Quitting sugar… diet no 568

Mummummummyyyy · 2022-09-30T21:34:34+00:00

I’m a bit of a diet whore… have been there done them all and always fall off the wagon after 3-4 weeks. Slimming world, weight watchers, calorie counting, intermittent fasting, high protein, low carb, slim fast. All end up with me having ‘just one’ of something forbidden and then going on a bit of a binge. I’m not huge, size 12 but petite so carry a lot round my tummy. I need to lose a stone, maybe 1.5 and I’ll be happy with myself. I’ve been thinking about why and how I sabotage my good intentions and it’s usually chocolate (or the desire for it) that sets me off. I have no off switch and can put away a fair amount of the lovely stuff quite quickly! So I’ve decided to quit sugar. I’ve heard it’s life changing and after a few weeks I’ll never want anything sweet again! Is this true?? I’ve read ‘sweet poison’ recently and I have high hopes! Anyone else??

Raveon2000 · 30/09/2022 22:39

I'm on week 4 and feel good, I did allow a cheat evening last week and I suffered the next day, was like a hangover, thumping headache, no energy, then horrible cramps that felt like Labour pains so I'm actually scared to do a cheat again!! It's put me right off.
I've only lost 2lbs but an inch off waist and 2 inch off hips and I feel so much less bloated. I'd say it's the most sustainable too and yes cravings are gone, I only had a cheat day as it was my DDs tea party and I wanted to join in!

Mummummummumyyyyy · 30/09/2022 22:45

@Raveon2000 that sounds great! I’m on day 4 and have been extra tired, irritable and really hungry. I was so hungry at lunch that I couldn’t even carry my plate to the table. Just stood in the kitchen stuffing a sandwich into my mouth like an animal. I hope tha doesn’t continue or I’ll get some funny looks at work next week!

Kenwouldmixitup · 30/09/2022 22:48

Watching with interest

MilkToastHoney · 30/09/2022 23:06

You need to stop ‘diets’ and eat healthily long term. Stopping sugar is just another diet where you’ll fall off the wagon again.
Eating sugar is fine if done in a moderate way. Going out for a meal and being a desert etc is absolutely fine as part of a healthy diet.
Binge eating chocolate bars is obviously not great!!
If you ‘sabotage’ with a dessert or a chocolate bar that’s absolutely fine. You’ve not ruined your good intentions, you’ve just ate some chocolate. No need to eat loads more chocolate, just eat a bit less the next day/do a slightly longer fast between eating and you’ll be fine.

Mummummummumyyyyy · 01/10/2022 08:00

MilkToastHoney · 30/09/2022 23:06

You need to stop ‘diets’ and eat healthily long term. Stopping sugar is just another diet where you’ll fall off the wagon again.
Eating sugar is fine if done in a moderate way. Going out for a meal and being a desert etc is absolutely fine as part of a healthy diet.
Binge eating chocolate bars is obviously not great!!
If you ‘sabotage’ with a dessert or a chocolate bar that’s absolutely fine. You’ve not ruined your good intentions, you’ve just ate some chocolate. No need to eat loads more chocolate, just eat a bit less the next day/do a slightly longer fast between eating and you’ll be fine.

I’m aware of this thanks. I don’t seem to have an off switch for sweet stuff unfortunately. Life would be much easier if I did!.

MilkToastHoney · 01/10/2022 09:23

I’m aware of this thanks. I don’t seem to have an off switch for sweet stuff unfortunately. Life would be much easier if I did!.

Is this because you’re viewing them as ‘bad’ or trying to avoid them?

Are you feeling guilty eating them rather than saying to yourself it’s fine to have the dessert and really enjoying eating it?

Eating non processed foods with high fat/low carb can help to reduce sugar cravings and make you less likely to binge.

Really enjoying your meal can also mean you are less likely to want to eat sugary rubbish after it. Taking your time to sit down and eat what you enjoy can help. Salad in a nice salad bowl to go along side, lay the table, nice crockery, nice glass with iced water etc.
Take your time eating too, take time to chew your food, pause between mouthfuls, knife and fork down. This helps with weight loss but also to reduce cravings.
I find if I eat in a rush something I don’t really enjoy, I’m rooting in the fridge/cupboards picking at bits afterwards.

I used to ask myself how I felt if I ate loads of rubbish. Then try and do the same before hand. Now it just sort of comes naturally to me. I know I’ll feel really rubbish with myself eating 2 huge slices of cake but I’ll really enjoy a small slice. I eat with a cup of tea and take my time and really enjoy it. I would only eat a really nice cake that’s worth the calories though!! A cheap cake that I wouldn’t REALLY enjoy, I no longer bother with!

Berries with double cream and a small amount of grated dark chocolate on is a nice dessert.

Raveon2000 · 01/10/2022 09:35

I disagree, some people just can't do things by halves and I'm one of them, I can't go out for one drink and I can't just have a dessert, it's all or nothing for me, and once I start I can't stop!
I felt lousy for week one of no sugar, just keep with it. I also cut any carbs that would spike my insulin so plenty meat cheese eggs and salad which is great for feeling full. Salted Peanuts as a snack and I just made Peanut butter and almond balls as a snack with a cup of tea too.
Also the 85% chocolate if you just need chocolate (it's so bitter you can't eat more than 2 squares but helps with those cravings)
Just give it 7-10 days and see how you feel then as by the second week I was sleeping better, waking up refreshed, not feeling hungry between meals and it sounds weird but I was eating food for fuel rather than pleasure!
Will be interested in seeing how you go with this.
Also @MilkToastHoney is right, this isn't a diet, this is a new way of eating, I'm only 4 weeks in and already thinking that I'll never go back to my old ways

Raveon2000 · 01/10/2022 09:44

Also just remembered, you sound like a sugar fiend like me, op, so I bought chocolate atkins bars to get me through the first week. Have a look at Nicks chocolate bars. They do the trick, but very low carb and sugar. I don't need them now but definitely needed them with the first weeks transition. I always like a sweet treat after lunch or dinner and one of these after one meal then some dark chocolate after the other were a good swap

Mummummummumyyyyy · 01/10/2022 13:38

Thanks for responses. I’m on day 5 now and have adjusted to no sugar in coffee, it actually tastes quite nice whereas it’s always tasted bitter and horrible without sugar. I’m not actually craving sugar but just feel constantly ‘dissatisfied’ and grazing on nuts etc which isn’t r ally hitting the spot. Hopefully another week and I’ll stop craving sugar. Am determined to have a really good go at this.

Raveon2000 · 02/10/2022 10:38

I've also got sugar free syrup for coffee on amazon which is nice and I also do a bit bowl of nuts, berries, Greek yougurt and drizzle the syrup over it (almost feels like a desert like Eton mess or something)
Keep us updated on how you go next week! Hopefully you start feeling different towards food and sugar

FitbyFifty · 03/10/2022 09:35

I am like you OP. A complete sugar addict.

It does work for me to go completely off sugar for a few weeks and then the cravings and desire decreases. I can then eat it in moderation for awhile but then what happens is I start to eat just a little more and then a little more and before you know it I am addicted again.

It is a good feeling during that in between time to not crave it and to find things too sweet and to be able to just eat one sweet thing and feel that is enough.

Unfortunatey I have never been able to stay in that place but I do a sugar detox probably 3 or 4 times a year.

Raveon2000 · 12/10/2022 20:27

Just wondering how you are getting on op? How's the no sugar?

Honeyroar · 12/10/2022 20:55

I did something along these lines a few years ago. Look up JERF - just eat real food. You cut out all processed foods and refined sugar, including low fat products. I found it amazing. I didn’t stop carbs, I didn’t cut out natural sugars (ate tons of grapes and bananas). The inches fell off me (the scales took a few weeks to catch up). Within four months I’d dropped two dress sizes and two stones, and it came off my waist, face and legs, where I needed it to come off). I got where I didn’t miss sweets and chocolates at all (and I’ve always been a sugar addict!). I’m not a massive drinker, so cutting that out didn’t hurt. If I went out I’d have vodka or gin and mixers, and would just pick ice cream if people were having desert (if you have something small people don’t nag you!). It was the only “diet” I’d ever enjoyed because it didn’t feel like a diet and nothing needed counting!

I can’t remember why I fell off the wagon. I really need to do it again!

Raveon2000 · 12/10/2022 22:46

Honeyroar · 12/10/2022 20:55

I did something along these lines a few years ago. Look up JERF - just eat real food. You cut out all processed foods and refined sugar, including low fat products. I found it amazing. I didn’t stop carbs, I didn’t cut out natural sugars (ate tons of grapes and bananas). The inches fell off me (the scales took a few weeks to catch up). Within four months I’d dropped two dress sizes and two stones, and it came off my waist, face and legs, where I needed it to come off). I got where I didn’t miss sweets and chocolates at all (and I’ve always been a sugar addict!). I’m not a massive drinker, so cutting that out didn’t hurt. If I went out I’d have vodka or gin and mixers, and would just pick ice cream if people were having desert (if you have something small people don’t nag you!). It was the only “diet” I’d ever enjoyed because it didn’t feel like a diet and nothing needed counting!

I can’t remember why I fell off the wagon. I really need to do it again!

That's interesting what you said about the scales because I'm week 6 now and I feel slimmer but scales only showing a 2 lb loss since starting!
Was hoping for 5-6lbs by this stage!! I'm keeping at it though, feel good and I crave sugary stuff when hungry, then once I eat they are gone (the old me would be stuffed after dinner but still be back and forward to sweetie cupboard through thhe evening)

Mummummummumyyyyy · 12/10/2022 22:50

Hi, I’ve been doing it for about 2 weeks now and like you I have only lost about 2-3 lbs but feel much less bloated and my moods are more stable. I’m sleeping better and not craving sugar or snacks at all. The only downside is I seem to have come out in teenage acne, not loads but a new spot every few days. I’m late 30s and my skin is usually fine so I’m not sure what is causing it.

Righteouswarrior · 13/10/2022 21:01

I began a no sugar diet at the beginning of this week so on day 4 now. Its actually made me realise just how much sugar I was having in my diet. I've not gone completely no sugar as I am including natural sugar found in fruit, but anything processed or with added sugar is off the menu. I am also replacing sugar with sweetener for my tea/coffee. At the moment I am still craving sugar a little but I know the benefits will be worth it so am not going to give in to it.