## Assalamoalaikom I hope everyone is doing well full of energy and positivity. This is @isha-rehman and today I'm excited to participate in the contest “Sweet Addiction” organized by our beautiful community. This is a topic that truly hit home for me. Sugar addiction is something many of us deal with know or unknown. I appreciate the chance to open up and reflect on my own relationship with sugar how it has affect me and what I am doing to regain control. Let dive into the question: ### 1. Do you consider yourself a sugar addict?

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Yes I honestly do. I have a strong craving for sweets especially chocolates and pastries. If there's a cake candy or even sweet tea nearby it's really hard for me to resist. Even when I'm full I still feel tempted to have “just a bite” which usually turns into more. That constant desire is a sign of addiction and I acknowledge it. ### 2.Have you ever tried removing sugar? How did it go? Yes I've tried multiple times to reduce or completely avoid sugar. In the beginning I was very motivated and for a few days I would do great. But as soon as I'd get tired, stressed or emotionally low I'd fall back into the habit. It was like I needed sugar to comfort me. So honestly it's been difficult and I haven't succeeded yet. But every failed attempt has taught me something. ### 3.What emotions do you feel before consuming sugar?

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Mostly I feel anxious tired or emotionally drain. There a part of me that think sweet will give me a little happines or comfort. Sometimes I feel bored and sugar becomes a distraction. It's not always about hunger it's emotional eating. I've realized that I often use sugar to avoid dealing with difficult emotions. ### 4.Has your sugar consumption increased in recent months? Unfortunately yes. With the change in routine more time indoor and sometime emotional stres I have been turn to sugar more often. I noticee myself snacking on sweet biscuit and sugary drink even when I wasnt really hungry. It became a way to pass time or lift my mood. ### 5.How do you feel physically after consuming sugar? Right after eating sugar I feel a boost in energy and mood it's almost like a small “high.” But this feeling doesn't last. Within an hour or two I often feel sluggish bloated or even slightly dizzy. There's a crash that follows the initial rush. Sometimes I feel guilty too especially when I realize how much I've eaten without thinking. ### 6.Do you suffer from headaches, fatigue and bloating frequently?

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Yes I do suffer from all three at times. I used to think it was normal or due to other reasons but now I believe sugar plays a big role in it. When I eat more sugar I notice more tirednes and bloating. I am start to pay closer attention to these symptom and how they relate to my diet. ### 7.What is your most common excuse for eating sweets? My most common excuse is: “I've had a long day I deserve a treat.” Sometimes I say “It's just a small bite” or “I'll stop after this.” But deep down I know it's not about the treat it's about escaping a feeling or rewarding myself for something. I've used sugar as a reward for too long. ### 8.What strategies have you used to reduce or eliminate your consumption?

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I have tried several things: Replacing sweets with fruits like bananas or dates Drinking water whenever a craving hits Avoiding keeping sweets at home so I'm not tempted Distract myself with another activity like going for a walk or reading These strategie work for a while but consistency is the real challenge. I am learning to not be too hard on myself and to take small step. ### 9.Would you like to stop eat sugar completely? Why? Yes I would definitely like to stop eating added sugars or at least reduce them significantly. I want to feel more energetic more in control of my health and not be dependent on something that give temporary satisfaction but long term harm. I know sugar can lead to serious health issue like diabete and obesity. I want to lived a health life and set a good example for those around me. ### 10.What would be your first step to start a change in this regard? The first step for me would be to make a firm commitment to a short challenge maybe 7 days sugar free and document how I feel during that time. I also want to educate myself more about sugar's effects track my cravings and prepare healthy alternatives in advance. Journaling planning meals and having support from friends or family can also make a big difference. Participating in this contest help me reflect on something I have been ignore. Sugar addiction is real and overcoming it required more than just willpower it require understand patience and support. I am grateful to the community for bringing up this topic and giving us the spaced to be honest about our struggle. To everyone who is try to lived a healthy life: You are not alone. One step at a time. i am inviting my friends: @sana-khan01 @enrisanti @neelofar @anthony002