Talk to Canderel about eating less sugar and you could win a £300 John Lewis voucher NOW CLOSED

[AngelieMumsnet]

We've been asked by Canderel to find out about Mumsnetters' experiences and opinions on reducing sugar intake.

Canderel say "At Canderel, We’re all about sugar alternatives that still let you indulge yourself. With the average UK person consuming more than their recommended sugar allowance (10% of their daily calorie intake per day)*, we’d like to know how we can help your family manage your sugar intake. Be SweetSmart, swap to Canderel"

Below are a few points to get you started, but feel free to add any other comments you have:

1. Have you been thinking about giving up or eating less sugar?
2. If yes, why? Do you have any tips/tricks you have for helping to beat sugar cravings?

Everyone who adds a comment to this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will receive a £300 John Lewis voucher.

Please note, Canderel may use your anonymous comments on social media, so please only comment if you're happy with this.

Thanks & good luck,
MNHQ

PS - Our standard terms & conditions apply.

• Source

I don't have much of a sweet tooth anyway but when I do find I am craving for something a little sweet, I usually slice up some cucumber, carrots or celery and I snack on these. They are not sweet but they are quite refreshing to eat especially if they have been stored in the fridge and that usually does the trick to deter any sweet cravings I have

I USE SWEETENER IN MY COFFEE AND PORRIDGE IN THE MORNING TO HELP CUT SUGAR. X

I have cut out sugar in all hot drinks and always look at the lables to get low sugars

I am trying to cut back on sugar but finding it very difficult.

I get a sweet craving at work in the late morning/early afternoon.

I have tried eating popcorn when I am craving sugar and that seems to help.

My husband has been told to lose weight as he is borderline diabetic. So sugar has been one area we are focusing on. It's very difficult he has a sweet tooth, I like sweet things and I have 2 kids!

My husband has switched to sweetner rather than sugar in his tea, I have tried to reduce the number of fizzy drinks we have in the house and go for diet versions or have tea/water instead.

I find desserts the main problem as nearly everything has sugar, even fruits although it's natural sugar. Any non sugary puddings anyone could recommend would be great! ??

We've actively tried as a family to cut back on sugar. All meals are made from scratch anyway but for sweeter treats we try to make them ourselves using products like stevia etc. It's a great activity for my boys too!

Our family does not have sugar any more, Canderel is used for everything

I don't eat many traditionally "sweet" things, like desserts. Of course there are often hidden sugars in ready meals, soup, processed food. I try to buy a certain amount of fresh meat and vegetables, and drink diet drinks.

I have been trying to eat less sugar and now have a yoghurt in the evening instead of my usual chocolate or biccies!

I'm not doing very well cutting out the naughties. Today I've already had two cream cakes and porridge laced with sugar. However I never have sugar in my tea. I may have to try Canderel on my cereal but I'm not going to bake my own cakes

Have you been thinking about giving up or eating less sugar?

Yes. Last March I had a healthcheck in work where I was told my diabetes risk was high. I decided to cut down on my sugars, swapping for Canderel and reducing carbs like potatoes, pasta and rice. I have lost 2.5 stones and feel a lot better

1. If yes, why? Do you have any tips/tricks you have for helping to beat sugar cravings?

I upped my good fats like butter and olive oil which has helped to reduce the sugar cravings as I always feel full. If I really fancy something sweet I will put Canderel into some double cream or sprinkle over strawberries or soft fruits.

1. Yes, we have been trying to eat less sugar these past few years.

1. I started with the obvious cutting out cakes and sweets, then also began cooking more from scratch as ready meals and premade sauces had hidden sugars. We also do have cakes sometimes now bur I make them myself so can reduce sugar amount or have none added at all like in my banana bread.

I find yoghurt to be tricky as other than plain yoghurt which i can find sugar free most are low fat but packed with sugar, disapointing as the plain yoghurt does get dull! Best tip to reduce sugar cravings would be to start your day with porridge oats, no midmorning hunger pangs and sugar cravings.

we dont eat much sugary stuff in our house, i dont add any sugar to anything really unless i am baking and then i may consider going with a product like canderel instead.

I'm aware of how much sugar is in our food and am especially concerned with the children's intake as there is hidden sugar in so much unexpected food. However I'm not keen on an artificial sweetener either. I love oranges so these really help to combat sweet cravings! I can't stand the feel of something very sugary ie fudge or meringue on my teeth

I gave up sugar (and most carbs) on 5th January for general health and to lose weight. So far it's working well, I haven't had any cravings as such but it helps that I've always been more into savoury than sweet food anyway.

The only things I'm really missing are sauces like BBQ or Sweet and sour. There are some sugar free versions online but they have terrible reviews.

One unexpected side effect: I don't get plaque on my teeth anymore!

I've been trying to reduce sugar in my DC diet; I find even school dinners are laden with sugary puddings. I make the snacks for breaktime myself, and I think moderation is the key rather than elimination and if i make it myself at least I know how much has gone in. I find as well, my DD says that all her friends have chocolate in their lunchboxes and so she nags for a 'treat'.The one i do most weeks is make a big tray of flapjack and put in exactly half the amount the recipe says, both of sugar and of syrup; adding a bit of ready break (finer than oats) or plain flour gives a softer texture). My husband, a total sugar addict at first said they were'nt sweet enough but his taste buds have acclimatised and he loves them now. It takes 10 minutes so it's no bother.

My Mum brought us up to not add sugar to drinks, cereals etc & what you never had you don't miss. Cooking from scratch makes it easy to avoid sugar & Canderel is a good substitute for baking.

I've gave up on sweets and chocolate completly, wish I could do the same for crisps.

After a massive gout attack I decided to cut right down on sugar. ive cut out biscuits which was really hard as I ate 6 packets a week. I ve change any fizzy drinks to sugar free and ive also change sweets (which are my downfall) to sugar free lollies. Just by making these changes ive lost a stone and I feel less tired then I did before

I gave up sugar in my tea ages ago. I used to worry about the amount of sugar my kids ate, mainly in added things like squash, so pretty much cut those things out.

Now as long as they eat a healthy balanced diet I don't worry about sugar intake. We don't eat much processed food or sugary cereals and they are all VERY active so burn off loads.

We have swapped out to zero sugar versions of lots of things

Aargh sugar!! So hard to give up.
Definitely avoiding processed, crappy foods with all that bad refined white sugar and flour helps.

Making some healthier snacks to have in the house is helpful. We've started using maple syrup and honey in cakes and sweet treats.
Also, have a look at breakfast ideas. There are so many sweet cereals that are packed full of sugar. We try cooked breakfasts and home made granola or muesli or porridges with different spices and fruits.

1. Have you been thinking about giving up or eating less sugar? 2. If yes, why? Do you have any tips/tricks you have for helping to beat sugar cravings?

There's been so much in the newspapers about the evils of sugar that we have been making a concerted effort to cut back. It's in everything though! We've switche to organic coconut sugar for baking etc - and just add half the suggested amount - I think as our tastebuds have adjusted we will cut this again... I often give the children a glass of milk if they say they want a treat - it fills their tums and stops them wanting biscuits etc.

I haven't eaten added sugar in anything since August and can recommend it to anyone. After the initial side effects went ( body aches and head aches) I felt much better and pmt is much better. I found cravings got better through time if you persevere.

Porridge with a few raisins is now my ultimate comfort food.