Sugar Kick

Giving sugar the boot!

I have a serious sweet tooth. I tell everyone that “the only reason I eat dinner is for dessert”. Yes, some desserts can be healthy but, for the most part, I’m a chocolate chip cookie-doughnuts are my life-of course I want hot fudge-kind of girl. Which is bad. Bad, bad, bad. Because, of course, refined sugar can be one of many key factors in a yucky, unhealthy lifestyle. So guess what? I’m kickin’ it to the curb.

For me, going “cold turkey” is typically the way to go. Everyone has their own ways of doing things, but here are my reasons why, steps I’m taking, and some tips to keep me motivated through my semi-sugarless life.

Sugar pros: YUM.
Sugar cons: Goodbye nutrients, minerals, vitamins. Hello high blood sugar, energy crashes, high cholesterol, diabetes and weight gain.. to name a few.

Pay Attention. Sugar is hiding EVERYWHERE — in my morning oatmeal, in the sauce I’m devouring during Italian night, and packed inside so many different drinks. I may not catch it all, but I’m going to make my most valiant effort to avoid what I know and can. When sweeping through the grocery store next time, make sure to read the labels.

Basic Math. 4 grams = 1 teaspoon. It’s all about balance. Ladies, try sticking to six teaspoons daily, tops. Men, go on with ya bad selves and have nine.

Pantry Duty. Head over to your pantry and fridge and see what you’re packing. Get the stuff out — if it’s not nearby, you may not be as tempted!

Cook! I’m learning to plan meals for the week ahead of time, and trying to eat at home way more often. Foods that I prepare myself are as honest as it gets. I know what is going in them, and don’t have to worry about the yucky additions some places make.

*TIPS*

Try cutting sugar out your own way, on your terms. If you want to ease into it, nothing is wrong with that!

If you need something sweet, nibble on some dark dark chocolate.

The world is our candy shop. Replace processed sugars with natural sweeteners. (I like grade B maple syrup and fresh fruits!)

Drink tea! I find that drinking something warm, like pomegranate green tea, really helps mellow out my sweet tooth and calms my cravings.

Don’t beat yourself up. Your friend’s birthday? Eat cake! Need a treat? Treat yourself!

The best advice I can give, as I am still learning, not a pro, and simply just want to make strides to a healthier me, is this: be aware, and do the best you can. Making an effort and even being aware of sugar is a great start. Whatever steps you take to kiss sugar goodbye are positive ones.

So, my goal is one month. I may last a day, I may last a year, but I’m giving this a try. Who’s gonna join me? How do you kick sugar’s butt? Let me know your *magical* ways in the comments, babes!

Follow FP Madisyn on Instagram + her blog

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8 years ago

I figured out in my teens that sugar affected me badly. I have no medically-diagnosed sugar issue; but I know from my own body signs that sugar causes low energy, skin problems, foggy-ness, headaches, and sometimes stomach pain. I cut sugar almost entirely for about 2 years, and lost 15 lbs in the first 6 weeks or so. I’ve fallen off the band wagon a bit in the last few years, because my hubby has such a sweet tooth that sugar is always around! LOL But I still really try to limit it.

Tricks: Maple Syrup is UHMAZING in coffee. Honey in tea. Honey is also a great substitute for sugar in chocolate chip cookies! Just cut the amount about in half, as honey is so much sweeter that cane sugar. Coconut Palm Sugar is also a nice baking substitute. Best of luck! You’ll feel better for this – and after the first couple weeks, you stop craving sugar, and saying “no” gets so much easier :) xoxo

Alice
8 years ago

I have to say, it is really ironic that I woke up to reading this post today. I was planning on making cinnamon rolls as I do most Sundays and I’m inspired to take a break. If and when I ever look at the back of labels I usually only go to fat and calories while skipping the ingredients and sugar.
Thanks for being so honest in your writing and sharing your tips in an inspiring voice.

Rachel
8 years ago

I agree, refined sugar is a no-no! But why is it that women and men can eat different amounts each day? Just curious!

Megan b
8 years ago

Are these photos of candy suppose to help deterre me from wanting sweets?? Cause now, all I want is one of those suckers, haha. I’m not much of a sweets eater (I like my salty snacks) but I do check out how much sugar is in foods and drinks before I consume them. If I like a product I often don’t check the label for fear my brain will deny me the simple pleasure of consuming it. When I found out what was in gelatin I went through everything in my kitchen to make sure none of that shiz was in my food. I think the best way to do anything is in moderation. If you like it, eat it. But maybe try not to eat the entire tub of ice cream in one sitting. :)

caitlin
8 years ago

I wad diagnosed with type 1 diabetes a few years ago so reading labels has become part of my life I’ve found that my tolerance for sugar had gone down over time I switched to diet soda for a while but I realized it made my body feel bad I found one thing that I like is la Croix (passion fruit!) It tastes sweet now! :)

8 years ago

I actually never had a very big problem with sugar, I never seem to really crave it (lucky for me). And whenever I do, which is always around 4pm, I try to eat fruits or dark chocolate!
https://www.makeandmess.com/

kimberlyinez
8 years ago

I actually started my “Sugar Detox” Feb. 1st and have been doing so well. It’s really hard to quit my sweet tooth but I’ve learned a lot:

-I actually don’t drink sodas anyways.
-coffee doesn’t need sugar
-plain greek yogurt is so much better with honey (wahhh)
-nuts are actually really sweet
-If I need a sweet fix, fruit is awesome, and healthy for you!

It’s nice to see some support on the “Sugar Detox”!! Good luck to everyone, and YOU a BAD ASS not a FAT ASS, you don’t need it 8-)

Kimberlyinez

Liz
8 years ago

I have been trying to replace all my sugary cravings with fruits and honey. Honey drizzled in oatmeal or yogurt is to die for, especially with some cinnamon. So you can do it! We made a rule in our home: we don’t bring sweets inside the apartment. That is to say, if you really, really, really, decide you want a donut/ice cream/whatever you go OUT to a bakery or ice cream shop. This is included in our entertainment budget. Having to go out of your way to get something and also have it deter from potentially doing something else fun usually keeps us from eating junk. Also, fruit smoothies are a godsend when you absolutely need something sweet. Good luck!

Rose
8 years ago

I actually haven’t eaten sugar in a few years now, since I have candida. I even stick to one serving of fruit a day if they are high in sugars. But artificial sugars and cane sugars are so insanely bad for you and our bodies are in no way built to process it! For me, it took adjusting my lifestyle so that I preferred natural foods, stevia, and vegetables to high sugar and processed foods. I’ll be honest and say it took at least a year for me to adjust my high bread, sugar, unhealthy fat, and processed food diet to a paleo and candida safe diet. But once you get through the short period of cravings and eating foods that might not taste as good to you at the time, it gets incredibly easy. It’s all about refining your taste/widening your horizons and finding the foods that are wholesome without sacrificing the taste. For me, being vegan, I’ve found that when I go out to vegan restaurants, they do such a great job of creating dishes full of bountiful nutrition that fills you and tastes better than any normal restaurant I remember going to.

Hope this helps a bit!

8 years ago

Oh I know the pain! I gave up sugar AND coffee for Lent… it’s been rough, mostly because I have a raging sweet tooth. Thanks for all the tips!

~Faith

http://worseforwear.blogspot.ca/

rey
8 years ago

I actually just cut out sugar of my diet starting Saturday and have been suffering the worst headaches from it ever since! I can’t believe my body was that reliant on sugar! I have noticed that I have been drinking much more water since, and although I have had less energy (probably withdrawal symptoms), I don’t feel gross anymore like I used to after gorging on sugar. So glad to hear that other people are trying this and are feeling great! Can’t wait to experience the full benefits.

8 years ago

I just stick to a balanced diet and not depriving myself! I have always been a chocolate and candy addict, but I’ve figured out over the years how to have it as a special treat here and there and not on a regular basis. I eat out maybe once a month, otherwise our meals are home made! Feels much better knowing what you’re putting in your food!:) good luck!!

8 years ago

I’m trying to cut out sugar as well. For me I am doing it more slowly. I’m starting with cookies, cakes, etc (anything that counts as a traditional dessert) and trying to make my own options with natural sweeteners. In my few weeks of trying (and falling off the wagon a lot!) I’ve learned that 2 things are important. First, forgiveness is key. Giving up sugar is hard and so I try not to beat myself up when I have something sugary. Second, having options is important. If I don’t have a healthy sweet option I will automatically go for the unhealthy option when I have a craving!