My Sugar Story - How I Tamed The Sugar Monster

I've realized just how hooked we all are on sugar-it's everywhere, and letting go of it feels almost impossible. I mean, I grew up with sugar being part of every celebration, birthday, and special moment. And let's be honest, it's also been my pick-me-up when I'm feeling stressed, tired, or just having a rough day.

Why does giving up sugar feel so scary? Maybe it's because we wonder what's left without the sweet stuff.

Here's the answer: a clear mind, free from brain fog, and a body that feels alive and energized.

But cutting back on sugar isn't easy-it's everywhere, often hidden or disguised. And let's not forget the seductive marketing from brands that promise health benefits that don't really exist.

Have you checked out my Beginners Guide To Cutting Out Refined Sugars?

Just about everything we eat contains added sugars

One of the hardest things for me to navigate on my journey to becoming sugar free was not only snacks and trying to overcome cravings when they hit but also and probably even more significant was preparing a good healthy dinner at the end of the day.

It seemed almost virtually impossible to develop good healthy eating habits when I was constantly surrounded by vending machines, takeout and processed foods.  I had to get creative and come up with ideas that were healthy, free from refined sugars, and packed with flavor. Oh, and they also had to meet my one non-negotiable: they had to be simple and easy.

MY SUGAR STORY: I had been a sugar addict since I could walk

was addicted to sugar and didn't even realize it. I didn't know it was a thing. After all, I wasn't overweight, I didn't drink fizzy drinks or eat McDonald's, I exercised regularly, and I only occasionally ate chocolate.

I was a Clozet Sugar Addict

I was eating low-fat ice cream, yogurt, milk, dried fruits, honey, jams, and bottled sauces with whatever I was cooking for dinner. Looking back, I realize how bloated it made me feel. I was always hungry and constantly battling the urge to satisfy my cravings with the nearest sweet thing.

When I couldn't control the cravings, it was followed by guilt and a sick feeling in my stomach, which often turned into actual sickness, leaving me doubled over with cramps.

Things had to change

I have lived by trial and error and found what works for me in terms of the changes I have made in drastically reducing my sugar intake.

Cravings are a thing of the past. My tastebuds have completely changed, and sugary foods no longer appeal to me. Living without sugar and constant cravings has given me more freedom, and I no longer feel drained or unmotivated.

If you've been eating too much sugar, you might feel constantly tired and drained from the energy crashes, struggle with persistent cravings for sweet foods, and experience a lack of mental clarity, leaving you feeling foggy and unfocused.

Where do you start to try and untangle sugar from your life?  The first step is to start small, with small changes that you can consistently keep up so the you start to form new habits.

Going cold turkey might seem tempting, but it's usually not a long-term fix. Cutting out refined sugar takes time-anywhere from three to six weeks-to build new habits and let go of old ones. Here are some steps to help you make the shift.

Make some switches and scale back the sugar:

• Stop the toast with jam and honey and instead have avocado on toast with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon
• Stop the muesli and low-fat yoghurt, and eat eggs on toast instead
• Replace soda and juice with herbal tea
• If you're at the movies, have popcorn, instead of chocolate
• After dinner, have cheese and crackers instead of ice cream
• Cut the amount of sugar in half that you usually have in your tea and coffee
• Switch to diet and sugar free sodas if you can't stop them entirely.
• Swap regular baking for sugar free baking

Eat More Good Fats

Here are some of the habits that I have for getting more good fats into my life.

• For cooking, I use mostly butter or coconut oil.
• I Use olive oil and macadamia oils in salad dressings
• I've stopped eating low fat everything and I love it.  Its full fat all the way.  Since the low fat versions contained added sugar to replace the fat that had been taken out, I was glad to be rid of them.
• I don't eat deep fried foods and go for backed, or lightly pan fried instead

Learn how to read food labels

When you're trying to make healthier choices, reading food labels is key. Here's how you can get started:

1. Check the ingredients list: Look for whole foods at the top and avoid those with added sugars or artificial additives. Ingredients are listed in order of quantity, so the first few will make up the majority of the product.
2. Look at the sugar content: Pay attention to the amount of sugar per serving. Be aware that sugar can show up under many different names, like high fructose corn syrup or cane syrup.
3. Review the serving size: Compare the serving size to how much you actually eat. Sometimes, the nutrition facts are based on a smaller portion than you might consume.

Have you checked out my Beginners Guide To Cutting Out Refined Sugars?

Snack Sensibly

Go for Whole Snacks: When I'm snacking, I like to grab some fresh fruit like berries or apple slices, or even veggies with a little hummus. They satisfy my sweet tooth naturally, without any hidden sugars.

Nuts and Seeds: I always have a stash of unsweetened almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds on hand. They're super filling, taste great, and don't have that sneaky added sugar you find in other snacks.

Greek Yogurt with Toppings: I love plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt as a base for a snack. I just throw in some fresh fruit or a dash of cinnamon to sweeten it naturally. This way, I control the sweetness and keep the sugar in check.

For me, it's all about enjoying a sweet life without the sugar. Once I picked up a few key tips and made them a habit, it got a lot easier. I remind myself that it's not a race-it's life, and it's meant to be enjoyed.

Moderation is key, and it's what helps me stay on track instead of falling off. My motto is, "One day at a time." I do what I can today, treat my body kindly, and trust that the rewards will come.