I have come to realize that something that destroys us comes slowly; it doesn't come loudly, and that's why if we fail to pay close attention to certain habits early enough, we face the crisis later in life.
I know that for this habit, I kept saying "just this once," and it kept happening day after day, week after week, month after month, and year after year. It's just too hard to deal with, and that's my habit with sugary things, from soft drinks to tea with lots of sugar to pap with excess sugar, and without it, I can't just take it. I am currently taking one native blood builder drink but I am tempted to add sugar to it because it taste sour...it's that bad
My mom, who is diabetic, has used herself as an example, advising me to stop this sugary-things habit all the time, but it feels like I am being punished for not taking soda drinks and tea with enough sugar. Imagine Milo and milk that contain sugar, but yet, I will add more to the point that it accumulates enough at the bottom of my cup.
Imagine that when I have headaches, I buy Coca-Cola drinks instead of paracetamol. That's how much I can't do with sugary things daily; it sucks. There are ages that one gets, and her eating lifestyle becomes so intentional. I know all of this, but every day, I kept seeing myself playing with my health.
It's baffling that even with the knowledge of the health implications of excessive sugar intake, I still battle with this habit. A friend of mine told me last month, "Nkem, the way you eat sugar is a very big concern. If you can't control this, your old age will be terrible." She added, "How do I control the rest of my family if I continue this way?"
That question gave me a deeper thought, and I made up my mind to start avoiding foods that make me add extra sugar, such as tea, pap, and custard. The funny part is that I love this food I am avoiding now, but that's the only thing that could make me avoid sugar a bit. It's a sacrifice to save my health, and if I can maintain this new eating habit, it will be worth it.
However, I am still struggling with not taking Coca-Cola daily; it's difficult for me, but I have started by not buying a pack of it to keep at home. Once it's not too handy, maybe I will be a bit free from taking it in excessively.
Prevention is always cheaper than cure. What I battled the time I had a breast lump is a big lesson; ever since then, I have been intentional about avoiding stories concerning my health. This sugar habit too is something to become intentional with, and maybe start with a big step. I just have to be more conscious with my body, no matter the unhealthy cravings.
Overall, it's not just sugar; there are many habits we each struggle to stop. It could be late-night strolling, or it could be managing toxic relationships, gossiping, unnecessary spending, and more. The damage can be slow and silent but avoidable. You can be asking; is it that bad? Yes, it is, and I am learning to be more deliberate in all of these.
I may not cut off every bad habit I am battling with overnight, but acknowledging them without excuses is already a powerful step, I must say.