Hi guys, yes, you read that title right. So, I’m setting myself a little challenge. I haven’t figured out my August schedule yet. I’m not sure when you’ll be seeing this, but today is July 31st and for the month of August, I’m quitting sugar.
Why now?
I’ve been thinking about this for a little while and I figured now is as good a time as any. Today should be the last day of my period, and I have a 5-week cycle (usually), so this theoretically will end just in time for me to have ALL the sugar next time mother nature shows up. See, good timing.
What does quitting sugar mean?
Obviously, sugar is in just about everything. The term quitting sugar means added sugar or artificial sugars. Things like fruit sugars are totally fine, added sugars and syrups aren’t allowed. Fresh juice and smoothies are still on the menu, baked goods are off limits.
Why am I doing this?
Some of you are probably thinking this is a kind of diet, and I guess cutting something out of your diet for a month kind of is a diet of sorts, but that’s not my aim here. I want to see the impact this has on my body. I’m not expecting weight to start falling off. When I say the impact is has on my body, I mean more in a mental way. I want to see if I get any crazy cravings or whether I feel healthier without it. From what I’ve seen some people get really foggy when they quit sugar. I don’t think I eat enough processed sugar in my daily life to get symptoms like that, but that’s the kind of thing I’m looking out for.
What am I expecting to happen?
The first thing I think is going to happen is a lot more salt cravings. You know when things are fat free, they tend to add more sugar to make it taste good still? I’m expecting my cravings to work a little bit like that. Less chocolate, more Pringles. As I like to live a reasonably healthy lifestyle, stuffing my face with tube after tube of Pringles is not exactly on my agenda. I’m not sure how that one is going to go. If I do get sugar cravings, I’m hoping things like Nakd bars will help me get over my cravings. I know I haven’t mentioned them in a while, but I’m still obsessed with the Blueberry Muffin flavour.
One thing I’m really curious about is whether I’m going to want the sugar at the end or whether my body will be over it. I’m not sure how long that takes. If anyone knows more about this, I’d love to know.
Any exceptions?
First of all, I’m attending a wedding in about three weeks. That day is an exception. I’m switching to Alpro no added sugar yoghurt, but I will continue to have regular (sweetened) almond milk. I’ve tried unsweetened almond milk and it tastes like dishwater. If you can drink that, you’re a better person than I am, and as I’m not adding sugar to anything, I need all the help I can get. Wedding and milk, I think that’s it for exceptions. I’m trying to be as strict with this as possible without hating my life for a month.
What this means for my blog
Obviously, recipes will almost certainly be savoury for the next month unless I find a way to get creative with fruit. I might do an update half way if I’m noticing anything different, but if not, I’ll be sticking with a conclusion post to let you know how I got on. And whether I cracked half way and found myself half way through a bag of Skittles…
Have you ever tried to do something like this before? How did you get on? Wish me luck!
Until next time,
Sophie
To view all of my sugary recipes that I can’t eat, click here.
*This post contains affiliate links
This is an interesting challenge! I am a diabetic, so when it comes to choosing between sugary snacks and snacks that have no sugar – having the no sugar option is far less much of a hassle. I look forward to following your journey towards no sugar life!
I used to have so much sugar, and since cutting down so much now I feel sick if I have something too sweet. I’m not sugar free, but like you, I prefer to get my sugars from fruit and natural sources. I don’t know how people stomach any of the sweetened Aplro drinks!
Alpro is one of the best diary-free brands out there, they have so many healthy options to choose from
I hope cutting out the sugar works well for you! X
Good luck Sophie!! I have been wanting to quit sugar but just can’t bring myself to actually do it. I can’t wait to see how it goes for you!
Good luck with your challenge! I look forward to reading how you get on with it. And, I totally agree about unsweetened almond milk tasting like dishwater! Thankyou for sharing x
abbiejadewanders.co.uk
It sounds like you’ve really thought this out! I’m a massive sweet tooth so I don’t know how long I’d last if I did something like this. I wishing you all the best on this challenge! I’m sure it’ll be a very interesting and educational process!
Good luck with this!
I was thinking of quitting sugar too but i don’t know if I am mentally strong enough for that. I was also thinking of going back to the gym so I would need my entire diet to adapt to that!
Haha I actually love unsweetened almond milk!!! I wish you all the luck on this because I’m doing a bit of a detox this month myself. Eliminating sugar & all processed foods, so let’s do this together!!
This sounds like a really interesting challenge! I don’t think I could manage it lol❤️
I’ve always wanted to try quitting sugar but never really knew where to start! Good luck!
Luce xo
lucygould.com
I’m looking forward to seeing some savoury recipes on your blog! I’m definitely more of a savoury fan than sweet so I can’t wait to see what you make xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
All the best in goimg about it! I hope you don’t get any nasty withdrawls.
Love this! Defo a good challenge to set yourself. I’m always trying to reduce my intake of sugar but not quit it just yet.
I wish you all the luck xx
I’ve never done anything like this before but I’d also be interested to see what the effects are! X
Ashleigh | ashleighwrites.co.uk
I think I might try this. I’m want to get healthy before the college year starts back up again.
This is such an interesting read. I am attempting to lower my carb intake but I’m not sure I could ever give up a sneaky Maltesers or two!
Rosie
Man that sounds rough. But I’m sure it will be amazing for your health. Best of luck to you!
I’d be really interested to hear how this goes for you. As I have on and off stomach pains that no one seems to be able to work out if they’re related to anything, I have considered trying to cut different things out to see the impact it has. Not really sure what to start with though so will follow your experience! xx
Alys
amazing that you are doing this! I hope it all goes well so good luck! I love sweets too much I can’t even go a day without sugar!! xx
I did this a few months ago and I’ve honestly felt a real difference! Lots of luck, and keep it up
Sounds like a good challenge, good luck. I really need to try something like this for sure as I like sugar too much.
Melissa | http://www.moonlightmel.co.uk
Good luck! I would love to try this, but I think I’d be better off cutting back first. I do consume far too much sugar!
It is amazing that you’re quitting sugar! Sending you lots of positive vibes ♥. Sugar can be harmful to your body and it’s important to watch what you eat. As long as you’re getting the proper nutrients you need, I am all for it! It is interesting that there may be more salt cravings. Looking forward to hearing more about your progress!!!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
This is incredible! Really looking forward to following your sugar-free journey. I have no idea where I’d begin, so I’m excited to see your strategy and sugar-free diet!
Have a wonderful week!
Nati x
I wish you luck with this personal challenge! You seem like you’ve thought this through and are ready to go for it. Those Nak’d bars are great, the Cherry Bakewell bars are my favourite flavour as they taste just like the real thing! Davina McCall does a book full of sugar free recipes – may be worth a look for some inspiration? 🙂
Oooh yes I’m excited to see these results! I was in Tesco the other day and saw a little old lady look at some biscuits and go “JESUS CHRIST THAT’S 7 SPOONS OF SUGAR” bless her hahaha. It is surprising how much and what sugar is actually added to nowadays. My blood sugar is all over the place so I think I’d really struggle with this, looking forward to your updates!
Alice Xx
Awesome commitment! Good luck with it! I drink way too much diet drinks with fake sugar that I need to stay away from.
Yes, I have definitely tried something like this before and it changed the game for me. The first 3-4 days were a nightmare with headaches, etc however once I got past the initial hump it was smooth sailing with not as many cravings at all! Mine was for a 3 week span and I realized that sugar is what makes me gain the most weight so since I have done this, I try to make my weeks as sugar free as possible and on the weekends I indulge a bit but it honestly, was so good for me! It is tough but worth it – good luck!!
I’ve never ditched sugar completely but do try and switch to sweetener/no added sugar versions whenever I can. I’m really interested to see your thoughts and how you get on!
Best of luck!
Louisa
You’ve made the best decision in your life! I also quitted artificial sugar 1.5 years ago and I’m so happy about it. Good luck on your journey.
Much love,
Sima x
Wow, this requires dedication!! I’m sure you can do it. I can’t wait to see how it affects your life! I’m mostly interested in its effects on your weight and skin, as those are my personal concerns. If the outcome is good I will try it myself!
Arshi |
This will be really interesting to see how it works out! I will 100% be keeping up to date with your journey as I need to cut down on sugar to help with pcos but I struggle so much! Good luck with it all.
Liz xx
This is a great challenge! We’re trying to cut down sugar intake as well, not so much as a challenge but doing the little bits like having Coke Zero and having sweetener in my coffee instead and all of that – purely because we’re trying to get into a healthy lifestyle but honestly didn’t realise what would happen when we stop all together. Such a great insightful post!
Jessica & James | http://www.foodandbaker.co.uk
Good luck with your no sugar challenge! I’ve often thought about doing it, because supposedly it’s so good for your skin and overall wellbeing, but I don’t cope well cutting things out of my diet! Maybe one day…
Cordelia ||
What an interesting thing to do! I thought about going sugar free, but I have a really big sweet tooth so I’m not sure that would go over well. Right now I am staying away from candy, namely chocolate as much as I can, making sure I swap it out for healthy alternatives. Good luck with August x
Wow! Good luck with this, you are gonna do amazing! Cant wait to read about the outcome, how you felt etc
Staying tuned
Cheers
This is an interesting challenge. Best of luck with it! I don’t think I’ve seen anyone do it before. I must try some of the Alpro range. I’m definitely trying to be more healthy. Looking forward to hearing how your challenge goes. Love your photography!
Hey Sophie! Yes I done this for one month and it worked in decreasing my sugar cravings. I lost about 5-7 pounds in one month and my skin cleared up really nice. I haven’t done this in a while but your post is making me wanna jump back on the challenge again for next month!!
Natonya | http://www.justnatonya.wordpress.com
This sounds like a really interesting challenge Sophie! I’d love to hear how it’s going for you. I used to drink a lot of squash and when I saw how much sugar was in each glass I decided to stop. Now I just herbal drink teas and fizzy water and I’m definitely feeling more alert and energetic. Good luck with the challenge! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
wow hope this works out for you! it’s definitely a challenge. I’m planning on trying to be more healthy myself, although I think I’m starting slow
Good luck! It sounds like an amazing thing to do, can’t wait to read your post at the end of the month to see how it went!
Just when I thought you couldn’t cut anything else out, haha! Good luck with this, you’re a better woman than me, I don’t think I could last a day without sugar! It will be so interesting to see how you feel though!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com x
Ooo love this because I’ve cut out all refined sugars recently and honestly I’m feeling so much better for t! Had a huge two day headache for the first few days! After that it’s plain sailing and there are plenty of things you can have instead. You crave sugar for the first few days but then natural sugars look so much more alluring!
I’m sat here like BUZZING for this post because my husband and I have often talked about cutting sugar out for a month to see what might happen and it’s always me who is too scared to give it a go. Especially with time of the month cravings! It’s a great idea the way you’ve timed it and you have also seriously inspired me to try the same 🙂 can’t wait to hear how you’re getting on! x x
Ellis // http://www.elliswoolley.co.uk
I am really un-clued up about sugar and I’m sure I eat far more of it than I should. But because I’m not Vegan and not that clued up about food I wouldn’t know what to cut out. I love Naked bars though so I’m glad you have those to keep you ticking over! I love Alpro yoghurts too and didn’t know they did a no sugar one so I’ll look out for that next time I do a shop xxx
Ooohhhh this sounds interesting! I’m looking forward to hearing your update on what happens which I’m sure will be up in the next few weeks! <3
http://www.whatevawears.co.uk
This is such an interesting challenge, I can’t wait to see the results!
This must be quite difficult because of what gets put in some foods nowadays. I look forward to reading about your experience and the difference you have seen in your body. Thank you for sharing! Xx
Good luck, because you really need it. I have quit every kind of sweet (including sweetened yogurts) almost a year ago.(I hae a special post about this on my blog). It will be nerve breaking to deal with sugar craving first 2 week. Then, it becomes little bit easier.
I still have cravings every single day (?!) but quitting sugar (except fruits) was the best decision I’ve made, because sweets we buy doesn’t even have sugar, high fructose corn syrop is in almost everythingth that makes everything so harmful. Good luck!
This is really interesting, Sophie! I’m wondering how you’re holding up right now with quitting sugar – you should definitely do a write-up about that once the challenge is over for you. Are you only cutting out artificial sugar from your diet? Also, a few years ago, I was able to successfully cut out soda from my diet for a good two years. It got to the point where one sip of soda, and I would be in pain from a stomachache. Unfortunately, stress from nursing school pushed me to drink soda regularly again and I’ve only managed a good two days without it recently, bummer.
☀ cabin twenty-four
Thank you! Right now, I’m doing great! There’s going to be a recap at the end of the month so look out for that. Fruit sugar is all I’m eating right now. So, no agave or maple or anything like that. I’ve slipped up twice so far but only because I forgot to check a label and there was some sugar in my hot sauce and tortilla chips. Silly really! The wedding I mentioned is this weekend and I’m a little nervous as to how having sugar for the first time in nearly 4 weeks is going to hit me. I’m not struggling with cravings at all right now. That’s a shame! You were doing so well!! Thank you for reading and leaving such a thoughtful comment! x
This is such a great challenge! I hope it’s going well for you, I’m sure with the correct willpower and recipes you’ll be able to do it. It’s so much easier now to do something like this as there are so many alternatives. I really look forward to your future posts! I wish you the best of luck.
Gemma | http://www.anoceanglimmer.wordpress.com
This is a such a good way to experiment and find out what type of foods work best for you and the effects they have on your mind and body.
Naked bars are the best and yet oddly, I’ve never had a Blueberry Muffin one yet! I think dates, bananas and fruit juice will be great simple, natural options for when you do want something sweet or need some quick release energy.
Bounce balls, trek bars, get fruity bars and stoats bars are all great options too.
Much love,
Hanna x
missbeautysaver.com | Bloglovin <3
I’m just happy to see that you did say baked goods are off limits. I am a sweet tooth and sugar gives me energy on my day to day. Really interested in how the result will be.
Kaye –