One of the most common questions we get asked about quitting sugar is: “Will I lose weight?”
And for many people, the answer is yes. Mainly because when you quit sugar, you quit processed food. Which means you’re quitting nutrient-poor foods and all those other added nasties that can wreak havoc on your health.
That said, everybody (and every body) is different. You may not experience weight loss when you give sugar the flick, because your body has already found its healthy weight.
What does “healthy weight” really mean?
Essentially, a healthy weight is a weight that lowers your risk of health problems and weight-related disease. But maintaining a healthy weight for your body isn’t about rigorously sticking to a certain number on the scale or a certain BMI.
“A healthy weight is a weight that you can easily maintain without rigorous calorie counting, that also sees your hormones in balance,” says dietitian and IQS Expert Natalie Bourke.
Why does it differ from person to person?
Short story: Because we are all different!
“Our genetics play a big role in our natural body shape, in where our fat and muscle is distributed, and at what body fat percentage our hormonal systems function best,” says Natalie.
It looks different on each and every person, meaning your healthy weight could be 5–10kg different to a friend’s.
How can I find my healthy weight?
Dietician and IQS Expert Kerith Duncanson suggests getting your nutrition and physical activity in order first, then seeing where your weight naturally falls. And quitting sugar is a really great start to the first part.
Natalie agrees: “The basics will get you a very long way. Eat real food, including a rainbow of vegetables, high-quality protein, anti-inflammatory fats and carbohydrates from whole food sources in amounts that are right for your body.”
It’s also important to get moving (we’re big fans of daily, gentle exercise), as well as manage your stress levels, get quality sleep and make time for play. All of which make up a healthy you.
I GAINED weight when I quit sugar.
You may have gone a little too hard on the high-fat snacks. While these are great sugar-craving busters, they are still very energy dense.
If you feel your cravings are under control, try sticking to three nutrient-dense meals a day where you can (like we do in the I Quit Sugar: 8-Week Program), as they provide everything you need.
You might also need to address some of the non-food related areas above, or accept that your body may have actually needed an extra kilo or two to get to its “healthy weight”.
“Beyond that, some functional testing to investigate underlying pathologies such as the health of your hormones and gut can be extremely helpful,” says Nat.
If in doubt, check in with your medical practitioner who will be able to find the best course of action for you.
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