I challenged myself to a sugar-free diet for eight weeks; Here are my results.We've all heard of sugar cravings and withdrawal, but I wanted to see what would actually happen if I went sugar-free for two months. Does living without sugar deliver on its promise of more energy and a smaller waistline? Read on to see what two full months without sugar have done for my cravings, energy, and overall well-being.
Why is sugar unhealthy?
Is sugar so bad for you? First, let's take a look at the British scientist John Yudkin.wrote1972: "If even a small fraction of what we know about the effects of sugar were revealed in connection with any other material used as a food additive, that material would be immediately banned." Yudkino noted this sugar: sugar is processed in the liver, where it is then converted to fat – it is “a pure carbohydrate, with all the fiber andremoved nutrition.” He also found that excessive sugar consumption was significantly associated with an increased rate of heart-related complications. In the decades since, the sugar industry has only grown. First and foremost, it caters to the sweet tooth of kids and busy parents with the convenience ofsugared grain, appetizers and desserts. Second, sugar has become so ubiquitous in our food culture that limiting or eliminating it can feel overwhelming.
Why did I quit sugar for 8 weeks?
In the light ofsugar side effectsFor your health, it is advisable to aim for:
- limit added sugar
- Focus on real, whole foods
- Pay Attention to Overall Sugar Intake
That's why I went eight weeks without sugar to see if all its promises and challenges hold true. inspired by himI left the sugar programpor Sarah Wilson,I jumped. This program is not about cutting calories, which is great because that never works for me, Ifeel disadvantagedand rebellious. Rather, the program focuses on adding more nutritious foods instead of sugar.She makes the point that fructose is what we want to avoid in sugar, as it makes us eat more, converts to fat, and makes us more prone to feeling sluggish and generally unwell.Fortunately, this program allows certain types of red wine andCafé, so you can still enjoy some things you really love!
My sugar free food diary
My goals for an eight-week sugar-free diet were:
- have more energy
- losing inches off my waist
- feel lighter
- Achieve a healthier lifestyle filled with nutritious, whole foods
Week 1: I feel pretty good
For this week I must limit my consumption of sugary drinks, desserts, high fructose fruits and chocolate. Luckily it wasn't that hard for me since I don't like sugary drinks or eat too much dessert. But since I love fruit, I'm glad the first week was just a transition period.Time courseReduce sugar slowly. It's a much easier way to transition so I can mentally prepare myself! Although quitting coffee is not part of the program, I chose to do so for the first week.help with detox. It was hard at first, but I started drinking hot lemon water in the mornings to replace coffee. This exchange really made me feel so much better!
Results week 1
I have not noticed much of a difference in my skin or weight. However, I felt clearer in my thinking, a bit more energetic, and less stressed.
My favorite recipe this week.
Cauliflower rice with coconut oil, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper
Week 2: nervousness
This week was my biggest concern as I had to cut out all sugar, including fruit, to allow the body to recalibrate. I have learned that sugar cannot tell the body what it really wants. As Sarah Wilson says on the show, "Whenever there's sugar in the system, it's impossible to know because we respond to cravings, ups and downs, and we don'ttrue hungerand need. It takes about two months to find your blank slate. After that, it's up to you." I have also found that you have to be very careful with added sugar when eating in restaurants. I ordered green curry at a Thai restaurant, but had to remove the sugar because they add a lot for flavor.Bribe:Watch documentaries and read articles on why sugar is bad for you. It will totally motivate you! my favorites are documentariesSatythe mysteries of sugar.
week 2 results
Meinthe skin has lighteneda little. I am very conscious and sensitive to added or artificial sugars in all foods.
My favorite recipe this week.
Organic eggs with grass-fed butter, avocado, spinach and bacon. The trick is to add more healthy oils, fats, and more.Proteinto satisfy my sweet tooth.
Week 3: Fatigue
This week I finally started to adjust to not eating fruit. I don't really like the taste of coffee and can tell if something has even the slightest amount of sugar or artificial sweetener. I amstarting to crave chocolateand sweet, especially when I'm tired. When that happens, I force myself to eat real food. I found out that maybe I wasn't craving sweets, I was just sleepy or bored.Tips:Keep healthy foods chopped, washed, and ready for quick cooking. Plus, learn about the nine C's! These are all great snack alternatives to sugary treats that have already helped me curb my cravings:
- chia seeds
- Cacao
- chai-tee
- coconut beer
- coconut water
- Café
- Queso
- Pollo
- cinnamon
week 3 results
I have lost about three pounds this week. My stomach feels tighter and thinner. Pros: I also save money on coffee and by eating less. I cooked a lot more. I feel better, save money eating out, and have fewer junk food cravings!
My favorite recipe this week.
Lamb with vegetables, broccoli salad and chicken with celery puree.
Week 4: Feel better than before
I'm starting to get used to it all and have less cravings for sugar, caffeine and evenAlcohol. My body is changing even more (and my taste buds too!), which is very interesting to see. I substituted full-fat Greek yogurt for ice cream and other sweets. It really works when I'm craving something naughty. I add some chia seeds and it is spectacular.Bribe:When cravings hit, I'm busy running errands or taking a hot bathfool my mindto think about other things.
Results week 4
I had more energy, slept better, and felt more hydrated.
Week 5: Feeling light + airy
This week was much easier. I am totally used to going sugar free now and actually prefer it! Now I have my recipes and meals and snacks down to the last detail, and I'm starting to really enjoy them. I'm nervous about putting sugar back in my diet because I don't want to open the floodgates and lose all my progress. I have to be careful when I can start to let him in.Bribe:I cooked lunch every day and ate at home almost every night. I think that's the key to staying healthy and eating only pure, whole foods. Instead of meeting friends for dinner or lunch, I meet them for coffee/tea, a glass of wine ora walk.An amazing benefit of my sugar-free diet: I'm getting more creative!
Results week 5
I feel like I have lost five kilos in the stomach area and I feel lighter and clearer.
My favorite recipe this week.
Rice cake with almond butter, coconut chips and chia seeds.
Week 6: feeling cautious
At this stage, I can reintroduce a serving of certain fruits (like raspberries, kiwi, and blueberries) and small amounts of sugar into my diet. This week went pretty well overall, but I had a few cravings towards the end. I found I wanted more as soon as I opened the lid to let in some sugar with some fruit. Sugar is so addictive when you re-flavor it. Your brain releases various hormones and, unfortunately, cravings kick in.
Results week 6
I have cravings for gluten-free cakes and organic ice cream. I used to think they were healthy, but they are actually full of sugar. I have to be careful with foods that claim to be natural or healthy and always read the labels.
My favorite recipe this week.
This week I started my day with HUM'sraw beautyin water to alkalize my body before eating. It was incredible; I feel more energetic and crave less sugar. Also, mydigestionhas beenIt works very well!
Week 7: feeling empowered
I feel like my eating habits have changed for the better. It's amazing that after a few weeks you canactually transform a habitfor the long term. I wake up craving the nourishing superfoods in my green powder; my body loves her Also, the idea of waking up to coffee is not at all appealing to me because I feel like my body is not providing me with vital nutrients.
Results week 7
I am much more hopeful about many other things that I want to change now that I know from experience.only lasts a few weekscumbersome settings. Now I totally crave my green juice in the mornings and no coffee, which I do.Oh noI thought it would happen! I'm excited.
My favorite recipe this week.
I love margaritas and this week coincided with Cinco de Mayo. To celebrate, I ended up making a healthy fool that included allowed fruit:
- a little tequila
- fresh grapefruit + lime
- coconut amino acids
- soda water
Now some good news when it comes to alcohol on a sugar free diet. As the show says, "Wine, beer, and straight spirits contain minimal fructose because the fructose in the fruit used to make the liquor is converted to alcohol." Fortunately, this week I was able to add those small amounts of sugar to the fruit. and tequila to make my healthy margarita!
Week 8: Feeling great
I did it and I can't believe I did it! I survived eight weeks without sugar and I feel great. I took away many treasures and lessons that I will definitely continue to use.
My latest sugar free diet results
Drum roll please: Here are my final results from a full eight weeks without sugar.
- My digestion has completely improved; I feel much more balanced and healthy.
- I am much less bloated.
- I have lost five pounds.
- I have more energy in the morning.
- My mood is much better.
- I can think more clearly.
- I stress a lot less than usual.
- I learned about my taste buds and what I really crave and want.
How I navigate my new normal
As for stopping my cold, sugar-free diet, I'll be sure to incorporate some tips and tricks from my challenge into my new normal. Here are a few things I'll stick with now that my sugar free challenge is complete: 1. Keep drinkingraw beautymixed in 12 ounces of water first thing in the morning.2. Replace dessert with fresh berries, a glass of wine, or some grass-fed cheese with nuts.3. Instead of ice cream, enjoy full-fat Greek yogurt with chia seeds and sometimes raspberries, when you want a touch of sweetness. Instead of chocolate, eat homemade "walnut bark." My recipe calls for almond butter mixed with coconut oil, cocoa nibs, and coconut chips. Lay out on foil to freeze, then split open to form a chocolate-almond coconut shell.5. Opt for gluten-free foods whenever you can.6. Always choose organic and grass-fed meats anddairy.7. Cook more meals at home and take lunch to worksave money. Also, cooking is therapeutic and not as hard as I thought! It just takes a little planning and time on your own, which is harder than you think.8. Choose red wine instead of sugary mixed drinks. (Red wine is low in fructose; the fructose in grapes is fermented into alcohol.)9. some havekind of greenat each meal.10.Make Hydration Tastierwith lemon, cucumber and/or berries.
final thoughts
Although it was difficult at first to let go of my sugar cravings, I think it was very rewarding to reconnect with my taste buds and see what my body really wants. Now that I've been sugar-free for eight weeks, I feel very comfortable having more control over my food choices and what I put into my body, which is what I really wanted to get out of the experience. I am also much more aware of which foods contain sugar. I hope to continue listening to my body to feel happy and full of vitality, vigor and natural energy! Last but not least, it was great to have a friend with us. We've given each other ideas, motivation, and encouragement, so that's a final great tip for teamwork when I'm on a habit change mission.You can also find more information on ourSugar Free 30 Day Results Here!
FAQs
How long does it take to see results from quitting sugar? ›
"When you reduce or eliminate sugar, storage of fat will decline slowly, and you will lose some weight. However, this takes time, with the effect typically beginning at one to two weeks," Glatter told INSIDER.
What happens after a month of no sugar? ›Detoxing from sugar can help you lose weight quickly. “We had over 80 testers from all over the country, and they lost anywhere between 5 to 20 pounds during the 31 days, depending on their weight or sugar addiction,” Alpert said. “Many also noticed that a lot of the weight was lost from their midsection.
What happens if you quit sugar for 2 weeks? ›If you follow a typical Western diet that is high in sugar, you get little-to-no exercise, and you live a high-stress sedentary lifestyle, you could expect dramatic results if you quit sugar for two weeks. Following these guidelines for healthy weight loss, you could expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.
Will cutting sugar reduce belly fat? ›There are massive health benefits from cutting back on your sugar intake, one of which is losing stubborn belly fat, says Brenda Rea, MD, DrPH, PT, RD, a family and preventive medicine physician at Loma Linda University Health.
What happens to your body when you start cutting out sugar? ›Cutting added sugars makes it easier to manage weight and to keep blood glucose levels within healthy parameters, both of which lower your diabetes risk. This stems from the fact that added sugars help to fuel a cyclical cascade of effects that cause metabolic and hormonal changes to increase risk of diabetes.