Feeling Good
(or How to Self-Gratify Without Overdoing Sugar)
My BIG, BEAUTIFUL Adventure
in Boycotting
The Goal: To Spend Joyfully and with Purpose
By Chalmer Thompson
September 16, 2026
Ever go to one of those overpriced dessert establishments to satisfy a fierce craving and treat yourself to a Sugarland creation of your wildest dreams? Does a fudge-dipped Snickers bar or a bowlful of Banana Pudding Cake with heavy cream come to mind?
The thrill of eating sugary foods and drinks comes from their heavenly taste. We may go overboard when we feel we deserve to indulge ourselves.
What we don’t deserve are the awful consequences that go along with imbibing more than what is considered healthy. Unhealthy translates to more than 25 grams or 6 teaspoons a day for women and 36 grams or 9 teaspoons for men,
Here’s a link that briefly gives you the gritty details of sugar’s impact on the body:
Below you can read about the poignant relevance of sugar overconsumption to Blacks in the U.S. and elsewhere:
Sugar rewards are not the only way we show that we care about ourselves and those we love. Breaking this link between sugary foods and expressions of self-care is vital to our overall health and longevity.
We can still FEEL GOOD emotionally without harming our bodies.
Here’s the challenge: if you believe that you consume more sugar than needed, try ONE thing that you’re willing to do differently in the span of a week and share it with us.
Share your trial by writing me at chathomp@iu.edu, and I’ll post all submissions in next month’s post.
For example, one thing I did last week was to divide an already small slice of luscious carrot cake with two friends. Each of us had already made up our mind before we went to dinner to avoid unhealthy choices. What we affirmed that night was that a little bit went a long way. We felt completely satisfied with our treat, and especially with our time together.
Here’s a resource to help you think of some ideas:
How to quit sugar in 5 steps for more energy, fewer cravings and better health