Break the Sugar Addiction

It starts with one piece of chocolate, and then another. Then it’s birthday cake to celebrate, a fun dessert out at a restaurant, ice cream on a Sunday night. The downward spiral begins. The sugar begins to take over and the more our bodies get, the more they want.

katie cake

Let me remind you, that I am perfectly okay with everybody, including myself enjoying their favorite desserts on occasion, or even a small piece of dark chocolate daily. If that is their most favorite thing ever, there is no way I will tell them they can’t enjoy that special thing #yolo. But it is so easy to let that one piece of chocolate slip into something more, and it’s a fine line one has to walk.

cheesecake

Over the past month, I have let sugar begin the process of taking over and it is definitely winning.

Prior to that (so a couple of months ago), I was limiting my refined sugar intake. I was feeling great, my skin was mostly clear with only occasional breakouts, and my sweet tooth could be hastened by a handful of raisins. Now, on the other hand, my health has taken a minor detour, my skin is breaking out worse than it has in a very long time, my body isn’t functioning at its maximum capability, and it craves more and more sugar.

chocolate mousse cake carrot cake

m and m's

milkshakes

fro yo

I am not okay with this and guess what? That all stops today.

I decided I had to write this in a post because you guys are all my witnesses. I will be removing refined sugars from my diet once again just as I did before and only limiting them to very special occasions. I plan to do this for the next couple of weeks to one month (given I have an anniversary vacation coming up in two weeks which is a very special occasion) but hope that I can continue to remain mindful of my sugar intake and not let it get out of hand again even after that time. The sugar slip and sugar addiction happens all too easily.

Starting today the only sugars I am allowing in my diet are:

  • natural sugars from whole foods
  • fruit
  • dried fruit
  • honey
  • agave on rare occasion
  • coconut sugar on rare occasion
  • stevia

I know two weeks doesn’t sound like much but you would be surprised at what a dramatic difference that short amount of time can make. If I slip, I’m not going to beat myself up, but I am going to do my best!

My body is in need of healing still and I know it doesn’t appreciate all of these extra sugars I have been feeding it lately.

I already feel better just after writing this. I have a couple of people on board with me in this challenge. We are going to hold each other accountable. If this interests you I would love for you to hop on board with us and write notes in the comments section! Even if you don’t want to remove it completely, you could use this as an opportunity to become more mindful of the refined processed sugars that are around you, and the amount of sugar you are taking in.

So there you have it. That is what is going on in this nutty household right now. The sugar….is going down.

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On a side note, I just got back from the Healthy Living Summit yesterday and I have some serious recapping to do. Look for it sometime this week!

This Post Has 24 Comments

  1. Laura

    Quitting sugar is such a big step and I’m proud to hear that you’re being realistic with your expectations.
    You’ve got this girl, woopwoop, GO GIRL!!
    Laura recently posted…FriendshipMy Profile

  2. I so agree with you, it’s like once you start, it’s hard to stop and becomes a never ending cycle. I’m totally on board! It was so great meeting you this weekend…. you’re are such sweetheart!
    Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl recently posted…Day 1 of the Healthy Living SummitMy Profile

  3. Lauren

    You go!
    I’m always doing the “on again off again” dance with sugar, even the good ones. I hope to one day find a good balance.
    Cheering for you!
    Lauren recently posted…I sure did cruise those crossroads!My Profile

  4. Heather Murphy

    I know how hard it can be to ‘quit’ refined sugar and wish you luck the next couple weeks! Can’t wait to hear about HLS!

  5. Carolyn

    I have to admit, I am the biggest sugar fanatic… SWEET TOOTH GALORE! My family has been on the switch to organic foods, but since I am the baker, I have not yet “switched over.” Thank you for your advice and I hope to implement more natural sugars whenever possible. My teeth can’t afford any more cavities. haha thanks!
    Carolyn recently posted…Norwex at the Orange County Home and Garden ShowMy Profile

  6. Sugar is such a funny thing! I can go without refined sugar for a long time and not crave it. One slice of cake, real cookie or brownie and I turn into a sugar craving machine. This might be fun to try, maybe it would help with the unpleasant skin issues I have been having recently.
    Nicole @ FruitnFitness recently posted…MIMM – cream soda pot roast?My Profile

    1. Melanie

      Yes, exactly! It is a viciously addicting thing! Give a try…your body will thank you! It doesn’t have to be forever, but even for a short while and you can really feel the difference. Good luck!

  7. Good for you! And I have to say I might just be jumping on board with you on this one… My mom has been gluten/artificial sugar free for about 7 weeks (minus this past weekend 🙂 ) and she says she has feel a million times better! It was so nice to catch up with you this past weekend! Miss it already 🙁

  8. First, just wanted to say that it was awesome meeting you this weekend <3 You're such a sweetheart and I just wish we had more time to hang out! Second, the sugar thing is definitely a slippery slope. The first few days are rough, but it just gets easier after that… especially with how much better you'll start feeling 😀
    Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. the best part of healthy living summit .My Profile

  9. Amanda

    I have so been wanting to do this too! My sugar addiction has gotten completely out of control lately. I really need to limit it. My sweet tooth is out of control too.

    1. Melanie

      Give it a shot! It’s amazing how great you feel even after a short time of removing it.

  10. I really need to work on this. It is crazy how it cycles into craving sugar 24/7. I think for starters I will try to cut out the sugary treats.
    I just need to eat healthier to increase energy level… Especially right now!!
    Alex @ Alex Runs For Food recently posted…When Life Gives You Lemons…My Profile

    1. Melanie

      It’s incredible the difference it can make. Just do your best. You don’t have to remove it all, but just be mindful of the sugar. I can’t wait to hear how you feel!

  11. That’s awesome and I’m totally in it with you! My only special occasion is my sister’s bridal shower but other than that I’m buckling down as well! Isnt it crazy how quickly things can escalate with sugar?! I’ll be your support squad 🙂
    Shannon@ A Pinch of Ginger recently posted…End of Summer Photo DumpMy Profile

    1. Melanie

      Yes the more the merrier! And again, it isn’t forever, but it’s just for a little while to get rid of the cravings and let my body be. Thanks for being on my squad!

  12. Shannon

    I love this post. I was just thinking the same thing as walking through the grocery store and noticing all the candy out. It’s scary how much sugar you eat when you’re not thinking about it. I always notice when I do cut back on sugar, and allow myself to have that piece of chocolate, I enjoy it soo much more too! Good luck, and keep us posted!

    1. Melanie

      When I was at Target today I noticed allllll of the candy on the ends near the cash registers. When you eliminate the sugar, it really makes you realize how much we are bombarded with it everywhere we turn. I absolutely agree that when you have a piece of chocolate after you haven’t eaten sugar for a while, it tastes sooo delicious and you do enjoy it more!

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