(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Years pass and you grow up.
Photo: Corbis Images
Since we are young we are taught to celebrate life with sugar. If someone has a baby we gift sweets. If it’s a wedding; we eat sweets. If you pass an exam you celebrate with chocolate. No matter which part of the world you come from we all associate happiness with sugar. All the religions and festivals around the world have centred around eating special sweets and food items. And since we have been celebrating life with sugar since childhood does it come as a surprise that most of us have issues with our weight We are taught from the time we are young that happiness needs to be celebrated with certain food items. Depending on where you are from the type of food/sweet will be different. But other than that it’s all the same.
Years pass and you grow up. But the association with sugar remains the same. Every time you are happy or celebrating you turn towards sugary foods. It happens again and again and before you know it you have piled on oodles of extra weight. So how can this pattern be changed and thinking be altered How is it possible to change your relationship with sugar
The answer is simple. Starting today all you have to do is every time there is an occasion to celebrate or you are happy do an activity that does not involve eating. For example a client of mine wanted to reduce the sugar intake in the life of his kids but did not know how. One of his sons was diagnosed as obese and the daughter was addicted to eating candy. After brainstorming with his wife he came up with a plan. All the birthday cakes would be replaced by naturally made smaller cakes without sugar. The highlight of the birthday parties would be activities and not eating cake. The children were not happy at first but over the years have come to appreciate this unique way of celebrating their birthdays. They now associate birthdays with rock climbing family gatherings going to the beach and going to the movies.
Of course the change will be difficult. But once you get the hang of it cravings for sugar will be replaced with the new activity and you will be on your way to losing weight.
Festivals can be celebrated with little sugar and more of love. So next time instead of buying a box of sweets for a friend gift a book instead.
Shivani Adalja is a Dubai-based wellbeing expert. She runs the Alignment Insitute which offers effective solutions that focus on stress management and overall wellbeing.
Email alignshivaniadalja.com