You know that consuming too much sugar can be dangerous to your health, but what happens if you stop eating sugar entirely? For this experiment, I decided to try it out by consuming no added sugar and as few carbs as possible over the course of 30 days. Here’s what happened...
Sugar is an addiction
Think of sugar as an addiction that tricks your body into wanting more and more, regardless of its effect on your health. Just like any drug, there are withdrawal symptoms that can last days or weeks after you stop ingesting sugar. The good news is that once you get past these stages and start feeling better, it's easier to resist sugar in future meals. Here's what happens when you stop eating sugar for a month. (The effects will vary depending on how much sugary food you normally eat.)
How I Prepare For the Experiment
When I first learned about no-sugar diets, I immediately thought: No way. That's crazy. After all, sugar is in just about everything! But as I learned more about sugar's effect on my body and researched what foods are made with sugar (hint: it's everything!), I realized that avoiding sugar might be one of my best bets at fighting not only obesity but also type 2 diabetes. Thirty days without sugar can do a lot, so with that in mind, here are my top tips for how to stop eating sugar and how to get ready for an entire month of it.
The First Week
During your first week, you’ll notice many changes. Your mind will begin to feel clearer, and you may even have more energy and motivation. Some people experience headaches or mood swings in their first few days without sugar. This is normal as your body is ridding itself of excess carbohydrates and chemicals that are stored in your system from years of eating sugar regularly. Many people find they have increased cravings during their first few days without sugar. The feeling usually subsides after a few days.
The Second Week
I was surprised to discover that by week two, I felt better and had more energy than I’d had in a long time. When I realized that my sugar habit wasn’t just making me fat—it was also making me feel tired and old—it was easy to break it. According to one survey, 90 percent of people who cut back on added sugar report an improvement in their energy levels and moods. By cutting out extra calories, we ensure our brains get more of what they need to function at their best—and by doing so, we decrease our chances of developing Type 2 diabetes, which kills 60 percent of its victims after 10 years because brain cells start dying off. Less than 5 percent of those diagnosed with diabetes are even aware they have it!
The Third Week
After 21 days without sugar, you may notice that your cravings have subsided. Your taste buds should start to return to normal after 3–4 weeks. After 45 days, your insulin levels and blood glucose balance should begin to normalize. What’s happening is that your body is beginning to rely on other energy sources such as protein and fats as its primary fuel source. Unfortunately, not everyone has enough determination to last through 21 days of eating no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. If you’re one of these people who gives up early on, know that there are natural ways you can relieve sweet cravings with real sugar alternatives (check out our recipe section). Stick with it and follow some of these tips
My Advice on Staying Sugar Free Long Term
If you've ever tried to cut out sugar, then you know how hard it can be. It's a constant battle between your brain and your willpower. When it comes to food, we need willpower just as much as our bodies do. We crave sweets and they're everywhere! Just driving down any street in America will prove that point. While I'm not trying to be a jerk or act like an elitist here (maybe I am?), but if you're reading an informational piece on how to start cutting out sugar, you probably already have some idea of how hard it is already -- right?
Q&A - Frequently Asked Questions About Quitting Sugar
The detox process has been compared to any number of things—detoxification from drugs or alcohol, withdrawal from caffeine, fasting—but what is it actually like? A bit of nausea and fatigue? No cravings at all? Everyone experiences it differently. One friend says she was tired for a couple of days and then had a mental clarity that surprised her. Another complains about how cranky he became. To get an idea what's in store, we talked to seven people who have either quit sugar cold turkey or cut back dramatically on their sugar intake—all within just the past year or so. The explanations below come directly from them.
0 Comments