My 7 Day Sugar-Free Journey

It’s hard. It’s challenging. But ultimately, it is rewarding. Sugar-Free.

Cutting out sugar can be one of the most beneficial things you do for your health, both mentally and physically. Studies have shown that high sugar consumption significantly increases the risk of cancer and can negatively impact your metabolism. Not to mention, the highs and lows that come with sugar consumption. One minute you’re full of energy and the next, you crash.

If you think your sugar intake could be negatively affecting your health, it may be time to start reducing the sugar in your day-to-day diet.

If you’re already on this sugar-free journey, comment below on how things are going and share any tips or tricks that helped you beat the sugar addiction.

DAY 1 OF NO-SUGAR

So far, so good. The sugar cravings aren’t really there. We had a few friends over and I cooked up some quick, healthy appetizers and served them along with some sweets, coffee and tea. Of course, I had my eye on a dark chocolate waffle but I resisted and grabbed some fruit instead. While fruit does contain sugar, it is not the kind of processed sugar that we can become so easily addicted to. With day one complete, I learned that just because the sugar is in front of you doesn’t mean you have to give in.

DAY 2- NO SUGAR

The afternoons are typically my moments of weakness. When I’m feeling tired, I normally reach for something sweet in an attempt to regain some energy. But already on day two, the typical cravings have not hit. I haven’t lost any weight and overall, I am feeling well. In addition, I have been trying to get a full 7-8 hours of sleep every night.

DAY 3- NO SUGAR

Day three has been easy since most of the day I have been busy running errands and haven’t had much time for the sugar cravings to cross my mind. I went to the gym this morning and after getting such a good workout in, was motivated to eat healthy the rest of the day. This morning, I had an avocado with some green tea and post-workout I had a green smoothie. I usually don’t eat dinner since I tend to eat lunch later, around 3 in the afternoon. Today, I had a beet salad and a vegetable soup.

DAY 4- NO SUGAR

It seems the more water I drink, the less food I want. Probably because water does provide energy and can be very filling without the extra calories, we just often forget to drink enough of it. It’s another busy day away from home for me, making it easier to stay away from the kitchen where I often mindlessly grab sweets. As the day came to an end, I was craving a sweet treat to end my day, but as of day four I have yet to give in.

DAY 5- NO SUGAR

So far on my sugar-free journey, this day has been the toughest. The weekend is here and brunch with friends and family is on the schedule. Luckily, I find a delicious plate of avocado and eggs to dig into. No fruit for me today. Towards the afternoon I was craving something sweet. All I wanted was to sit down with a cup of tea and a treat on the side. Instead, I kept myself busy with family and my mind off of the sweets.

DAY 6- NO SUGAR

Unfortunately, I missed breakfast today. I was able to eat a satisfying lunch but afterwards, was really craving something sweet. I tried distracting myself by going to the gym but after a workout, the craving was still there. Tonight, the laziness is kicking in and I’d much rather grab something to go than cook something healthy at home. But I stay strong and walk away.

DAY 7- NO SUGAR

Well, it seems that I’ve made it! Day seven of seven. I am feeling good physically and even better knowing that I have accomplished the challenge I set forth for myself. The lessons I’ve learned over the past seven days will definitely help me moving forward to continue to eat less processed sugar in the future and maybe one day, cut it out completely.
In conclusion, sugar is everywhere. In today’s world, it is nearly unavoidable. If you’re interested in cutting it out, start by reading labels. Yes, you may be shocked by how much sugar is snuck into random foods but it also can be a great wake-up call. Start small and eventually build up to cutting sugar out completely. Read more on how to beat the sugar addiction here.