Anyone wants to join me in quitting sugar for 30 days to start with?

[Bananamuffins123]

I have been out of control since we got back from holidays 6 weeks ago. For some reason can't get get inti the mindset of eating healthily for more then 5 days to the point i binge even on dark chocolate. The only way for me is to do 30 days of no sugar , not even dark chocolate and hopefully my mind will rest again. Anyway wants to join me from tomorrow?

Standbys for when you are hungry:

• Boiled eggs (aka protein bombs)
• cottage cheese
• a tablespoon of lentils (seasoned with salt, pepper and lemon juice, plus some chopped herbs); add a dollop of Greek yoghurt if you are desperate feel ravenous...)

Standbys for sugar cravings:

• tender organic carrots
• berries (fresh or frozen)
• melon or cantaloupe
• mango

@UCDLA bit difficult to tell because quitting sugar doesn't coincide with a recorded weigh-in, but i think I've lost about 3lb. I normally work towards 1/2lb a week, so quitting sugar has really improved my rate of weightloss).

Saying this, I came over feeling really, really sad on the way home from work. Normally I'd cheer myself up by buying a packet of biscuits and eating them all once I got in :( :(

I know that feeling @Peae good going if you managed to resist!

I really need to figure out why I'm so addicted to the sugary stuff. I mean I know the science and I know I am an emotional eater, so I get that bit. I think maybe because I was raised to see chocolate as only a once a week treat, a small bar, sweet stuff was super restricted, so now I'm an adult and free to choose I still see it as a reward. But instead of once a week I can have it everyday if I decide. But I know logically a) it doesn't make me feel any better b) it's very bad for my skin, teeth, organs etc c) it makes me gain/retain weight. Yet I still find myself craving it and seeing it as a 'treat' or highlight of my day. I don't know why, it doesn't benefit me at all and I don't even get a kick from it these days. Maybe just bad habits.

Today has been a bit better craving-wise, so I know that eventually I'll stop even thinking about it. I know I just need to stay off it and continue cold turkey (except my cuppa, nobody is prising that from my fingers!)

I haven't felt the same cravings today and have also cooled it on the over eating of savoury items in the last two days. Scales show 3 pounds down, most will be water (TMI but am peeing for Britain) but it's the boost I need to keep going. Carrots are a good shout for a snack, am also having a couple of olives when I feel a bit hungry in between meals

I had a weird but surprisingly nice snack today - strawberries dipped in cocoa powder. Got that chocolatey taste with no added sugar. A bit of fresh mint on the side too.

I’m going to try this!

@UCDLA You pretty much describe my childhood upbringing re. sugar, and my adult approach. In my 20s and 30s I could eat it to excess, and never got bigger than a size 12 at my heaviest. So I thought I was ok. I didn’t know about the links with diabetes or dementia. Heart disease, cancer and strokes were just things that happened to other people.

I wish I could tell you what flipped the switch for me, but something just clicked.

I don’t intend on never having a pudding again, but I do wonder if I can manage “just the one” and not lapse.

I also fear that having "just one treat" will make me relapse and then I won't be able to stop but the accountability on this thread and my streak on the I Am Sober app are a big motivation to keep going.

I find that ten minutes exercise in the morning (I like cheery Joe Wicks) before anyone else is up gives me an endorphin boost for a good few hours. In the evening, brushing my teeth shortly after dinner also helps to avoid any snacking.

I'm trying your EVOO, white wine vinegar and lemon dressing today with my salad!

Add a little mustard or horseradish or chili sauce for a bit of oomph!

And don't forget the Herbs. Dill is particularly nice.

Another tricky day. Lots of sugar handed around the office, including a box of Celebrations which whispers, "what harm could just one do?". I managed to resist though.

Another feeling of crushing sadness after work. Was really tempted to get a takeaway and a packet of Oreos. Resisted both. Only 31 days and 5lb to go until my holiday. I'd love this year to be the last time I ever hit 13st on the scales.

The toothbrushing is a good tip - I'm going to try that!

I was at a conference today. I avoided the pastries at breakfast and the biscuits at the first break but caved for the macarons after lunch. Overall, I did much better than usual so I'm trying not to catastrophize. I just intend to pick it all up again tomorrow.

Today has been my easiest day so far, I put this down to being busier and to starting the day with two boiled eggs. Am really trying to stick to savoury breakfast, it seems to help keep me full and on track.

Day 15 and still experiencing these new low moods at the end of the working day. Have googled and apparently it’s a Thing and can last up to four weeks.

Late afternoon and early evening can be the most difficult times of day so it's a good idea to plan for a little snack to tide you over till dinnertime - a handful of nuts, a piece of fruit, a dollop of Greek yoghurt, a carrot with a little hummus...

I am also fasting, so can’t rely on food at all for regulating my emotions. I have genuinely question whether life with no sugar is worth it. Decided I can spare six weeks of my life to explore this!

Me please. I recently did the Groupon Millie’s cookie deal cause it was too good to be true. 24 cookies for £7.99. That didn’t end well ..arghh.

I finally folded. Had some biscuits. Happy to be back on the band waggon, but have lost my streak.

Don't beat yourself up. Persevere, and one day you'll be at a point where the odd glitch really doesn't matter.

It didn't feel compulsive, but I think if I can't go without for 30 days it suggests some kind of problem.

Who told you that?

How far have you actually veered off the trajectory?

It's one glitch. Get back on the horse and KOKO

Who told you that?

Gabor Mate, but yes, it's a lapse not a relapse.

Keep going @Peae ! For me, even 24 hours off sugar is a struggle. You've done so well and a small veer off course is really nothing. I've been massively craving sugar today too, have managed not to succumb mainly as my cupboards are empty of anything I'd fancy (not going to ruin my streak with a plain digestive but I would have dived head first into a dairy milk). Tomorrow is another day!

Day 20 or so. My scales are showing no weight loss at all but my clothes all feel looser and people keep commenting that I look slimmer....

Shit scales or some other explanation?