Sugar Addiction of the LDS

[_Yoda]

Paul and I were discussing this on another thread. I created a thread on this a while ago, but I am too lazy to go searching for it.

It is scientific fact that the ingenstion of sugar produces endorphins in the body.

Now, I am not saying here that there is anything wrong with having an occasional ice cream cone, cookie, or piece of pie. What I am saying is that we really need to take to heart the concept of "moderation in all things".


This is not an exclusive Mormon problem, but I think it would show extreme deniability to state that the problem of people self-medicating with sugar didn't exist in the LDS community.

One of the reasons is the pressure of perfection that we often put on ourselves. This, combined with the amount of "don'ts" involved in our Word of Wisdom provides us with a slippery slope.

A common joke I heard growing up in the Church was, "How many Mormons does it take to change a light bulb? 3. One to pray, one to change the light bulb, and one to serve refreshments!"

As more recent medical studies have shown, one cup of coffee in the morning, and one glass of red wine at night are good for the heart. Again, moderation is the key.

I really think that Church members would benefit from this topic being discussed, and solutions being examined in a positive light.

Thoughts?

[_Yoda]

I would also like to add that I am not coming at this topic from some type of "holier than thou" perspective.

I was an extreme victim of sugar addiction, and self medication, in this regard. My peak weight 15 years ago was 270 pounds. I am 5'6. It took me a year, but I lost a little over 100 pounds, and have basically kept it off.

It truly is a lifestyle change that you have to commit to.

[_Sophocles]

I have heard people comment upon visiting Utah for the first time that the candy aisles in the grocery stores are out of control.

Also going the other way, lifelong Utahans shopping in the "mission field" noting that the candy aisles are woefully inadequate.

Here's a Grondahl from the 1980s:

[_Shulem]

OK, here I am.

Sugar is definately a drug and when mixed with fat it wreaks havoc on the body. It makes you FAT! It can turn you into a lard-ass. Donuts are especially wicked because they are very unhealthy and should rarely be eaten. Look what donuts have done to DCP! He is a fat lard-ass!!

What more can I say? It's true. YOU people need to cut back on how much sugar and fat you eat and watch your calories more carefully. Otherwise, you're just going to be a fat lard-ass -- the fat person walking down the street that people look at and feel sorry for.

Liz, I'm tickled pink to hear you lost that much weight. That's progress. Keep it up. You want to be able to look in the mirror and see a hot babe!! Hell yeah!



Paul O

[_Shulem]

Listen up all YOU fat people on the board. I have some advice for you.

Don't eat too much red meat. Eat lean portions and don't overdue the starches. Eat plenty of lean chicken and lot's of fish. Make fish a regular part of your diet. Eat fish 3 times a week. Avoid fatty meats. Make sure your cuts are lean and trim.

Avoid sugar. Only as a special treat should you eat sugar and deserts. Have a spoonful of honey after dinner. Let that suffice.

Eat lots of raw vegetables. Do that at least twice a day. Eat salads too and put just a little dressing on it. Drenching your salads with dressing will turn you into a fat lard-ass.

Eat fruits and fruit juice only in the morning. If you must have fruit later in the day do it after a meal or before a workout.

Avoid donuts at all costs. They are symbols of everything fat. That means you, DCP! No more donuts. Start taking better care of your body -- or you'll just get fatter and fatter. Gross!

Paul O

[_Yahoo Bot]

Congratulations Liz on a stellar accomplishment. One hundred pounds in a year is a major feat for anybody.

Although I'm an exercise and nutrition addict, I never discuss it because I don't think the Word of Wisdom and exercise play much of a role at all in exaltation, so you'll never hear me mention it in church even though people who know me know I run long distances and climb high peaks for kicks. I believe in St. Paul's comment that bodily exercise profiteth a man little.

But I have traveled in various parts of the world and think that it seems to me that Americans, and particular white and black Americans, are much more obese than communities of people elsewhere, including Europe and South America. I don't know that Mormons have an edge on that, either, one way or the other and kind of doubt it.

But I do take exception to one thing you post. I can't see how a cup of coffee has any value whatsoever. I use caffeine in some of my races, but otherwise I see no value in it. The cup of wine thing relates only to slowing the heart rate and increasing the intake of grape products; otherwise, alcohol is a bad thing in any quantity for athletes and thus, in my mind, for anybody.