Hello...My name is Cate...and, I'm a CARBO-HOLIC

     Recently, while sitting in a doctor's office waiting-area, I read a piece, in a health magazine, about the negative-attributes of one of the most , commonly, consumed, consumables, on the market, today...SUGAR. Within the article, there were quotes, from health-experts, in the dietary field of medicine, who were declaring the need for, if not a ban, on sugar; or, at the very least, selling it as a controlled substance, not, unlike, any other DRUG. I am a living testament to a body being addicted to sugar, mostly in the form of simple, carbohydrates; which are contained in foods, such as white pasta, and, white-bread (only a great French Stick, or Italian bread, will do...thank you, very much! That's a lie...I'll eat any kinda bread! :-))I have been challenged by, and with, this physical disposition, since in my early 20's, recognizing the negative impact that these foods had on me, all those years, ago. Having grown up in an ethnic family, and, subsisting on much Italian fare, over the years, my body was introduced to 'empty-carbs', by way of pastina, penne, and, pizza, at a very, young, age. Of course, this is not all that we ate, but, it was a staple, for sure. The more one eats of this type fare, the more one craves it; it is a vicious-cycle, for certain, not, unlike, the 'chase' for any other high. This type, tasty, tempting, sustenance,  isn't referred to as 'comfort-food', for no reason. Foods which are filled with overly, processed, wheat, or, are shameful in their sugary, content, make us feel better, when we eat them. Highly processed foods, though, often wheat-based, digest in our bodies in the same way as any, simple, non-complex, sugar. And...guess what? Our bodies crave this substance in the same way it 'joneses' for other drugs; as there exist receptors in our brains which 'ask' us to 'use'. If all of this is by accident, or, design, is not the issue; the real concern is that our society is sick with the millions of people who suffer, similarly, and, cannot break the cycle of their food-cravings; their addiction. The ramifications, from the over-consumption of empty-processed foods, for folks who constantly fail in their fight against this condition, are myriad, and, all of a health-related nature; obesity and diabetes just to name a couple. For myself, when I fall victim to my addiction, and, in a weak moment, allow myself that 'one slice of pizza'...I cave, and, consume an entire-pie. Oh yeah...it's happened. Or, maybe I'll eat an entire pound of pasta; and, the next day, feel like hell. My entire body suffers; it swells, and, I experience 'arthritis-type' symptoms. It's NUTS! Thank goodness, I can eat those! So...I MUST steer-clear of white food, in general; otherwise, I feel horrid. I am writing this, today, as I am consumed with the desire to indulge in a bowl of macaroni and cheese; but, I WILL NOT give in to my intense desire to satisfy my soul, for, if I do, there will be consequences. Perhaps, by my making this public, I will have more luck in this, my SCAZILLIONTH attempt to part company with empty-carbs, for once and for all! Otherwise, I'm gonna have to form a recovery-group, or, something. Just Sayin...