it. In "The Family: A Proclamation to The World" it says, "Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs...". It hit me how the physical needs are not just feeding them and giving them something to do, but to do what is taught in primary and teach them to take care of their bodies.

As a side note... I am proud to report that I've lost 10 kilos (a.k.a. almost 25 lbs) since we have been here. Woo hoo! I'm sure that nursing and the fact that I just had a baby 3 months ago (and that we hardly ever eat out and that I don't like the red meat here) makes it a little easier for me, but I'm not complaining. :)