Whether you’ve just started out on your sugar-free journey or you’re already a seasoned pro, you’ll recognise the following scenarios:
- “Come on, one slice of cake won’t hurt you.”
- “It’s a special occasion – won’t you split a dessert with me?”
- “You’re no fun at all since you quit sugar!”
In a society where it’s the norm to eat at least 14 teaspoons of sugar a day, it can be really hard to resist those sweet temptations.
Not only is sugar literally everywhere, there’s a lot of peer pressure to not be the weirdo who refuses cake at the office potluck!
Why ‘no’ is the hardest word.
There are three main reasons why it’s hard to say no, says psychotherapist F. Diane Barth for Psychology Today.
- Fear of conflict: Most of us prefer not to get people riled up. It’s draining and nerve-wracking to engage in conflicts. So, if you think someone will be angry with you – or you’ll be ostracised from your peers – you may crumble under the pressure.
- Fear of hurt: It’s hard to say no to dessert when your loved one made it just for you. We often say “yes” over guilt of hurting or disappointing others.
- Rebellion: Were you the nonconformist who refused your parents’ home-cooked veg and ate chocolate instead? These behaviours may inform our diets later on.
And let’s not forget that saying no to sugar doesn’t come naturally to us physically, either. When we eat sweet stuff, our brain releases happy hormones like dopamine and serotonin. No wonder we find it so easy to give in.
How to (politely) say no to sugar.
If you’re joining us on our I Quit Sugar: 8-Week Program, you’ll have to refuse dessert for at least eight weeks. While pushy friends and family might make it seem impossible, there are some tactics you can use.
- Be mindful. Before you decide, ask yourself, “why do I feel pressured to eat sugar?”. Will anyone really care if you don’t? If so, is it worth it? Stop and breathe – you’ll be surprised at how much this can strengthen your resolve.
- Explain your choice. Tell them it’s nothing personal and you’re trying something different for your health. If they really badger you, check out our list of comebacks for sugar sceptics.
- Change the subject. Come prepared to make conversation and have some juicy talking points up your sleeve. They won’t even notice you passed on the tray of brownies.
- Offer to bring dessert. Not only will you be a generous guest, you’ll own the sugary situation. Bonus points if you can convert your mates to the sugar-free way with an “I can’t believe it’s not sugar” moment.
- Throw it under the table, to the dog, in the toilet. Just kidding. Don’t do this!
When to say yes to sugar.
Once you’ve shaken your sugar addiction through Program, it’s okay to have the odd treat.
Check in with yourself. If nobody is pressuring you and you really want that slice of birthday cake, indulge. Just accept it and jump up right back on that sugar-free wagon!
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