In this episode of The Balanced Dietitian Podcast, we talk about SUGAR and the stress we experience around food due to societal norms and our attachment of worth to certain foods.  We challenge the concept of food/sugar addiction and review how to increase balance in our nutrition. I believe in a balanced and consistent approach to nutrition that focuses on adding rather than restricting. Here's whats covered in this episode:   [00:00:05] Welcome to Balanced Dietitian Podcast where science and psychology combine to empower individuals with a better relationship with food and body for a better life. [00:03:31] Food can become tied to self-worth, leading to a hierarchical system with certain foods seen as "better" or "worse". Diet culture has now merged with wellness culture, with sugar demonized as the worst thing to consume. [00:06:57] Dieters may attach more worth to certain foods due to deprivation, leading to heightened emotional response and dopamine release. Importance of considering psychology and morality in relation to food. [00:11:19] Don't fear sugar, focus on health-promoting behaviors. View nutrition as addition, not restriction. Stress around food is worse than the food itself. [00:15:14] Assess your relationship with sugar and understand nutritional needs, especially for those with sensitivities. [00:18:49] Dopamine release not indicative of addiction; restriction triggers addiction behavior in rats. [00:23:46] Intuitive eating balances thoughts, emotions, and intuition with food. Anti-diet doesn't mean it's a free for all with food. It's still important to strive for balance and understand how food impacts our bodies. [00:24:44] Podcast host invites audience on instagram to share thoughts on sugar and debunk diet culture. Aims to promote a healthy relationship with food to improve lives.   Conclusion: You can eat sugar. Sugar is NOT bad.  Balance OVER restriction Everyday!   Connect with Marie-Pier on Instagram: @The.Balanced.Dietitian