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A space to talk openly about weight loss journeys and challenges. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any diet.

Original poster

Giving up sugar for 21 days

135 replies

Ihaterain1 · 07/05/2023 19:09

I have been eating toomuch chocolate and sweets since the new year which resulted in putting on around 8 pounds. I am planning to reset my cravings by giving up sugar from tomorrow for at least 21 days. Anyone wants to join me?

OP posts:
Brrrrrrrrrrrr · 10/05/2023 10:29

Good luck OP! I cut out all sugar for a few months a couple of years ago, it had a huge effect, I was CONSTANTLY asked what hair product I was using as it went so shiny and a few friends wondered if I’d had a chemical peel because my skin was glowing so much, I’m an avid vitamin taker and water drinker so it must have made a big difference for them to notice. I’m toying with the idea of doing it again, it’s not easy though so persevere!

UpUpUpU · 10/05/2023 13:10

So day 3 is going well so far. No sugar cravings and my headache has eased. I’m quite motivated today and done lots of house work. I will struggle tonight though as on nights.
many suggestions for snacks to get me through?

PaminaMozart · 10/05/2023 16:18

I recommend 2 books which explain our addiction to sugar and refined carbs, and their serious effects on our health, as well as offering realistic strategies for weening ourselves off sugar:

The Gut Makeover, by Jeanette Hyde
The Blood Sugar Solution, by Mark Hyman

Both can be read for free via Internet Archive.

Dr. Becky and others on YouTube also provide a lot of useful information, including this list of healthy foods that can change the way we eat:

https://drbeckyfitness.com/Low-Carb-Food-List/

I read the books to inform myself and watched YouTube influencers almost daily to keep myself motivated. Over time, healthy eating - and drinking hardly any alcohol - became a way of life.

I also found daily exercise a powerful motivator. I don't have time to go to the gym but I do HIIT with Growingannanas and weights with Caroline Girvan. I'm also generally more active - I walk whenever I can and take the stairs instead of the lift.

My only regret is that I did not start all this when I was in my 30s!

Changes17 · 10/05/2023 16:22

@GCWorkNightmare That sounds great - what do you eat, day to day? DH has given up sugar and cut back on carbs for blood sugar reasons, but it does seem to involve a lot of celeriac and cabbage at the moment...

PaminaMozart · 10/05/2023 16:30

@Changes17 - check out the link to Dr Becky's list in my previous post

Original poster
Ihaterain1 · 10/05/2023 19:34

How is everyone doing? I had a successful day 3! Loads of eggs and vegetables kept me going today.

OP posts:
Doseydots · 10/05/2023 20:01

My day has been good. There was biscuits at work which I didn’t touch. There’s no wonder I have issues with sugar, yesterday it was cake and today biscuits. It’s madness when I think about it, any other day I would have been dipping into them every time I
walked by them.

I’ve had a headache today but it’s fine, tomorrow I will be grateful that I didnt touch the biscuits or cake. I am finding comfort from chamomile tea.

Hotfuninthesummertime · 10/05/2023 20:42

Hi can I join ? I have pcos so trying to reduce sugar for health reasons too. I cut chocolate out for lent and feel like I've reduced the cravings! Lost no weight but feel better

Doseydots · 11/05/2023 05:59

Good morning, i am feeling ready to smash today. I still
have headache so trying to drink lots of hot water. So far I don’t have cravings though. When I have tried in the past I find days 4-6 the hardest and don’t usually get beyond that point. I
am feeling determined and positive though.

Good luck to everyone else today and welcome to the newbies.

GoldenFarfalle · 11/05/2023 09:52

second day, I can't stop thinking about chocolate, bread etc.. I had a banana for breakfast (plus greek youghurt with nuts)

GoldenFarfalle · 11/05/2023 09:53

Doseydots · 11/05/2023 05:59

Good morning, i am feeling ready to smash today. I still
have headache so trying to drink lots of hot water. So far I don’t have cravings though. When I have tried in the past I find days 4-6 the hardest and don’t usually get beyond that point. I
am feeling determined and positive though.

Good luck to everyone else today and welcome to the newbies.

good luck to you too!

JoeLovesGina · 11/05/2023 09:57

GoldenFarfalle · 07/05/2023 20:33

Anyone has a list of the sugar names? I was checking the ingredients from s ham package and I don't understand half of the names..

I'd cut out the ham too! If you don't recognise the ingredients then they're unlikely to be doing you much good.

JoeLovesGina · 11/05/2023 10:03

I did it more gradually, first cutting out sweet stuff (cakes, sweets, chocolate etc). Then cutting right down on starchy carbs.

You also need to cut out artificial sweeteners as they make you crave sugar even more (your body is expecting sugar but doesn't get it so continues to want it)

I still eat 1 or 2 pieces of fruit per day and don't concern myself with sugar content of milk etc.

I no longer crave sweet stuff but have a couple of squares of dark chocolate after tea sometimes.

LittleOwl153 · 11/05/2023 10:19

I need to do this but I won't try until nearing the end if your 21 days as we have too much going on this month which I can't cope with alo g side the sugar withdrawals I know will hit!

If someone fancies tagging me in around the end of May remind me.... 😁

GoldenFarfalle · 11/05/2023 10:36

JoeLovesGina · 11/05/2023 10:03

I did it more gradually, first cutting out sweet stuff (cakes, sweets, chocolate etc). Then cutting right down on starchy carbs.

You also need to cut out artificial sweeteners as they make you crave sugar even more (your body is expecting sugar but doesn't get it so continues to want it)

I still eat 1 or 2 pieces of fruit per day and don't concern myself with sugar content of milk etc.

I no longer crave sweet stuff but have a couple of squares of dark chocolate after tea sometimes.

Did you lose weight? How much? I'm trying to be healthier but losing weight would be wonderful too...

JoeLovesGina · 11/05/2023 10:48

@GoldenFarfalle I've lost 13 lbs so far, over 12 weeks though, so slow and steady.

I've cut out pretty much all processed food and eat lots of veg, nuts, seeds etc.

I read Tim Spector's book Food for Life which was really inspirational and has literally changed my life!

Also, the idea of lowering blood sugar spikes by eating veg first, then fat and protein, with carbs last I think has really helped to stop cravings (Jessie Inchauspe's book the Glucose Revolution).

I do read a lot 😂 but find that availing myself of the facts about nutrition helps to keep me on the straight and narrow. There are some really good podcasts by Zoe Health and Nutrition and also Feel Better Live More.

Doseydots · 11/05/2023 18:57

I agree with those podcasts too, I find them very inspirational and helpful.

I've had bad cravings today but haven't caved it which I am so pleased with. I think if I can get through the next few days, things will become easier.

Hope everyone else is having a good day.

Doseydots · 12/05/2023 05:59

Good morning, how's everyone doing. I am feeling positive today. My headache is worse but it will pass. Lots of warm drinks help.

Original poster
Ihaterain1 · 12/05/2023 15:44

I found yesterday ( day 4 for me) very difficult for some reason, i was really craving chocolate 😫 . I have resited and was snacking on chicken , humus with celery and oatcakes. Today hasn't been so bad so far...

OP posts:
GCWorkNightmare · 12/05/2023 15:55

Are you balancing your minerals? Chocolate cravings can be due to magnesium or sodium deficiency.

Original poster
Ihaterain1 · 12/05/2023 18:20

GCWorkNightmare · 12/05/2023 15:55

Are you balancing your minerals? Chocolate cravings can be due to magnesium or sodium deficiency.

Yes i have been taking magnesium for years, i just generally have love chocolate 😪

OP posts:
runningpink · 12/05/2023 20:35

Iv made it through day 5.
Some stuff going on which is affecting me mentally. This would normally have me reaching for the biggest bar of chocolate but I’m determined to do this and not let others bring me down anymore

Im going to something tomorrow which was arranged ages ago. It will involve cake but I plan to have a really small piece of something and then right back on plan.

Doseydots · 12/05/2023 21:26

A small piece of cake will be fine and a good experiment to see if it triggers a craving or wanting more.

my headaches have now disappeared but I have had huge cravings today which I haven’t given into. This time last week i
had friends round. We were drinking wine and eating pick n mix like it was going out of fashion. I woke up on Saturday, felt terrible but did it all again. It’s crazy why would I do that to myself?

I am determined to get to day seven.

GCWorkNightmare · 12/05/2023 21:36

If you’re aiming for ketosis I’d swerve the cake. It could knock you out for a week.

GoldenFarfalle · 13/05/2023 07:16

GCWorkNightmare · 12/05/2023 21:36

If you’re aiming for ketosis I’d swerve the cake. It could knock you out for a week.

What's ketosis? Does it help for detoxing sugar from our body?

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