Sugar Addiction – Yes, It’s Real
The theories surrounding the issue of sugar addiction are still being debated by scientists, but there is a growing pile of evidence convincing nutritionists and doctors that sugar addiction is real. The most famous researcher in this field is probably Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D.
Simply by reading the titles of her books, you can see that over-consumption of sugar can affect both your weight and your state of mind. It was this last symptom of sugar addiction – it’s connection to chronic depression – that first alerted me to the dangers of sugar and other highly-refined carbohydrates.
I think the first book I ever read on the subject was called Sugar Blues, by William Dufty. Research continues to be done, and sugar has now been found to contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, and some auto-immune diseases. How can something as innocent-looking as sugar, something we’ve eaten since we were toddlers, do so much damage to the human body? And how can a common food substance become addictive?
Edit 3/29/2011 - I just watched an 89 minute video that explains some vitally important things about sugar and the American diet. I think this video is so important that I’m fitting it into the middle of this post – even though I know you may watch the video and never read the rest of my article.
But that’s OK, because what Dr. Lustig has to say if far more important – if you feel you’re addicted to sugar, if you have kids, if you’re worried about being overweight or getting diabetes, or if anyone in the family has heart disease, you need to watch this video. I admit that it isn’t a short YouTube entertainment flick, but it’s worth every minute of your attention, I promise. He explains, among other things:
- Why sugar is the primary cause of obesity in both children and adults, and where we get most of the sugar in our diets.
- The connection between sugar and high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, insulin resistance, and more.
- Why some calories make us fat, while other calories don’t – which also means that everything we’ve been told about dieting and losing weight is wrong.
The video is by Robert H. Lustig, MD, Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology and Director of the Weight Assessment for Teen and Child Health (WATCH) Program at UCSF.
Sugar: The Bitter Truth
And now, to the rest of my article. Be sure to chime in with your comments down below, and join the conversation.
A Short History of Sugar
Sugar has been around for a very long time, but it remained a luxury of the very rich for most of human history. Extracting the simple sugars from beets or other plants was a painstaking task, so only the nobility could afford it.
Then, several events happened at around the same time – the Industrialization of Europe began, which required lots of cheap labor; explorers discovered islands in the Caribbean that were ideally suited for growing sugar cane, a form of tropical grass; and the slave trade made the growing of sugar cane cheap.
In addition, machinery was invented that could take the syrup and refine it into the white powder we now all know as cane sugar. This new substance packed a powerful punch of calories in a very small package, and it was soon discovered that men, women and children working in factories could be kept working at their machines if they were occasionally given bread and jam and heavily sweetened tea, which they could eat right at their work stations.
The beginning of sugar addiction, and its accompanying health problems, began with the need for cheap labor in European factories. Almost as soon as sugar became a cheap commodity in the eighteenth century, doctors started to notice its ill effects on the human body. Current research is simply reinforcing the opinions of doctors who warned against sugar 200 years ago.
Why Sugar is Addictive
Sugar is a highly refined substance that does not appear alone in nature. It looks a lot like cocaine, and sugar acts a lot like heroin when it hits the brain. Although the idea that sugar was addictive was controversial among scientists for years, they began to take note when the paper titled Sugar and Fat Bingeing Have Notable Differences in Addictive-Like Behavior was published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2009.
The study showed that sugar affects the brain chemistry and thus might be expected to cause addictive behavior. In the study, written by Nicole Avena and others, it was shown that sugar bingeing can cause withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
The behavioral effects are similar to the neurochemical changes in the brain that also occur with addictive drugs. One finding of that study is seldom discussed — both sugar and the taste of sweet activate beta endorphin receptor sites in the brain, the same receptor sites that are activated by heroin and morphine.
The implications of this finding are that sugar substitutes, which have become a major industry in the United States and other nations, may not be the answer for people who want to lick their sugar addiction. Children who are given sweet candies and drinks made with sugar substitutes may still become sugar addicts when they grow up, and will find it just as difficult as the rest of us when it comes to giving up the sugar and other refined carbohydrates in their diet.
The bottom line – sugar is addictive, and it’s dangerous to one’s health. Because of its addictive qualities, it is very difficult to give up sugar, but the benefits in improved physical and emotional health make it worth the work.
{ 451 comments… read them below or add one }
Fantastic and well thought out article. I believe that refined sugar is addictive because I’m a recovering addict of sugar myself. Thank you for the history and background information.
Carey, how did you kick the sugar habit.
Yeah how did u kick the habit? I’m a addict trying to stop and need help
I used a simple meditation technique to improve my awareness of the choices I made. I know other people have used the same basic idea, and it does seem to help. When sugar is an immediate threat to one’s health, as it is for diabetics, it’s best to get some advice from a doctor. I’ve heard that a clinical hypnotherapist can do wonders.
I attended an OA meeting Sat, full of recovering sugar ad dicts!
Yes, I want to know also…how do you kick the habit…. have you had any luck
I have been eating a lot of chocolate and have tried many times to quit it. My most successful attempt was when I wanted a new cameralens to my Nikon. I had to sell the idea to my wife and did it by saying that I could buy the lens and afterwards save my chocolate money. Needless to say, she didn´t buy it. Instead she had the nerve to suggest to me that if I first saved my chocolate money, I could get me the lens. Well, I got a challenge and I took it. The sugarcraving was gone, just like that. Next day I had no need for chocolate, I was counting money, and after about three months I could buy me the lens. Unfortunately when the goal was achieved I didn´t manage to stay away from the goodies.
I was having the same problem but then I found the Grapefruit diet. All it is is a 12 day body cleanse from carbs and sugar. I have found it wonderful, I used to think the only way I could lose weight was from eating fat free and sugar free foods. I found out I was not giving my body enough healthy fats. The grapefruit diet has helped me cut the craving for Sugars by having me eat a piece of citrus fruit with every meal, so now I am eating the healthy sugar rather than the refined sugars. I have to have me grapefruit, orange or pineapple with every meal now, or I feel like I need sugar.
Kathleen DeMaison’s website http://www.radiantrecovery.com has a wonderful step by step solution to sugar addiction. Her research and online community has personally helped me a lot in finding recovery and hope that sugar addiction can be recovered from. Hope you find some help there too : )
What a great resource, Bianca. Thanks for telling us about it.
Hi Carey, can you share how you kicked your sugar craving? Mine is chocolate, although any sugar will do.
Thank you
Carey, you said that you were a recovering addict. Can you give me some helpful hints that got you through the time you were trying to cut out sugar. Thanks
I am in the middle of a detox diet and sugar is the main element I am reducing plus looking at reducing high GI foods with low GI foods.
I am having somewhat of an education in how food really is fuel, something I have always known but as weird as this may sound my sugar intake which had really got way out of control I think was blurring my thinking processes.
I am half way through my detox and already can feel the difference with less sugar and low GI foods as the replacement.
I am wondering how things are going with you….i woke up today wondering if I will have the courage to break up with my sugar baby….actually, perhaps , it is not appropriate as it is Valentine’s Day….My husband bought me a very large box toffee….what to do? I am afraid to stop as it usually causes me to have a 3 day banger of a headache…HELP
tell him you appreciate the thought, but would really like it if he supported you in your new healthy outlook on life. share a bite with him, then toss it and go on a romantic evening walk.
that’s a really good idea, vic
What kind of detox are you doing? I am very curious of how to do one myself.
KarenSue, what are you using to detox?
Yes, I cut sugar out a week ago, I can feel the difference. But it is challenging when there’s sugar in almost every thing. Now I am going thru the caving stage. I see &feel i was an sugar addict,
I have been off sugar for 4 days now, and still feel really tired. What are some of the negative symptoms I might feel before I get to the good feeling?? And how long will it take!!??
Ali, are you eating super-nutritious food to help your body get back to health? That can help reduce the symptoms. I also suggest that everyone check with their doctor if they think the withdrawal symptoms are too severe or last too long.
I am glad that people start talking about this problem – sugar addiction. I am a sugar addict. Three years ago I managed to escape this addiction for a while, but then I just went on low-calorie, high-protein diet plan and I had to let the sugar go. It was hard, but after I lost all weight I wanted, I was back to sugar. What I have noticed about myself – I can not eat refined carbs in moderation. I can eat a little bit, but then I will need more in a little bit and it is a vicious cycle. So I am back now to combat this addiction. So far: two days in. I already feel the difference. Yes, withdrawal, tiredness, but I know from the experience that one has to stand one week and these symptoms will go away. I do eat carbs in a shape of rye-bread toast with my unsweetened coffee in the morning. I do not eat bread after that until the next morning. Lunch: steamed fish, poultry, beef, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, dill, broccoli. Dinner: the same or steamed vegetables, or cooked in olive oil. Out of all drinks available: water. Coffee (only natural from beans) only in the morning. No alcohol. No salt. Yes, I do feel tired and sometimes cold in the evenings now, but at the same time I already notice that my mood is more stable and I have a very positive outlook. This worth the battle!
Sarah, I’m glad you mentioned how easy it is to fall back into eating sugar, even after giving it up for several years. This is something that all addicts have to watch out for – and it pretty much proves that sugar is truly addictive.
Good luck – you have an excellent plan, and we all wish you the best.
Sarah, can you give me the amounts of the food you spoke about in your eating plan to overcome sugar addiction?
I am definitely a sugar addict! I’m am sitting here in my cubicle having eaten at McDonald’s. Now eating dessert, not one but two hot apple pies. It’s cheaper that way! I am not sure where to begin. I have been a WW member off and on for years and the thing I always notice is I feel better after when I’m eating healthy. It happens very quick for me, usually 24 to 48 and I can think straight again. My biggest problem is sticking with it for more than a couple of weeks. I love the idea of some sort of meditation that was mentioned earlier. Where can I find info for that? Any other encouragement/tips would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Carla. I wrote an excerpt from my book on this post, outlining the basic ideas about the meditation technique I use. And you can read my entire story in my book, which is available on amazon.com.
Good luck!
Johnny, thank you very much for the encouragement! It is the end of my forth day and I already feel great. Though the fact that I slowed down on sugar seriously the week before, I think, helped. Also, what I find helps: elimination of inner debate. I set my mind pretty firm – “No Sugar” and I do not debate with that. Yes, the stores are full of sugar in all shapes and forms and all I can eat is the steamed fish/meat and fresh vegetables. This is my reality and it is my own choice and not a punishment. I am not going to be seduced by the choices of others anymore.
Immediate benefits: clear head, no unpredictable moods, immediately a nice body started emerging, MUCH better flexibility at my Bikram yoga class (it feels as if I spent a month of intensive stretching workouts, when the only thing I did – I removed sugar from my diet), for women – I did not notice my PMS this time, though I used to be bloated, gain 5-10 pounds of water weight, my skin would break-out, my moods were all over the place and I would lose my flexibility completely so the yoga class would become a sheer torture. Now I DID NOT NOTICE PMS. It is fantastic for me! I sleep much better. On sugar I used to wake up 2-5 times at night to go to the fridge and get something to eat (I needed carbs). I used to think that I have some weird disorder and was very sensitive about it. Now I decided to hang on and not to eat at nights. I was able to do it, because for the first time I considered that it was not a disorder but another side of a sugar addiction. The first night was difficult, then it was easier and easier. I wake up an hour earlier and I wake up energized! I am glowing through the day.
It is scary to think how we medicate ourselves into sickness and misery with this sugar!
I wish everyone the best on this journey.
Dear Sarah,
I just read your comments about getting off sugar. I really like the part about ending the inner debate and just saying NO SUGAR. I used to be able to do just that with myself. I was sugarfree for many years but with great life/job stress and needing antidepressants (they cause overwhelming cravings), I have become addicted to sugar again. My weight is a problem and I can think of nothing else it seems. I would very much like to share a dialogue with you and perhaps glean some coaching or encouragement from you. If you are interested, my email is sebennis@yahoo.com. Thank you sincerely. I look forward to hearing from you. Susan
Hi all,
my name is Rebecka and I am a sugar addict….Help!
I have such a hard time. I do well for a while but, the minute I get a taste of sugar then I go on a binge. I can’t stop. it is making me miserable. I copied the diet Sarah is on it sounds good. I need to lose weight. thanks! pray for me everyone….
signed,
Hopeful.
Hi,
I am exactly the same way as Angel. I thought there was something wrong with me but now I know I AM A SUGAR ADDICT. I thought sugar must be addicting. I am a recovering alcoholic and I have the same cravings with sugar as I had with alcohol. I couldn’t stop at only one.
I hope to recover this addiction and respond with everyone.
Thanks.
Dear Angel cake, I can relate to where you are coming from. I feel the same way and sugar and carbs have their hold of me also. I look in the mirror and do not like what I see. My will power is “0″. Let me know if you find the thing that works for you.
Thousands of people have kicked their sugar addiction in Overeaters Anonymous. It’s free, and a wonderful organization. I lost 15 pounds in two months just by recognizing and treating the sugar addiction. Highly recommended!
suzie,
i joined OA HOW friday and my husband came with me. I have abstand from sugar for 3 days!!! it is amazing how much better i am starting to feel!
anyone out there suffering? OA HOW!!! it is really the answer
)
Wonderful article. I’m currently on day 4 of no sugars. I did 40 days prior to that, but caved on Thanksgiving and boy did I feel horrible. I know I’m addicted, I can feel the bloating, sleepiness, restlessness, unable to sleep because my stomach is full of “nothing”. When I start to eat salty foods, I can’t stop. It’s terrible.
I just want to be cured of this. I feel so good when I’m off sugar, but I don’t know why I fall short and cave. Just like drugs I guess.
hi all,
I have been off of sugar for 14days!!! I am so excited to have control of my eating for the first time in a long while. I feel good, sleep better, and have more energy. I have decided that sugar is stupid! and I am going to try to never eat it again. I know that sounds like a tall order but, with God all things are possible.!
Merry Christmas everyone and happy New year
signed
victorious!
Congratulations!
Yes, Angel cake all things are possible with God he is the only one that can see us through any addictions we may be stuggling with. I myself struggle with the sugar cravings. My Doctor told me to give up the sugar and caffiene habbit I do feel better, but it is a struggle the worst part is that it is in so many things even in the “Health Food Stores” items. All I can say is “keep going don’t turn back”, your body and mind will appreciate it. It will save you lots of money in Doctor and Dentist bills.
My name is Nikki and Ive been off sugar and carbs for 3 days. I still have cravings and have a hard time getting through till the end of the day. I ‘ve heard that after a period of time I will stop these cravings and start to feel wonderful… How long does this take ? Anyone know? . In 2 weeks I will start to add good carbs back into my diet such as brown rice wheat bread whole grains etc.. I like to read all of your comments. I have been on a sugar binge for months and have gained 20 lbs! FAST! HELP
Hi Nikki. I think one of the best ways to overcome the cravings is to pack in as much nutrition as you can. Lots of veggies, grass-fed beef if you can find it, etc. It will also help you feel better.
hi,
again it is day 19! and I am still abstent from sugar!! I will be weighing for the first time at the end of the month. I know that I have lost weight I can see it in my clothes. I am very happy.
later
feeling fabulous!
I gave up refined sugar almost completely for about 6 weeks and feel MUCH better in every way, although it was extremely hard for the first 2 or 3 weeks.. The best motivation is not wanting to go back to feeling awful (I have Lyme disease), so that is enough to keep me on this healthy (lots of vegetables, no coffee / alcohol, no refined sugar) diet! What I would like to ask is, is it OK to eat raisins..? I mean, I know fruit in moderation is fine as it is natural sugar, and obviously raisins are very high in sugar but at least are natural, but I have been eating slightly too many of them in the last week or so, and wonder if I should try to stop that as well, which would be hard.. Any advice would be appreciated!!
Congratulations, Clara. It sounds like you’re doing great with your new, healthier diet.
About those raisins – if you really believe that it would be hard to give them up, that isn’t a good sign. I would try very hard to replace them with a fruit or veggie with less concentrated sugars – something you enjoy, but which won’t give you that mini-sugar rush. Then enjoy your raisins in moderation after you’ve had time to really get your body back in balance.
Honestly, how do you get the mindset to stop the sugar addiction? The thing is I feel like I can stop one moment then the next I’m eating icecream. I really would like to get sugar out of my diet permanently. Can you give me some good advice to how you got yourself to stop because this is effecting me in the following ways; I can’t sleep, I’m not having very many bowel movements, I’m angry, I feel sick majority of the time I’m awake, It’s just making my life a living hell. So I would appreciate some advice from people who’ve overcome this sucessfully.
Hi Brittany. I found that the meditation technique on this post helped me a lot. There were other things I had to learn to control, as well, which I mention in my book. Addictions are not easy to break, but it can be done. Good luck!
Jonni, I stumbled across your book just before Thanksgiving. Thank God! Thank YOU for writing it! What a gem. It’s small but packed with wonderful advice. So far, everything and everyone you’ve recommended has proven for me to be right on the money. I am having a blast with your reading list and feel so much better now that I’m on Dr. Fuhrman’s diet. Your book is on MY Top 10 of all time!
Gosh, thanks, Susannah. I’m so happy you think my book is useful to you. What a treat to hear from you!
Brittany,
I join OA HOW.(overeaters anynimous) they help you deal with why you overeat.
you have a sponsor that you call everyday and let them know what you are eating. it helps me to have accoutablility. I have made a good friend there to. she and I help each other. I know the first few days are hard but, the long term effects are worth it!. I don’t have cravings anymore. I am not saying that I don’t think of the bad stuff but, I feel like I have control and can say NO! to my cravings. I love the benefits to. I feel great, I am not tired all the time and my legs aren’t swollen anymore, my clothes fit better and I feel free!
signed
hope at the end of the tunnel
Hi all! I’ve stumbled across this website after recently realizing that I am a full blown sugar addict. So depressing. I don’t have the energy at the moment to go into specific details of my addiction, and I have not stopped eating sugars (yet), but I am so happy to have found a place where I can come for motivation and support.
Thanks to everyone who has shared their stories I know I am not alone in this – and I know I am not the only one who will struggle to overcome it. I WILL be back…
I just discovered this site after admitting to myself and a friend – out loud, today, for the first time – that I am a sugar addict. I really hesitated to admit this because, just like any addict, I HATE the idea of a life without my drug of choice. Sugar is definitely my way of numbing/stuffing uncomfortable feelings. But I am so tired of feeling slightly sick and “hung over” on the mornings after my sugar binges, which lately is most of the time. Today is my first day without sugar. I’m sure the cravings will hit, and some might say that the Christmas holiday is no time to start this, but I honestly feel like now is the time. Tonight, instead of binging while waiting for my husband to arrive home, I am going to spend my time in prayer and with my long-neglected journal, spewing my emotions instead of sedating them. I’ll keep you posted on how I’m doing, and I hope all of you will continue to do the same. It really helps to share the struggle. God bless, and Merry Christmas.
Good for you Rose,
Now is the time! Stick with it… I’m going sugar free too.
Hi all,
today is 30 days without sugar and white flour. I feel good and I have lost the cravings for the bad stuff. I went to my daughter’s house for Christmas and the bad stuff was everywhere and I am proud to say I didn’t touch it! it was such an adrenaline rush to be strong and abstain from it! I am weighing for the first time tomorrow. wish me luck! let you know the results later.
signed hoping for big results.
Hi all,
I weighed today after 30 days without sugar and white flour. I am proud to say I lost 22lbs.! I feel great and am looking forward to a new future.
see you all soon,
signed,
new life around the corner.
Wow!! What an inspiration! Here’s to a Sugar-Free future! I’m on day 2. Your post certainly gives me hope!!
what diet did you follow
I truly am amazed that there are so many people like me! I really thought I was the only one with a sugar addiction. I was supposed to start my sugar free diet today, but I just whipped up cookies. Yes, I have been eating them while reading these posts. I hate this! Usually once I get past the 4th day with no sugar, my cravings are almost gone. It’s getting there that’s so difficult though. Congrats to Angel Cake! You are an inspiration! Congrats to all who have kicked the habit. To those who have not, lets fight together!
I’ve just started reading a book The Four Hour Body and he has some interesting information. I’ve started on his diet and am feeling much better but I have to admit, I have incredible sugar, bread and chocolate cravings. I’ve fallen prey to this addiction since starting the diet. From his book I’ve learned this is the major cause of the gout I suffer from and I’m willing to take the chance that this will help me. I’m struggling but since losing about 5 lbs in about two weeks, I see the light. I had a dream this morning that I was slim and that I was in command of my life. This I take as a sign that it is possible to get through this and I’ll see it through in stages. All I know is that anytime I fall for sugar I immediately crave it again. Tonight I swear off sugar. I owe this to myself and my future.
Good luck with your battle!
Hi CG. I had never heard of that book before, so I checked it out at amazon.com. What a title: The 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss, Incredible Sex, and Becoming Superhuman
Whew! That’s a lot of promises. Can you tell us what makes this book different than others? (I also just now did a really fast Google search for “gout,” to see what the medicos say is the cause. It looks like they don’t really know, although rapid weight loss can cause it. I had no idea. )
Good luck with your new healthy diet. It sounds like you’re on the right track, and we wish you all the best.
to Jenniferzwize and cg,
you can do it! do it for your future. do it for your family and children. I personally want to be there for my little grandson. he loves for me to play with him. it is so much easier for me to keep up with him when I am thinner. So hang in there. the first few days are hard because your body is detoxing. but, around the 4th to 5th day you start to feel like a million bucks! so much more energy! it is worth the pain to gain your life back. I am praying for you all!
signed life in the thin lane :0)
I am a sugar addict.. after reading some of these posts I am going to kick the sugar! I have suffered from depression on and off for the past 10 years, and sugar/carbs were always my comfort. I’ve been on anti depressants for about a year, and I want to get off them, and I think the best way is to get my diet under control and cut sugar out of my life! I never realized how many ppl were sugar addicts and I’ve been inspired to tough out the withdrawal symptoms of no sugar and get better! Thanks everyone!
dear LG
you can do it! it is such a free feeling. to have control of you own mind and body. you will feel great and your weight will be under control. really it isn’t about weight it is about getting healthy and feeling good. a lot of us who crave sugar are probably allergic to it. you may be also. I am proud of you that you made the decision to take back your life!
signed,
life is great when it is sugar free!
I’ve just found this website for the first time as I was googling “addiction to sugar”. I’ve always known I was addicted to sugar, but felt it was more emotional than physical. However, after decades of binging, endless diets, and now realizing that my many physical problems could very well be associated with inflammation caused by too much sugar, I’m finally willing to admit that things have to change. But I AM SCARED. I have always aimed for “moderation in all things”, but haven’t been able to accomplish this with sugar. I’m willing to admit that I need to give up refined sugar and white flour foods. But I’d really like to know what the rest of you think of other sugars, such as AGAVE syrup, etc. Is it possible to enjoy a treat made with something like that once in awhile? Or does it need to be ALL sugars, cold turkey? I’d really appreciate as much feedback as possible. I personally don’t know anyone who has given up sugar successfully. I need some hope. Thanks.
I would suggest going “cold turkey” for now. The natural sugars have more nutrition, but they might trigger the same old cravings. I’ve read that artificial sweeteners can cause the same kinds of physical problems that real sugar does, and can even be more dangerous than real sugar. So, I would suggest just forget about desserts and breads for a while, and try to concentrate on eating good, natural foods.
ivory girl,
I have been without sugar for 30 days. it was hard at first but, when I stepped on the scale after that 30 days it was well worth it. I lost 22lbs! my swelling in my legs went down and my joints don’t hurt as bad. it also makes you feel good and gives you more energy. I agree with Jonnie that you need to give up all sugars but, I do use Splenda it doesn’t both me. I need it in my coffee.
good luck
signed life is good
Thanks for your responses. I’ve decided to go off of all sugar for two weeks, and see how I feel. Then I may try making something with agave and see if it makes a difference or not. I am nervous, but today was day one and I’m alive.
Thanks for your support!
Another wake-up call for me…intervention by my oldest daughter, who was the target of one of my mood swings from all the sugar-laden holiday foods of late (as well as years of seeing me react unreasonably to her, her brother and sister as they grew up throught the years).
I’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia/chronic myofacial pain. The two books I’ve been reading address this same thing. I just didn’t want to admit I was a sugar addict, b/c I thought I can have it in moderation. I did give up sodas years, ago though, but share many of the weaknesses of “falling off the wagon” as many of you.
Inspiring posts — I’m on board! Hi — I’m Kat — I’m a sugar addict. I look forward to sharing my success with my fellow recovering addicts! God’s Blessings to all!
Hi,
just a note to let you all know that I am praying for you guys! we can do it. we have each other for support. this website is great. hope to hear from you soon!
signed,
a brighter future
Welcome, Kat. I’m only on Day 2, so not much of an inspiration, but I definitely relate. I guess we’re all in this together. I’m just taking in one day at a time. Glad to have you aboard!
Hi, I’ve been a sugar addict now for as long as i can remember. I am 27 years old and sugar runs my life! Emotions have always been the trigger, but because I’ve been doing it now for so long the physical cravings overtake me and it’s a vicious cycle. I want to change this and am slowly building my strength by dealing with my emotions but think it might be the biggest challenge I’ve had to face. This is a big call after having two kids in the last 2 years but this condition is just such a big one and also not often recognised as being important. I have the yeast condition Candida also and know I have to overcome my sugar cravings to beat this. It’s great to hear other peoples storys and know your not the only person out battling this condition.
Hi–I just read your post and hopefully you still get on this site? I can totally relate to what you are saying. I am 36 and have been a sugar addict probably my whole life or at least since age 10. I also have yeast problems that started while trying to nurse my 3rd child and then I stuggled with my 4th child. Last year I started breaking out in red, itchy patches on my face and my scalp and ears itch. My husband lovingly says I look like a meth addict! He can tell when I’m on a sugar binge. So anyway, not sure if you will read this but wondering how you were doing and sure could use the support. Thanks
Being New Years Evem I have been trying to look at a different picture of myself, and the rutt that I seem to be in. I started thinking about the 3 years that I lived without sugar and the effects that it had on my mind, body and enthusiasm for life. I was so much happier. In reading some of the comments, I now realize that it doesn’t work for me to have moderation with sugar. I seem to be “all or nothing” with this drug! I have to leave it and have resolved to do that right now. I have confidence that I can do it because I have in the past and yet I am a little concerned because I have been eating it off and on for 20 years now and am wondering how hard it will be to lick the habit.
Any advice that some of the bloggers have would be most helpful. Happy New Years to you all! I am impressed that so many feel the desire to get the white-stuff out of your life.. I think it is the ticket to longivity and a balanced life. Heres to Sugar-Free Living!!!
welcome Kristen,
you can do this. everyday gets better and you feel like conquering the world. I feel so much better I have more stamina and energy is off the charts! everyday that you abstene from sugar and white flour will be a small victory for you and your children. the reason I say this is because they will benefit from it. they will have the best of you. aren’t they worth it? I know you want them to have the best and it is you! so go for it give yourself a chance to really live!
signed,
life is worth living sugar free
Thanks for all of your encouragement. I am now starting Day 4 of eating sugar free-white flour free. It was terrifying to start. It’s getting less-so with each day. Last night was New Year’s Eve and I was afraid it would be very hard, but we went to the movies and I packed for myself an individual packet of dried fruit and nuts in case I got hungry. I didn’t end up needing it, but it was nice to have something around that I could rely on if I needed it. I haven’t been on this long enough yet to feel comfortable that I can find “something” wherever I am.
I am also discovering that one of the keys to eating sugar free is to make it yourself whenever possible. Fresh is best.
I would be lying if I said that I’m not afraid I’ll fail at this. But I am focusing on only one day at a time. Here’s to day 4 and the beginning of a truly New Year.
Ivory girl
congradulations Ivory girl! I knew you could do it. you will be glad that you switch to a health life style.
signed,
victory from sugar!
Hi Jonni:
I just learned of your book on FB and purchased it today through Amazon..one question: do you still continue using caffeine?..and if not, how did you quit?
Thanks,
Callie
Hi Callie. I did give up caffeine, but for some reason it didn’t stick. I now drink coffee in moderation, but I did “fall off the wagon.” However, I religiously avoid any caffeinated soft drinks, partly because of the corn sweeteners, but mostly because they have such a huge caffeine punch.
I hope you enjoy the book.
I found your site while looking into some strange symptoms I was experiencing after a day without sugar.
I am dairy, gluten, and caffeine free and just entered a weight loss competition with a girlfriend of mine. At a loss for what else I could do to lose weight I thought, “hey, I’ll go off sugar. I don’t eat that much (little did I realize) but we’ll give it a try.”
Then I became really tire, THIRSTY, and had a headache for 3 days.
I started searching for some answers for my symptoms and found this site. I did not realize how I was addicted even with the little I do consume.
Just wanted to say thanks for making this site.
Here’s to feeling better!
Belinda 35
How I cured my sugar addiction was to listen to a WANG LOADS of AMM records. I would play several at once. At one point I happened to be listening to their record, “The Crypt”, in tandem with this crazy-assed bootleg of an LSD-addled Cecil Taylor performing live in some remote area of Morocco that my great grandmother bequeathed to be on her deathbed. I landed myself in the psych ward for a couple of weeks as a result, but have never so much as LOOKED at a SINGLE GRANULE of sugar since. Good luck, folks!
Cheers,
Jesse
Edit: WANG LOAD*
Now five days off white sugar and using brown sugar in my coffee and tea. O and my family already do not use white flour and we cook what we eat. We use specifically, brown restraunt Sam’s Club sugar, not the store bought stuff with the funky taste at the supermarket. I am finally feeling better. My family has been a real help because they dumped white sugar and flour 7 years ago. Went through the wall slamming headache with alieve and had odd palpitations for a day or so. But took MSM for the first time yesterday and that might be it. The palpitations are going away with a hit of melitonine. Just wondered if the strange continuous palpitations for a day were a normal thing with the withdrawl of sugar? No heart desease in family line. Anyone been through that part?
Sorry, girlfriend, brown sugar is just white sugar with molasses in it…
I gave up sugar a week ago and the cravings are really bad just now. How long before the cravings stop (or at least reduce)?
To be honest, I’m not sure the cravings ever go away entirely. You can reduce the impact of the cravings by eating super-nutritious food. For some reason, that reduces the body’s need for the sugar high. Keep working at it, though – kicking an addiction isn’t ever easy. If it was, it wouldn’t be an addiction.
Jonni, I believe you are correct. 84 days without sugar and I am still crawling the walls for sugar. I’m eating a ton of fruits and vegetables, but the sugar cravings are with me every waking moment.
Eliminating sweets has put me back in clothes that had become a little snug. My skin now heals incredibly fast. My teeth stay cleaner.
I set short term goals. “Just til the end of the month.” then “Just through lent.” If I told myself “no sugar forever” I’d never keep that goal. Oddly, I get no support from friends or family. My freezer is full of Valentine’s Day chocolates…
Not easy at all!
This is the end of week 3 with no sugar for me and I feel fantastic. I eat fruit and lots of veggies but I simply do NOT have that foggy, moody, PMS feeling all the time. I don’t want to forget how good I feel now and cave later. I cannot believe how thirsty I was the first few days off sugar. It was really strange. I had no idea it was making me so sick.
I am so glad to have found this web site I’m going sugar free starting tomorrow. I have the pms like symptoms a lot too! Hope your still doing well!!
Hello everyone,
I have come to the realization that I am a sugar addict. I have been sober for 12 years and have switched my drug of choice from alcohol to sugar. I was a binge drinker , now i am a binge sugar eater. So, it is time to give up sugar! Any suggestions? I saw several references to OA, which I will try. But, how do you eliminate sugar? The obvious foods to eliminate are easy, the binge foods, ice cream, cookies, etc. Any other suggestions?
For me, I have to not even eat fruit for a while….like 3-4 weeks….just meat, veggies, brown rice, ezekial bread, brown rice pasta etc….no potatoes or corn either, they’re just sugar once inside!
Hi.
My partner suffers from a serious sugar condition. I was wondering what would be the best method to help him cope and get him to quit it all together. I was also wondering what I could do to help. He has serious bad cravings, and was wondering what would be the best methods to get him through this.
Thanks,
Sophie.
Hi Sophie. It isn’t easy to get someone else to change – I’m not sure I’ve ever seen that work in real life. I just checked amazon.com and found several books that claim to help you change someone you love, but I’m not sure how effective their methods are. It might be easier to forget about changing him, and simply make great efforts to improve your own health and energy levels with a healthy diet. If he sees you feeling better, he might get curious about how you’re doing it, and might be inclined to give it a try. But there’s no guarantee – we all have to make our own decisions and follow our own path.
Hi,
Wow, so glad to have found this site!! I was thinking about joining FAA (food addicts anonymous) because I believe I have a sugar/white flour addiction. Are there any other 12 steppers out there?
I believe it….I know it. I wake up tasting sugar even before I eat and think about Chocolate ALL the time! Working on it though.
Hi im also addicted to sugar. I have put on about a stone in the last year by eating chocolate constantly. It starts as soon as I get out of bed in the morning. I dont have breakfast but buy a chocolate bar on way to work. Its now two or three bars on the way to work to much through the morning and by lunchtime Im craving more. Its out of control, my head aches constantly, Im dizzy, thirsty and constantly tired and withdrawn. I cant sleep properly at night and seem to float about in a daze most of the day feeling really ill. I know its sugar thats doing this to me as when I manage to have a break from it I feel so much better with energy then the vicious cycle starts again. I have really dark lines under my eyes and they too get a lot better after a few days of not eating sugar. I feel totally helpless to change. I have decided to once again try tomorrow to go without sugar but dont know if I will be able to accomplish this. Help.
Hi Andrea. I was just mentioning to another reader that switching to whole-food carbohydrates might help your blood sugar levels to even out. The swings from too much sugar to to little sugar, which always happens when we go on any sugar binge, may be causing most of your current symptoms. You might find yourself feeling a lot better if you pay attention to the way you feel, and as soon as you get any of the symptoms you mention, eat a piece of whole wheat bread, a small potato with butter, some oatmeal – anything with carbohydrates that the body will slowly absorb. (Potatoes are absorbed quickly when eaten without butter, so don’t eat them plain).
Since all these foods are good for you, it sure wouldn’t hurt anything to give it a try. Good luck..
I have been snowed in at home for 3 days in OK. I have found myself eating nothing but cards and sugar. I’m not even hungry and I find mitslef in the pantry. I am a stress eater and my “destresser” is sugar ands carbs. Problem is, it doesn’t really destress me. I am 39 and am 5’5”’ and weigh 140. I was a skinny, skinny person my whole life, eating whatever I wanted. A few years a go I gained 20 punds when I went back to work and sat at a desk all day. I lose 10 pounds then put it back on. I cannot NOT eat suagr and carbs. I sneka them all the time, feel guilty about eating it and then hate myself for having no control. I know I am addicted but the thought of trying to not eat them while working full time, caring for my family and cooking meals, I am completely overwelmed. My family likes carbs and sugar but i have no self control. I think about Mt Dew and Heath bars etc constantly. Any tips out there?
For some really good info on foods that will help reduce or eliminate the cravings, check out the Weston A Price foundation. I’m convinced that we crave food because our body needs a nutrient that it “thinks” should be in something sweet. We eat the food, the nutrient isn’t in there so the body is still starving, and it craves more food. The trick, I believe, is to pay attention to what the body is saying, and stop beating ourselves up about it. Try one healthy food after another until you find the one your body really wants.
Thanks Jonnie for the tips. I have to agree, my body is defeinately trying to tell me something. I just have to figure out what is is! I will check out the website you suggested. Just thinking about trying to figue out what to cook for dinner tonight is giving me a headache!! Thanks again for the info.
OMG, I love heath bars…my husband bought me a huge box of heathbar type toffee for Valentine’s day…I had a little binge then knew I had to throw it away…my skinny daughter was dissapointed but she would eat one square for a month and I would eat the entire 2 pound box in a day…marie
I have been a sugar adict for over 20 years. I am now finishing day 3 of no sugar. I am craving a cookie so bad my mouth is salavating and I am tired and grumpy. Getting through the next couple of days is going to be hard but I can make it through. The toughest part is that I work for a bakery manufacturer and am always making cookies, cakes, brownies etc to show customers and for foodshows. I am around it everyday. After almost 10 years in the business I make a good paycheck and since my husband has been out of work for 1 1/2 years so I can’t quit my job. Sometimes durning really long days when I don’t have time to stop for lunch I just grab whatever I bake. I am applying for different jobs but in the meantime I need some suggestions to keep my cravings at bay.
Thanks in advance!
Amelia, I suggest that you eat some high-quality protein, and make sure you have some healthy carbohydrates with you at all times so you can nibble on slow-acting carbs throughout the day. I’m suggesting this because after reading so many comments on this blog, I’m starting to think that many of our withdrawal symptoms are caused by low blood sugar. If we keep our blood sugar levels in a constant roller coaster by eating sugar and white flour products every day, we may have a period of adjustment after the sugar stops. A lot of foods have good carbs – beans, squash, fruit, and oatmeal are all candidates. I think your cravings are telling you that you need something that a human body expects to find in sweet food – but that is no longer present in the factory-produced sweet products that we tend to eat. If you concentrate on finding what it is that your body is so desperate for, instead of kicking yourself for having the cravings, I think you’ll have a much easier time. You might also consult with a nutritionist or naturopathic physician to see if there are any obvious vitamins or minerals that you aren’t getting enough of.
Hey everyone! Wow…I’m 26 and am beginning to realize/accept that I have a problem with sugar. My husband is gone half the month and I have a 17 month old son to care for and so I find myself turning to caffeine and sugar to keep myself going. I am, however, a healthy eater outside of the sugar and workout 4 – 5 times a week. I go on 6 – 12 mile runs twice a week and am in descent shape. The reason I want to give up sugar is because of the way it makes me feel. I feel trapped and out of control when I am eating it. Afterwards I beat myself up for hours and even days. I am a usually happy and “sunny” person but this sugar addiction is beginning to wear on my confidence and it has also caused me to gain 10 pounds since August of last year. I am SICK of it but wonder if I really can accomplish this goal. Any tips would be appreciated!
Beth….
I totally feel with you. I go through EXACTLY what you describe. I work out, run love to eat healthy but also have a secret love affair with sweets. I feel GROSS, grummy and fat when I eat it but I keep going back for more. I stopped having sugar for almost 30 days (lost 8 pounds ) only to get back into it and gain 10.
We need to cut sugar cold turkey!
I had gastric bypass 3 yrs ago & about 8 months ago developed an intense sugar addiction. It is bad because it can actually make me feel really sick. Prior to surgery had just general over eating & really did not eat a ton of sugar but did like some carbs like bread. This is intense need for candy 1000-1200 calories a day sometimes. Anyone heard of this? I am so upset as I lost 130lbs but have gained back 30 lbs. I really need to stop- I’ve been trying to find a treatment plan of some kind but not sure where to go?
I recently read a book in which the author suggested that sugar cravings might sometimes come from a vitamin C deficiency. We normally reach for fruit when we need some vitamin C, and fruit is sweet. I have no idea if this is true or not. You might want to ask your doctor or nutritionist for a blood test to see if you’re deficient in any of the vitamins and minerals – there must be something causing your cravings. If I were you, I’d treat this as a medical issue before considering some sort of addictions treatment – with gastric bypass, the body’s ability to absorb nutrients is reduced (sort of the point, really) and if you aren’t careful with your diet you can get into real trouble. I think you should talk to your doctor and see if you can get a referral to a specialist who understands the nutritional needs of someone who has gone through gastric bypass.
Hi all
I am so grateful to have found this site! I have not perused it all, but was happy to find people talking about sugar addiction and how to get off sugar. I have been sugar/white flour/white rice/potatoes/any sweeteners but fruit for 3 1/2 weeks now.
I was in quite a cycle of bingeing–>crashing–>more sugar to make me feel better–>horrible self-hatred–>bingeing since I’m so horrible anyway–>crashing, etc. And always lots of fast simple carbs for when I needed something “right now”. I also ate very fast, and rewarded myself with food that I probably didn’t even taste! I’m very sure there was quite a blood sugar problem in all this…
I am vegetarian and have to be very mindful of preparing meals ahead of time and always having some nuts around as a quick fix. I am trying to eat more slowly, and avoid processed foods (especially those that contain a lot of ingredients I can’t even comprehend). I am going to the health food store almost exclusively for the produce and bulk rice/beans etc. This costs more, but is better quality. Plus I eat out a lot less, so I guess it evens itself out…
[Why are the foods that are worst for us the cheapest?!!! That makes no sense, but it is true! Very frustrating!]
My cravings have not decreased very much, and that is so frustrating! Also, I’ve been kind of a hermit because it seems everywhere I go is a temptation! I can no longer eat out, which I used to do several times a week, so that is a big hole for me.
I have a question Jonni: Is it better blood sugar wise to eat protein or complex carbs when I feel myself crashing (like from low blood sugar)? Or maybe some of both?
Thanks so much everyone for being there. I hope to be back often to share/read experiences:)
Hi Trish – I agree that it isn’t reasonable for the unhealthy foods to be so cheap – but they’re subsidized by the government. That’s why there’s so much sugar, corn syrup, and other non-healthy products in all processed foods. So we just have to stay away from processed foods.
I’m not an expert on vegetarian diets by any means. I recommend a really good, well-balanced diet – I think the best resource for vegetarians is the books by Joel Fuhrman. He’s getting a bit commercial lately, but his book Eat to Live is one of the best I’ve seen.
For that blood sugar issue, you might want to find some good whole wheat crackers to munch on throughout the day – the slow acting carbs in the crackers should help. Just make sure they aren’t loaded with sugar
As a nurse in the hospital when a patient has a low blood sugar we give BOTH a carb AND a protein…eg a cracker WITH peanut butter and a milk, both complex and simple carbs and protein. The simple carbs help with the immediate need and the protein sustains the blood sugar for 2-3 hours.
Thanks, Lara. Good advice.
Ok, this is my first post. I just got out of bed (3:46 a.m.) (woke up, trouble sleeping) and know sugar has to go. It’s Valentine’s Day and I went out for a Valentine’s dinner last night and ended up with a massive dessert—and I am supposedly on Weight Watchers! Weight Watchers is never going to work for me if I don’t give up sugar. I eat bags of M&M’s in the movies (that’s a month of WW points) (I need to forget WW for now) and really love the M&M’s MORE than the movie. The only reason I am fat is that I eat/overeat/binge on candy. Ain’t nothing going to work for me if I keep it up. I am joining you good people and am going to stop this madness. I can have a heck of a life and a heck of a body and a heck of a good time of it and feel awesomely good if I give up sugar. Some fabulous person here suggested I think that you deal with just the sugar for now (and eating healthy and whole carbs not refined) and I am going to do just that. Weight Watchers is going for now. I am going to get the sugar out, feed my body WELL, and see how it goes after a month. I need you guys to blab to and be inspired by and I am really inspired by so many of your stories. Tomorrow is the Real Valentine’s and tomorrow is the first day of my new life.
Good for you, Patricia! I always think awareness is the first step, and there you are!
I have just started posting here and am also hoping to get strength from the others here:) Hopefully we can all encourage each other!
Hi all, How’s your day going? Mine is sure better than yesterday. THANK YOU.
I am heading off to the movies and am taking my healthy home popped popcorn with me and am having zero candy at the movies tonight. Made a super healthy salmon dinner and even went to the grocery and hauled into the house a good load of good things. I want to make it until Friday with no sugar and then go on from there.
You all have my encouragement and support. I am parking myself on this website so please ask for support and you will get it. x
Wow–I can relate to everything everyone is going through. I have always been a sugar addict. It is a joke in my family. I managed to lose 20 lbs last year by sticking to high protein/low carb diet but I still struggle with bingeing. I always think I can handle a bite and I can’t. I feel like a drug addict. I start looking for more and more and then it takes over–like one person said, they like the candy better than the movie–I’m the same way–or I will be at a social function and can’t really socialize b/c I’m constantly looking for some cookies or cake. One cookie ends up being several and that’s all I care about-my next sugar fix. My face breaks out in weird rashes that itch and peel. My ears itch and bleed which have caused several outer-ear infections. I take probiotics which helps with that. I can go for several days and I feel great and my belly isn’t bloated but then one bite and it’s all out the window. I know most is emotional eating but also a cycle physically too. I am unrealistic and think I can eat in moderation sweets. Never works. How long do you have to give up sugar and then really truly be able to eat in moderation? I am thinking at least a few months. I have only gone 8 days. I am totally amazed I haven’t gained the weight back because I only eat “good” for a few days then binge for a few days. I do workout but not hardcore. But my face starts to break out–my husband can tell and asks if I’ve been eating sugar again:) Does anyone have problems with diet pop? I know the aspartame isn’t good for you but sometimes if I get that instead of candy it keeps me from eating junk. I feel like it’s a guilt-free treat but then again, maybe I’m doing more harm than good. I don’t drink it everyday. But if I drink a regular pop I usually end up bingeing. I’m sure it’s a mental thing. Anyway, so nice to find a site that I can relate too
Hi Angie. I would suggest that you cultivate a liking for plain water, perhaps flavored with a squirt of lemon juice. Research has shown that people who drink diet pop don’t lose weight, and often gain weight instead. And they also have found a correlation between artificial sweeteners and an increase in insulin resistance – one of the causes of adult-onset diabetes. Plus, artificial sweeteners are chemicals – and we really don’t know what the long-term effect of ingesting them might be.
You might want to check your library to see if they have a copy of Dr. Weston A. Price’s book – perhaps the first scientific study of the physical effects of sugar. And for ideas about what you can eat that will reduce or eliminate the cravings, check out Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. You will have fewer cravings when your body is getting the nutrients it really needs.
Thank you–I refrained from buying diet pop today and instead got that La Croix selzter water instead–gives me that carbonated taste without any sugar or artificial sweeteners. Deep down I knew it was wrong to drink diet but just hanging on to yet another bad habit. I will check out those books, thanks!
Hi all
As of today, I am 4 weeks sugar/sweetener/white flour/white rice abstinent. I am still so frustrated with these cravings! Especially chocolate, ice cream, and bagels! I always try to have something to munch on near by, but it’s not what I really want! There’s definately a “mouth feel” component to what I am craving…
I like to think of what I’m doing as a life plan, or something like that. I don’t like the word “diet” personally. I have been trying to think of wording that encompasses what I am doing–I’m not just sugar-free. And I’m not just sugar-addicted. When I have spoken to others about my eating, I refer to it as “my eating is going well” or “I’m still doing well with my eating”. I don’t know if any of that makes sense or is an issue for anyone else…Any suggestions? How do you refer to what you eat/don’t eat? I also would like to possibly frame it more by what I “can” (choose to) eat than by what I “can’t”/don’t eat…
I suffer from severe depression. I am on several medications which all have weight gain as a side effect. I expect that they play a role in what I crave and/or how I process food. And of course the depression itself is fed by self-hatred/shame/seeking comfort in food. I have gained 20lbs in 6 months, but I’m trying in my head to be clear that my primary goal is not weight loss, but a healthier lifestyle. Weight loss–if it occurs–is a fringe benefit:)
Anyway, just my ramblings…
Keep up the good work, everyone:)
Trish, have you asked your doctor to do a complete workup to see if you have any possible endocrine problems, such as low thyroid? That’s just one common condition that causes weight gain, depression, and possible cravings for food, and there are others, as well. If there is some underlying problem that hasn’t yet been diagnosed, just cutting back or eliminating sugar won’t fix it.
We often feel bad about ourselves when we overeat, without considering the possibility that both the overeating and the depression are symptoms of an underlying medical condition – which might be easily cured if we can just find a doctor who will take the time to find out what’s wrong.
Hi Jonni. Yes, I’ve had a complete work-up. Admittedly, it was a medical work-up and not by a naturopath or someone more holistic like that. I thought my fasting blood sugar was high at 105ish, but was told it was in the normal range. My thyroid tests were all normal, etc.
I have a life-long history of depression, and there is definately a connection between that and my food issues. It’s sometimes hard to tell which came first–the chicken or the egg, you know? Whatever the connection, it’s so frustrating:(
Because of all the reading I’ve done lately, people like us seem to do better with the cravings if we eat more FAT. Here is what helps me – Breakfast HAS to be ground beef with cheese melted on it. It even beats eggs for keeping me fuller longer and less cravings. Snacks have to be home made beef jerky. Stay away from ANY breads etc. Sounds like a lot of protein and fat, but it keeps you sane, and actually healthy as well. Cook all meats, veggies in coconut oil or butter. So, in a nutshell, try to eat only meat, eggs, veggies, cheese and the above mentioned fats. Eat them whenever you are hungry. It works.
Good morning you all. I am on Day 3 of my No Sugar Quest. No cravings really so far but then I am coming off the most horrible binge/freakout/total mess up so anything seems better than that. Trish: I hear you, sweetheart. I am so much like you. I did decide that if I am going to give up sugar, then I may as well be on Weight Watchers since sugar is basically the only problem I am having with Weight Watchers in the first place. I also gained about 16 pounds over the last year or year and a half — and it really sucks. Boyfriend is Italian and he changed my diet–lots of cheese, trip to Italy, risotto cooking at home, wine every night etc. Of course he is tall and lanky and I only porked up. He would taste and nibble and I would shove the whole thing in my mouth and ask for more. Oh well. That’s behind me now. (brokeup) Also one other thing–I am gluten insensitive and have inflammation and am also going to divorce myself from gluten–but am thinking I will only work on the sugar for now and leave that for next. So today is day 3 and I am just saying that I will not eat any sugar today. Have a good one everybody.
so far so good. however, I just had the thought that I would like to go and eat a bunch of cupcakes. so it begins.. but I am so inspired by the rest of you.
I have been addicted to sugar for years. I don’t drink sodas any more but I love candy. I can eat a whole bag of Life Savour Sours (my favourite) in a few hours. I can stop for a long time but if I have just one thing like candy, or some thing with sugar in it then I have to have it again. I just have to stop cold turkey and get any sort of candy out of the house to avoid temptation, have more protine and take some aspirin when I start to get with draw head aches.
Hey everyone…I have a (stupid?) question to ask…Looking for your opinions.
Tomorrow is my birthday, and I am strongly considering going out to eat some of my “forbidden” foods–just for tomorrow. I’m worried that it could send me in a tail spin, or if I can just do that for one day. All week, I have been thinking about what I’d eat…I am embarassed to want this…I can definitely see a comfort component…I was thinking if I really promise myself, I could do it for just one day. I think of the alcoholic who just drinks on New Years…Are they able to leave it alone the rest of the year? I’m thinking of food as reward, I know…
Anyway, I’d love your feedback…
Thanks
(p.s. Have been sugar/sweetener/white flour/white rice free for just over 4 weeks)
This is a tough one, and one I will for sure face–in fact TOMORROW since we are going out for a prix fixe dinner and for sure dessert will be a part of that—but my 2 cents is that you would feel really wonderful to just leave it alone and get your treat some other way–new dress? big bunch of gorgeous flowers and some perfume? fantastic dinner w champagne? gorgeous fruit for dessert with cappocino? My two cents is..you are doing great, you know where sugar leads you, and just don’t go there.
Thanks, Patricia. I like the idea of treating myself some other way. I’ve scheduled a manicure for a treat. Some flowers might be nice. I don’t know…
What are you going to do about your dinner tomorrow night? I know sometimes restaurants might be able to fix you up something not on the regular menu…Look who’s talking?! I should listen to myself, right?! lol
I have to get myself out of this “celebrate with food” mindset. Grrrrr…..
You know, tomorrow I am going to skip the dessert, whatever it is. (And wish you a happy birthday!) I am so burned out by what I went through last weekend w the M&M’s and everything else that right now it’s pretty easy to say No. Last weekend I was trying to moderate my sugar intake (a la instructions from a shrink) and see if I could have a little treat every day—oh! that didn’t work out, at all. I cannot moderate worth anything. I know the cravings will likely come and I will be negotiating with myself and trying to change my “plan”, but if I do, it will be a mistake. For me. Sugar to me is like heroin to a junkie.
I know how elusive moderation can be. I often say that “just having a little” is like just putting a little hole in a balloon. Can’t be done. POP!
Hello everyone!
Well, it’s my birthday and I made the difficult choice NOT to venture outside of my current eating plan and indulge today. I stayed out most of the day and was distracted, which helped:) I am going to buy a single-serve blender for myself as a special treat, as I make a smoothie every morning, and my old Hamilton Beach is not up to the challenge!
Sending good wishes all around…
Trish, I am so proud of you. Happy Birthday too. You are my role model.
Hello all,
I have scraped through the weekend with only a few hours of sugar craving. I even made it through the movies tonight where I usually eat 2 huge bags of M&M’s which I like better than the movie. I feel proud of myself, and hopeful. I feel like a member of the human race!
Hi,
I just realized I am maybe not a sugar, but a glucose addict and I need help! I feel hungry all the time and no matter how much high protein, good food I eat, I am still hungry if I don’t eat something that contains a large amount of sugar (to raise my blood glucose level). The reason why I know it is not just eating sugar is that when I smoke (rarely) I notice that nicotine reduces my insulin levels and therefore increases blood glucose which eliminates my craving. I don’t eat a lot, I am very fit and sports are my second nature. I haven’t found a way to deal with this… are you saying that your body adapts to lower levels if you stay away from sugar long enough?
Dennis, every body is different. If someone is just overloaded with sugar and other processed foods, but healthy in every other way, the body will go back into balance if given a good, healthy sugar-free diet. But remember that cravings for any kind of food may be a signal that something isn’t working properly – for that reason, it’s always a good idea to discuss these things with your doctor. It should be possible for your body to control the blood sugar level without the large amounts of sugar – assuming that you eat healthy carbohydrates that your body needs. Your doctor should be able to find out why that doesn’t seem to be happening. For many of us, the sugar we eat at breakfast causes a blood glucose crash around time for the first coffee break of the morning, and the only way to make ourselves feel better is more sugar – in cases like that, it’s the sugar itself that’s causing the problem with blood sugar levels. Is that what’s happening with you? The best way to safely find out is to talk to your doctor.
Hello everyone,
Lastnight I went to bed feeling as I do most nights that I never want to give up my uncontrolable sugar addicton because I love my addiction too much. Today however I woke up feeling defeated and hopeless. I hate the control sugar has over my life. This addiction is like a stranglehold. Once I’ve allowed the grip of sugars tenticals to wrap around me that’s it. I don’t control what I eat, it controls me. Once I’ve finished devouring a box of chocolates my mind is preocupied with the next sweet thing that pops into my mind until I give into that temptation and then the cycle continues. So actually I have a love-hate relationship with my addiction.
I’m a type 1 insulin dependent diabetic since the age of 4. I’m now44 years old. Oops! I gave my age away, but that’s o.k. So you can guess what I’m doing to my body? I really was selfaware of my addiction from an early age of about 8. My friends would invite me over to their homes after school and they would offer me a snack to eat. I’d always request the maple sugar bottle in the fridge. I’d eat a nice big bowl of it and my freinds would stare wide eyed in amazement at me then comment how weird I was. I new I had a problem when after halloween I’d finished my huge sack of candy in three days because everynight I’d wake up to eat it. During the nights as long as candy was in the house I was unable to control my thoughts or behavior until it was done . I learned at a very young age how to hide my eating issues. That time it was by sneeking around at night so that I would’nt be caught. As I aged I became the master of hidding my secret from people who would try to stop me from my drug of choice. After all these years of eating like this, it truely is a miracle that I still have my sight and kidneys and my weight is very good. I am however suffering from other problems related to poor diabetic control. I also have depression which I’m learning sugar is probably a big source of the cause. My hope is that these medical problems will be reversed as my health improves with better eating and lifestlye changes.
Feeling upset this morning drew me to my computer in search for help. I was suprised to discovered this sight. Just knowing that there are people who have issues like myself and are discussing and motivating each other for change gave me great encouragement. This morning I made a decision to pull myself up by the bootstraps and climbed back on the wagon. I made this dicision after reading what you all wrote and shared about yourselves. Your journeys towards better health and your battles towards freedom from sugar addiction. I’m really proud of all of you guys. I’ll be happy to ride this one out with you to an empowered and emproved life. May the Lord sweeten all your lives in new ways. Thanks.
To all you prayer warriors out there, I could use some to keep me going strong. It’s 7:30 pm. I have’nt touched anything yet today but the nights still young and I’m feeling like I’m going to crack.
Hi Chantal. I hope you’ll read Dr. Bernstein’s book Diabetes Solution. In fact, I recommend it to just about anyone who still isn’t convinced that sugar and white flour can damage one’s health. Most popular diabetes books are for people with Type 2, adult onset diabetes, but this book includes information about Type 1 diabetes, too. In fact, the author has had this illness all his life, and he’s controlled it by diet.
The other thing the book includes, and which I have never seen discussed anywhere else, is a medication that he prescribes to his sugar-addicted patients who simply can’t give up the sweet stuff on their own. That’s the chapter you might be most interested in – it could even save your life. If your own doctor is unfamiliar with the medication, you might lend her the book.
We wish you all the best – keep us posted.
Hi Jonni,
Just stumbled upon this site, and I am aware that I’m a little late to the party as your post is almost a year old, but I had to respond to this because I am a Type 1 diabetic.
Thank you for distinguishing between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, because many people think that diabetes is all type 2. However you say that Dr. Bernstein “controlled it by diet.” That’s impossible. Type 1 diabetes is not 100% controlled by diet. Dr. Bernstein still has to take insulin to survive. Type 2 can be controlled by diet alone, but not type 1. Just want to set the record straight!
I’ve been type 1 for 10 years now and I am still struggling with sugar. I wish I could try Dr. Bernstein’s diet but it’s too restrictive. Only meat, cheese and veggies? I need more variety than that!
In any case, I am glad I am not alone in this struggle. Best to all!
Rachel
Chantel, how do you feel about lentils….They are so very simple and quick to make….Get yourself some already made chicken broth put about 1 cup of lentils boil for about 10-15 minutes….you can add whatever is leftover in your fridge….and have a healthy lunch in 15 minutes….It is healthy, filling and makes you feel good about yourself. RE
Hi Chantal – You should check out The Livin La Vida Low Carb Show (online) and all the links that Jimmy Moore supplies. I am a lot like you, and low carb, high fat, med protein seems to be the answer for me. Use coconut oil as much as possible. There is no way that even eating brown rice, oats etc will stop my hunger and cravings. I have to eat meat and cheese for breakfast, or eggs and meat. My other meals have to be similar. This also keeps my blood sugar in the proper range. But as soon as I eat carbs, up go my numbers. Just a thought.
Hello Jonni, and everyone,
Thanks so much Jonnie for replying back to me so soon. I’m really glad I have you to turn to and I’m thankful for your suggestions. I’m really interested in the book that you recommended for me to read. I will be planning to purchase it. I’ll be informing my sister or my friend to buy this book for me in Canada and will ask them to mail it to me, since I’m no longer living in North America at the momment. Both my sister and my friend are very aware of my sugar issues and are willing to help me in anyway they can with this problem.
I’m a Canadian citizen from Toronto living in Tehran Iran right now. Unfortunatly, I don’t think the endocronolagists here have or are aware of this medication that you have mentioned to me to take for curbing my cravings. On my next visit to Toronto, however I will be shure to inquire about this with my doctors.
I’m amazed I got on this site today. With the currant situation going on in Iran and The Middle East, it’s been hard to use the internet and use my e-mail. The government has blocked this form of communication all day today. I’m not shure if it will be as easy for me to contact you guys on a regular basis these next coming days or weeks. It will depend on the political situation. I’ll try e-mailing whenever I can. Hopefully I’ll get through.
I wanted to share with you all, that I made it through last night and most of today without sugar. I have a box of European chocolates in my home that I was dying to eat all day yesterday but I’m aware that I must get these out of my house soon. Today I had a coffee with sugar but that’s it. At that time I was starting to have a low bloodsugar. Instead of making a better desicion to drink juice, I had a coffee. I did’nt let my mistake upset me. I just kept going on through the day with the mindset that I won’t give up. Actually I ate very healthy foods today and I’m trying to eat at regular times everyday. I’m feeling very positive and I’m optomistic that this is a problem behind me. I’m very greatful for this site to come to and discuss my daily walk. Now I’m flying high on positivity and when the time comes that I’m struggling I know there will be a place that I can come to without judgement. I can also come and read some of the entries and know it will lift me up.
I’ve been down the path 3 times in my life where I really fought to stay sugar clean. Once when I was pregnant for my son who by the way was born very healthy. The second time was before I moved to Iran. I did very well, but once I came here I screwed up. Last year I tried again and for three months I did excellent. I did’nt eat white refined breads or refined foods or anything boxed or canned. I ate plenty of veggies and fruit that I really loved. I love eating international vegetarian dishes eg. Italian,Greek, Middle Eastern, Chinese, other Asian dishes plus my North American and European foods too. All low in fat and GI ‘s . I Love all different kinds of salads as well. When you think about it, that’s a lot of choices. It’s funny, once I’m on a healthy roll I don’t think much about what I can’t eat but I’m aware of all the tasty things I can eat. I crave the other stuff less and love eating healthty more. Once I’m on a sugar roll, I eat only my sweet things and tend to eat less and less healthy food until all I’m eating from morning till night is crap. I don’t feel to even eat fruit anylonger, which I really love, especially here because it’s so organic and sweet. I find when I eat terribly, I become more afraid to eat real food too, thinking I’m going to get fat if I eat ontop of all the junk I just ate. So this is also apart of my problem. I’m aware of my trigger foods too. Big Juicy Iranian dates is what made me fall of the wagon last year, until yesterday when I made my desicion to try again to be sugar free. If I eat just one date, thats it. I’ll end up buying a box of dates a day and I’ll eat the whole box in one day. My brain then starts thinking of icecream and everything else bad for my health. I know to stay away from diet pop too. It gives me a taste of that sugar rush and then I want other things as well. If I drink tea I end up eating biscuts or pastries so tea is a no no. Coffee is also a no no because I’ll want to eat chocolate , cake or put sugar in my coffee for a fix. I have lots of triggers which makes it really hard. I’m on day two of staying sugar clean but I’m determinded this time to not back down. Here in Iran the culture is very social and the people eat alot all the time. I’m safer in my own home once I’ve gotten better control, but once I venture out the door to someone elses home it gets more dangerous. like Italians, people encourage you to eat constantly here. I have more control in my environment when I get on the good eating roll and don’t keep anything in my fridge or on my shelves that could be dangerous. There are social gatherings that I go too at least twice a week, at least! That’s alot of temptation to deal with on a regular basis.
Thanks for listening today. Hope to hear from you soon.
You know, it really helps me a lot to hear other peoples’ stories. I am so inspired by you all! And I recognize your struggles as so similar to mine…I wish none of us struggled, but since we do, I’m glad we have a place to share…
I have been able to continue to eat “clean”, and for that I am grateful. Right now, I am frustrated because we had a snowstorm and it is hard for me to get out and get groceries (I do not drive), so what I have is not very much fresh stuff. I feel healthier when I am eating carrots than nuts, for example. Eating this way takes a lot of planning, that’s for sure!
Wishing you all a wonderful day, and thanks for all the support!
I’m at a loss. I never knew there REALLY was such a thing as Sugar Addiction. It’s time I throw the towel in and admit defeat. I’m a sugar addict. To be honest I’ve known this but I never really thought it was a REAL ADDICTION like cigarettes or other narcotic drugs such as cocaine & HEROIN!?!?! After reading that it all made sense to me. My sugar addiction goes back to my childhood – I’m 37yrs now and mother of 3. I feel my life slipping away because I can’t control my sugar intake. I have really spun out of control with it. Normally through morning & afternoon I’m fine. It’s when evening hits everything changes. It’s like I turn into the Sugar Werewolf or something! I have no control over myself And on rare days when I seem to hold the beast back, it surfaces during my soundest of sleep. I wake up dead of night in almost a sleepwalking form and raid the cupboards and fridge for anything sweet. It’s mainly peanut butter & strawberry preserves by the spoonful. If there’s candy, forget it. I’m downing whatever I can get and wash it down with a nice cup of ice cold milk! Then I head up to bed and in a couple hours I’m back at it again. Not every night is like that. Most of the time it only happens once but there’s been a number of times that I do this 3 or more. I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in about 16yrs because of this! I’m tired. I’m scared. I’m gaining weight rapidly. I’m 5′ 3″ and weigh about 265lbs. I’m HUGE!!!! I have NO energy. I’m depressed. I’m embarrassed by the way I look. I just feel TERRIBLE. All my life I’ve been a yo-yo. Always had a weight problem since I was about 6yrs old. I know what foods cause me to gain weight. I know how big a role drinking lots of water and exercising is. But the one thing that’s so darn obvious I can’t stop… SUGAR!!!!! I HATE the fact that I’m so addicted to it I can’t make it through the night without it. And I HATE the fact of knowing that my children are missing out on things because I’m too tired to do anything. I don’t know what to do anymore… H E L P M E P L E A S E! ! ! !
Pam, I used to feel exactly the way you do. I managed to find a way to control the problem in a way that not only allowed me to eat a healthier diet, but it also allowed me to feel better about myself. I wrote down my experiences in a book several years ago, and some people have found it helpful. For me, the two keys were a simple meditation technique that allowed me to notice my cravings without acting on them, and understanding that our cravings are perfectly natural – it’s the food we eat that isn’t natural, but our bodies weren’t designed for a world full of industrially-processed food. Letting go of the guilt and taking charge of eating choices really does make a difference.
Hi Pam – you need to read Jimmy Moore’s Livinlavidalowcarb . It’s what saved me. High fat, medium protein….
I have been addicted to sugar almost my entire life. Growing up with a single mom, she found it much easier to keep us quiet with cheap sugary foods so we basically grew up on just that. Because of it I have always battled being overweight as well. I am now a healthy weight, but it took me into my 30′s to get it there. And yet I still have sugar issues. I’m an Event Photographer and LOVE photographing people and as I watch them I always wonder what vices everyone else may have. I know that sugar is mine and I really need and want to get to a point where I don’t feel like it obsesses my thoughts! Also, since I attend to many functions around Seattle I always come across the dessert tables and just can’t say no. I use sugar as a source of security and comfort. It’s frustrating really, but I love it too! After 35 years, I have no idea how to do this for the long term. I can give it up for weeks at a time, but that’s about it!
Trishann you probably should carry your own snacks with you at all times to these events – beef jerkey, hard boiled eggs, nuts, cheese sticks…..
Hi everyone
Iam onto day 2 of no sugar, and i feel dreadful!!! The cravings are there, but i seem to have this incredible anger, i feel like a caged tiger that wants to rip someone to shreds. The smallest thing (someone borrowed my pen and didnt return it) sets me off like its world war 3!!
i literally am sitting at my desk clenching and unclenching my fists and wanting to cry for no reason. Has anyone else experienced this at all? im worried that there is something else other than just sugar addiction.
thanks guys, you are all huge inspirations!!
It’s interesting that Chantal mentioned her crabby moods today, too. I think this is particularly interesting because we only notice how sugar affects our moods when we give it up for a day or two. How often do we even notice milder mood swings during the day when we’re still eating those donuts and afternoon chocolate? I always used to rationalize any negative emotion or my feelings of irritation as being caused by something on the outside – like that person who didn’t bring the pen back. Now I look first to see if there’s anything going on inside – a change in diet, too much stress, a change in schedule that has me at odds with the world. I never even considered anything like that when I still ate sugar regularly. It just didn’t occur to me, because there wasn’t anything obvious, like a deliberate switch to a no-sugar diet, that would make me think about it.
One of the first books I read that got me thinking a bit more about this issue was Sugar Blues by William Duffy, written back in 1975. Unfortunately, I didn’t really take it to heart until I needed to lose weight, too. I can’t help but wonder how much easier my life might have been if I’d paid a bit more attention to his book a whole lot sooner.
I am not an expert but I would like to make some suggestions that I have gleaned over the years. I am a sugar addict and have been for decades. Perhaps, it started when on Sundays our mother purchased 3 1/2 dozen doughnuts for us to consume. We were each allowed 5….FIVE DOUGHNUTS A PIECE….Maybe, our reward for going to 6 AM mass!. Presently, every one of my siblings have issues with sugar. I have some health issues which I believe are related to sugar consumption but I am not overweight. But I am over-carbed and over-sugared. I believe that the reasons that I am able to keep the sugar from causing obesity in me include several things….
I agree that it is best to go “cold turkey” but I am not sure that that is realistic. i follow some simple rules….such as: writing down , not everything I eat but just the sugar stuff. Sometimes, i tell myself that I will only have my treats on the weekends and if I find something I want during the week, I put it in the freezer to save for the weekend. Tony Robbins says that it is our Reptilian brain that says “hey you better hurry up and eat this because someone else might get it first” He believes that if you know that it is there for you whenever you want it, you can avoid the binge. Of course, everyone knows that you should not eat after 6 …I am not a night eater but a mid day binger. Another suggestion, is to choose what snack you must have and just eat that whenever you cave( it’s better than eating everything.) i think that you must be kind to yourself and patient. The more you beat yourself up , the more you will eat to make yourself feel better. I think it is very important to set up some rules for yourself such as those above. Rules that you can live with….I continue to work on my sugar issues….i have started to have whole wheat toast with honey in the morning instead of a doughnut, I avoid the stores (and there are many) which trigger me to buy my drug of choice. I make up my oatmeal the night before so it is ready and waiting and when the scale hits that “oh, my God number” I take notice. I am fortunate that I like to exercise so I will be vigilant in doing that. I have not cracked the case but I see improvement…i hope that this is not considered heresy ….but cold turkey is just too cold…marie
Hi jonnie,
It’s day 5 for me now. I’m feeling o.k. but the last two days I was feeling so crabby. I woke up this morning in the same miserable mood but now I’m fine.
I was at a large social gathering the other day. Tea was served with pasteries, chocolates and later on a fuit flan. I actually served the pasteries and the choclates around, but was’nt tempted to my amazing suprise. I think it was more because I did’nt like the particular treats. Fruit flan is’nt that desirable to me either, however when I was sitting right in front of it after it was sliced I wanted it. I had to move from were I was sitting. Shortly afterwards I started getting bitchy. I was like that for 2 days.
I was so proud of myself that I told my husband That I’m going to treat myself to some flowers. ” Not once but 3 times goodies passed me by, and I refused them all”. I told my husband . “So I’m going to treat myself to some flowers.” I said. He just laughed. I told him about this site and explained that someone recommended treating ourselves to other things instead of always relying on sweets as a way of pampering ourselves. I love the idea.
I’m trying to eat three meals a day plus 2 snacks on regular sceduled times, but it’s a bit challenging. I’m up to breakfast and a semi evening meal. This is so tough for me. I’m afraid to eat. When I was in Canada I actually did it. It took forever for me to do it. The results were amazing. I never was hungry. Even I could hardly finish my meals. The snacking fills you up so much. So I’m on this path again. I’ve got good news. I’ve given up my triggers of tea and coffee. I’m now drinking hot water with fress lemon juice. It’s not the same as my coffee at night or after any meal but it’s better for me. Drinking water has always been a challenge so drinking it this way helps too. I love lemons.
Tonight I have guests over at my home. I did’nt buy any sweet things to serve my guests. In the past when I was trying to go sugar free. I always felt guilty that I did’nt have something in the house to serve my guests and I’d buy something. Later when I was alone, I’d eat whatever was left over in a night or two. Tonight I’m thinking about myself. If my guests bring something over my husband said he’ll bring it into work tomorrow. I prefer the guests take it home immediatly. That’s a whole evening that sweets will be sitting in my kitchen. I think I need to talk to my husband about this again when he comes home. I know I’m being extreem, but I know myself.
Calling all prayer warriors out there keep praying for me. Thanks all, bye for now.
good for you, Chantel. just good for you. did you get yourself some amazing flowers? I hope so.
I am sugar free today (and yesterday). had a few bites over the weekend–no binge or anything which is improvement and am back on the path again.
hugs to you all.
Wow everyone! Lots of people here today! I like that!
I can totally relate to the anger and frustration–especially in the beginning. I have a friend who suggests hitting a pillow and screaming! I haven’t tried that. It feels so violent!
When I have cravings, I often change my environment (like go to another room); if I’m really thinking and motivated, then I make myself go outside. Maybe light a candle, put on some soothing music, etc. Someone even said to dance! Hey, if it works for you, great!
I learned a breathing exercise that always helps me (if I can remember to do it!): Breathe in for 4(or however many seconds works for you) seconds, then hold your breath for 4 seconds, then breathe out for 4 seconds, then hold your breath for 4 seconds. It’s called “4-square breathing”. I usually imagine a square and myself moving around the edges as I do it, if that makes sense.
I’ve heard that engaging as many of your senses as possible is also helpful.
My hardest challenge is wanting the textures in my mouth that I can’t get with other foods (like ice cream and bagels). And getting too hungry and wanting the “quick fix” of sugar. So I always try to have some kind of nuts around to pop into my mouth, which really helps me.
Also, not having any “offending foods” in my house helps. And avoiding going places where temptations abound.
I can get so frustrated and then I come here and know there are more people like me who “get it”. That is invaluable to me:)
So, thank you all for reminding me I am not alone!
It’s really interesting to read all your comments. I feel really terrible at the moment. I’ve been crazy about sugar my whole life (I’m 36 now), and even though I’ve tried a zillion times, I seem never to be able to kick this habit. The thing is that other wise I’m really healthy, I love to exercice and I love healthy food, but the minute I indulge and start “doing sugar” I just can’t stop.And I eat sugar every day. I’m so tired of this now. For the time being I have this injury and can’t work out, so my cravings are worse than ever. I just finished my kids sweets and the left overs from yesterday’s birthday party (chocolate cake), and I just want more and more. I tolerate a lot of sugar, I never get sick from it, I won’t even throw up if I eat a lot, I really wish I did, maybe like that I could stop! I want to end this sugar over-eating now! My mood swings are terrible, and I know they are related to my sugar intake. Anybody interested in communication and maybe some coaching on this? Good luck to all:)!
I have been reading all of these posts and can relate to so many of them. I am also 36 and feel just like you do. I love exercise and eating healthy but cannot tolerate sugar especially cake and cookies. People think I’m gross because I would rather eat the icing than the cake! I have tried moderation, always fooling myself, feeling sorry for myself because I can’t have sugar but it doesn’t work. I always binge–if not the first day than the second after my moderation experiment. It’s a drug for me and no different than cigarettes. I also never get sick from eating too much sugar. Anyway, email if you would like some support.
Hi Bee Bee – if you could try a low carb way of eating, especially high fat, you wouldn’t feel so hungry for food or sweets. I had to do just that (found Jimmy Moore’s site ) and now I can get through my days with no sugar – still takes some doing though – I am nearly a diabetic so figured this out to control my blood sugars. The nice thing about eating this way is, you don’t have to go hungry – as long as you don’t eat carbs, you can eat meat, eggs, cheese, nuts, jerkey, vegetables , limited or no fruit any time you like. Wish you would give it a try. There are lots of links to this way of eating online.
Hi Patricia,
Awww, thanks so much for your awsome encouragement to me. It meant alot. I really needed it. Unfortunatly I did’nt buy my flowers yet, boo hoo, because I’ve just been sooooo busy, but yes for shure I’m going to get them. There is a specific place I want to go to buy them, and I’ve made plans with someone to go there next week. I’m excited to go.
I’m very proud of you too. The first few days are rough and your hanging in there. You deserve a bouquet of your favourite flowers too, don’t you think? I’m celebrating your success today with you. Keep in touch, Hugs Chantal.
Hi Marie,
I’m really exited to hear your making a change for the good, and we are walking together down this path. I read your entry and hope your plans are working for you. I personally can’t do this, absolutly not. It’s all or nothing for me. I know myself too well. I’ve tried what you suggested a million times before, but I always end up binging eventually. I end up going around and around in circles until I feel defeated, fed up and just quit all together. Sometimes for years! I kept telling myself I can do this, for example trying moderation or the other things you suggested. I know now, if I get into that mindset I know I’m lying to myself. If I ignore the mind games I play then the eating eventually becomes a battle again. For me if I do this, I’m sitting on the fence and trying to live on both sides. It never works for me because I’m never completly committed to quitting. Lots of anger came from me wrestling with the idea of letting go cold turkey. When I wanted to quit, I kept saying to myself, oh let me just eat some chocolate caramel bars first, and then. It kept being and then. For me to go cold turkey is the only way and it’s tough. I notice on days that I’m mentally committed, 100% I’m at peace through the day and I’m glad about my decision. When I’m struggling with the choice to be sugar free, It’s because I want my addiction. On these days I’m restless, pissed off, and depressed. I love my peaceful days and the excitment I see in myself to continue on.
I’d like to hear from you to see how your method is working out for you. I’m really curious. I’d like to know if these suggestions you’ve made work for some sugar addicts and not others. All the best.
Hi Bee Bee,
I can totally relate to what you described. When I’m eating sugary things I’m really not human. The amout of sweet stuff that I can wolf down would make a normal person throw up all night, and they would’nt be able to touch sugary things again for a very long time. I also love my healthy food. I really, really love it. There is nothing like eating a fuffilling, tasty meal guilt free. I always feel proud of myself for making the right choice afterwards. Don’t you? Unfortunatly, I eat so badly if I start on the cycle of sugar. As I’ve mentioned before I start eating more and more sugar, replacing healthy food with junk. I end up eating nothing at all. This is usually at my worst times. I get it when you say this is destroying yor life. It’s been destroying my life for years and destroying the people around me too. Especially my husband and son.
You metioned that you started thinking about the textures of icecream in your mouth and other creamy sweets. This for shure will send you into a binge. You absolutely must get your mind focused on good thoughts and onto other things. Even if you have to do this 100 times a day at first. It eventually will go away. If I think of the smell of chocolate, I’ve got to have it. If your focusing on creamy textures and other sensations, Your doomed! This is how advertising and commercials work. They play on your senses. I even have to change the channe on t. v. l when chocolate ads pop up. When something sweet comes on t.v. for example like a dessert being made on a cooking program, I have to change the channel.
You mentioned also that you would like to communicate. I’m up for that too.
Keep in touch. All the best.
Hello everyone,
It’s day 8 for me now.
I had my gathering the other night. I was so happy nobody brought over desserts. Later on that evening someone mentioned eating chocolates with the red that I served. My husband went and got my favourite chocolates. No I did’nt get rid of the chocolates like I said I needed to. My husband decided they were to expensive to get rid of so he hid them instead. It was hard, very hard for me not to indulge, but I did’nt. ( Hey, my bouquet of flowers are getting larger.) That night they sat out on the table, all night. In the morning I asked My husband to hide the box before I attacked it. Then I left the house.
It really amazes me to see people have such control and eat only one chocolate or even a half! In my mind that’s too strange. If I allowed myself, that night, to eat chocolate in front of my guests. It shure would’nt have been half a chocolate! and the remainder of the night would have been on planning to sneek a lot more without looking too greedy. The rest of the night would have been after everybody left and I was completly alone. I would have eaten the remaining chocolates. All of them. Thankfully, that’s not what happened. That night was’nt the typical sinario of my everyday life. I made the right move and the picture changed.
I’m aware there is choclate still in my home. I could tear this place apart looking for it or yet, I could go out and buy another full box, but I don’t want too. TODAY and I mean today, I don’t want to. For the first time in my life I’ve choosen change for the right reasons. Before it was for someone else eg. doctors, my son or my husband. Even I did it at times to loose weight, but it never lasted. It was better than not doing anything at all mind you, at that time. This time I want to do it because I don’t want to be controlled anymore by bombarding sugary thoughts and behaviours because of my thoughts.. I want peace. I want to be healthy and experience that, and be around to live. This is what I want now after 40 years in bondage.
Bye for now.
Good morning, everyone!
I just got back from one of my favorite places: the health food store. It is also a very difficult place for me. I love the variety of fresh/organic produce and other things I can’t get at the regular grocery store, but I used to spend most of my money there on baked goods and frozen desserts, telling myself that because they were “natural” they were healthy. It is so hard to be in the same store with all that yummy stuff! I want to feel the same way about th produce. Yes, I love it…I try to revel in the bright colors. But I don’t love it like I love frozen/baked goods.
I try to remind myself that I just need to abstain from those foods today. Tomorrow and the rest of my life don’t matter. Just today.
BTW, do any of you have addiction in your families? Not only food addictions, but alcoholism and such? Both my parents are alcoholics (in recovery now), and I believe at least part of my food addiction has to do with an addictive tendency that I either inherited or learned. What do you think?
I got a book at the library that is so helpful to me right now. It is called “The End of Overeating” by David Kessler. I’ve only read the first 5 chapters or so, but am getting a lot of info already on what makes us addicted to sugars, fats, and salt. The chapter topics sound interesting, and it is an easy read. You may want to check it out!
We are expecting snow today, so I’m going to make a big pot of soup. Maybe the smell of the soup permeating the house will help a bit.
Hope you all have a good day!
Thanks for mentioning that book, Trish. I checked the book’s page on Amazon, and the video on that page really makes sense – I’ll see if the book is available at my local library. It looks like a good resource.
Hi everyone,
I made a mistake yesterday. I posted that it was day 8 for me. Today is day 8 for me. It’s been a week now but I’m not feeling any physical changes yet except for my dizzyness has disappeared. Mentally I feel better. My mind is more clear and at peace. I’m not struggling with sugar thoughts like before. I am having problems when I go shopping. I attempt to stay away from things that tempt me, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. I’m struggling with this and still with visiting people. Some people don’t understand my situation and think if I just eat in moderation and take one, I’ll be fine. I’m tired of repeating myself to people. Especially to people who don’t want to listen or respect my disicion. I’m also really upset when people bring deserts to my home especially when they know I’m a diabetic who loves sweets. Don’t they get it? Any suggestions? I need a bit of help here.
I’m still trying to eat 3 meals a day plus snacks but I’m moving very slowly in this department. Last night my Husband commented on it and said I have to eat. I ate an orange and a small banana for breakfast today. That’s alot for me since I don’t like eating breakfast. I wasn’t hungry at lunch today either but I forced myself to eat. Usually I don’t like eating lunch. I ate a small amount of basmati rice with a small chicken leg that I cooked with red peppers, onions garlic and corn nibblets. I also drank a glass of water with my lunch which I don’t usually do. It was hard to eat but once I did I loved muy lunch. I’m worried about eating a snack. I know today I can’t do that. Dinner, I’m not shure about either. I’ll try to eat a salad or something. I know I have to eat. I bought these humungous pomegrants today from a street vender selling a mountain full of them in a huge wheelbarrel. Beautiful pomegrants such richly coloured seeds. They taste amazing. This is my dessert later on. I can’t wait to eat them tonight for my evening snack. I had to fight today to eat. I think getting around to 3 meals a day will take me some time, though I’m up for the challenge.
bye for today, Hope all the best to you all.
Hi Chantal. It’s interesting that you bring up the problem of people bringing sweets to your house, even though they know you have a medical problem that makes sugar dangerous to you. This is something that happens to almost everyone who wants to give up sugar. Unfortunately, the people bringing or offering the sweets really are trying to be nice. They mean well – but they aren’t very well informed.
I think that there are occasions when more explanations don’t really help much. We might need to practice a one-sentence rule, perhaps to the effect that the doctor has ordered you to keep all sugar out of the house. When someone shows up at the door with a pie or cookies, that would be the time to bring out the rule and gently request, for the sake of your continued health, that they take the items home for their own family. We don’t usually feel guilty asking someone to not smoke in our house, but asking them to not bring something they offer out of love is a totally different feeling. Therefore, the “blame” must be laid on the doctor, who won’t allow you to act as graciously as you would like. Even if your doctor hasn’t told you to give it up, she should have – so go ahead and use the “my doctor said” statement if it seems to help.
I also suggest to everyone that you don’t explain your no-sugar rule by saying that you have a “problem” with sugar addiction. The problem is with the sugar, not with you. Once you say that you personally have a weakness, people will bend over backwards to prove to you that you really can handle just one cookie, or just one piece of pie. It’s human nature.
If your guests just can’t get off the subject and keep trying to talk you out of eating healthier, you might grab a copy of Weston A. Price’s book Nutrition and Physical Degeneration and leave it out on the coffee table. Then, any time someone starts talking about how “silly” it is to give up sugar you could show them the pictures in the book and discuss some particularly disturbing fact that Price discovered about the effects of sugar on health (about 80 years ago!). As soon as they try to change the subject, “reward” them by putting down the book and talking about something that they find more appealing. I think they’ll get the point soon enough, as long as you don’t get preachy and drive them away completely.
Hey! i am alyssa i am 23 years old i have been a sugar adict sence i went to college i have just been craving sugar ever sence i began college well wish me luck with my sugar addictions and i will see how it goes
Hi everybody, I haven’t been posting for a couple of days because i have been headfirst into eating candy and cake, and I am not sure how it started. But it did, I guess, Friday night at the movies w 2 boxes of pretzel M&M’s and one peanut. Acting out. Anyway that started it and then I didn’t know what to eat and freaked out about being/getting fat and I don’t remember Saturday, oh yeah, grocery shopping, schlepping stuff upstairs, chopping veggies–and feeling wayyyy overworked about food—and Sunday, Cheesecake Factory and choc cake and ice cream and sick sick sick–and more bad stuff today—still no idea what I am supposed to be eating, freaked out about fat and know I need to post today. Well, here I am.
Hi Patricia. Not to worry – a relapse is perfectly normal. Since you’re stressed out, you may be self-medicating on sugar to reduce the stress (which only works temporarily, as you obviously know.) So now it’s time to take a deep breath, relax, and remind yourself that you’re going to be just fine.
If you haven’t found a good book on nutrition yet, I recommend Eat to Live by Joel Furhman for vegetarians or people who want to cut way back on animal products, and Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon if you prefer to include eat meat and dairy in your diet. Both books are excellent resources and interesting reads – although Dr. Fuhrman’s book is perhaps more academic, while Ms. Fallon’s book is more of a cookbook (and includes a few political rants against the food industry). Trish also recently recommended The End of Overeating, which I haven’t read yet, but it looks very inspiring. I particularly like the fact that he doesn’t beat people up for eating sugar – it’s the sugar that’s the problem, not you. If you need to feel better about yourself (and I think that would be good for just about any of us), Dr. Kessler’s book would be a good choice. Your local library might have one of these books. Choose the one that looks like it would be most instructive and inspiring, curl up in your favorite chair with a cup of tea and let go of the stress while absorbing some good thoughts about food.
Jonni! That Kessler book is fantastic. I see a big part of my whole issue is not the whole issue. I downloaded it to my iPad and skimmed it last night and went WOW in my head and am going to read every word today. Making out my food plan for the day–but am amazed at the info he gives and the slant on things. I am soooooo excited!! Thank you so much for the recommendation. Ah, it’s a new day.
Hi Patricia,
I’m glad to hear that you dusted off your knees and got right back up after falling down. I think slipping up is not the problem. Getting down on yourself so badly and quitting is the problem. I’m glad you did’nt quit. I’m really proud of you! Getting back up is the difficult part but you did it so quickly and with such grace. keep it going.
Today is two weeks for me. My husband said to me ” Why are you counting the days. It’s your lifestyle now you don’t have to count the days anymore. ” I never thought of it like that. I found what he said to me something to ponder about.
Jonnie, thanks for your suggestions. I know people mean well when they bring things over but sometimes some people don’t care either. These are the people I have a problem with. Thanks for your imput. It’s the Dr.s orders.
Take care all.
Hi Jonni, What do you think of stevia? I started using it as a substitute for sugar in my coffee in the mornings and I’m not sure if it even is a healthier way of going about it.
Alie, I’m not a chemist or biologist, so I can’t comment on the safety of stevia. Some countries ban it, but I’m not sure why. This article on Wikipedia might help us figure it out.
WOW! Jonni, I have read a lot of books on preventing cancer etc and they all recommend using stevia as it is a natural sweetener and doesn’t affect the blood glucose (agave nectar is also low on the glycemic index). I can GUARANTEE the reason it was banned in the USA is because of the big business of the sugar industry. They blocked it’s approval to be used as a sweetener because it would be cutting into their profits….then that keeps us from getting sick and cancer and then that keeps the drs from being needed….ok, ok, ok, I’ll get off my soap box! LOL I’m so amazed at that statement in the wikipedia article! WOW
Hello all
I haven’t written for awhile because I experienced identity fraud a few weeks ago and am just now starting to get my computer up and running.
This has been a very stressful time for me. I have found it VERY difficult to follow my clean eating plan, but have made it through so far! I have been doing this since 1-20-11. I don’t really count days, but I must say I’m proud of myself!
I have found when my cravings are the worst it helps to change environments (going outside especially helps), and to notice old patterns (any uncomfortable situation used to lead to overeating).
I am glad to be back again, and send all of you support:-)
Wow! What a wonderful site! I was searching on “How to kick my sugar addition’ and here you are.
All of the posts above are very helpful and insightful. I am a 60 year old diabetic who craves sugar. Even when I try to set my mind against it, I can’t. It is not helpful that the snack table is at the end of my row of cubicles at work. I must walk past it to go ANYWHERE! I find myself taking just one bite of whatever as I pass. The problem is that I pass several times a day (printer, bathroom, meetings, lunch, water fountain etc). Rarely is there a day when someone doesn’t bring in something.
Jonnie, I’ve written down the books you have recommended. Maybe this site is just what I need.
I have read somewhere on the net about one girl who also battled the sugar addiction and here’s what she wrote:
“I thought my body was rebelling against me with sugar cravings. But what if my body was doing its best to keep me in health? What if my body was right in wanting some nutrients but my mind was misinterpreting the signals?
I thought about this possibility. At first, it felt like a crazy proposition. What’s right about craving ice cream and cheesecakes? They are loaded with sugar and . . . fat.
Huh? Is it possible that my body was craving fat rather than sugar, but I kept feeding it with these sweets? I thought about this. I knew that, even though cookies and pastries can trigger my cravings, what I really craved for were these highly fatty foods.”
This was so true for me. I have been eating high fatty foods for the last few days and no sugar cravings…at all!
Hi Engel – I’m like you in that I need to eat lots of fat in order to stay off sugar and junk food. So I eat very low carb, high fat, med protein. It works
I have really enjoyed reading all of you guys comments. I have been staying away from my worst enemy for the past week. I love cake,pies, cookies and fruity candy!! I have noticed that the past few days I have become very jittery and nervous, are these signs of withdrawl? I have not cut flour out my diet, and I must admit I have had a diet coke here and there. Should I be letting go of the flour and artificial sweetners also? I want this to be realistic, im not sure if I can go sugar-free for the rest of my life, but I want to make some changes! Please someone give me some feedback, I am going crazy!!!!!
Yes, the jitters are normal when coming off sugar. As for all the other things you might also give up, it’s totally up to you.
Hello,
I have been eating large amounts of sugar for quite a while. I have been eating a whole package of Hershey’s chunks of chocolates followed by 10 ice cream cone every night. And sometimes 1 to 3 sugar frosted doughnuts also on these days. I just fisished my second week after stopping cold turkey. I still have the jitters and chills. I have 4 mental illnesses and my medications are only working ½ as well as they did before. I get pains in all my bones. Will this massive amount that I was taking make my symptoms last longer? My doctor said that if I am not better by April 1st she will have t do something about it.
Ernie, there really are no “typical” symptoms, since we all react so differently when we give up sugar. However, it’s good that your doctor is monitoring your progress. If you stay jittery for too much longer, you might want to ask for a blood test to make sure your glucose levels are within a normal range. We do sometimes self-medicate with sugar when some other system in the body is out of balance, and a blood test will help your doctor find out if everything is still OK.
Hello everyone! I just found your site as I was looking to see if sugar was addictive. I have cut out sugar for the past 5 days and it wasn’t too bad at first but today was an eyeopener for me. I began adding extra milk to my coffee to make it a little more palatable and it was okay. Then by bedtime I wanted something but didn’t know what really and felt restless so I had a few crackers with peanut butter night before last and again last night had a few crackers with cream cheese and rasberry jam. All day today I was fine until dinner time and my coffee just wasn’t getting it and I had a partial container of Coffee House Hazelnut creamer left and decided just a little bit might make it taste better and when I began drinking it the strangest feeling came over me. It startled me and I decided to see if sugar was addictive and find it is. That explains a lot about how I have been feeling and reading your blogs. I know good nutrition will help with the withdrawal from my best friend who began this ahead of me. She takes one of the nutrient packs from Dr.Wallach. I am going to try the Healthy Blood Sugar starter pack next week and will come back and let you know how its working. I eat fairly healthy but am focused on getting rid of the junk in my diet because I know I will feel better. I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome that comes with it and I fight the fatigue all the time and started asking for advice from my friend and thats what she gave me so will let you know…hang in there all of you, we can beat this!
Hi all! I haven’t written in awhile. I hope everyone is hanging in there…I am sugar/simple carb free since 1/20/11. Every day seems to have it’s own challenges, and I’ve had more than my share lately. And what does stress/sadness/anxiety etc make me want? Precisely what I’ve chosen not to eat! Some days I can’t stand it, and today is one of those days! I am SO GLAD I don’t have anything in my house to binge on!
I have a question for you guys. I seem to be craving salt a lot–namely, salted nuts. I’m trying to be aware of when I eat them and how many. It kinda scares me that I have the nuts here and reach for them a lot. I’m wondering if I should eliminate them, too. Has anyone else experienced this salt craving? I am not usually a salt person–I am much more a sweet person. Although when I binged on lots of sweets, I would want something salty sometimes to cut the sweet.
The other thing I have found myself doing is drinking more coffee when I want something sweet. Doesn’t matter if it’s decaf or regular. I have always been a black coffee person, so it’s not that I want the sweetness, but maybe to distract me from eating something sweet?
I am so tired of all of this and think seriously several times a day that I can’t do this anymore. I don’t have many friends and the ones I do have think I’m doing something that is not “natural” and that sugar addiction is all in my head, or the latest fad.
Is anyone out there? Can anyone relate?
Hi Trish,
The coffee helps I think so I wouldn’t worry about that. The nuts–here’s my guess with that–the nuts are sort of sweet, and they are taking the place of sugar. I would watch how much you eat of them, but again, your big challenge is to cut the sugar–and nuts are not sugar, so eat some of them. I go for nuts for the sweetness frankly and that they totally cut my appetite and are satisfying. So is decaf in the afternoon. That’s my 2 cents worth. Just cut the sugar like you are doing. You are doing great.
Trish, your friends may need to reject your ideas about diet simply because they feel threatened or judged – even though you aren’t trying to convert them to your way of thinking. If they did agree that a sugar-free diet is healthier, they would need to look at their own diets and think about making changes that they aren’t ready for. I don’t know the answer to this, other than to avoid discussing it with people who aren’t supportive. Try to talk about something else that they find less threatening.
Also, try to focus on something more positive than simply giving up sugar – like cooking fabulous meals, for instance. Take a trip to the library and pick up some cookbooks that have tantalizing pictures (no desert cookbooks, of course) and plan your day around the shopping, cooking and eating of those meals. We need to have something to move towards, and not just things that we’re running away from. Italian, Middle Eastern and Asian cookbooks will have lots of ideas for healthy, exciting meals.
I wonder if you’re drinking more coffee to make up for the loss of your regular sugar highs. It will be interesting to see if anyone else has encountered this, or the salt cravings.
Trish, the cravings for nuts may be as much for fat as for salt. When we give up sugar, we are also avoiding a lot of the high fat foods we once ate. So your body may be craving the fat in the nuts.
Trish – You are probably craving the fat in the nuts. When we give up sugar, we also avoid much of the fat we preveiously ate. Nuts are high in fat- albeit good fat – it is still fat. Eat and enjoy them in moderation.
Decaf Black coffee never hurt anyone.
Hi all
Thanks so much for the ideas and support. I am going through a hard time right now, and am very overwhelmed. As with any other addicition, I will take this all one day at a time–or one hour, or one minute! lol
And I will be more mindful of my food choices and my feelings before I make them.
BTW, I have been experimenting with different foods and combinations. My favorite cuisine these days is Indian! Yum!
Take care everyone!
Hi all,
What a wonderful forum. I decided to stop sugar AGAIN on saturday gone after having ice cream and chocalte cake for breakfast !!!
I have done it in the past and always feel so much better and then start eating it again. I find it very hard if im at someones house and they have any kind of homemade cake etc. Im determined to stick with it this time though.
Hi, I need help for my 11 year old daughter. She is 100% addicted to sugar and the pain this addiction causes her is difficult to watch. This started as young as 1.5 years old, the other kids were playing on the play ground and her mission was to dig in the sand for candy! I have taken her to many doctors to find out if she had a deficiency, asked her psychiatrist if this is related to her ADHD, and no one has an answer for her. If anyone has any ideas how I can help her and of course being on Aderall leads to a decreased appetite. Sometimes sweets is the only way to get her to eat any calories even though I have tried every positive and consequence method I know of.
Kelly, it does sound like you could use some help, and fast. For what it’s worth, I suggest that you grab a copy of Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution. He’s a diabetic himself, and works with diabetic patients, so he takes the sugar issue very seriously. He also offers some suggestions for adults who find it almost impossible to give up sugar, even though they know the stuff is killing them. Since your daughter is not an adult, you might want to read the book and then try to find a way to contact him for advice. He does recommend a medication that takes away cravings, even for full-blown sugar addicts, but I don’t know if it would be safe for someone your child’s age.
It looks like you’re already considering the possibility that she could be self-medicating, in response to an underlying medical condition that has not yet been diagnosed. Even though no medical problem has yet been found, that doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t there. Finding the doctor who knows where to look will continue to be a challenge.
Another expert on the metabolism of sugar is Robert H. Lustig, M.D., of the Department of Pediatrics and Weight Assessment at University of California, San Francisco. You can find a video of one of his lectures here. The lecture is about the connection between fructose and obesity, which may not be of concern to you, but since he has much knowledge about sugar and metabolism, he might at least be able to point you in the right direction. If you go to that page and click on his name in the right-hand column, you can find his contact information.
Good luck – I hope you find the help you need soon.
Hi, I decided on Sunday to stop eating sugar and flour. I have always been thin, so weight wasn’t necessarily an issue, however, I can tell as I’m getting older that I am no longer able to eat whatever I want without it effecting the way I look and feel. I didn’t think it would be too hard to give them up, but today (Tuesday) I was at the grocery store, and when I walked past the bakery I wanted to cry. I suddenly feel like a drug addict who wants to have “just one more hit” before I start eating healthy. My family is great, but I have almost no support from friends. Can someone please give me a general time frame for the withdrawl period? I know removing sugar from your diet is supposed to stabilize your mood, but right now all I feel is angry and sad.
The mood swings are perfectly normal at this stage, so you can confident that they will soon go away. In fact, within a few weeks you’ll feel better than ever. Right now, however, you deserve to pamper yourself. Take nice long, warm baths, curl up with a good book if you can, and remove all stress from your life that you possibly can. And don’t make any life-altering decisions right now. You’ll feel much better soon.
The only way I know of to get support from friends when giving up sugar (and alcohol, too, for that matter) is to frame your explanation in a way that makes sense to them without making them feel defensive. And the best way to do that is to simply say that your “doctor” ordered you to give up sugar. That might be a little fib, but you are your own best doctor, right? Mention the word “diabetes” casually, in passing. Then try not to talk about your new diet at all unless someone else brings it up. Perhaps that will help your friends will be a bit more supportive.
Thanks Jonni! It’s a huge relief to know these mood swings are normal, especially after reading so much about how cutting sugar is supposed to stabilize you. My MIL was just diagnosed with diabetes and watching her deal with that has definitely put the disease on my radar in a way it never has been before. Thanks for your advice and encouragement!
Kelly– I was researching this very thing for myself (I was diagnosed with ADD 2 years ago–suddenly, much of my childhood makes a lot more sense!lol) I ran across this article http://www.adders.org/info74.htm
this is probably stuff you’ve read before, I just wanted you to know you’re not alone!
Best of Luck!
I just added a video to this post. It’s a lecture by Robert H. Lustig, MD, UCSF Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology, and Director of the Weight Assessment for Teen and Child Health (WATCH) Program at UCSF. It’s called Sugar: The Bitter Truth.
If you haven’t seen it, I strongly urge you to set aside some time and watch it all the way through. You’ll find it here, or just scroll up almost to the top of this page.
Just a few of the things Dr. Lustig explains:
Why sugar is the primary cause of obesity in both children and adults, and where we get most of the sugar in our diets.
The connection between sugar and high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, insulin resistance, and more.
Why many babies as young as 6 months old are now obese.
And why some calories make us fat, while other calories don’t – which also means that everything we’ve been told about dieting and losing weight is wrong.
After watching it, come back to our comments section and let us know what you think.
Just finished the video. 1.5 hrs long, but well worth the watch. the only issue was that it did not finish the last 10 minutes. I could not see what the FDA would possibly do about it. I now understand why fructose produces fat. Should we write our congressmen, the FDA or who?? to get fructose banned? If corn were no longer subsidized would that make fructose expensive enough to make it less appealing to food processors?
Linda, Dr. Lustig said, in the part of the video that you missed, that the FDA won’t regulate sugar because that would have a bad effect on American food exports, and that would affect our economy. I agree that the government shouldn’t be subsidizing the huge corporations that benefit from the sale of high fructose corn syrup and other forms of sugar, but that change probably won’t happen very soon. However, we can change their own diets by throwing the sugar, corn syrup and processed foods out of the house, and going back to a diet based on real, whole foods that actually keep us healthy. That’s something that doesn’t require legislation or government oversight, but it does give us power, just the same.
One website I often recommend is the Weston A Price Foundation. They carry on research and public education that was started almost 100 years ago by Dr. Price, one of the first strong voices against the health risks of sugar. His book Nutrition and Physical Degeneration contains photographic proof and plenty of scientific evidence that sugar is bad for us, and describes the kind of whole-food diets that keep people healthy. He also found, as Dr. Lustig pointed out in the video, that each generation has more problems, as mothers are weakened by sugar before and during pregnancy. Yet we still use tax money to subsidize the corporations that sell the products that make Americans sick, and then spend more tax money on health care for chronically ill patients with heart disease and diabetes. There really is something very wrong with that, isn’t there?
Hi all
I have been following this site for a while now as struggle with my obsession with sugar. I just wanted to know when you say you have been ‘sugar free’ do you mean just the obvious ones like sweets chocolates etc or is it advised to cut out carb packed potatoes and pasta. Don’t know if this is a silly question but I am so confused!
Thankyou
I think that depends on the individual, but when I say I don’t eat sugar, that’s exactly what I mean. Carbohydrates are not bad for us, as a general rule. If you have time to watch Dr. Lustig’s video, he has an excellent explanation of the difference between “normal” carbs (glucose) and the deadly carbs (containing fructose, like table sugar and high fructose corn syrup). The way I see it is this: for millions of years, humans ate high-carbohydrate foods, along with their veggies and meats. What they didn’t eat is refined sugar, whether it’s made from cane, beets or corn. Once you give them up, it’s amazing how much better you feel, and how much better food tastes.
Thanks for your reply! That clears things up nicely.
Hi everyone,
Well, like everyone else, I’m feeling encouraged just to know there are others out there who also struggle with sugar addiction! I’m 26 and have always had a love for sugar, but have felt out of control with it for the past 2 years. I’ve gained a bit of weight, and it’s definitely affected my self esteem. I just don’t like the feeling of something controlling me.
Recovering alcoholics usually can’t go near alcohol again, so perhaps it’s not that dissimilar with sugar…
I’ve also found it hard to gain support from friends, as I know to most people it doesn’t seem as serious as a drug or alcohol addiction for example. But I think anything that controls you and negatively affects your life is pretty serious! So it was lovely to find this page and feel supported even just by reading everyone elses’ comments and advice to each other.
My personal experience – I’m a Christian and have sensed God bring up this area of my life lately, as He knows it holds me back and is just determinental on all fronts really. I know we all have our own beliefs, but I honestly find help in Him, and so I have to give Him credit in helping me kick sugar these past 3 weeks (no lapses). I just CANNOT do it on my own – I’ve proved that to myself time and time again. It’s been a vicious cycle for the last couple of years! I’ve also told myself that perhaps I just can’t eat sugar again – it may be for life (and let’s face it, there aren’t really any health benefits of sugar so my body would probably thank me!). In the past, if I’ve let the sugar back into my life a tiny bit, it’s come flooding back in and I’ve felt horrible
I’m feeling good now after 3 weeks without it. I know it’s a journey and it’s one step at a time (and there will be failures along the way). But the cravings have well and truly subsided (I’ve been able to say no to chocolate and cake that’s beeen right in front of my face), my clothes are starting to fit better and my emotions are MUCH more stable. One of my friends also made a good point – we have to separate sugar from our identity – i.e. I’ve been known for my love of chocolate, and people have bought it for me as a present knowing I’d love it. But chocolate is not part of who I am in any way. It does not shape me or control me!
No matter what, there’s always hope!
Just thought I’d share my own little journey and help to let others know they’re not alone.
All the best everyone!
Good thoughts, Emily. Thanks for sharing.
I have a question for everyone who has been off sugar for longer than two weeks. I am in my second week of no sugar, not even fruit and I am lactose intolerant as well. The first week I felt so terrible I couldnt even drive by day 4 I was so shaky. That was my worst day and I am feeling less shaky now – day 12- but still tired, lightheaded, depressed and weepy. I am not trying to lose weight so I am eating well and regularly. How long did people take to start feeling well? I thought a week would do it but honestly there hasn’t been much improvement. It makes you want to give up. Did anyone have withdrawal symptoms that lasted a long time and when did it finally get better?
Cath, are you eating enough carbohydrates to give you the glucose you need? You might be able to get over the symptoms more quickly if you add fruit back in to your diet, and build your meals around winter squash, sweet potatoes, whole wheat bread and other healthy carbs. If that doesn’t improve things in a few days, it might be time to talk to your doctor.
I have been sugar-free for two weeks. I’ve never felt better in my life. I eat whole grains and fruits in addition to vegetables, low-fat dairy, and lean meats. I have also cut out white flour. I feel like I’ve been given my life back. I am 44 and have been addicted to sugar for a long time. All the male members of my family are/were alcoholics. The women were all overeaters and heavy. Both of my parents were diabetic, and I’m pre-diabetic. I’m hoping for weight loss (I’ve lost 12 lbs), but that’s only a bonus. I want to live to enjoy my large family (I have six children) and, one day, play with my grandchildren. I’m walking daily also. Before I went off sugar, I hated any kind of exercise. I felt too lousy to do it. Now I look forward to walking and looking at the flowers and trees. My mind is no longer on when and what I will eat next. My husband is very supportive and has cut down on the amount of sugar he eats and has lost weight. The food I eat tastes so good. I never thought I’d enjoy the taste of a fresh grape tomato so much. After a few days, I didn’t miss the sugar most of the time. I still have some tough moments, but all I have to do is remember how bad I felt before. I hope I will never forget. I am a true believer in sugar addiction because I am a sugar addict.
Very inspiring, Julia. Thanks for sharing.
This is what I know…
When I was young I remember my grandpa sleeping under a buffet in his dining room, he was always sleepy. I also remember my father sleeping all the time, he died from diabetes.
Now I see my 60 year old diabetic sister sleeping all the time even during the day and my youngest brother has this disease also he is 42 years old.
I have tested in the past for diabetes but my numbers were below 100.
It has been about a year and I am feeling so bad. So sleepy after I eat, and my vision gets
blurry, and my brain goes into freeze mode.
I am consuming more sugar, it seems I am craving it like an alcoholic would crave a
drink. After I eat the sweet, I feel so bad and guilty, but I can’t stop the next day I just eat more, after I say I won’t. I exercise on my treadmill regularly and am of normal weight for my height, but I am starting to feel my clothes getting tighter. Everyone in
my family have big bellies. I am so scared. Where do I start? Tomorrow I know I will
just find myself back in the kitchen whipping up another batch of cookies. eeeeks!
Please help me I don’t want to end up like my family.
Hi Tina. I highly recommend that you read Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars, and pay special attention to his chapters on methods that help patients give up sugar. Even if you aren’t diabetic, the information in those chapters will be invaluable. He gives instructions on self-hypnosis, and suggests clinical hypnosis if self-help doesn’t work. And if that doesn’t work either, he recommends some low-risk medications that will help curb the cravings. Highly recommended.
You might also want to pick up a book on nutrition by Sally Fallon called Nourishing Traditions. I found personally that the whole foods in the cookbook helped to eliminate my food cravings. I think one big reason why so many of us crave sugar now is that we’ve accepted the low-fat diet advice that’s been handed out for so many years. It isn’t working, so it’s time to find something else that does.
What kind of low risk meds help with cravings?? I have never heard of anything like this before? Thanks for the advice.
The only place I’ve ever seen them mentioned is in Dr. Bernstein’s book. I gave my copy to a friend so I can’t look up the name of the medication, but I remember that it’s something that has been proven to work for heroin addicts, and that there are very few risks. His patients all have diabetes, so he sees uncontrolled sugar cravings as a life-threatening condition.
Of course, your own doctor probably hasn’t read the book either, so she might not be willing to consider prescribing it. The book would be a nice gift for a doctor, and it might be one way for patients to get their doctors to take sugar addiction a little more seriously.
I just found it – the medication is called naltrexone. As with all drugs, there are some side effects, especially if the dose is excessive. I seem to recall that Dr Bernstein recommended a very low dose, much lower than the dose used for heroin addicts.
It looks like a new weight loss pill is coming out soon that includes both naltrexone and an anti-depressant, Wellbutrin. The combination appears to have rather serious side effects, including high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. Half of the participants in the study dropped out before the study was half finished, and the amount of weight lost was an unremarkable 5% of body weight (10 pounds lost in a year for someone who weighs 200 pounds.) . The FDA approved it anyway. Naltrexone alone, as prescribed by Dr Bernstein, does not appear to have the heart-related side effects.
Your post sounds so scary. I am very sleepy every day and have a big belly but not overweight. Igave up sugar four days ago and feel I am learning a lot of good reasons to stay off the stuff but it seems impossible. I use to drink and stopped thirteen years ago but definitely switched to sugar. You must stop. Learn all you can, be aware of social situations and pressures do it as a gift to yourself and break the cycle. Embrace the uncomfortableness and just say I may be super miserable for a few weeks but all will be so much better for it. Good luck
Wow — this is a really great and inspiring thread. I quit drinking 15 years ago, and I think the first night I did I had three bowls of ice cream. There were several Jameses at the meeting I went to, so they called me James Sugar! I’ve tried to lick the cane juice over and over, over the years, and have never been able to do it, but I don’t keep it in the house, and try to avoid it whenever possible, because otherwise — get out of the way. You could lose a finger.
One thing I’ve always noticed is how little will power I have over eating sugar and carbs when I am out at dinner….I am so quick to give in when someone presses bread or dessert or french fries on me, and part of the reason — or part of the addiction — happens in my thinking that I have to say yes to be a good guest. The concept of choice goes out the window. That’s probably a rationalization, though — since I am also very quick to filch french fries off of someone else’s plate (with no thought of “propriety” there.)
Anyway, what I’ve been trying this week that has been really fascinating is not eating in public. I’ve always noticed how helpless I get around carbs in general when I am out with people at dinner or lunch, how my level head just goes out the window and next thing you know the bread basket is GONE. So on Monday I started this weird thing — tactic, strategy, what have you — of simply eating nothing in public and only eating Monday night I went to a very fancy gala dinner, and was seated at the host’s table and was very, very nervous that I was going to get shamed/guilted into eating….but not one person commented. At all.
I am on Day 4 of this — and as I am sure we all know this is the honeymoon period, where the novelty of a new plan keeps your spirits afloat and your mind engaged. We will see how it goes, but so far so good. AND I have noticed that I even want healthier choices for myself at home, which has always been an enormous struggle. Anyway, I highly recommend trying this out. I’ve known for a long time that with alcohol, the important thing is NOT attempting moderation, and I’ve known in my gut — no pun intended — that sugar (and for that matter, white flour) was the same thing.
Thank you everyone for contributing to this forum. It’s really inspiring!
I agree that the low-fat diet only made my sugar addiction worse back in the 1990′s when I was a teenager. I consumed huge amounts of white rice, white bread, and of course a lot of low-fat desserts that only contain even more sugar than the regular. Last spring I managed to lose 20 lbs by eating high protein, low carb diet. I ate eggs, turkey bacon, butter, turkey, beef, chicken, broccoli, cucumbers, carrots, potatoes, peanut butter in moderation, cream cheese on celery in moderation, full-fat plain yogurt, and I would limit bread to a serving or 2 of whole wheat, etc–I didn’t eat desserts and I felt great–now it’s just trying to stick with that–once I eat sugar ie cookies or cake, I fall off the wagon. I definitely have a sugar addiction–I am just now truly coming to terms with that and it’s a feeling of freedom which is strange, but I can’t eat it even in moderation at least not now or maybe never but that’s okay. It’s easier to abstain from all of it. New symtoms for me are a red itchy rash on my face. That’s what scares me. What other symptoms could I develop if I don’t get this under control? Anyway, I also was known for my love of candy and that’s what people would buy me. It was part of my identity. I grew up with a diabetic father and ate a lot of sugar-free desserts that only made me crave the real stuff even more. I agree with Jonni that eating whole foods will diminish those cravings greatly. Thank you for this site–it truly is encouraging as I’ve been praying for this for years and feel God helped me find this site. I have always prayed He would heal me from this but that is not His will right now. He wants me to learn how to treat my “temple” with respect and learn self-control. It could always be worse. I am not an alcoholic or illegal drug addict but a sugar addict. My health is very good considering and I don’t want to ever take advantage of that. I have 4 children that depend on me greatly.
Angie
Yes, thanks so much for this site. I also can only eat any kind of meat, eggs, cheese, jerky, limited nuts, vegetables, preferably no fruit ( increases my appetite), lots of coconut oil and butter (fats are filling and also GOOD for the heart, cholesterol etc), almond butter, homemade “bread” made from eggs and coconut flour (very low carb) etc. The reason I have to eat this way is like most of you folks I can’t stop eating sweets. I keep track of my numbers, and this is the ONLY way I can keep them normal. I have to cook meat ahead to have in the fridge at all times, or jerky or pickled eggs etc. Otherwise I would get in to real bread and jam and all the other tasty things in life- ha. If you put 8 or 9 hard boiled eggs in a jar of dill pickle juice and let them sit for a week, they are tasty and apparantly eggs are one of the only “complete” healthy foods. I take one to town when I go shopping so I don’t buy a sweet snack. The book Sugar Blues many years ago clued me in to my problem with the “white stuff” but I didn’t get real serious about it until a few years ago unfortunately. I’m 62, 5ft3 and 133 pounds. If I eat this way I can get a good sleep and wake up feeling fine. I do “fall off the wagon” once in a while but only for a short time as I get too sick with headache, feel awful, dry throat, fuzzy thinking, blurry vision etc. All the best to everyone….
Another good source for recipes that fit Bev’s diet is Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon.
Another great easy healthy meal is home made soup with meat, tomatoes, veggies like kale, cabbage etc. When you get hungry, just go have a bowl of soup instead of the sweets. Keep it frozen ahead in the freezer. Yummy
Hi
I posted a week ago about how bad mt withdrawal was and how long it was taking. Take heart I felt TERRIBLE for over two weeks and started gradually feeling better. I’m still very tired but at least the shakiness has stopped. Other people have been asking about cravings. I take glycemic balance which has really helped me. There is also a really good book by Patrick Holford called How to give up without feeling sh*t. I can highly recommend it. It’s for all addictions drug alcohol food anti depressants etc. He recommends taking amino acids to help with the withdrawal and cravings. I havnt tried them myself yet as I havnt had too many cravings yet but I will if things start getting bad.
Keep going guys – it’s terrible that we have no support and information from doctors and other authorities re the state of our modern diets. Thank heavens for the Internet.
Cath
It’s good to know you’re feeling better. And thanks for recommending that book. It looks like the author has a number of books on the subject of diet and emotions – good to know.
Hi All – I am definitely a sugar addict. I have been facing this for about 8 years now, however, I am hitting an all-time low. I need to get off it, and I start off each day well. But as the day goes on, I give in to any temptation that presents itself. I think I just need to go cold-turkey from white sugar and white flour. Looking for support through all this…It’s starting now. I want my life back and I don’t want to be a prisoner to food anymore. My plan is to hop on here anytime I have a craving to help get through it. Thanks for the inspiration to those above. Here’s to a long, tough trip ahead!
Hello sugar friends,
I am in a mess. I have been relatively clean of sugar for a while now but last weekend I ended up with some candy at the movies and then the next day, or the day after, not sure, I felt so awful, so depressed, such a mess—and only now (day 2) am wondering if it was the sugar?? Could something I chugged down, er, ate enthusiastically, er, binged on much/most of my life really make me now feel JUST AWFUL? I am going to stay away and see how I feel over the next day or two but this is just unbelievable. I am useless and numb and flatout depressed. Actually I hope sugar is the prob because I can do something about that and this is bad enough that I doubt if I will touch the stuff much in the future.
Yes Patricia, it’s entirely possible that your sugar binge caused the symptoms you’re feeling. When we eat sugar all the time, our bodies change to accommodate it. When we stop eating sugar, the body gets a chance to get back into balance. Some people do experience your symptoms when they go back to it, especially if they eat way too much all at once. As for the depression, the book Sugar Blues was one of the first books I ever read explaining the connection between sugar and depression. It was one of the reasons that I moved to a sugar-free diet.
However, there’s always the chance that something else is causing the symptoms. The way to know for sure is to give it a few more days and see if you feel better. If not, it might be time to see the doctor.
Hello everyone – thanks again for the inspiration. Day one with no processed food: Went well. Still had the cravings for all of those foods, but opted not to eat them. Clearly I wasn’t hungry, just used to giving into my desires. Last night was difficult for about an hour, then the cravings passed and I was less anxious. I woke up this morning feeling really good. I know it’s going to be difficult, but with the help of this site, it will help to make it managable. Anyone else give up processed foods? If so, how far are you into it?
Hi all. I haven’t been here for awhile, but still plugging away:)
Yes, Renee, I too have given up almost all processed foods. Takes a lot more planning for me! That’s the biggest thing for me. Having a variety of quick foods on hand, especially leftovers that I put in the freezer when I make a big stir fry, or chili, or soup. And I notice that I actually USE the veggies I buy, instead of throwing all of them away when they rot in my fridge!
Unfortunately, I still experience a lot of cravings for my high sugar friends:( What helps most is not having anything in my house that is tempting, and not eating out or ordering in. Which I used to do a lot.
I occassionally buy a prepared “simmer sauce” that I add veggies and beans to, or a can of soup. But these always have very few ingredients, and they are “real” and I know what they are. Reading labels has been very enlightening for me…
When I look at the ingredients of the processed foods I used to eat, they have a whole paragraph of ingredients–most of which I don’t recognize. I do that occassioanlly for a reality check. And someone pointed out that when a processed food says “vitamin fortified”, the vitamins had to be added, because the “food” lacked them in the first place! And who knows how much of these added “nutrients” are even absorbed or used by our bodies?
Thanks for the support, everyone, and I’m sending good vibes your way to keep on keepin on!
I have had a few health problems and have finally come to the conclusion with the help of my doctor that sugar addiction may be my problem. I was eating so many sweets and actually not eating meals. It got really bad. The more I ate the more I wanted. I have atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, I’ve had pancreatitis, I’ve had digestive problems and now I have a leaky heart valve. The doctor says I have to give up the sugar and I have to eat a sensible diet and lose 30 lbs to put less stress on the heart valve. I have been without sugar for 9 days now. Everyone here says they feel better after just a few days. Well, I don’t. I feel crabby, shaky, headachy and just plain awful. Called the doctor and he says its withdrawal. Has anyone else had a longer period of withdrawal like this. My anxiety level is very high too because I am craving sugar so bad and having to fight it. I go for short walks or find something to do or just pace (haha). So far I am staying off it and will continue to do so. I want to lose that 30 lbs, get the blood pressure down and save my life. Thanks for this site.
Janice.
Hi Janice. Congratulations for being so determined to get your health back. Unfortunately, some people do experience the symptoms you describe for several weeks. It helps to eat lots of very healthy carbohydrates so your blood sugar can become more stable. Eat things like sweet potatoes, apples, even potatoes. Also, make sure you’re getting enough fat in your diet – good fats, like butter and olive oil. And don’t try to go on a very low calorie diet to lose weight just as you’re also experiencing the symptoms of sugar withdrawal, because that can make the mood swings even worse. It will get better soon, I promise.
An excellent article was printed in the New York Times this morning on this very subject – the connection between sugar and heart disease and other illnesses. You can read it here.
Here’s a short quote from the article that makes me feel much more positive about the healing effect of a diet without sugar:
I am the in the same boat as everyone else trying this no sugar in my food and drinks. Does anyone have a good solution to what to eat or drink? I am used to drinking G2 gatorade & sweet tea. I am also used to snacking on bad food. Any suggestions of what works for you would be great. I would love to hear what you are drinking and snacking on. Thanks
For about two years now I have been seriously researching the effect of carbohydrates and sugars on the body. Before I saw the video on this site I was convinced sugar and carbohydrates (in the vast quantities the north American diet purports to be healthy) were unhealthy. I knew sugar was a drug, I knew it acted much like heroine and cocaine, I knew about sugar withdrawal and the effect on insulin and some of the other things in the video. What makes it that bad? I still eat sugar like it’s going out of style! and I’m 26 weeks pregnant! O_o. About 2/3 through the video I looked at the pop I had beside me and decided I was going to throw out much of (if not all) the products in my kitchen and pantry that had sugar in ANY form. If my husband isn’t happy with this, well honestly, too bad. I love him to pieces, but this (sugar) isn’t love.
I am a Paleo diet girl at heart, so all the things I read about people eating high fat diets to counteract the sugar cravings is EXACTLY what I should (and everyone else who want to seriously kick the habit) do to stay off sugar forever. The one stipulation? Eat natural fats like olive oil, butter, skin on chicken, nuts, prime rib, skin on fish. They taste fabulous AND take away the craving for sweets! It’s an amazing switch, fat tastes so good, it seems unnatural to not eat it once you know how good it tastes. The other thing about eating lots of fat, is that you WILL stop eating once you’ve had enough fat and you will NOT want to eat anything until it’s time for the next meal. This has been my experience with unlimited fats and limited sugars anyway…
What to eat or drink some people ask?
Drink water. You can flavour it with lemon, cucumber, orange or fruit you like (citrus works best I think) by slicing some fresh fruit and dropping it in your glass/water bottle. It really is good.
What to snack on?
Eat nuts. It has lots of fat. Fat is good.
Eat fresh veggies. More prep than opening a bag doritos, but then again…no sugar.
Make your own snack crackers with low carb/sugar ingredients like almond meal or oat flour, eggs and milk.
Have nut butters available for dipping
Have some fresh fruit available…like grapes, cherries, watermelon. Eat whatever fruit you like, just don’t go overboard with this one, or you’re not doing your body a service.
Thanks, Vikki. Good advice.
Kicking the sugar habit isn’t easy. There’s sugar and high fructose corn syrup in many things we eat. Just look at the ingredients label on the box or bottle. I had two heart attacks which I blame sugar (donuts, pies, donuts, cakes, donuts, cookies, donuts, candy, donuts, ice cream and donuts) for. Even though I exercised (walking, jogging, doing push ups, weight lifting, doing physical therapy exerices) every day, I went to the hospital for chest pains one day in 2008. The doctors didn’t know what was killing me. I had to be resusitated. I was in the hospital for a month. My second heart attack was in 2010. I had two blocked arteries for which I underwent bypass surgery. I had been eating chocolate ice cream and potato chips. So I gave those up. From what I’ve read, refined sugar feeds the parasitic worms that infest 90% of Americans. That and the two heart attacks are incentive enough for me to kick the surgar habit.
I don’t know about the parasites, but I know that sugar is implicated in heart disease and all other illnesses associated with the metabolic syndrome. According to the sugar- the bitter truth video that was recently posted, fructose is almost immediately metabolized and stored as fat in the liver, among other icky things. But the good news is that diet can make us healthier.
I have a family history of heart disease, and was diagnosed a few years ago with sleep apnea and elevated triglycerides. The carbohydrate/heart disease connection was never even explained by my cardiologist. I was not even “tried” on diet before starting on a statin, and I figured it was the easy way to “cure” myself. Sure, he said I should lose weight, and recommended at least an hour of exercise a day–which to me was a pretty drastic mandate. I mean, how to talk someone out of even exercising at all is by setting a seemingly overwhelming goal (in my opinion)! When I asked for a pamphlet or brochure on weight loss, he looked at me like I was an idiot then said they didn’t have one, and told me to eat lots of different colors at every meal. I mean, that’s all!
At follow up appts, they always liked my “numbers” and would shame me for not losing weight or exercising an hour a day! And wrote me more prescriptions for statins.
In my quest about sugar addicition/sensitivity, I listened to an interview with Connie Bennett (who wrote Sugar Shock) and a Dr Sinatra re: the connection between sugars/simple carbs and heart disease. Luckily, I had learned this several months before, and had already eliminated these foods from my diet with great results! To this day I can’t figure out why my cardiologist didn’t tell me this. I see him in July, and I plan to ask him to emphasize this with his other patients as well. Currently I am off the statin to determine if my dietary changes have improved my triclyceride level.
I am so glad to have found this site and especially appreciate this forum. Thanks and praise to Jonni!
Thanks, Trish. I think that diet isn’t studied much in medical school, and the research on sugar isn’t getting the attention it deserves because of the prevalence of the low-fat idea. When it was deemed “common knowledge” that fat is the cause of all our problems, any researcher who said it was really a sugar problem was ostracized. It may take a long time for the medical profession to get up to speed – but it will happen faster if consumers (patients) start insisting.
Noone and I mean NOONE can convince me sugar is good anymore because of a little test I did. Every spring I go through all the joys of hayfever….and this year I was off sugar, dairy and fruit….and my hayfever didn’t come! So I wanted to see if it was really because of sugar and dairy stuff and wouldn’t you know it the day I ate one chocolate I couldn’t sleep all night due to all the sneezing, itching and all. As soon as I went back to no sugar again, it was gone!
So it seems hayfever cure has been discovered afterall!
Mind you, I do stay off of all sugar…including fruit, organic honey, non refined sugar etc. Those kill my immunity as well and my hayfever reappears.
I hope the pharmaceutical mafia isn’t reading this cuz theyll have me tracked and killed XD
Oh my gosh I totally agree – I have such a bad sugar addiction that I can go through family-sized bags of candy in one go…! I always have to add sugar to everything, and I literally get withdrawal symptoms like cravings, irritation and headache, if I don’t get it…How am I going to kick the habit?????
Mariah, I’ve read a lot of studies about addictions and how people overcome them. What they almost always say is that there’s really only one way for someone to give up a dangerous habit – it happens when the individual decides that something else in life is more important. For an alcoholic, the more important thing might be their family’s love, keeping a job, or their own self-respect. For someone addicted to sugar it could be the possibility of living a healthy life and gaining the possibility of avoiding heart disease, diabetes, yeast infections or obesity. It all depends on what you want more – that bag of candy, or your health. And, unfortunately, we often choose based on short-term pleasure instead of long-term health.
I suggest that you read as much as you can about the way sugar affects your health, make sure you watch the video above if you haven’t already, and then decide that your willing to pay with a few weeks of feeling lousy for a lifetime of health.
Hello Everyone! Its been a few weeks since my post and wanted to let you know what is working for me. I find that my sugar addiction is such that I cannot handle zero sugar. It is in fruits and vegetables but we can’t leave out entire food groups for our healths sake. One snack that I have found really satisfying is a fresh apple with a bit of peanut butter. I was totally amazed in how it was that “pick me up” that I expected from coffee. I felt more like taking a nap when I chose the apple with a bit of peanut butter and was amazed at how refreshed I felt in a short time. Never did take that nap but was able to get more housework done that day! If I focus on organic fresh foods I feel better. I found for myself that weaning myself off a little at a time seems to bring success rather than cold turkey. I do find that I crave sweets less and less. Much of the processed foods on grocery store shelves have chemicals in them that cause us to crave them more. Its to sell a product I guess but deceitfully so because we tend to crave the food itself when its the “excitotoxins” they add to shelves. When the expiration date is years from now is a good indication there is substantial preservatives in them. I find I no longer crave that big mac or whopper burger. I think for some of us in order to have any success it has to be a weaning process. I don’t buy candy at the store anymore and buy fresh so I know what I am eating. Some have mentioned protein and protein is good. It satisfies hunger for longer periods of time. I used to eat a lot of Special K red berry cereal. I found that seemed to be a good choice and then looked at the label on the breakfast bars? Partially hydrogenated fat there! That is not for weight loss for sure! Be a label reader! Be careful what you put in your mouth. Fruit and vegetables are good for us and we know too much of anything is not good. Eat all these things in moderation. I learned lately that there are a few good vegetables for weight loss and some are: avocados, broccoli and cauleflower. Natural occuring sugars are a good way to cut some of those cravings and help you get over the mountain. Don’t beat yourself up if you fall into a cookie now and then. Many of us do, just get back on track and you will find those times will become less and less. We can beat this thing! Don’t give up! Some progress is better than none!
Hi all!
Jonni, I wanted to say thank you for posting that link to Dr Lustig’s talk! Lots of good information, and this guy knows his stuff! In his children’s obesity clinic he encourages his clients to make four changes :
1. Drink only water and milk–no other fluids (I’m not sure I agree with the milk thing, but I’m sure he has a scientific reason)
2. Always eat fiber with any carbohydrates (This makes you feel fuller longer)
3. Eat “seconds” only after 30 minutes (I think this is to make sure you’re really still hungry or if eating more is more of an emotional complusion)
4. Ration exercise with screen time (ie, a half hour of exercise gets you a half hour of “screen time”) He said this one is difficult for most people. (Screen time is time in front of the TV, computer, video games, etc)
Lots of other stuff, too, including that basically once you get into a cycle of excess carbohydrates, the body signals you that you are STARVING and will do anything to get you to eat more to survive! It’s not will power. It’s not our fault:-)
Again, Jonni, thanks for that link.
Thanks, Trish. This is a great summary of his recommendations.
I’m a ‘Keep it Simple, Simon’ (KISS) kind of person. If the food isn’t a good protein source or high in fiber, it’s probably not natural and therefore useless to my body. Don’t eat it. But as with all things – easier said than done.
Easter Sunday was the usual family gathering. Everyone brings their latest dessert creation and insists that ‘one piece of cake’ won’t hurt you as they push a fork full toward your mouth. I noticed that no one pushes the green beans at you. Once I get sugar in my mouth, I want more. And no one seems to understand that.
For me, my sugar addiction is eating powdered sugar. I will crave this stuff bad. I am so ashamed of this addiction that I eat it in private. Why do I do this?
Being sneaky is one of the symptoms of addiction. The good news is that you don’t have to analyze it and figure out what’s wrong with yourself. There isn’t anything wrong with you at all! The problem is the substance that you’re craving. It isn’t fair to beat yourself up over something that really isn’t your fault, and it doesn’t help in any way.
Since sugar is making you feel bad about yourself (and you deserve better!) I suggest that you go through your cupboards and throw away all the powdered sugar – and anything else that contains any type of sugar or corn syrup. It might be hard in the beginning, but in a few weeks you’ll be very glad you did.
Hello fellow sugar addicts,
I have stopped sugar (again) (after hellish time w sugar), and am eating similar to the South Beach diet–in other words high protein, lots of veggies, soups– and after a few days I felt HORRIBLE and the worst was that I couldn’t sleep well or deeply. Getting 4 or 5 hours of “slumber” a night. Is there any connection between stopping a sugar addiction and insomnia? Also depressed and blah and unmotivated too. But the insomnia will drive me back to my bad ways faster than anything. Although if this is my body adjusting and getting better and healing, than..sure thing, I will carry on as they say.
I’m no expert, but I would think insomnia is common when coming off sugar, and I can totally relate to that making you want to go back to it! And depression, and feeling blah, and having no motivation, etc all sound very “normal”. From what I understand, there are biochemical reasons that you are wanting sugar. Your body thinks you need it. And of course your mind thinks you need it too. I think the worst part is the first 3-4 days.
Sometimes when I have that seemingly irresistable urge to eat something that I don’t want to eat I s start doing a gratitude list. Almost in desperation! lol I’ll think of as many things as I can that I am thankful for: people, the sun in the sky, the color of nail polish I have on, the comfy sweats I’m wearing, that flower I saw the other day, the smile of a baby–anything! Even the littlest things. And I may say them out loud, or write them down (occupies my hands too!). This list can go on and on and on, and often if I’m in bed, I fall alseep thinking up new things to be thankful for:)
I think Jonni has a meditation on her site that you may find helpful, too. Sometimes focussing on my breathing and just slowing it down can help me a lot. Also, getting out of bed when I can’t sleep is often helpful. So is going outside–even if just for a minute or two. And not having any foods that I don’t want to eat in my house helps.
I have heard that the South Beach Diet is very strict, and hard to stick to long term. I don’t know what others think of it…
Anyway, perhaps one of the things I mentioned here might be of help to you. You are going through a very tough time right now. Think of ways, if you can, to nurture yourself without food: a bath, lighting some candles, listening to soothing music, curling up with a soft blanket, sending yourself a card telling yourself how proud you are of you (I know that might sound weird, but I’ve done this before, and it’s actually very gratifying). And come here and write and ask for support.
Good luck to you:-)
Thank you Trish. That is really helpful. What a wonderful reply. It helps just hearing your voice. I have eased up a bit on the South Beach and am adding a few, select carbs into my diet–and it helps I think. More later. The sun is out and I am taking my dog to the dog park for a romp.
Hi,
I am begining to believe I am addicted to sugar as well. I know I need to stop and I am going to start trying to get off this sugar thing as of this monday. I have a few questions…are there any pills that you can take to reduce the craving associated with sugar? I did take a pill like this when I was in my teens and trying to diet..it worked but not sure now that I’m older if it would have the same effect. Also what do you do about birthdays, christmas, easter, halloween, and all the other holidays coated in candy if you know what i mean. I have two kids and an unsuportive husband. One that will eat and eat and not even gain an ounce. He is constantly buying soda’s with sugar not diet soda and bringing it into the house. How do you change this behavior if the people around you are not willing to help the situation??? Please help any comments or suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Nicole
Hi Nicole. How can you change the behavior of other people? If they’re over the age of 12, that’s a pretty impossible task. However, you can take total control of your own life. I haven’t heard of anyone physically forcing another person to eat sugar, although they may use a lot of psychological tricks to get you to eat “just one, it won’t hurt you.” If you spend your energy trying to change other people, you won’t have any energy left to change yourself.
Watch that video in the post above, if you haven’t already, and then remember each moment that you don’t have to poison yourself, even if your friends and family insist on poisoning themselves.
There is a pill that will, supposedly, reduce the craving for sugar. It was originally developed for heroin addicts, and most doctors have probably not heard of this use for the medication. You might borrow the book Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars from the library, and take it with you when you see your doctor. However, I don’t know how well it works. There are also books at the library that deal with sugar addiction issues, and the more you learn the easier it is to change your diet.
I am getting to this thread a little late, but better late than never!
I am 31 years old and a very severe sugar addict. I am also a recovering heroin addict. So i know exactly what an addiction feels like, and this definitely is one. It started out 6 yrs ago…i began methadone maintenance treatment and i was warned about the intense sugar cravings i would experience. But i could have never been prepared. I would get off of work at 6am, go to the clinic, and on the way home stop and buy 1/2 gallon ice cream and a 3 liter of root beer and then i would go home and have root beer floats until either the ice cream or root beer was gone. Then i would walk over to the corner store and buy 2 or 3 cheese danishes. Eventually i would pass out on the couch for awhile only to wake up and have a dinner of at least 4 bowls of cereal. On the way to work a box of hot tamales and or some twizzlers, and on my break at work chocolate chip waffles. I did gain a significant amount of weight, but i was still not fat and i felt fine. So, i thought i was fine. 6 yrs have gone by and i am just as bad if not worse, i eat candy until i am nauseous…. so i have some pep-to, and i am back on the candy. Yesterday i ate 1 whole box of cinnamon toast crunch, 1 box of hot tamales,1 box of sour dots, 1box gobstoppers…1 carton of caramel praline crunch ice cream 6 reeses peanut butter eggs, and oh yeah, a plate of spaghetti. Is there anyone who has it as bad as me, or am i a disgustingly severe case? It really was put into perspective when i found myself hiding boxes of candy in my underwear drawer. Not because i didn’t want them stolen, but because i am embarrassed and i didn’t want my fiancée to see it.
Thank you for listening 
-Shauna
The point is, as long as i wasn’t fat i thought i had some kind of immunity to it. well i still am not fat, but lately i just feel ill all of the time. I get horrible debilitating migraines, i have nights when i feel so sick, weak and nauseous , that i don’t know how i manage to finis h work. Please hel[p, does this sound like a result of all of the sugar? What will happen if i quit cold turkey given the amount that i consume. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I would go to the doctor but i do not have insurance and i am broke
Hi Shauna- myself, I would have to stop cold turkey or I’d never do it. If you do that, have things like beef jerkey, raw cut up veggies, cheese sticks, appples ( peel and cut into pieces as you might not eat it otherwise). I put this cut up apple into a container and sprinkle cinnamon on them – keeps them from going brown and also healthy.
You would likely have to go through awful withdrawal but you need to persist through it. No sugar stopped all my headaches, also can’t take any caffeine because of that.
Mainly, you will need alternate foods handy at ALL times or you will reach for the sweet stuff. Hope this helps…
Wow – yes, you do consume more sugar than the garden-variety sugar addict. This might be caused by the connection between sugar and the brain chemicals that make people feel good – very similar to heroin, in fact. Or it could be caused by a hormone imbalance in your body or some other physical problem that needs to be dealt with. If you haven’t watched the video up above in this post yet, you’ll want to do so now – it will explain why you aren’t feeling very well. Among the other problems that sugar can cause, diabetes is a very real risk. All of the symptoms you describe can be caused by changes in blood sugar levels or high blood pressure, and that means you must find the means to get to a doctor. Perhaps you can borrow the money, or find a local clinic that charges on a sliding scale. Whatever it takes, I recommend you get that appointment, and do it as soon as you can.
Hi shaun a
I too am similarly addicted I can eat a HUGE amount of sugar yet am not overweight but the sugar led to hormone imbablance with mood swings depression and just feeling tired and awful. I gave up sugar and fruit and almosr all carbs cold turkey and I thought I would die. Terrible withdrawal for three weeks. It’s been about five weeks now and I am gradually starting to feel good again.
Please if you can read a book called potatoes not Prozac it has made me realize so much about my life ( all addictions come from the same low seretonin/ low beta endorphins which is why recovering alcoholics often become sugar addicts) this book really explains what’s happening and gives you a fab way to help. I was crying when I read it, it really spoke to me. If you can’t read it then just don’t go cold turkey. Try this at least 1 Make sure you have protein with every meal 2 cut out all drink with sugar in it 3 if you have food with sugar make sure you eat it with protein eg a desert after a protein meal 4 try and fit in some a bit of walking yoga or meditation every day. Once you can do that start cutting down gradually on all the sugars in your food. Watch out for all that sugar hidden in all processed food.
Another good book, I’ve been reading heaps of them, is one by patirck holford called how to quit without feeling sh*t. If you are going to read any book though read the potatoes not Prozac one I forgot to say it’s by Kathleen desmaisons.
Good luck
Cath
I am now Day 5 sugar free. I actually woke up early this morning without feeling sluggish and needing to sleep in. I felt motivated to get my day started. Believe me this is a FIRST! This is not ‘me’. I am in shock, thus needing to write this!
I havent had any chronic side effects, apart from feeling moody and teary.
I am worried this is the calm before the storm though!!!
Cheers,
Danielle
Don’t question it – enjoy it!
Hey,
this is a brilliant website, really interesting how sugar can cause so much in our bodies! I am currently trying to give up sugar and carbohydrates, i’m on day 3 (slipped up yesterday with a glass of wine as I’ve just handed my dissertation in!) The craving for a chocolate bar hasn’t set in…yet! I am however getting quite bad headaches in the evening and finding it pretty hard to get up in the morning. How long does this generally last? I am also having a freshly made smoothie every morning containing mango, banana, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and some natural yoghurt. Is this too much sugar?…it’s just I never feel hungry for anything more substantial than a smoothie in the morning, but if this is counter productive to my trying to give up sugar then I will try and have something else.
Thanks for the website! Really interesting!
Amy
Hi Amy. Your symptoms should go away in a week or so. As for the smoothie, that’s totally up to you. According to the video up towards the top of this page, the fructose in fruit is counterbalanced by the fiber and other elements in the fruit — plus, you’re getting the protein from the yogurt. If it was just fruit juice there would be a problem, but your headache is indicating that your body is getting far less sugar than it’s used to. I wouldn’t worry about the smoothies.
For what it’s worth, I can’t even have the fruit, especially that much, and I’m not even diabetic. I’m trying to eat just meat, veggies, eggs and some cheese.
I am a 31 year old who for sure after reading all the posts has a sugar addiction. I have been feeling tired, moody, sluggish all day . Are these side effects for sugar? I plan to start tomorrow to eliminate sugar from my diet. I love healthy foods, lean mets and veggies … It’s just once I get started I can’t seem to stop. I truly want to be rid of sugar forever and look so forward to ridding myself of the strong uncontrollable cravings. I feel sugar is responsible for my exhastrabated pms symptoms, mood swings and just not feeling good. I find this site so encouraging and look forward to reading more as I start on this adventure!
Marissa, one of the reasons that I first got interested in this whole issue was the book Sugar Blues, which was published many years ago. The mood problems you described are very typical of people who eat too much sugar. There are other things that can cause the same problems, of course, and the first week or two after giving up sugar the mood swings actually get worse. After that, though, it’s like being a whole new person. If the symptoms don’t go away after a few weeks, then you would know that something else is causing the problems, and you would go see a doctor.
Giving up sugar is much cheaper than any medical prescription for mood swings or tiredness. And, after the first few weeks, there are no side effects. I think it makes sense to always do the easiest thing first and see if it works, so I think you’re on the right track.
Good luck!
Thank you for this site… I’m 40 and have been down the sugar free road a few times.
I can go up to 6 months then I let my guard down and eat a slice of pizza and bam…the cravings are back ..Another thing that trips me is when family and friends look at me like I’m a leper when they notice I’m not eating most of the food they are. Then the questions and the judgments. I get tiered of having to explain myself most people I know don’t understand. I know I need to thicken my skin in order to be healthy..Besides my sister I don’t know anyone who admits they are an addict..Now I’m at the hight of another uncontrollable sugar consuming insanity fest and looking for that spark to get me back on track. I think I have found what I was looking 4…
Thank u Thank u . All who have commented I know for sure I’m not alone in this fight.
Athena,
I can relate to how you feel. Social situations frustrate me sometimes because I know I want to eat what everyone else is eating. I feel like I will hurt my friends’ feelings if I don’t eat their cooking or share their food. I don’t know if my method will work for you, but I’m trying to focus on the end goal– which for me is to end the addiction and to lose some weight. I bet if your friends see your results, they will become jealous or start asking “how did you do it?”
~Lyrra
Greetings everyone,
For most of my life, I have been addicted to sugar and have been overweight. In my senior year of high school, my best friend and I stopped drinking soda in a way to help reduce sugar intake and lose some weight. We both managed to do this for a year, and I lost 15 pounds. Then, somehow I started drinking it again– as well as craving more and more sugary foods afterwards. About two months ago, I started trying to cut out soda again. So far so good on the soda part, but I still crave chocolates and cookies or anything sweet to eat. After finding this website, I am going to attempt to cut out sugar. I have to say, this site (and the link to the video) have motivated me to try this. The hard part is is the motivation to keep it up. I have been reading your posts, and hope that I can follow everything that you all have done!
I have trouble with ice cream and chocalate candy, I was dignoised with diabeties back in dec 2010 i started out elimanated the sodas but couldnt stop the other the issue is also the amount of intake to over indulge make your sugars spike and feel bad i say these things from my expereince also ive noticed the longer you do with out sugar and high carbs, your body changes and you do eventually feel better this is not a easy thing to stop but one sure way if you dont have it at home then your forced to do with out
Just wanted to throw in another unpleasant side affect of a high sugar diet – premature aging of skin.
For anyone looking to kick their sugar habit, one trick that worked well for me was keeping a jar of peanut butter on hand during the transition. You’re body will quite literally go through a withdrawal process while it readjusts itself away from burning sugar as it’s primary source of fuel and the symptoms felt are indeed very real. If weight loss is your ultimate goal for cutting sugar out of your diet, don’t let the high calorie/high fat content of peanut butter scare you away – it’s just meant to be used temporarily in moderate amounts for the first few days where symptoms are the worst and the few days of excessive calories are negligible considering the long term benefits you’ll gain of kicking the habit for good. After adjusting your diet to eliminate simple carbs and well, sugar in general, eat ONE measured tablespoon of peanut butter as soon as you feel a sugar craving or unwanted symptoms (dizziness, shakes, headaches) coming on. Don’t scarf it down, eat that tablespoon slowly, lol. Drink a glass of water afterwards and try and give yourself at least twenty minutes to see if the cravings or withdrawal symptoms have resided. If they haven’t or you simply can’t wait the full twenty minutes because the symptoms are so bad, take another tablespoon. Eventually you’ll find that the peanut butter will curb your sweet craving or make your symptoms tolerable. For me, the hardest day was day 2 and it took me a total of 6 tablespoons spread out over 3 hours. Day 3 took about 4 tablespoons in the afternoon, about 2 tablespoons on day 4 and now I don’t get ravishing sugar cravings or headaches/shakes at all. It won’t take away all of your symptoms, all at once, but it certainly takes the ‘edge’ off making it easier and far more tolerable to quit sugar. Try and find a peanut butter that isn’t hydrogenated and uses (yes, I’m gonna say it) sugar as it’s sweetener, lol. The brand I use has 6 carbs per serving (2 tablespoons). Think of it as the nicotine patch, but for sugar. The fats, protien, calories – don’t worry about it. The goal isn’t to get you sucking down a jar of peanut butter a day to ‘substitute’ your sugar habit – just to eat enough to take the edge off of things until your body no longer relies on dietary sugar as your sole source of energy. I personally used a chunky peanut butter during my self experiment because I felt the little crunchy bits made it feel more satisfying to me.
On a side note, some unexpected benefits Ive personally experienced from cutting sugars and simple carbs from my diet were clear skin (first time in my life I’ve been acne free), no more chronic fatigue symptoms (normal energy level all day long – I used to require a two to three hour nap daily, not any more!) and a feeling of control over my eating habits. I never had weight issues before or after my sugar experiment but I used to have uncontrollable cravings for snickers bars, cakes, pastries, etc and eating those items only made me crave more of those foods immediately afterwards. I do allow myself some dessert now on special occasions and find that it’s easy for me to eat them in smaller portions (for instance, if I get ice-cream with friends I always get the kiddie size serving) and I find it satisfying without the need to have more immediately afterwards.
Great article! Wish everyone lots of luck with cutting sugar out of their diets
I’m so glad to have found this website today. I think I’ve always been a sugar addict. I managed to control my sugar intake for about a year when I was 23 but I found the pressure to eat sugar socially too great around the holidays and fell off the wagon. I’m about to turn 30 and I’ve been unable to control my sugar addiction for the past 7 years. I find that times of emotional upheaval really challenge my will power. I’ve had one huge change after another for the past 7 years. Things are finally starting to settle down in my life though and I’m ready to conquer my addiction. I’ve been cutting back on sugar for about two weeks and have lost 4 lbs, but last night I ate too many chocolates and today I had white rice as part of an otherwise winner of a lunch and then I got a serious craving for sugar! I found this site and read and read but still wanted to go to the store and buy something sweet. Instead I made a Jiffy natural peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat with jam sweetened with juice and drank some skim milk. I feel much better. I’m disappointed in myself that I couldn’t talk myself out of eating all together, but I’m so glad I didn’t drive to the store and buy donuts or Nutella.
I’m committing right now to not eat any bad treats tomorrow and to plan a sugar/white flour free alternative to cake for my 30th birthday party on Saturday. Everyone in my family is addicted to sugar. My dad has type II diabetes and gout. He is my hero though. He’s been eating whole grains and no sugar for 2 or 3 weeks now and has begun losing weight. He made a chart that looks like a thermometer that he dates and colors in red when he reaches his next goal. It has funny/inspirational sayings on it from the bottom to the top like “Look in the mirror, fatty!”, “Don’t think that way!”, “Join a gym!”, “Doing great!”, “You look marvelous!”, etc. He also said that when he gets a feeling that he NEEDS sugar he really beats the thought back in his mind. He tells himself that he absolutely can’t think that way because it’s killing him. I know how difficult it is when other people try to sabotage me when I’m working hard on my addiction so I’m trying to be really supportive of him. That’s another reason I don’t want sugar at my party, so that I can support him and myself. My husband offers to go buy me sugar when I tell him I’m having a craving. I was strong enough to say “no way!” today but some days I’m not. He sounded disappointed yesterday when I said I didn’t want a cake at my party. I think he tries to love me with food. He’s really thin and doesn’t like sugar too much so I don’t think he understands what it’s like to have a sugar monster living in his soul. That’s me. Maria with the sugar monster in her soul.
Hi ladies! I just came across this page and read some of your comments. I am currently on a journey to kick the sugar habit myself. Last year I successfully stopped eating or drinking anything with sugar for a few months. I felt better in those few months (healthier, more energized) than I ever have in my whole life. Then the holidays happened and I caved to my cravings little by little until by January I was totally hooked again. I just finished reading this book “The Sugar Fix” by Richard Johnson M.D. and I highly recommend it. He talks alot about how sugar is bad for your body but also provides some tools to kick the habit and start a new way of eating.
The first week is definately the worst. I noticed, for myself, that artificial sweeteners (splenda, nutrisweet) and coffee made the cravings and moodiness come back. I haven’t been able to find any research that supports these causing the symptoms that sugar addiction does, but I seem to be very sensitive. I plan on keeping away from these most of the time.
I’ve been trying to find a message board or something for people like us who are trying to stop consuming sugar or who already have. Does any one know of any good ones?
Hi Crystal. You’re certainly welcome to use this page as a message board. We have a large number of readers who are very supportive.
I have had great success following the FAA (food addicts anonymous) food plan. I still have my occasional setbacks and temporary relapses but this has taught me a whole new way to eat.
http://www.foodaddictsanonymous.org/faa-food-plan
I lost significant weight more than a year ago by changing my lifestyle. But, this summer semester in college, I lost it. I regained all of my weight in less than two weeks.
I hate eating sugar, but I’m addicted to it. I used to just not buy any sugar, but my roommates have a lot of sugary foods, so I ate all of their food. Yes, it’s that bad.
Thank you so much for posting the video. I ended up finding this on accident after being confused as to why my “100% Pure Squeezed Orange Juice” that had “no sweeteners” still had 56g of sugar in a 16oz bottle.
Through this website I’ve become more aware and I am now going to purchase “Pure White & Deadly” to read more about it, while slowly reducing my daily sugar intake.
Sometimes I think I might have more of a problem than a sugar addict. I used to sneak little sugar packets when I was about 6 yrs old and just dump them down
Sorry, I’ll continue! Then it progressed to if I couldn’t get to any other sugar, I’d wet my finger and put it in dry jello and keep licking it off until the whole box was gone. Then when I could ride my bike, I’d steal money from my Mom and go to the drug store and buy as much candy as I possibly could, then hide the wrappers. I would eat it all at one time and still feel like it wasn’t enough sugar. I am 55 now and to this day, have no desire for any “meals”. Just sugar. I usually eat a bag of candy for dinner. Of course, always hiding. At work, I tell everyone I ate while they were out and eat candy. Something is wrong more than just an addict. Don’t you think? I’m overweight, but not obese. My body is starting to break down with all the lack of nutrition, but I can’t even describe how I NEED the sugar. HELP
Claudia, I do believe there are metabolic reasons why some children (and adults) crave sugar to the extreme. Some doctors believe this can be caused by a variety of reasons, including under- or overactive adrenal glands; digestive problems or enzyme deficiencies that reduce the amount of nutrients absorbed by the body; some vitamin deficiencies; and insulin resistance. There may be many more. Since most MDs will not consider any of these problems (it’s all in your head, you don’t have enough will-power, etc.), you might want to make an appointment with a local naturopath. Even better, if you have a naturopathic college nearby, check in with them. Tell them just what you told us, and that the problem started at a very early age. Then ask them to run some tests. (If they find anything, and you don’t mind sharing your medical info, please let us know. It could help a lot of people in the same circumstances).
Also, consider reading Dr. Bernstein’s book about diabetes. He has advice for people who absolutely can’t give up sugar, which runs from clinical hypnosis to a medication first developed for heroin addicts. Even if you don’t think you have diabetes, that one chapter is worth reading. Your local library might have a copy.
Jonni, You just about made me cry. For someone to realize that this may not be
“IN MY HEAD”, “YOU HAVE NO WILL POWER”, is so powerful to me. I have said all along that there is something in my body that craves this so badly that it’s just not normal. I used to smoke and it didn’t even compare to what the sugar is.
I will definatley check out the naturopathic lead. I have never heard of that. I certainly hope there is one in the area. I live in Northwest Indiana. I will also get Dr. Bernstein’s book right away. I will do ANYTHING to get this even under control if I can’t stop it all together.
And I certainly will let everyone know everything I have found out. Has anyone else had this as severe as this? I feel like I’m the only one that eats bags of candy for dinner!! And can still crave more sugar after that!
Jonni you have made my day! I love you already!!!!! Claudia
Claudia, I’m so glad my comments were helpful to you. I have a very strong belief that we should respect our bodies, especially when our bodies keeps telling us that something is wrong. Good luck – and if you learn anything that might be helpful to others, be sure to let us know.
Hi there, i am also a sugar addict, i will eat sugartreats in secret. . Today is my 2nd day without sugar, its tough. But my friend bought me some hoodia, a d it seems like it helps me not to think about the sugar stuff as much. I eat a lot of natural food now and drink alot of water and green tea. What book would you recommend for me to read and motivate me? I think this is anmamazing site and feel better that im noy alone in this. Good luck to all of you. ! Will keep you posted on how im coping.
Hi- Sugar Blues , read the first few chapters – the rest is a bit hard reading – but this book got me thinking about how bad sugar is. Author William Dufty. I’m 62 and have been off sugar for a while, although the cravings never really leave. For me, complex carbs just make me more hungry, so I need to eat fat and protein instead. Lots of research out there now that high carb low fat is not the way to go. Also, check out Livinlavidalowcarb with Jimmy Moore. Good luck. You can do it.
Hi there,
A truly amazing site. Im a sugar addict, sometimes i will eat peanut clusters in private, hiding it or a box a cookies and then feel so terrible and guilty afterwards. But it seems like it is all i am thinking of. I am on my 2nd day of being sugar free. Its tough, but a friend of mine bought me some hoodia and it feels like it helps me not to think about the sugar as much. I drink a lot of water and greentea and eat veggies and fruit and complex carbs. When i was 24 yrs old, i managed to focus on my intake and never looked better, but then i went through a hard time in my life and everything came crashing down. I am 32years old now, I am doing some excercise , to keep my mind
focused. To everyone out there, good luck. I will keep you posted. Its great to know that i am not alone in this.
Hi Suze,
My name is Alicia Reece and I’m a producer with Primo Multimedia. Primo Multimedia is an ambitious full-service production house and digital network, employing modern technologies to build communities, bridge communication gaps and help our viewers navigate life. I’m currently producing a piece on sugar addiction. Would you be interested in being interviewed to share your personal struggle and/or success with sugar addiction?
Primo is currently located in the Southeast; however, a Skype interview will be sufficient if you are in a different part of the country. I really appreciate your help. We at Primo believe that sugar addiction is a very serious issue and needs to be addressed. We would like to get the word out there to help our viewers enjoy healthier lives. Please email me at areece@primomultimedia.com if you would like to be a part of this endeavor.
Thanks!
Alicia Reece
areece@primomultimedia.com
Thanks for your reply, I will see if I can find the book around here in SA, otherwise i
will look on the internet.
Its day 3 now, and i must say, reading all the above, give me motivation. I used to get depressed, because it felt like no one understood me. And then my emotions will take over, and i will think of what to eat. This site feels like a support group. Thankyou..
Because of all the reading I’ve done lately, people like us seem to do better with the cravings if we eat more FAT. Here is what helps me – Breakfast HAS to be ground beef with cheese melted on it. It even beats eggs for keeping me fuller longer and less cravings. Snacks have to be home made beef jerky. Stay away from ANY breads etc. Sounds like a lot of protein and fat, but it keeps you sane, and actually healthy as well. Cook all meats, veggies in coconut oil or butter. So, in a nutshell, try to eat only meat, eggs, veggies, cheese and the above mentioned fats. Eat them whenever you are hungry. It works.
Hi Everyone (and Jonni),
My name is Alicia Reece and I’m a producer with Primo Multimedia. Primo Multimedia is an ambitious full-service production house and digital network, employing modern technologies to build communities, bridge communication gaps and help our viewers navigate life. I’m currently producing a piece on sugar addiction. I appreciate anyone who is interested in being interviewed on air to share your own personal struggle and success. Primo is currently located in the Southeast; however, a Skype interview will be sufficient if you are in a different part of the country. I really appreciate your help. We at Primo believe thatsugar addiction is a very serious issue and needs to be addressed. We would like to get the word out there to help our viewers enjoy healthier lives. Please email me at areece@primomultimedia.com if you would like to be a part of this endeavor.
Thanks!
Alicia Reece
areece@primomultimedia.com
I trained as a Patissier. I completed my main kitchen apprenticeship under the auspices of Mark Best in both of his 1990 something Sydney restaurants – before he became the darling of Sydney. I’ve gone on to worked in some of France and England’s most elite restaurants. I know intimately the misery and the pleasure of sugar, of its differing grades and food qualities, and most of all its hypnotic effect on people. I don’t care whether you love McDonald’s Apple pies, or whether you love feasting on my handmade petit four – the fact is you have a sugar addiction. I’m overcoming a long struggle in my sugar addiction – I still occasionally splurge. I have had expensive dentistry in my mouth because I used to eat my creations so that I could maintain the quality control of my cuisine. I don’t anymore. I don’t believe in my profession, so I recently gave it up. I don’t believe that it’s just the problem of eating refined carbohydrate sucrose, I believe any refined sugar is evil i.e. fructose, glucose, lactose, maltose, raw sugar, corn syrup, inverted sugar blah, blah. If sugar and its less refined variants are listed on any product in the top 5 ingredients mentioned on a packet, then don’t buy it. I don’t eat any refined carbohydrate products made with wheat flour i.e. pastry, bread, cake ’cause it’s all the same. Complex starchy carbohydrate is broken down by human spit into simple sugars or sacharides as the first stage of digestion. Why is the world becoming fat? Well for a start the so called Health food Pyramid preached for more than two decades has the broadest food group carbohydrate as its culprit. Basically anything not protein is carbohydrate or fat. Humans evolved for hundreds of thousand years on a low carbon footprint diet of protein, animal fat from lean beasts, seasonal berries, raw vegetables, insects, and very occasional grains. Very recently in our evolution we discovered sugar, manufactured fats, dairy products, wheat flour and the refridgerator, and chemical food preservatives – then we started the mass decent into obesity. Starch and sugar represent the mainstay of modern disease.
Onionskin, would you mind giving us a sample menu of what you eat now? That is amazing that you are trying to quit eating sugar after being a pastry chef.
Hi Everybody!
My name is Kassie and I am twenty years old. I will be starting my junior year of college in August. I love college, but the college environment is so full of easily-accessible foods that are high in fats and sugars and chock-full of empty carbs and calories; processed food is around every turn. Unfortunately, it is not just the college campus environment in which I am vulnerable, it is everywhere. Whether I am home at one of my parents’ houses over a school holiday, or if I am on vacation with the family or friends, or if I am at my apartment at college-I am a full blown sugar addict and despite hundreds of “I am going to stop eating sugar” attempts (all of which are genuine and honestly well-intentioned, I must add) I am still eating ridiculous amounts of sugar. I found this website last night, or rather around 2:00 a.m. this morning. I had gotten out of bed for the second time (I don’t sleep well and have a problem with eating late at night) and gotten a handful of Starbursts, as I was on my way back to my room I stopped and turned around and headed back to kitchen where my laptop was. I sat down and Googled “Sugar addict” and this was the first thing I found, and I cannot tell you how glad I am to find it. I read the article and then slowly but surely started to scroll down and read everyones comments and own personal stories until my body finally allowed me to go to sleep. This morning I woke up knowing that today is the day I cut out all sugar. I’ve always loved sweets, but especially candy. I’ve known that I am a full blown sugar addict, but I don’t think people take me seriously when I try to confide in them, hell, sometimes I start to think that I am sounding crazy, and “maybe I should just believe what other people are telling me, it shouldn’t be that hard for me to quit.” Well it is hard for me to quit, and it is definitely not a joking matter. Today I told my mom and my friend, and the first thing they said was that I didn’t have to quit sugar, it is all about moderation. While I do believe that in many respects, I told them I know I can’t do that. Sure, “moderation is key” but if you are physically unable to control how much sugar you eat, than trying to live by that adage is useless. I think that someday eventually I will allow myself a treat here and there, but right now it is all or nothing, and I absolutely have to quit sugar once and for all, cold turkey. I have earnestly tried to be healthier so many times, and sometimes I get really down on myself and feel pathetic that I am having this hard or a time controlling the sugar that I consume. I have been on medication since the 8th grade for anxiety, which I have gotten so much better at controlling, but I know that sugar sure as heck cannot help my anxiety or the focus issues that I have with a learning disability. The reason I chose to tell you guys about the medication is because even though I am trying to start to ween myself off of medications, one at a time (and yes, under my doctors supervision and with her guidance), one of my medications does have some “possible” long term affects that are no good, one of them is being at a higher risk for diabetes. I have to get my blood tested every year to make sure the levels are normal and the medications are not putting me at risk, but even with the peace of mind that those tests give me, I have realized I am doing nothing to help those odds out by eating the amount of sugar that I do. My mom is healthy and raised me with healthy eating. I eat relatively healthy meals (actually really healthy meals) but in addition to that, I eat lots of sugar-and most of the time I sneak it, no matter how old I get, because I guess if I really analyze it I don’t want to be the way I am, and in trying to hide it from others, I guess sometimes it makes me think that maybe it isn’t as bad as it really is (sorry, that sentence made absolutely no sense). Anyways, I want to live a long, happy, and healthy life. If something like a sugar addiction is going to end up being the reason for future health problems, well that is just silly. Because even though it is going to be hard to change, it is something I do know that I can change. In August of 2010, my grandma, my little brother (who is just a kid), and one of my best friends (who was older than me) were diagnosed with cancer. It was around this time I realized just how fragile life can be. I watched people who lived relatively healthy lifestyles (and I watched my younger teenage brother who is just a kid) become very sick. In February 2011 my friend passed on. In May 2011, my little brothers’ dad had a massive heart attack and died, and with my dad and step mom out of the country celebrating their anniversary, I had to rush to the hospital as they tried to revive my brothers’ dad.. in the space of an hour I watched a little bit of their innocence be taken forever, a 9 year old and a 16 year old grew up in an instant. The doctor telling them they did everything they could, and the look on their faces-that was one of the most devastating moments of my life. In the last week I learned my step dad will have to have heart surgery due to a heart defect he didn’t know he’d since birth.
I’m sorry for the long and somewhat “sob story”, I promise I’m not trying to make it that way. The reason I have chose to tell all this is that they are my reasons for changing. I know that life is precious, and even those who lead healthy lives can have everything changed in an instant. It has been a difficult last year and a half, and I have realized that it is so wrong for me to be treating my body the way I am. I sometimes get mad at myself for how bad I nourish my body because so many loved ones would give anything to have the healthy body that I have. I have this healthy body and instead of treating it as the absolute blessing and gift that it is, I have to chosen to trash it. Life has been hard, but I absolutely love my life, and I plan on being here on this earth for a long time. This website is awesome and I am going to need everybody’s help to make this entire lifestyle change that I really need. I already do a bit of exercise, and I have started back up with one of my biggest passions, dance, again. Thank you to all who have contributed here, you have inspired me to stop giving in to my weakness. I am going to need your success stories, your advice, and your support-and I would more than love to give support and help to anybody else who needs it, anytime. This life is a blessing, and I am so grateful for all that I have-it is about time that I start taking care of my body in a way that reflects the appreciation that I really do have. Thank you for taking the time to read this-just now realized I practically wrote a novel.
Here is to taking care of our bodies and showing appreciation for the health we’ve been given-so many others would give anything for that health but are not as lucky.
-Kassie
Hello Kassie,
I feel for you, you gave a wonderful testimony. I wish I had learned my lesson when I was your age I pray you will have the strenghth to continue on this journey, you will reap great health benefits by not eating sugar of any kind(sugar comes in many diferrent word forms). Do not get discouraged. I know there has been times when I would take a few bites of a cookie then put it down and think “wow that is enough” and throw it away or a candy bar, it has taken a while but have weaned myself off of sugar. For me I have had two Doctors now that have told me to stop eating sugar(and a few other food items such as coffee, white flour,and dairy products) that has also helped, they have explained what sugar is doing to my body such as inflamation in my system which in turn will bloom into some kind of cronic disease. For me I have Osteoporosis, trying to avoid cancer and diebetes which runs in my family. Kassie you are a lovely young woman stay strong and sweet:)
Valena
I just found this site/article. I’ve been struggling with weight loss for decades. Once I approached it as a drug addiction, everything began falling in place. Nutrisystem’s diet had worked for me, shedding 180 lbs. in under 2 years and going down to normal BMI, but I put back half of it when I let go. So 180lbs. off, 90lbs. back. Finally realized I was only addicted to ONE thing in life: sugars. Used prayer to God after many failed attempts on my own will power, and the diet started again with a greater ease 1/10th of the struggle previous. Today is 14 weeks without sugars, 60 lbs. off. Yes, it goes that quick when you eat normal portions without sugars or processed foods. I have had 5 or 6 “bad days” where I baked my own break with processed flours (sans sugar, tho!) and stuffed myself with bread and butter. What I found works to sate appetite is dairy: FATS. Butters, milk, cheese, sausages, meats ,yogurts (homemade without sugars or addatives) are all great to eat when trying to kick sugars and lose weight. I make my own goudas and yogurts in my house, save money, keep out the weird additives and preservatives, and then use those as meals in morning and afternoon. Great stuff.
Anyway, the sugar was a beast. 14 weeks ago I was unable to budge a pound, had been trying for 5 weeks at a 1600 cal/day diet. The problem was sugar: sugars in processed oatmeals and other items I ate. Almost directly after halting the sugar, the weight tore off at 1 lb/day for 5 weeks, then slowed. There were strong addictive tendencies through the first 8 weeks–crazy pains, irrational fears or death, digestive irregularity–but I stayed the course and it is out of my system now. Or so I hope, but it has been over 4 weeks since I had any addiction symptoms.
Should sugar be illegal or regulated? NO. It should be understood and used in great moderation. Our society now uses sugars in all our breads and drinks and sauces and … it seems like everything has loads of processed sugars. Once people understand how to control themselves and their diets and how they relate to these industrialized foods, we can kick obesity and overeating. Sugar is, I believe, the nexus of the dietary problem in America and the West.
Thank you Valena! (: I just got back from a vacation out of the country with my family, and I was constantly surrounded by sweets. One night I had one scoop of ice cream with everybody else and immediately felt guilty about it, but I know I cannot dwell on that. Other than that it has been nine or ten days without any sweets or desserts, although I am still working on cutting out the processed food that has sugar in it!
I did not read all of the replies because there are so many! However, I kicked processed sugars and carbs a couple of years ago and I was SICK for two weeks! It was horrible! I swore I would never touch the stuff again. But here I am again, eating it like crazy. And I’m afraid to go through that again, but I’m going to. I am extremely addicted. Mine started when I started eating my meals in restaurants in the 90s. I immediately gained weight and lost energy. Bingeing, overeating. It’s horrible. But I am glad that science is finally backing up what many of us know – that it is addictive! Not everyone gets addicted, but it is an all or nothing thing for me. I cannot do processed sugars and carbs in moderation. The cravings are overwhelming. Thanks for putting up the video – loved it! By the way, I went cold-turkey last time, because that works for me. Good luck to everyone! We should all petition and educate so that the medical world catches up and helps us get off this stuff safely.
I came to this site out of desperation. At the risk of sounding melodramitic…sugar addiction has had a profound negative affect on my whole life, so, young addicts,stop it before it damages your life, too. I have been depressed for over 50 years and spend way too much time in bed. I’m overwight although not severely. I hide my addiction from everyone. I routinely turn down social engagements because I’d rather be home with my “drug.” I have delusionally prided myself on taking care of my health by shopping at wholefoods and not smoking or drinking. I now believe sugar addiction can be almost as destructive as alcohol addiction. It is much easier to hide.
You’re not being melodramatic – you’re just telling it like it is. With an addiction this intense, you might want to start with a clinical hypnotist. We all wish you the best!
Thank you, Jonni. Your kind words are appreciated. No, I have not thought of hypnosis. When I am especially affected my ability to think rationally seems to disappear. This habit has the potential to harm an important relationship. It is getting harder to fake being normal.
You don’t have to struggle alone, Darlene. Try to get some help. You’ll be happier, and you’ll be healthier. It won’t be easy to find help, but it will be worth it.
Great post. I feel your pain. When I see someone else eat the way I eat, I think they are totally addicted. Then I think, “Oh yea, that must be how I look to others.” Sad moment.
I agree Darlene. I try and be a good example for my Son (he is 22 years old) I keep trying to explain to him about the negative effects of sugar he understsands and trys to cut back but has the same attributes as I have toward sugar it is very addictive, For me I have had two Doctors tell me to stop eating sugar. About 32 years ago I started suffering from a reacurring sore on both my legs (Simlar to a boil) went to a few Medical Doctors but they were unable to help me and didn’t know what it was. I suffered for about 5 years with these painful sores until I went to a Natrophathic Doctor and he advised me to get off of all sugar and caffeine. I did what he told me and they went away. It has been an up hill climb through out the years. I have slipped for a few years for short period of times the sores would start to return then I would quit for a while again. Now I am seeing another Natrophathic Doctor and he has me on a similar diet only more strict than before, he also has me taking high doses of vitamins and minerals to help rebuild the damage done by all the wrong eating habits. I am feeling better it has taken a while but is worth it. Darlene take courage. With the example you are leading you can help others through their addiction. God Bless you as you carry on.
Hi, everyone! I’m 33 years old and the daughter of a diabetic who did the gastric bypass thing and is now slowly gaining it back. Scares me to death to think that if it ever gets that bad for me, the surgery probably won’t help me, either.
I picked up a copy of The Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet at Goodwill the other day and was pretty much convinced this was me…. I stumbled upon this forum while searching for help with a low-carb mostly veggie diet, and after reading everyone’s stories I am wondering if just plain sugar isn’t my problem…?
I was vegetarian for two years (well, almost vegan, as hubby and I both have unpleasant reactions to ALL dairy products and he can’t do eggs or corn, either), and the thought of not eating even brown rice, quinoa, garbanzo beans, or fruit for breakfast or lunch (as recommended in The Carb Addict’s Diet book) made me want to cry! But now I am wondering if maybe I will eventually be able to eat these foods again once my body has purged all unnatural refined sugars…?
I used to eat so healthily… I dropped about 20 lbs in two months when I first went veggie and cut out all the dairy that was bloating me up… I was a size 12 for the first time in YEARS! But somehow, I have returned to an unhealthy lifestyle of eating snack foods that are pretty much pure carbs and/or sugar and don’t even get me started on the bags of candy… I justify it to myself because I buy them for Tuesday night gaming and plan to share with everyone. Never mind that I eat half the bag myself and then feel like I need to hide my pile of wrappers.
I went and checked out my pantry after reading that book and realized that virtually EVERYTHING on my shelves is a carb! I considered things like pita chips, rice cakes, beans, and whole grain cereals to be healthy… but to look at my shelves, one would think all I am eating is carbs! I have even started craving sodas lately, which is totally crazy because it has been YEARS since hubby and I have had sodas in the house! Well, lately friends have started leaving them in our fridge, which may be part of the problem.
I definitely have a “sweet tooth” and it makes total sense to me that I am a sugar addict. Baking “vegan” cookies is a terrible habit hubby and I have gotten into because I will eat so much dough while they are baking that I feel just gross, but then I also have to have one or two right out of the oven because they smell so darn good. All justified because they are “vegan,” so they must be ok, right?!
I am just wondering if giving up sugar in general will be enough for me or if I am going to have to cut all carbs, good and bad, so drastically that I will be gagging down meat just to have something to eat? I do eat chicken and pork on a pretty regular basis now, as it does not always gross me out the way it did two years ago when I stopped eating it altogether. But still. I definitely cannot live on it!
I just feel like there has to be a way to get rid of this extra weight (about 35-40lbs), the odd dizzy spells I have been having lately, and the feelings of lethargy that pretty much consume my life nowadays. Is cutting the sugar the answer? If so, should it be a total ban – no more cereal, slightly sweetened almond milk, or fruit of any kind? Or is it enough to cut the candy and added sugar? Help! I am tired of being overweight and feeling like crap and you gals are an inspiration to figure out what I need to do and just DO IT!
There may be only one way to find out if cutting out sugar will give you the health benefits you’re looking for, but I say go for it and find out! There’s certainly nothing to lose. I think that the doctor in the video at the top of this post mentions that the primary source of body fat is fructose. He says the exception to this is the fructose found in fruit, because the high fiber and other natural ingredients help to soften the effects of the sugar. To eliminate fructose, you’d need to get away from all sucrose (table sugar) and high fructose corn syrup, which is in almost all processed foods. Other carbs, like the ones you find in whole wheat, squash, potatoes, etc., do not contain fructose.
Please let us know if you do go on a no-sugar diet, and tell us how you’re doing.
hi -I would say you will have to bite the bullet and stop ALL forms of sugar for sure. I’m the same as you, was getting very dizzy spells but I don’t get them if I stay off the sweets. Hard to do but I keep working at it. And to lose the weight, you’ll probably have to cut all carbs. I ideally eat veggies, eggs, meat and that’s about it.
Hi everyone!
I am sixteen and have always had a problem with sugar. I have big, close family, most of whom are amazing cooks. It never made sense to me how I could easily turn down chips, or pastas but its almost impossible for me to say no to sweets. I also love to bake, which has tripped me up several times. I came upon this website a couple days ago, after researching info about sugar addiction. This is day 4 with no sugar for me. The first three days I had no sugar or sweeteners, today I’m adding back fruit and complex carbs, like wheat breads and pastas. It has been a battle to be certain but my cravings have already subsided considerably. My first day, I had a pounding headache, but after some coffee and prayer, I felt fine; I haven’t had any kind of headaches or nausea since then. I’m going to keep up sugar-free eating for the month of August and then see how I feel! I am not overweight by much, but I do hope to lose around 15 pounds from this. Thanks to everyone on here for the inspiration and wish me luck!
Thanks for the clarification! Hubby and I do really eat pretty healthily most of the time – we cut out all the HFCS when we found out he had a sensitivity to corn, so that wiped out a large portion of the crappy “food” we used to eat and drink… It makes sense to me that fruit is better for me than candy, but it seems a lot of low carb diets want you to stay away from fruit, which feels so wrong to me !
I think my real problem happened in the past year or so – I started consuming more cookies, candy, snack foods, and soda (especially when hubby lost his job and took up baking as a pastime!) because not only did I have a super stressful job (which I finally quit in Nov.), but I rationalized that I ate so healthy the rest of the time and worked so hard that I “deserved” a treat. And it seemed like one day I woke up and was kind of fat from all those treats. LOL. I know it didn’t help that I started being able to find some favorite old snack foods that used “real sugar” instead of HFCS… like somehow that made it healthier.
I agree with the above poster who said moderation does not work. I am so much better off if I just stay away from sweets altogether than if I try to only eat small portions! I talked to hubby about cutting out the starchy carbs and sugar (no boxes of snack crackers or baking cookies anymore!) and eating a lot more salads and veggies again, and he agreed. The only problem I foresee is the fact that I do the grocery shopping and therefore, I have to have the willpower to stop bringing sugar into the house! Here’s hoping I can be strong enough to NOT bake cookies and buy snack foods anymore!
I’ll keep y’all posted… maybe being accountable here will help me out a bit.
Correction, McDonald’s fries actually do contain sugar. Not sure when the lecture was filmed, but as of today, they do contain sugar, salt, and fat.
I took the “kick the sugar habit” challenge from a friend of mine who is a vascular surgeon. It has been one year since I got rid of not only sugar, but dairy and wheat, too. (dairy for my sinus problems, wheat for my digestive issues). I lost 45 lbs in one year. Everyone says “what DO you eat then?” Fruit, Veggies, fish, chicken, gluten-free cereal, organic soy milk, sushi, salads, brown rice, quinoa. I make soups from scratch in the winter time, salads in the summer. We grill either fish or chicken for dinner each night with at least 2-3 servings of veggies. I reversed my periodontal (gum disease) issue – dentist said it was due to getting rid of sugar and eating a lot of antioxidant fruits (blackberries, blueberries every day). I used to be a huge sugar addict and had to have candy, chocolate cake/muffins, ice cream, etc in the afternoon and after dinner. No more. You can do it…just takes one day to wake up and realize that you don’t need refined sugar in your daily food intake! I am a big cook and baker. I still bake cakes and pies for friends or dinners we have. I use organic agave nectar in place of sugar – can’t tell the difference.
If you eat gluten free cereal, what kind is it? Do you also eat gluten free bread?
Good for you to keep eating like that for such a long time.
Bev, we chose to stay away from Gluten-Free bread, muffins, bagels, etc. Two reasons: 1) we both love bread and can eat a lot of it if it is around and the gluten-free varieties don’t taste that good anyway, and 2) The muffins and even some of the breads are loaded w/sugar to make up for the lack of taste and they are very high in calories – just not worth it. The only one brand I found that is tolerable is Udi’s brand of bread and I can only eat it if I toast it! So we just don’t even bother with bread anymore. I found that the Glutino brand of gluten-free crackers are very tasty and I snack on them with a little peanut butter in the late afternoon. The brands of cereal we found that are really good are Nature’s Path brand, Mesa Sunrise and Cornflakes. They have a few grams of sugar but it is only evaporated cane juice and not nearly like refined sugar at all. I get all of them at Whole Foods and despite what people say at Whole Foods, they have the best prices on these brands of gluten-free products.