In the past couple of years, I’ve tried a couple of times to detox from sugar but in vain. I was a junkie, sick and tired of my addiction. The maximum I managed to last was 2 weeks. I was eating way too much sugar. My daily minimum consumption was 2-3 chocolates, white bread, and cornflakes. I could also spend days with only cakes, candies, cakes, and ice cream. This is the sad truth. I WAS ADDICTED TO SUGAR AND I NEEDED A NO SUGAR FOODS DIET!
Research Cancer UK had a February challenge sugar so I thought I could give it one more shot!
One-month No Sugar Challenge
I was scared to do it alone. So I decided to create the Facebook group Sugar-Free Challenge - Αποτοξίνωση από την ζάχαρη, start together with other people and get inspiration.
I knew it wouldn’t be easy but I was determined to fight against my addiction! In the beginning, was very difficult because of the sugar withdrawal symptoms but I found a few ways to overcome them.
Read here --> Sugar Detox | 15 ways to overcome Withdrawal Symptoms
But I also learned a few things during the detox and I have some amazing results!
I Lost Weight and felt less bloated.
My main goal was not to lose weight but to get rid of my sugar addiction. Surprisingly, I lost 4kgs and felt less bloated!! Oh Yes!!!! I jump for joy!
My Vegetarian daily menu consisted mainly of fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, a few organic flour products, and a few dairy products. My favorite is Chobani zero sugar yogurt with vegan options as well. 5 years now I have been Vegan.
I did not count calories and I ate when I felt hungry. I also started a gym exercise 4 times a week for 1 hour each.
My Cravings and Hunger reduced
This was by far the biggest challenge of the month. How to control my cravings and my hunger? I had to discover new ways to prepare my sweet meals and this made me understand the difference between and hunger. Of course, I faced strong cravings that I indulge in. Everybody has them. Make sure you do not "beat" out yourself every time you can't control them. It's ok! Keep going!!!
My Energy increased
Normally I would feel exhausted by the end of the day, especially after a sugary meal. In addition, I fell asleep quite often during the day. After a month truly my energy rocked!
I Learnt to read labels.
To be honest, before my sugar detox, I seldom read labels. The only habit I had was just for basic the sweets staff, like chocolates, biscuits, etc. I soon realized that sugar is hidden in lots of things! Even in the packaged white bread, corn flakes rusks, even in mustard! If you add the daily sugar intake, you will realize that you consume LOTS of sugar. The big challenge for me was to cut the hidden sugars. Sugar and artificial sweeteners are almost in EVERYTHING! So watch out for the labels.
A friend of mine claims that she does not consume any sugar. After a thorough check of what she is eating daily, I discovered that she receives almost 50 grams of sugar daily, without any sweets, chocolates, etc. Her daily sugar intake is from "healthy" bars, cornflakes, yogurt, white packaged bread, roasted nuts, and ready-made sauces and beans. Oh yes! All these contain sugar.
Read here --> The reality about Sugar and the Sweeteners
My Menustration improved.
Surprisingly during my recent menstruation, I did not face any Premenstrual syndromes and my period pain reduced. Normally a week prior to my monthly visitor I would have swollen legs, breasts, and pain in the whole body. I felt relieved!
I ate more fruit.
I love fruits but I don't eat too much of them. When I quit sugar I had to turn to fruits to satisfy my sweet tooth cravings. I noticed that I was feeling fuller and less hungry so I reduced the excess food also.
My Expenses reduced.
I stopped buying all those unhealthy sugary things and focused on healthy eating. In addition, lots of packaged products such as beans, vegetables, sauces, etc include sugar. I stopped buying also ready-made meals and started to prepare a meal on my own. My expenses were reduced to 50%.
Will I continue my diet with no sugar foods?
Of course! This month was only the start! 🙂 If you wanna kick your sugar habit and start a healthier life, you can join the group Sugar-Free Challenge - Αποτοξίνωση από την ζάχαρη where we will have a new challenge and lots of sugar-free recipes.
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