Committed to quit sugar? Congratulations – you’ve got the first (and arguably hardest) step out of the way!
But even so, you might have a little bit of the first-week willies. Will you be able to give up some of your favourite sugar-laden foods? Could the withdrawal symptoms be too much handle? What if you have a lapse?
Don’t worry. We’ve worn in this path many times before. Here are seven simple ways to make sure you stay on the wagon, for the 8-Week Program and beyond.
1. Stop sugar cravings in their tracks.
Sugar is addictive, so it’s not surprising that the hankering for something sweet can strike anytime – even when you were certain you’d conquered your weakness for Wagon Wheels for good.
To stay on the sugar-free straight-and-narrow, you need to hit your habit where it hurts and halt sugar cravings before they take over. From sniffing sweet vanilla scents to making sugar-free substitutes, our I Quit Sugar: 8-Week Program nutritional therapist Laura de Harpe has some great suggestions on beating your sugar cravings.
2. Plan ahead.
According to Winston Churchill, “he who fails to plan is planning to fail.” While we can’t be certain he was referring to sugar, the analogy is apt. Planning meals in advance and cooking in bulk will both help you stay on track.
Quitting sugar doesn’t end on the last day of the 8-Week Program, either. We don’t consider it diet, rather a lifelong plan and commitment to your wellness.
3. Continue to fuel your body with the right foods.
The best way to avoid sugar cravings is to crowd them out with nutrient-dense alternatives. This includes whole veggies, quality proteins and even fat (Malaysian Haloumi Kebabs anyone?). Alternately, try Sarah’s not-so-secret weapon in the fight to stay sugar-free – coconut oil.
4. Own your lapses.
Sugar-quitting slip ups happen to the best of us. But just because you fall off the wagon, you don’t have to stay there. Don’t beat yourself up with guilt. Instead, use the opportunity to reaffirm your commitment to a sugar-free life, well aware that the temptation really isn’t worth it.
5. Be motivated by your sugar-free health.
From increased energy to clearer skin, it’s important to appreciate how much better your life is without the white stuff. Don’t be ashamed to remind yourself – use before and after visuals if need be! – of how far you’ve come without fructose. And why it’s not worth going back.
6. Use fructose-free sugar substitutes – in moderation!
Once sugar has broken its hold over you, you can start to reintroduce safe substitutes into your diet. Knowing you can enjoy a Carrot Cupcake with Cinnamon Frosting – guilt-free – can help you stay steadfast in your commitment to quitting sugar. Because we know that birthday doesn’t count without cake!
7. Celebrate your sugar-free life (without sugar!)
One of the most powerful ways of ensuring you stay in the game and continue to kick sugar-free goals, is to celebrate your achievements – with non-sugar related rewards. The 8-Week Program can help you find food freedom, and realise that your future doesn’t have to be full of fructose to be a sweet one.
We originally published this article in January 2016. We updated it in June 2016.
Are you ready to transform your life and quit sugar for good?
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