The “I quit sugar” posts have proven rather popular…and controversial. If you’ve been following the comments you might be marveling as to why it’s created such fired-up outrage. As David Gillespie said to me, “I don’t think you would have attracted such resistance if you’d suggested cutting out broccoli”. True.
Point being, we are addicted to sugar and someone like me puffing up and suggesting (only suggesting!) that it might be good to try not eating it for a while… just to see what happens…can be threatening.
“All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.” – Arthur
Schopenhauer
Plus, some of the biggest companies in the world have a VERY vested interest in us eating more – not less – sugar. And so spurious “research” and suspect opponents invariably pop up.
But, mostly, I’ve been receiving questions about how I’m going and how I’m coping. Jo has pulled out a few for me to answer:
Have you lost weight?
Sort of. Maybe a kilo. But I look lighter because I’ve lost a lot of bloating and puffiness. I’ve noticed with myself and Jo and others who’ve quit… our faces look slimmer. My midriff is also much flatter. I’m guessing this is because it’s reduced strain on our livers. Tell-tale liver strain areas are the jawline and around the lower ribs. And because we’re producing less gas in our guts!
What do you eat when you get sweet cravings?
A few things: coconut water, Miessence Berry Radical drink and dairy. A chai tea gives me enough of a sweet hit. It contains lactose, which is a sugar, but one that doesn’t contain fructose. For a full explainer see this video. A chunk of cheese or a few nuts will just nip cravings in the bud. You’ll notice all these things are quite “treaty” foods. I think this is quite important…we do need pick-me-ups. But the things I mention will satisfy the need for a treat…not fuel it.
You might like to read this lo-down by Dr Mark Hyman on why some people get more intense sugar cravings…and some supplements to take.
Can you give us some lunch/dinner meal options?
Um, why are you eating sugar in your lunch and dinner…? My main point at all meals is to eat a stack of protein… this will fill you up and curb cravings. It works. Promise.
Are you drinking alcohol?
I am now that I’m off Febfast. Good news: alcohol itself doesn’t contain much fructose (the fructose is used to create the alcohol itself). So beer, wine and straight spirits are fine. Dessert wine is NOT OK, neither are liqueurs or mixers (soda is the only non-sugared mixer…tonic is as sugary as coke).
On food labels, where it says “sugars” – is this the bad SUGAR or something different?
It refers to all sugars. That is, glucose, fructose and lactose. Table sugar is half glucose, half fructose. The sugar in fruit is all fructose. The sugar in milk is lactose and contains no fructose. But remember it’s fructose that’s the problem here, not sugar per se. So you have to kinda know a bit about the ingredient list (for example, milk products contain 4-5% sugar, but it’s lactose only, which is fine). A rule of thumb: eat products that are under 4g of sugar per 100g. You’ll find this keeps you cool and will eliminate products with added fructose of any kind.
Do you have headaches? Energy slumps?
Nope. I really didn’t suffer much withdrawal stuff. Probably because a) I wasn’t eating too much sugar to start with b) I got off the stuff by eating a lot of fat. I posted on this. Everyone is different. We metabolise in different ways. I believe my body has responded well because it desperately needed to be sugar free and has rewarded me for doing the right thing by it. Also, know this: women tend to be more affected by fructose and take longer (I’ve heard) to switch our metabolisms.
How long will you stick to it?
I never say never. And I don’t believe in forever. I believe in “for now”. For now, it’s feeling better off sugar than on it. Thank God. So I’ll keep going. David Gillespie says “once a sugar addict, always a sugar addict” and he personally will never touch it again. I can see the rationale in that. But, me, I’d rather operate from a place of sturdy choice.
Overall I’ve felt clearer and calmer. I noticed it immediately. I don’t have an animalistic urge to go tear through the fridge for something sweet. My nervous impulses have settled…I guess because my adrenals are no longer being poked by sugar spikes. I like myself like this and I’m going to hold this feeling as long as I can.
Last weekend I decided to try a date and apple and coconut slice from a raw food market stall. Because I’m an adult who can make these choices. And because I resent feeling like I MUST do something. I ate it to see how I reacted. I was gently curious. It was nice, and I felt afterwards the addict’s tug to go find more. But I was able to back away from the tug and calm down again. It was a good experiment…and reminded me I’m preferring a sugar-free life. For now.
Hope that helps! And, tell me, a few more weeks in, are you find it easier?
I haven’t been sugar-free as long as you have Sarah but after a few weeks I am feeling clearer and less bloated as well.
I find I am really enjoying food more. I even bought a sugar-free chocolate bar the other night at the supermarket (I know David doesn’t exactly recommend these) but you know what? I haven’t even touched it!
I am loving cheese, nuts and milk and I don’t have those crazy-person-who’d-kill-someone-for-a-piece-of-chocolate cravings anymore.
I’m not saying that I’ll never eat sugar again either (hell no, I ‘aint that crazy!) but I like myself better being sugar-free at the moment.
I feel healthier and happier, and I guess that’s all you can ask for, right?
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March 9th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
Oh, I’m glad! I think quitting just makes us calmer about whether to eat sugar or not.
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August 22nd, 2011 at 4:10 pm
Hi Sarah
I have a question about something you said above under the food labels question (and I love your blog I think its amazing). You have cut out all processed sugars, is that right? I was wondering, if Fructose is the bad sugar, do you eat Fruit? I wasn’t aware fruit contained Fructose, and if it does, does that mean people quitting sugar need to cut out fruits and that fruit is actually not that good for our bodies…?
Just wanted to clear that up, I was a bit confused..
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August 22nd, 2011 at 4:21 pm
Sarah may want to answer this herself, Penny, but I couldn’t help jumping in to say that fruit is definitely good for our bodies. It does contain fructose, but it also contains lots of fibre which somehow enables our bodies to process the fructose. The problem occurs when you just drink the juice, which is the concentrated fructose without the balancing fibre. Fruit also has other wonderful nutrients that our bodies need, so don’t stop eating it! When people first give up sugar they sometimes find it helpful to not eat fruit for a period of time whilre they go through withdrawal, but fruits are way too good for us to give them up entirely. Hope that helps!
August 22nd, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Ok thanks very much, so when you say drinking the juice, is having freshly squeezed orange juice most mornings bad? I squeeze 2 oranges most mornings because I don’t like drinking the processed fruit juices with all the additives in them
August 23rd, 2011 at 5:17 pm
You’d be better just eating a whole orange, but there are worse things than freshly squeezed OJ!
Can you explain why sugar causes gas/bloating? I’m curious. I’m not following this as strictly as I should be, but I have noticed in the last few days that I am less bloated. I’m wondering if it is related.
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March 9th, 2011 at 2:55 pm
My understanding is it’s a combo of things:
1. it ferments in the gut, producing gas
2. it’s highly acidic…leading to the above
3. It eats at the good bacteria in our gut that keeps things balanced and digesting properly.
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March 9th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
I think sugar also feeds fungi and bad bacteria (like thrush) that cause myriad other gut problems.
I found that I was getting acid reflux when I ate very sugary things before, which wasn’t much fun.
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I gave up sugar some years ago along with table salt. Table salt has very little if any nutritional value. Sea salt is very good. Back to sugar. One of the other benefits I found in giving up sugar, is that my sleep is more restful. Getting a good night sleep is essential to living well.
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July 25th, 2011 at 11:17 am
Hi Anthony,
I am 2 weeks off sugar and the first significant change I felt was in the sleet department too. I was finding it increasingly hard to fall asleep and now I just crash! It’s wonderful, and I wake up feeling energised, which is also a fresh new and pleasant experience (too say the least!)
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Hi Sarah, off the topic of sugar, wanted to know about the atlas reconnect you mentioned on twitter, feel good? I am considering getting it done but hoping for some feedback from you before I invest.
Ta!
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March 9th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Hey Caitlin, I’ll write about it soon. After I came out i certainly felt upright and quite spacy and clear in the head… stay tuned for more.
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March 9th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
Great thanks Sarah!
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Just wondered if anyone can suggest replacement options for dairy intolerant people?
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March 9th, 2011 at 2:57 pm
Any kind of protein or nutritious fat – nuts, tuna, ham, avocado, coconut flesh, coconut water…
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Hey Sarah,
I stumbled across your blog when I was researching going sugar-free about two weeks ago. Thanks for all the info you have posted relating to this, especially the video which was great! I have been sugar-free for two weeks now and although I didn’t think I ate much sugar beforehand, I (like so many others) was surprised at how many of my ‘healthy’ foods contained sugar. I’m not as strict as David and I won’t swear off sugar forever, so I like to think that I am now ‘sugar aware’ – checking labels, finding replacements etc. I have lost a couple of kilos, but most importantly I feel fantastic. I sleep better. I have more energy. I feel in control.
I was surprised how many people were negative when I told them about going sugar-free. I think people consider it to be ‘just another craze’, which I disagree with, but meh, each to their own. It’s been an eye-opener and for me, it works.
Sorry to blather on, just thought I’d share
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I have had all those same questions!! People think I’m crazy – and Ive only been going for a week and a bit – but Ive lost 1.3 kilos and Ive also lost that crazy lady “give me chocolate or I will kill you” feeling… I think its so interesting just now checking out the labels on different foods (eg cereals!!!) and seeing how much sugar we put into our bodies without even realizing. I know it wont last forever, (i’ve committed to doing the no sugar thing until I lose 10 kgs) but I think the amount of sugar that I was eating wasnt great and now I have the knowledge (and the power!) to reduce it and keep it reduced.
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Hmmm. Just read the article by Dr Mark Hyman. I found this line intriguing “Some studies have pointed to drugs or nutrients that can modulate this defective dopamine reward response.” Looking back, I’m starting to realise I’ve been addicted to sugar since a very young age and I think knowing the nutrients to fill my body will help with my possibly genetically predisposed cravings.
The irony is that treats were very rarely allowed at home when I was growing up. Sweets and soft drink were only ever allowed during birthdays, Easter and Christmas – and boy would I binge like crazy. However on a daily basis we’d eat and drink lots of juice, fruit, muesli bars, Ribena (it’s funny how due to clever marketing my mum wouldn’t allow us to drink cordial because it’s full of sugar but for some reason Ribena was acceptable) and sometimes Milo. I remember after incredibly intense cravings as roughly a seven year old I’d swipe jars of my baby brother’s Heinz banana custard to get my hit. And in high school I’d mix tablespoons of Milo with a very small amount of milk to make a chocolate sludge when I was desperate for some chocolatey sweetness.
I’m just thankful I now have the knowledge to move past the addiction…. and will be able to prevent it for my children.
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I’m still alcohol and (mostly) sugar free. I’d all but given up on losing my ultra stubborn few extra kilos but I am currently 4.5 kilos lighter since the 1st of Feb. I’m now at the weight I was (yet feel/look much slimmer) when I was doing Bikram Yoga classes up to six times per week.
I’m also not keen on saying I’ll be doing this forever (never say never!) – but it’s made me much more aware of my habits & feels good right now. I’ve also noticed my eczema has cleared up completely which is fantastic. It’s been so bad in the past that I’ve often had to sleep with tight jeans and gloves on to keep from scratching myself!!
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I just got told by my best friend, who hadn’t seen me for a few months, that I look slimmer and healthier. When I explained the fructose-free thing, she said it reminded her that when she was at her ideal weight and feeling great, she was eating no sugar at all. We have always had similar digestive problems – reflux, bloating, abdominal fat etc. Mine have now virtually disappeared, while my friend is still suffering. My experience has been a lot like yours, Sarah, and I love the ‘never say never’-ness of your mind-set. It’s wonderful to read all these comments, and they keep me excited about this sugar-free life. My enthusiasm seems to have rubbed off on my family and my husband and kids are jumping on board of their own free wills! My son turned down cupcakes and Coke at a class party! The Schopenhauer quote is a good one, too.
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Hey Sarah,
I’m loving your blog, thank you.
I gave up sugar for a month before Christmas. I had massive headaches but decided that was the caffeine withdrawal …hmmmm. After the pavlova period I got back on track in Feb.
I’ve lost a bit of weight and have an amazing sense of calm. I’m really surprised how easy it is to stick with. It’s not like a diet. I too have a slimmer face and my stomach no longer pokes out. I’m hoping to lose some of the 20 kgs I put on after going gluten free 18 months ago – that was just balancing the 20 kgs I lost through malnutrition when coeliac disease kicked my ass. I ate my body weight in chocolate over that time. It’s a common thing with CD overcompensating when you can no longer eat half the food on the planet.
Often people would rather reach for a drug than make a food “sacrifice”.
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I didn’t do so well with giving up sugar AND grains (too much at once), but I’m pretty content to say that I will avoid refined sugar and fruit juice on a permanent basis. I just have so much inflammation in my body (and I suffer from reflux disorder) that I can’t justify going back to the way I ate before (even though I, like many others here, was not a big consumer of sugary stuff anyway).
I think of it less as removing something from my diet and more as trying to pack as much nutrition into what I eat as possible. Often, the foodstuffs with lots of sugar in their ingredients list don’t have much else going on in the nutrition department. I want the most bang for my buck.
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I so failed! But will try again. I like your sugar posts they are so motivating!
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March 9th, 2011 at 5:38 pm
Mrs Bok, there is no such thing as a failure if you keep trying. Don’t be too hard on your self. write down some goals and tick them off as they are met, and that will give you confidence.
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So, David Gillespie says, “I don’t think you would have attracted such resistance if you’d suggested cutting out broccoli”.
What?? Of course it wouldn’t because broccoli isn’t a contentious issue. That doesn’t even make sense. I was under the impression that this whole sugar issue had something to do with weight loss. There it was in bold text in the first post – “fat doesn’t make us fat, sugar does”. Look, I’m not denying the benefits of cutting out sugar. There are plenty. But if you are a normal to slim build, this is bullshit.
Good post but flawed.
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March 9th, 2011 at 6:06 pm
I’m of a slim build (175cms, 61kgs) yet have lost weight at a consistent rate since cutting out sugar. I’m not willing to assume everyone will have a similar experience as me – but it’s unfair to make the assumption that going sugar-free will only benefit people who are overweight.
All the proof I need is in the effect I’ve personally experienced from giving this a go.
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March 9th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
Well said, Amyer. Speaking from experience… without swearing. I applaud you.
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March 10th, 2011 at 9:28 am
Weight loss is only one aspect…which is connected to a host of other health issues. For me, consistent energy, lack of inflammation, lack of bloating and lack of cravings are the point.
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March 10th, 2011 at 11:55 am
I’m suprised that dental health hardly gets a mention. You could argue that sugar is far more detrimental to your teeth than other issues. Perhaps these other issues are having an immediate effect so they get a mention.
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March 10th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
I mentioned it Jason, in a previous reply to one of your postings on this same topic. I said it then and I’ll say it again – quoting my dentist – ‘If you never ate sugar, you’d never get cavities’. Full stop.
In addition to the above benefits (happier minds and stomachs, clearer thoughts and steadier energy levels) I must say I am how taken with how GOOD simple food tastes now. Steamed broccoli and plain salad is blowing my mind!
The bad thing is, now my occasional “cheat” chocolate now brings me out in a rash. Guess my body really didnt want it. Oh well, may have to substitute chocolate with gluten-free homemade pizza and a glass of red instead!
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I’ve been very interested reading your posts about this Sarah. After a couple of weeks of eating a truckload of sugar due to that poor sleep, need energy cycle, I am finally going to listen to my body and try to break this addiction!
I get bloating every afternoon; by 4pm feel like I am going to keel over from tiredness; am irritable; have red, inflamed skin; and knowing all that, I still find that I will hunt through the cupboards for my fix!
This is so frustrating for me, as last October I had a week at a health retreat and came home and quit sugar from my tea and coffee, ate very healthy and felt fantastic. It just crept back in…
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March 11th, 2011 at 1:15 pm
Janet, i think we might be twins… exactly the same.
exact sitting at the gold coast airport after the health retreat waiting for my flight home i inhaled carrot cake. that sugar addiction was harder to kick than quitting smoking!
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March 11th, 2011 at 9:39 pm
From one Janet to another ! Hi Janet, lack of sleep can be really deadly for sugar cravings have a look at my site here http://www.squidoo.com/vemma-pm-nighttime-wellness-supplement. It is for the Vemma PM Sleep supplement but I did a lot of research into sleep which is on the web page – have a look at it, you will be shocked at what lack of sleep can do to you, it has enormous health implications. If you don’t sleep well, your body will compensate by craving something to give it that energy boost, it also has a huge impact on the hormones that control appetite, I was pretty shocked when I started looking into it.
In one of Sarah’s blogs she also recommends meditating and I can’t support this enough – I only do 10-20 minutes a day but it has made a huge difference to me in how I cope with a very challenging workplace,when you are less stressed, you cope better and sleep better as well. You don’t need to mediate for an hour a day to get great benefits.
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I’ve now been sugar free for nearly three months. The weight loss (or lack of) has been the most disappointing aspect for me. I was eating a ton of sugar every single day. Couldn’t go more than a couple of hours without it. I also gave up coffee, sugar substitutes and white flour products. I have only lost 4.5kg and I am finding that I am beginning to think it is pointless to give up so much and not really losing significant weight. Definitely noticed a difference in the bloating but I don’t think it is something I can keep up forever. It is too difficult to find low or no sugar products to snack on when I get hungry. But I definitely feel better within myself and although I’ve had no increase in energy levels I have found that I don’t have that awful sugar hangover feeling all the time.
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March 10th, 2011 at 9:25 am
Forget the weight. Just feel better. The weight will move when it needs to. Keep trying if you can…eat some macadamias!
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March 11th, 2011 at 12:41 pm
Thanks Sarah! I had five chocolate mini eggs yesterday and I felt yuck. Back on the nuts etc today
I guess I was just hoping to look a bit better as well as feeling better.
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March 15th, 2012 at 4:14 am
Don’t be disheartened! Slow weight loss is the most sustainable sort of weight loss – studies show that when you lose 0.5 kg – 1kg a week you are much much less likely to put the weight back on. With 4.5 kg and nearly 3 months you are only a little bit behind 0.5 kg a week!
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Sarah, I stumbled upon your blog when I was searching about auotimmune disease( my husband has a suspected thyroid issue). I love it.Thank you! You have inspired me to kick this crazy sugar addiction . I’m tackling it for myself, but hope that I’ll be able to wean my kids off it too eventually. All this time, I thought lots of fruit and juice was just fine.
I don’t yet have my Gillespie books, but am looking forward to reading them soon.
I stopped eating sugar on Sunday. I decided to do it after a week of trying to eat healthily only to suffer terribly from bloating and fatigue because I was eating protein balls sweetened with fructose, as well as truckloads of fresh pears from my parent’s tree. I am quite overweight, and feel inspired to shift it, hoping sugar will be the key, but ultimately it is really about being healthy. I’m sick of the afternoon slump, the bloating and occasional diarrhea.
Already I feel better. I have had headaches, but I’m drinking loads of water and not feeling too bad.
I was disappointed to find the seaweed crackers I was going to eat with cheese had sugar in them. And I’ve had to ditch my evening bowl of muesli because it was just an excuse for a sugar hit!
Keep up the fantastic blog entries, it is really helping!
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March 10th, 2011 at 9:24 am
Oh good! I’m reading even more about the sugar-AI connection. Sugar really messes with hormones….it’s a crucial move to make
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March 10th, 2011 at 10:57 am
Being Fructose free has improved my quality of life so much. I was not only addicted to sugar but I was also a pusher of the stuff because I loved baking and sharing goodies. I replaced the sugar in my cupboard with dextrose, glucose syrup and rice malt syrup. I share recipes on my blog. My latest post might interest you Angela because I have a recipe for Sugar Free Muesli which I then make into Muesli Bars. Perfect for kids (that are nut tolerant) or for that 3pm slump that so many complain about.
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March 10th, 2011 at 3:24 pm
Oh lovely, thankyou, I’m going to check out your blog.
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March 12th, 2011 at 11:09 am
I like the sound of these recipes- where can I find your blog?
Thanks!
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March 12th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Hi Amanda
Just click on my name (in red) above and that will take you to my blog.
I am quite new to blogging but I’m excited because the Muesli Recipe is my most popular post so far. I think it is because a lot of people want something healthy for breakfast. Bonus is you can then make Muesli Bars to share with the kids or take to work!
I have lost 12kg so far following The Sweet Poison Quit Plan and my physical and mental health has improved amazingly.
Cheers
Maree
Sarah, if you are giving up ALL sugar, I wouldn’t be drinking alcohol. Straight liquors yes, but most wine & beer have some sugar content.
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March 10th, 2011 at 8:52 am
But the beauty is that the sugar in beer is Maltose, which isn’t fructose and breaks down in our bodies to glucose, and there is negligable fructose in dry wines. Of course we’re talking about the odd glass here, not a binge-fest. And I think the current wisdom is still that there are many benefits to be found in a glass of red wine – lots of flavanoids and antioxidants and anti-cancer substances like resveritrol.
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Sarah, I stumbled across your blog a few weeks ago and have been well and truly captivated ever since!! Love it!
I have been off the sugar for 3 weeks now after reading David’s book. I haven’t noticed any great changes in myself yet, aside from a flat tummy and feeling more satisfied after meals. I think I might have lost a couple of kilo’s, but don’t own scales so I wouldn’t actually know.
I’m really struggling with only two fresh pieces of fruit a day, for me that’s been the hardest part of the no sure lifestyle.
Quite surprised at how easy it is to cut sugar out, once you become aware. I was expecting it to be SO much worse!
Do you know why organic sprouted rye bread is so high in sugar? Sugar isn’t in the ingredients at all, but there is about 12g per 100g of bread. What other sugar could it be? Is it okay to eat? Anyone know? I LOVE this stuff!
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I’m not going sugar free to lose weight but because of the health implications. I have read ‘Sweet Poison: The Quit Plan’ and also a couple of docos on youtube. I am not against having the odd sweet thing but since watching ‘Sugar: The Bitter Truth’ I’m finding it really hard to even think of having sugar/fructose. It reiterates a lot of the things that David Gillespe talks about but also has quite involved bio chemical explanations. Knowing those things are going on is a real turn off.
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I went completely sugar-free at first… then lapsed a little… and now, a month and a half on, realised that I haven’t eaten any sugar at all in weeks (except for some fruit). I think my subconscious realised that sugar was doing me no favours, and not having to think about it helps a lot.
The hardest part is shopping… I avoid the sugary aisles but they like to put those pesky Cadbury creme eggs absolutely everywhere!
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Tonic water is as bad as Coke?!? Argh!!! That explains a lot. I went out on Saturday night and had a drink for the first time in many months. Because I’m not eating sugar or gluten and I’m fructose intolerant, I had a few gin and tonics, thinking that tonic water was basically carbonated water. I woke up Sunday morning with horrible stomach cramps, and assumed that my body just wasn’t meant to have alcohol anymore, and that I’d never be able to drink again. After reading your post, I googled tonic water ingredients and read that some tonic waters are sweetened by high fructose corn syrup, which is a nightmare for the fructose intolerant. Thank you so much for all the helpful information, and making people think about what we put into our bodies. Next time I will have to try a vodka soda!
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March 12th, 2011 at 10:40 am
Hey Brooke – I too used to drink gin and tonics until one night when I realised my teeth had gone furry like when you’ve been eating chocolate or drinking coke and I took at look at the ingredients.
Now I have gin and soda with a squeeze of lime. It’s a bit strange to begin with so you might like to work your way there by having it with a dash of lime cordial until you get used to the drink not being so sweet.
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Hi Sarah,
Thanks for your great blog…i love getting your weekly updates.
Can you point me in the right direction to a website/blog that lists fruit and their fructose content. I’m keen to try this ‘no sugar’ thing, but i love fruit….
Thanks,
Olivia
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Hey Sarah! I’m absolutely loving reading these sugar posts and seeing how you’re going with it all.
I bought Sweet Poison and gave it a go last week but only lasted a few days. I found that:
a) I was constantly ravenous despite eating a lot of protein, fat, veg and SO MUCH BREAD!
b) I became obsessed with it. I spent so much time thinking/talking/dreaming about food and reading nutritional panels.
c) I was losing nutrition and felt like I was just replacing fruit and yoghurt with starchy carbs and buttery bread. I was craving more balance. And fruit.
I know David disputes the “everything in moderation” approach to eating in his book, which confused me a little. I felt so restricted by the no-sugar thing. And I was confused by the idea that David said a buttery croissant was a better food choice than a banana??? Not sure if it’s just me, but I’d love to know if you’ve had moments of wanting to revert back to “normal” eating?
(PS I wrote a blog post about this on my own blog. I know you’re a very busy and fabulous woman, but if you ever have time to read, I’d love to hear your thoughts…. http://tea-and-vegemite-toast.blogspot.com/2011/03/confusion-about-going-sugar-free.html)
Thank you! xxx
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March 10th, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Don’t give up, Jane! if you only did it for a few days, you were right in the grip of withdrawal, where ravenous hunger is to be expected. If you just give in to that and stick to strictly avoiding fructose, you WILL come out the other end and begin to enjoy the benefits.
You can get all the nutritional balance from lots of vegies and herbs and nuts and spices and good fats and proteins and healthy carbs like whole grains and even the odd pieces of fruit. If you read the science in Sweet Poison, David Gillespie explains why a banana isn’t the optimal choice in the fructose-free scheme of things. Fructose-free quickly feels very normal and right, once past those first painful days.
It does mean embracing a new nutritional paradigm. We have been brainwashed about sugar our whole lives. But I hope you give it another go and get to feel the difference.
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March 11th, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Hi Jane
The less sugar you eat the less you will want. I actually gave up sugar as a natural process of joining Weight Watchers and losing weight. I used to eat huge amounts of chocolate every day and was always mega tired, just wanted to sleep all the time. Now I have heaps of energy and I take a good supplement. I don’t agree with giving up all sugar for ever either although it is a very noble sentiment. We are a very social society and that might mean going for coffee and cake sometimes or going out and enjoying a dessert. You don’t have to start today and be sugar free tomorrow, even if you start cutting back each day and then having one sugar free day and then two, your body will adjust. Our systems are just not meant to take a constant bombardment of sugar as evidenced by the lifestyle illnesses that now abound e.g. obesity, type 2 diabetes. Approximately 80% of ill health now is lifestyle related, my doctor tells me that if we all ate properly and did some exercise he would be out of a job! I’m sure there would still be somethings left to treat!
With your carbs, make sure that they are low GI slow release, for example if you eat bread, grain bread is the best (even better than wholemeal bread), my favourite is wholemeal with grains. Low GI foods don’t cause the big spikes in your blood sugar so that when the insulin is sent out and your blood sugar drops again, you feel hungry. This site has excellent info http://ginews.blogspot.com/ and you can subscribe to their blog, they tell you the latest research and have recipes and people’s stories. Some people just don’t do well on hardly any carbs (and I am one of them), my sister can go for weeks on virtually none (she did the Atkins diet) but I can’t. It’s the really processed stuff that does the harm though and I do believe that has to be minimised for our good health. I rarely get cravings anymore, but if I do I have something guilt free and then just get back to it. And if a friend makes a special cake or dessert for me, then of course I will have piece.
Good luck, I have been down your path but stay committed and you will get there.
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March 11th, 2011 at 12:58 pm
PS – I forgot to mention as well, chromium picolinate is a magical supplement that helps with sugar cravings – I used a Nature’s Own one, Chromium Picolinate 400mcg, make sure that you get Chromium Picolinate and not just Chromium as Picolinate is the best quality. You can get it in most health food shops and chemists that stock Nature’s Own. I used to work in a health food shop and sold one to a lady who came back a couple of days later and told me that it was “God’s gift”!
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March 11th, 2011 at 1:19 pm
Janet thank you for your info! I’ve benefitted heaps from this!
Hi Sarah
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you are inspirational.
I joined you on FebFast (success!) and I’ve made it threw my third day sugar free. I know it’s early days, but I’m not missing it. My biggest problem is having a sugary treat (Natural Confectionery jellies!) and then not being able to stop. I put virtual-blinkers on walking down the aisle of the supermarket the other day…whatever works!
Tonight I brewed my first-ever home-made chai and it was lovely! I’ve only ever had those sweet powdered ones before or insipid teabag types, so this concoction made from scratch, with love, was the perfect ‘treat’ for after dinner cravings. You are so right about the milk tasting sweet, even after three days of sugar-freedom.
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I have been doing some research lately on per person food consumption. The figures I came up with were that every man woman and child consumes an average of 54 kg of sugar a year including about 10 kg via soft drink.
That’s one kg per week.
Wow.
So many people will be consuming much more.
1 litre of soft drink contains 120 grams of sugar or 24 teaspoons. Hmmm “food for thought” !!!
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I think it’s a great challenge and something everyone should try, at least every once in a while. Good job!
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If scare tactics and visual aids work for you, this site oughta shock you out of a sugar rut pretty quick!
http://www.sugarstacks.com/
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Oh so funny and true: “I don’t think you would have attracted such resistance if you’d suggested cutting out broccoli” … you should see the reactions I get if I ever dare to mention what my 18-month daughter eats for breakfast (meat, vegetables, or eggs, avocado, vegetables ..) … people look at me like I’m crazy and yet think there’s nothing wrong with feeding a growing child sugar-y cereals or even oh-so-wholesome bread and jam to start their day!
I’m so glad you’re being so authentic about all of this Sarah – it really helps, and I think you deserve a huge pat on the back for your courage!
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I turned to the sugar free thing because the caveman thing was a bit too restrictive. But I think the sugar free thing is only half the picture.
Note that “Sweet Poison” permits eating anything without fructose because your body has natural self-regulating mechanisms to deal with just about any fat or non-fructose content you put into it. Well, that’s all well and good, but I’m finding that my body still doesn’t want the overly starchy or artificially sweetened things. And just because your body CAN process alcoholic drinks or caffeine, or refined grains, doesn’t mean they’re good for us.
I’ve read (and think there’s an interesting case for the idea) that artificial sweeteners trigger your body’s hormonal response when they hit your tongue — completely irrespective of what the sugar does to your body. I think in time the science will demonstrate that the same is true of all the other “acceptable” things that our bodies can process, but which are simply unhealthy.
I think Gillespie’s books are brilliant, and I wholeheartedly advocate what he’s doing. Buy them now and learn the eye-popping information this man has discovered. But I also think it’s an interim step on your way to a more natural way of eating, ala the caveman thing. First, quit sugar. Then, go natural.
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March 13th, 2011 at 9:31 pm
Good advice, Jeff. I’d just clarify that David doesn’t advocate artificial sweeteners. In fact he advises against most but does outline the ones that are less problematic
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March 17th, 2011 at 10:27 am
Agreed. His books are quite clear about why the artificial sweeteners are potentially just as bad (if not worse) than fructose.
My point is that I worry that his message is diluted when he says things like, “you can drink beer” or “it’s okay to each an egg mcmuffin from macca’s”. They might be okay from a fructose perspective, but they can give us a false sense of safety and health as we’re trying to kick the fructose habit, which is not long-term beneficial.
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I decided to give up sugar just over 2 months ago and was amazed when I then saw your column. Jeff above is right. I’m finding that my whole appetite and palate are changing. i just don’t crave carbohydrates the way I used to, I feel full more easily and I don’t get those attacks of the munchies. I’m eating better than I have for years and best of all the weight is just dropping off. I’m driving all my friends crazy of course, I’m worse than a reformed smoker. It’s fabulous to have a public figure experiencing this journey in parallel. Well done for elevating the debate!
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March 13th, 2011 at 9:28 pm
Lovely feedback x
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PS For those who want to try this and are getting sugar cravings, I took chromium for the first few days and it was suggested to me that I lightly toast (just a dry fry in the frypan) pepitas and sunflower seeds to snack on. I made myself nearly sick gorging on the seeds but after a couple of weeks, I just didn’t get the urge to eat any more.
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March 14th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
Jane – Had to add to the dry-toasted pepitas and sunflower seeds. Throw in some sesame seeds too and right at the end a splash of tamari and mix it through – DIVINE!
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I have always had a relationship with sugar which bordered on hate and love (there’s a fine line) … I love/d it some much, I hate/d that fact. I have a true addiction – so I don’t keep it in the house and I ask those around me never to buy it for me – because I just don’t stop at one bite.
In the evenings, I crave sugar after dinner…and sometimes it was just a comfort thing.
To feed the craving and my yearning for comfort, I heat up a cup of either almond milk, or coconut milk with a teaspoon of cinnamon – it’s delicious and absolutely hits the spot. Whisk it up while it’s heating and it becomes thick and frothy.
I still eat sugar but a vastly less amount these days and I have had to do that over time, and with other substitutes.
I would like to eventually be, sugar free!
Great work.
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I am going to try it. You have inspired me.
I am thyroidy just like you. Your results have inspired me.
Are you also vegatarian?
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A word of warning: Quitting sugar does not work if you’re bulimic.
I tried about a month ago, the conseqences were devastating. Only now am I getting back on track with my recovery.
I would love to be able to remove fructose from my diet (bar fruit), but at this stage in my life, it is simply not possible. One day down the track, I will be in a better place to give this ago. I really think David is onto something big here.
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Totally agree with cutting down on sugar and also artificial sugars which ALSO cause bloating and gas! Yes I’m looking at you diet coke and sugar free lollies/gum!
My tummy because instantly flatter when I quit the sugar and my energy levels soared.
Too much sugar = fat. End of story. Even low fat stuff is usually packed with sugar to make up for the lack of taste due to taking the fat out!
Great post! Amanda
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Hi Sarah, I was wondering what are the best cheeses to consume as Halomui and I are jsut not friends. Also, I am allergic to avocado and want to know other options for this?
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Hey Lou, on the cheese front, you might find sheep and goat’s cheeses better for you – they contain less lactose. Avocado…hmmm, I’ve never come across such an allergy. And I don’t know that there’s a subsitute.
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Hi there,
I’ve just recently stumbled across your blog on being sugar free, i’m not sure if the answer to this is somewhere and i just havent found it. Does this recommend you cut out all fruit. I’m just a little concerned since it is recommened by most nutritionist to eat a number of fruits in a day ?
Any direction you could give me on more information about this would be great.
Regards,
Jamie
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I have just started to cut down sugar, i have been advised to cut it all out, how can i do that when nearly everything has sugar in it, i used to be a good sleeper now i wake up somuch during the night! i am determined to give up sugar for my health issues but how do i do it
jenelle
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I want to know if you are eating bread-
If flour metabolises as sugar…
Are you eating certain types of bread?
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Hi guys,
Ive been reading up on stuff as i suffer with IBS as well as either trying to find something carb’s like bread at night or sugar but after reading about how your less bloated and sleep wise im def gunna give it a go, its opened my eyes to the lactose and fructose, didn’t know there was a difference but i must admit banana’s have been helping me with a sweet craving rather than hitting the chocolate. I’ll keep you updated on how this goes and whether it kerbs the pains of my IBS
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