Losing weight, healing your gut, and getting rid of brain fog are some of the benefits of cutting sugar off your diet.


I’m a recovered sugar addict. I have shared this several times; during my college years in California, and as a typical student, I was eating a super high-sugar diet. 2 waffles with peanut butter jelly were my go-to breakfast. A texas size muffin was a regular snack, followed by many cans of “diet” soda. I ended up gaining 40 pounds, got acne, visceral fat, skin problems, gut problems, and I was tired all the time. 


It was like a vicious cycle, I was tired so I was snacking on sugar, and after an hour I was tired again, so I was eating again, and it seemed like a hole with no exit. The reality is that sugar is addictive. The link between sugar and addictive behavior Texas to the fact that, when we eat sugar, opioids and dopamine are released thus causing your brain to feel good and when that feeling goes away, you end up asking for more.  It’s called “reward cycle”. Once your brain feels “high” it wants to repeat the behavior all over again to feel good. 


The key to breaking this kind of vicious cycle is to eliminate sugar gradually so your brain and body can handle the transition in the best possible way.
Today, we will share a couple of tips that will make your sugar quitting transition nice and easy.

Cutting Sugar The Healthy Way

The following plan will help you cut sugar minimizing the effects of sugar abstinence.
Days 1 to 7: Quit sugar and eat more fat.
The first step will be to clean your kitchen of all sugary items. Read labels and throw away everything that has more than 2 grams of sugar per portion. Make sure to feed yourself properly and eat quality fats, veggies, and protein. The following things are examples of healthy sources of fat and protein:

  • Grass-fed beef and lamb
  • Wild salmon
  • Pasture-raised bacon
  • Pasture-raised eggs
  • Raw nuts
  • Grass-fed butter
  • Olive oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Avocados

Days 8 to 14: Attack your cravings.
After some days of not eating sugar it is normal to experience food cravings. It’s okay to satisfy them but make healthy choices.  A couple examples of healthy sweet sources are:

  • Dark chocolate
  • Dates
  • Nuts
  • Grass-Feed Cheese
  • Nut buters
  • Fruit 

Disclaimer: During this time it is normal to experience low energy, mood swings, strong cravings, and brain fog. This is absolutely normal, and it’s a sign of detoxification.
Days 15 to 30: Your body is being reset.
After day 15 it only gets better and better. You will experience mental clarity, weight loss, a decrease in inflammation, and even better sleep. This is a good time to experiment with other things that could help you improve your diet such as:

  • Intermittent fasting (Find all about it here).
  • Keto diet 
  • Suplement intake

Remember, quitting sugar, like beating any other addiction can be tough. However, results are worth it and right after 2 weeks, you will start enjoying the benefits of it. 
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Sources:

https://blog.bulletproof.com/sugar-cravings-challenge/
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/experts-is-sugar-addictive-drug#2

 

Michelle Ibarra

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