Published: 2021-12-06
When I and my sister were younger, we used to hide candy wrappers under the sofa as our parents didn't allow us to eat candies that much. My friends would give me candy that they brought to school and I would secretly eat it, making sure to hide the evidence so my parents wouldn't find out.
Now that I'm older, I still have a sweet tooth. I crave chocolate, ice cream, cookies, and anything sugary. My parents try to limit how much sugar I eat, but it's really hard to resist when there's a bowl of candy sitting on the counter or when my friends are sharing treats at school.
I know sugar isn't good for me. I know it can cause cavities, make me hyperactive, and lead to health problems later. But in the moment, when I'm stressed about school or just feeling down, a piece of chocolate or a cookie can make everything feel a little bit better.
My mom says I'm addicted to sugar, and maybe she's right. When I go a day without having something sweet, I get cranky and irritable. I start craving it more and more until I finally give in. It's like my brain is telling me I need it, even though I know I don't.
We've tried to find healthier alternatives fruit instead of candy, dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, homemade treats with less sugar. Some of it works, but nothing quite hits the spot like a good old-fashioned candy bar or a scoop of ice cream.
I'm trying to be more mindful about my sugar intake. I'm not cutting it out completely that would be too hard and probably not sustainable. But I'm trying to enjoy it in moderation, as a treat rather than a daily necessity. It's a small step, but it's progress.