What do you want to prefer: Sugar or real food?

In the world of psychology, there is a well-known phenomenon – called the mere-exposure effect – by which people tend to prefer the things they are frequently exposed to.

In the dating world, this has led to memes like, “Has the mere-exposure effect” kicked in yet, or do I need to walk by again?”

In my world as a Health Coach, it means:

• If you eat a lot of sugar, you’ll prefer a lot of sugar.
• If you eat a lot of real food, you’ll prefer a lot of real food.

Bottom line: Decide what you want to prefer and expose yourself to lots of that. 

A Personal Example

I used to eat 381 grams or more of sugar (mostly in disguise) per day. 

That’s a lot.

When I ate this much sugar, I preferred it even though it made me feel hangry and out-of-control. 

Even though it made me feel tired, moody and unable to focus. 

Even though I had to eat every two hours and rarely felt satisfied.

Even though I felt bloated and my joints ached.

Even though it kept me craving sugar and locked in food prison.

Seven years ago I dedicated some time and energy to eating real food.

Today I typically eat lots of healthy fat, moderate amounts of protein and between 80-150 grams per day of nutritious carbohydrates (not a lot by comparison). I’m what you would call a “fat burner.” 

It’s led to symptoms like,

• Easily going four to six hours (or more) without food.
• Managing my weight easily without a scale.
• Saying goodbye to cravings and hangriness.
• Pain-free joints.
• Effortless weight management despite doing way less exercise.

As Mark Sisson says,

When you’re fat adapted, you can choose to eat a meal off your plate, or you can choose to eat a meal off your stomach, butt or thighs.

If you’re someone who likes to keep your options open, it’s worth taking the time to expose yourself to more real food than sugar.

Now I’d love to hear from you. Do you think it’s worth taking the time and energy to expose yourself to more real than sugar? Leave me a comment below.