Sugar is something we consume every day. It’s in our coffee, in our tomato sauce and in that chocolate bar we treat ourselves to. Together, obesity and Type 2 diabetes rank among our nation’s greatest health problem, and they largely result from what many call an “addiction” to sugar.

But solving this problem is deemed to be more complicated than solving drug addiction, because it requires reducing the drive to eat unhealthy foods without affecting the desire to eat healthy foods when hungry. We know though that with a little subconscious intervention, we can change how somebody thinks about sugar! Understanding the affect of sugar on our brains and bodies is important to know, before we can start to working towards overcoming this problem.

Sugar fuels every cell in the brain and influences brain chemicals, too. Overloading on sugary foods may alter the brain receptors that regulate how much we eat. In laboratory studies, rats that binged on sugar had brain changes that mimicked those of drug withdrawal. In humans, just seeing pictures of milkshakes triggered brain activity similar to that seen in drug addicts.

Researchers think a pattern of withholding and bingeing - not sugar itself - may lead to addictive-like behaviour and even brain changes. Sugar influences the same "feel-good" brain chemicals - including serotonin and dopamine - as illicit drugs.

Paula said: “I was a little hesitant when I had decided to come to the sessions, however, after the first visit, I had already noticed a change”

Whether you call it an addiction, an eating disorder or simply a bad habit, these are signs of an unhealthy use of sugary foods. People may lose control and eat more than they planned. They may have withdrawal symptoms when they skip their regular sugar "fix”. Low blood sugar symptoms may include anxiety, shakiness, jitteriness or even a cold sweat.

When you eat cake, the sugar in that treat - called a simple carbohydrate - is quickly converted to glucose in your bloodstream. Your blood sugar levels rise and spike when simple carbs are eaten alone - for example,when you grab a mid-afternoon chocolate bar. All simple carbs are absorbed quickly, especially the processed, concentrated sugars found in syrup, fizzy drinks, sweets and table sugar. Simple carbs are also found in fruit, veg and dairy products - but fibre and protein are slow absorption and provide wholesome nutrients.

Paula said: “As the weeks went on, I had really stop with the sugar cravings and late night eating”

Your pancreas releases the hormone insulin to move glucose out of the bloodstream -- and into your cells for energy. As a result, experts say, your blood sugar level may drop pretty dramatically. That afternoon chocolate bar has set you up for more bad eating. When you have a very high spike followed by a very low drop, you tend to get hungry again. Low blood sugar leaves you feeling shaky, dizzy and searching for more sweets to regain that sugar "high."

Overdoing it with bread, crisps or chips? These starchy foods are complex carbohydrates, but the body breaks them down into simple sugars. When eaten alone, without better foods, some starches such as white flour, white rice and potatoes can trigger the same surge and crash cycle of blood sugar seen with sugary foods. Highly refined starches are the worst culprits: white bread, crackers and pasta. Grain-based desserts can be a double-whammy of sugar and refined grains.

Can you beat sugar addiction by going cold turkey? Some sugar detox diets urge people to eliminate everything sweet - including fruit, dairy and all refined grains - to in effect purge your system of sugar. Diet changes like this are too drastic to be realistic. The fact is if you attempt something that is not sustainable - that you can only do for the short-term - you ultimately go back to your old habits!

Researchers have found that sugar substitutes may leave people craving more sugar, making it harder - not easier - for them to take control. If you never get out of the sense of needing something sweet, eventually you’ll reach out for the real stuff again!

Paula said: “Ian made me complete the forms and I noticed how much the sessions had changed my mindset”

You may have heard that too many sugar splurges can lead straight down the road to diabetes. Sugar doesn't cause diabetes, but it can trigger a chain of events that make it more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. Eating too much sugar can contribute to weight gain. Being overweight makes your body more resistant to the effects of insulin, which increases your risk of type 2 diabetes.

If someone is addicted to sugar, the pattern their brain has built up is one which tells their body to seek out the nearest sweet thing, eat it and enjoy the high. Their brain has gotten so used to that spark of positive energy that it thinks it needs it in order to function properly. A persons neurons tend to want to keep firing in the ways they always have, so when they’re used to firing in the pattern created by sugar intake, they’re going to cause sugar cravings.

We know though that through neuroplasticity, you can change the patterns in your brain to create better habits, and that’s exactly what this program aims to do.

This brain training guide for sugar addiction is a three session program, designed to help you:

Our program is a three session program. One session per week, for three weeks.

You will also receive a support CD/Recording to listen to in between your sessions.

This program requires some conscious effort and commitment on your part. Hypnosis, however. does make change a lot easier. In addition, you will receive some important guidelines  to follow. The more you follow these guidelines, the greater your success will be.