The "I Quit Sugar" (by any method) support thread

VfM4meplse

I gave up processed sugar on 21st April 2016, after over 40 years of an appalling diet. There have been [STRIKE]some[/STRIKE] many days when I have gone to bed realising that all I have eaten is processed sugar (usually in the form of chocolate, biscuits, cake and fruit), especially when busy with work,Meath a vague commitment to "try harder tomorrow". So I was surprised that I got through one day, let alone have reached day 12 (although have had a little sugar in the form of bananas, pears and clementines). This is where a bit of help is needed, I am now suffering from sugar withdrawal and it feels awful.

I am aware that there is another thread on the health / beauty board, but it's degenerated into a debate about diabetes, with a number of non-evidence based claims made.

This thread is primarily about support, encouragement and helping each other through it in an OS-fashion, especially when the cravings hit.

Does anyone wish to join me?

If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply!
[purplesignup][/purplesignup]

whiteguineapig

not quite the same but i have quit saccharin
i now use brown sugar that has added stevia and have adjusted to that
(you can buy it in tesco)
hope that may help someone as i don't think saccharin is good for you either really

VfM4meplse

whiteguineapig wrote: »

not quite the same but i have quit saccharin
i now use brown sugar that has added stevia and have adjusted to that
(you can buy it in tesco)
hope that may help someone as i don't think saccharin is good for you either really

Agreed - so I haven't used any sugar substitutes, other than fresh fruit.

whiteguineapig

its been a big thing for me really, i must drink at least 5 cups of coffee a day all with 2 saccharins in (i never thought i'd manage it)

cheel

Wow, I admire you for doing that. This is an area I need to address also, but I'm going to need to go about it gently. So for now I'm just trying to reduce the amount of coke I drink.

Good luck and I'll join you properly in the future, when I've a better handle on things xx

NewShadow

Hi VfM, thank you for the thread - I had looked at the one on the health board and shied away.

I'm intending to join you with a couple of personal caveats:

1. Fruit sugar is 'good'
2. Carbs (hidden sugars) are fine in proportion but 'brown' versions should be preferred where available
3. Bread is bad... I can't eat it in proportion, so I'm going to try and just not eat it. This extends to anything with flour in that isn't pasta.
4. The cake is a lie

Again, all that is for me.

I've not bought anything sugar based (cake, choc, crisps) for a few months, but I've been giving in at work because it's been someones birthday or I've just not had anything else handy to eat with me (hence the fruit).

Trying fresh from tomorrow.

GwylimT

I'm sugar and carb free due to diabetes, if you're struggling to make a favourite meal sugar free, just as as I may be able to help.

jk0

Seeing this thread reminded me that it's nearly 30 years since I gave up sugar. It was in 1987 when I was 22. I used to love sugar, and ate loads of it. However, I had really bad zits, which I despaired of.

I tried loads of things for the zits, even two courses of Roacutane. My biggest improvement though was when it occurred to me to give up sugar. I just substituted Candarel for sugar in drinks & on cereal, and gave up chocolate, cakes and sweets. Yes, I know Candarel isn't very good for you either. However I've been using it every day since 1987, and have no ill effects as far as I know.

The difference in my skin since giving up sugar was the best incentive possible to stay off it.

VfM4meplse

NewShadow wrote: »

Hi VfM, thank you for the thread - I had looked at the one on the health board and shied away.

I'm intending to join you

Great, I don't feel quite so alone now :T

NewShadow wrote: »

with a couple of personal caveats:

1. Fruit sugar is 'good'

I don't view it as good per se but definitely far better than processed foods. Today I made a banana "bread", all the sugar came from ripe bananas, carrots, and some tiny Greek currents, using wholemeal bread flour, oil and baking soda. It's got the texture of cake, but is only just sweet. Everyone seemed to love it and half a big tray (3lb of ingredients) has disappeared already with lunch. Made out of desperation as I was going crazy, not for the actual taste of anything processed, but because I feel v out of sorts atm, which I put down to the lack of sugar.

NewShadow wrote: »

2. Carbs (hidden sugars) are fine in proportion but 'brown' versions should be preferred where available

Agreed, I knew I would have to substitute rather than cut out although I also know that carb consumption must be highly moderated. It's meant I've eaten a lot more dairy protein and fat.

NewShadow wrote: »

3. Bread is bad... I can't eat it in proportion, so I'm going to try and just not eat it. This extends to anything with flour in that isn't pasta.

I haven't deprived myself of anything but again agree that carb begets carb. So whilst I haven't had a huge amount of bread, I found treating myself to a couple of croissants (can't stop at one, but around 350kcals) or 2 Weetabix / Oatibix with full fat milk, again around 250kcal. I've also allowed myself crisps (not something I eat regularly) but a 25g pack is nowhere near as bad as a load of chocolate or biscuits. I've also ended up eating 4-5 times a day, meals of 250-350kcal, which is a lot of food for me.

NewShadow wrote: »

4. The cake is a lie

Again, all that is for me.

I've not bought anything sugar based (cake, choc, crisps) for a few months, but I've been giving in at work because it's been someones birthday or I've just not had anything else handy to eat with me (hence the fruit).

Trying fresh from tomorrow.

You are so right, not buying it is the best policy! Along with stocking up with plan Bs.

WantToBeSE

I think that thread over on the H&B board was mine

It went really well, i lost weight. But i felt so awful psysically, eating so much meat and dairy.

It actually prompted me to go vegan (unintentionally!) because i felt so greasy and full of mucus.

But if you are used to eating loads of eggs, meat and dairy,i suggest giving it a go.

The cravings (for me at least) was a KILLER for the 1st 3 weeks! :eek:

fuddle

I'm in. It's come at the right time too.

I'm verging on my second period of disturbing acid reflux and really, really need to get rid of this unhealthy diet I gravitate to every time I get better.

I am having manuka honey at the moment and fruit but other sugars are very much off the radar.

Hopefully with support it willbe easier.