by Paige Webb
From several conversations and publications surrounding me, I’m finding that the health-kicks of today involve the avoidance of refined sugars in our diets. The published unofficial results site “improved mental clarity” and “uninterrupted sleep” from reducing sugar intake. I, too, got on the bandwagon in order to reap these sought after benefits. This was difficult, as most of my family will make special cakes, pies, and cookies when I visit, because each of them knows that I have a major sweet tooth. I ventured into the uncharted territory of cutting sugar from my diet for about four months. I achieved amazing results with regards to my energy level and my waistline. But, wait… once you go back, you crash! Hard!
I’ve recently discovered that sugary snacks are detrimental to my productivity. Once that ‘crash’ happens, there’s no telling how long I will be side-lined. The side-effects of sugar are different for different people, but commonly a sugar crash induces sleepiness, anxiety, and severe lack of focus. Some call this “zombie mode.” The absence of sugar in my system for those four months intensified the physical effect when I did decide to snack on a fresh patisserie-made cookie. The lesson in this for me was: moderation.
If I stick to the EDGE teaching methodology of taking ‘strategic disengagements’ (J. Loehr, The Power of Full Engagement), I should be grabbing a healthy snack to renew my energy and focus throughout my breaks during the day. Examples of healthy snacks include granola or protein bars, fruit, nuts or chopped up vegetables. Although many foods contain some form of sugar or carbohydrate, the refined sugars are what do you in. The vicious cycle involves our blood racing, then slowing down. This is a huge drain on our energy and potential for performing at 100%.
If you’re facing a day that you absolutely should be performing at 100% (when are we not?), my advice is to keep snacks and meals healthy, and skip the sugar. Avoid crashing or sugar whiplash at all costs!
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