How to Cut Sugar

Have you ever struggled with trying to cut sugar. Maybe you’ve tried in the past but that persistent sweet tooth got the better of you? Or perhaps sugar is just one of the things you’re looking to cut back on to live a healthier life.

So let’s talk sugar. You’ve most likely tried to cut sugar in the past and if you’re reading this post, I’m assuming that venture wasn’t successful.

If that’s the case, let me start by telling you, you aren’t alone. And here is why.

Sugar is 10x more addictive than cocaine. Let’s let that sink in for a minute. We have rehabilitation centers for people addicted to drugs, and yet very little support for food addictions. Most of which have very real withdrawal symptoms, similar to those of recreational drugs and narcotics.

Sugar stimulates pleasure sensors in the brain, and while recreational drugs target specific areas and pleasure sensors in the brain, sugar triggers all of them. Causing your brain to light up like the night sky on the fourth of July.

So what might withdrawal symptoms look like? Cravings for one, headaches, bloating, nausea, muscle aches, mood swings, feeling lethargic… There is a whole cycle of symptoms your body will go through as it detoxes, and I’ll tell you straight up. You’re going to feel worse, before you feel better.

But keep with it, because on the other side of the detox symptoms you’ll feel amazing. Abundant-sustainable energy, clearer focus, and a re-calibrated palate. Sugar along with a lot of animal products numb our taste sensors, causing us to overly season food.

People who cut out sugar and/or animal products find themselves reducing the amount of salt and seasoning used in cooking. Fruits will end up tasting sweeter than they ever have before.

And if you need another reason to cut sugar, know that it also feeds cancer cells and makes painkillers and morphine less effective. So if you’re undergoing any sort of medical treatment, sugar should be taken of the menu.

So where should you start? Here are 3 tips to help you cut sugar and kick those cravings for good.

Tip #1 : Ditch ALL Sweeteners

Yes, I said all of them. That includes natural sweeteners like stevia, maple syrup, and coconut sugar. And here’s why. If you’re struggling with kicking sugar and getting recurring sugar cravings, you need to remove all of it from your diet. Even natural sweeteners and artificial sweeteners will trigger ongoing cravings.

So while you’re detoxing your system from sugar, a process that usually takes about 30 days, remove natural and artificial sweeteners as well. Once you’ve ditched sugar completely and removed your dependency to it, you can re-incorporate natural sweeteners in moderation.

Adding higher fat foods to your diet will help with the sugar and carb cravings. If you’re used to putting sugar or sweetener in your morning cup of joe, trying adding a higher fat non-dairy milk like cashew or canned coconut milk. They also have a naturally sweet taste. Bonus, the added fat will slow the caffeine absorption you don’t get those caffeine jitters.

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg can also give a subtle sweetness without the need for added sugars. So spice it up!

Tip # 2 : Cut back on processed foods and carbs

Processed foods usually have loads of hidden sugar and sweeteners, even in savory items that really shouldn’t have any sweeteners in them to begin with. So always read the labels.

Added sugar makes the foods highly addictive so consumers keep coming back. It also boosts the flavors artificially, another cheap and key selling point for food manufacturers.

Processed grains and white flours also need to go. Your body converts them into sugar almost immediately, which will continue to stoke sugar and carb cravings. Especially as you body begin to detox, sugar and carb cravings will intensify as your body looks for sources of easy energy. Grab some fruit instead, the fiber will slow the absorption rate of the natural fructose.

Tip #3 : Load up of root vegetables

Especially sweet root vegetables that have natural sugars like onions, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, parsnips, carrots, and turnips. Aside for being highly grounding, these sweet vegetables will also help reduce sweet cravings and load you up with nutrients and fiber.

So try adding some roasted vegetables or root vegetable soups to your diets, especially if you are struggling with sweet cravings.

So there you have it, 3 tips to help you cut sugar for good and get you through those nasty withdrawals and cravings.

Now to help you with meal prepping and snacks I’ve put together a free PDF with some of my favorite recipes that are either sugar-free or made with natural sweeteners to support you after you’ve kicked the white stuff.

Let me know in the comments below, what’s your favorite sugar-free recipe? Or, what is the sugary treat that you have the hardest time giving up?

If you enjoyed this video be sure to give it a like, share it with your friends, and be sure to hit subscribe. Thank you so much for spending some time with me today and I’ll catch you in the next post.

Sending you love,
Stay strong warriors.

D.