I want to share something I did two weeks ago and catalogue how it’s made me feel. Two weeks ago I gave up sugar. Entirely. Cold Turkey.

In full disclosure, I eat very healthy normally. I love salad, it’s my favorite food. I love vegetables. BUT…I also love me some homemade baked goods. I would say that while my meals and snacks were largely healthy, whole foods, I didn’t ever think twice about eating a brownie and ice cream or the homemade cookies that my kids love.

I can’t tell you how hard these first few weeks have been. They say sugar is like a drug, and it’s hard to give it up. I now know that to be true. I did have withdrawal symptoms. I did crave sugar more than I ever have in these first two weeks. I was lethargic, grouchy and irritable. I was all the things they say you will be when you cut sugar out cold turkey.

My reason for doing this was mainly health related. I’ve always wanted to do this but never found the will power to stick with it for too long. Basically I just wanted to rid my body of toxins and inflammation. Given that I don’t drink pop or iced tea’s or lemonade, or coffee…my only vice is sugar….so naturally it became the natural target.

I can’t say I’ve enjoyed the past two weeks, because that would be a giant lie. I still feel a tinge of jealousy when I see my husband or mom or kids eat something sweet that I’d love to have…but I am committed to trying to go the whole month of March without eating any processed foods or sugars.

So far, I’ve been very dilligent.

In addition to the bad side effects, I’ve had other positive ones. First, I am sleeping better for the most part (aside from nights like last night where there was some sort of animal massacre outside my window). Secondly, I feel better. I have more energy and don’t have the midday I can barely keep my eyes open feeling. Finally, I have lost weight. While that was not the goal, I can’t say I hate it.

Overall, it’s been very hard for me. I still crave sugar but have found that I am not really that hungry throughout the day when I start my day with fruit and protein and snack on healthy and filling things like vegetables and avocado dip or eat a salad with fish or chicken at lunch. I am eating what I need to fuel my body and cutting out all the unnecessary stuff and I do feel a lot better as a result. I also find fruit more delicious. I’ve always liked i,t but somehow now it tastes more sweet, which I read is pretty common when someone gives up sugar.

We shall see how long I can do this! But one thing I know is that I don’t see myself eating much, if any at all, candy ever again. Before I cut sugar out I would pop a few pieces of mini candy here and there and after eating it I always regretted it. It didn’t taste great or satisfy my hunger then so I’m hoping this little experiment I’m doing now will help me cut that practice completely.

I’m posting about it here to not only preserve this part of my year but to hold me accountable. I think I’ll be less likely to cheat this way :). Hopefully.

Here’s to a healthier and happier and more social 2021!

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