Sports have always been a major part of my life, since really the day I could walk. Specifically, basketball and tennis. But there is another feat I find myself doing weekly: consuming sugar.
Being from the “Crescent City,” food is culture. Most notable cuisines that have had a significant impact on New Orleans culture are Red Beans and Rice, Jambalaya, Gumbo, Po-Boys, and my favorite, Beignets.
Now, for those who don’t know, Beignets (pâte à choux) are a deep-fried pastry topped with sugar, and it’s typically served with coffee (Café au lait) at local restaurants in New Orleans. I vividly remember receiving my first Beignet at the ripe age of five, and ever since then, my love (or addiction) to sweets has branched to Pop-Tarts, Oreos, Cosmic Brownies, and more.
According to the recognized New York Post, a survey of 2,000 adults tasted different snacks and results revealed that three-quarters of Gen Z (72%) need between ‘one & six servings or pieces of sweet treats every day,’ while only ‘57 percent of baby boomers feel the same.’
Almost everything ingested by humans nowadays contains some form of sugar nowadays. Beverages, fruits, salad dressing, sushi rice, and more that will be enough to possibly write a book.
So, why are Gen Z and individuals in general so inclined and addicted to sweets? I suggest it's the stress from life in general (Politics, life, school/college, etc.), and the psychological need for rewarding properties of sugars as mentioned by PubMed Central(PMC).
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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)Possible Resolutions:
As mentioned by the Cambridge Dictionary, the noun resolution is ‘a promise to yourself to do or not to do something.’ This applies to everything and is the main reason multiple individuals discuss with peers yearly on what their “New Year's Resolutions” are. As humans, we make mistakes — like a lot — so it makes perfect sense for us to want a better lifestyle for ourselves.
However, for me, I struggle to maintain an urge to step away from those delicious artificial products. I remember vividly a few weeks prior to writing this article, when I went walking to the store in the rain for “a few snacks.” Those snacks you may be wondering about were brownies and a small bag of Takis. I finished it all in a few days, and yes, it was great consuming it in the moment. But when it’s all gone, you’ll be left wondering, Why did I just do that?
There is a resolution to everything, even at times when you don’t think it. Just like me, you could possibly be struggling with this same issue, which is why I have a few counter-effects on how to fix this internal urge to consume.
1. Switch to Another Form of Happiness for Your Dopamine:
Sugar is the source of dopamine. If you’re bored, happy, or stressed, your brain finds the quickest way to feel better. I’d suggest going outside, taking a walk with friends, or even by yourself.
Image Credit: Aakash Dhage on Unsplash
2. Consume One-Two Sweets a Week:
In order to reach a goal, start small. If you’re addicted like me, try eating one or two snacks on a given day per week. If you see change or a different approach to your daily life, food-wise, you're doing something positive.
3. Listen to Music
Yes, you heard right! Music is a form of art, and it’s also a distraction at times. More often than not, music helps others reach a sense of “Flow State.” Yes, that one term used all over social media nowadays comes in handy if you really think about it.
Fast-tempo music can increase your heart rate and nervous system for action. In contrast, “Lo-Fi” beats help “drown out” the world, allowing you to focus on complex tasks.
In this beautiful realm called life, there will always be addictions. It’s bound to happen whether you like it or not. For me, that’s sweets.
I don’t know what the future holds with me and my relationship with this artificial piece of food; however, I will strive every day in order to fix this before it’s too late. I suggest you do the same. Whatever conflict or addiction you’re struggling with, aim to fix it. You only got one life, make it count!
