How To Quit Sugar In 2 Easy Steps [+ Recipes] (2024)

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How do you actually stop eating sugar and why does it even matter, especially if you're looking to achieve a weight loss goal? Today I'm breaking down the super simple 2 step process of how you can quit sugar easily and achieve your weight loss goals!

*I also have a video version of this article, so if you want to follow along with the video, scroll down!

How To Quit Sugar In 2 Easy Steps [+ Recipes] (1)

What Is Sugar?

Technically, all carbohydrates will break down into sugar. Sugar is the most basic building block of carbohydrates and the body breaks down all (digestible) carbohydrates into sugar. This means sugar can technically come from healthy sources such as sweet potatoes and butternut squash.

But unless you are extremely carbohydrate sensitive, these aren't the types of sugars you need to be worried about when working toward a weight loss goal. When we're talking about "quitting sugar", we're focused on the dense and refined sources of sugars, such as cane sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave, high fructose corn syrup and coconut sugar.

Related: How To Detox From Sugar FAST

What Happens When You Eat Sugar?

When you eat sugar, the body releases the storing hormone insulin. The more insulin the body releases, the harder it can be to switch back into lipolysis (aka fat burning). Foods that contain high amounts of fiber and less sugar, such as whole fruit or vegetables, will cause the body to secrete much less insulin than foods that contain low fiber and high sugar, like fruit juice or added sugars. With this in mind, one of the main goals with weight loss is to help the body get back into fat burning as quickly as possible - which is where greatly reducing or removing dense sources of sugar can be very helpful.

Related: How Much Weight Can You Lose In A Month?

How To Quit Sugar In 2 Easy Steps [+ Recipes] (3)

What Foods Have Sugar?

Foods that are high in sugar include (but are NOT limited to) honey, maple syrup, fruit juice, soda, cookies, ice cream, sweetened coffees, cane sugar, agave syrup/nectar, coconut sugar/nectar, high fructose corn syrup, protein bars, cereals, most bread, most salad dressings, sweetened yogurts and coffee creamers.

Related: The Top 6 BEST Pasta Alternatives For Weight Loss

Why Do We Crave Sugar?

If we can understand why we crave sugar, then we can understand how to stop craving sugar and finally achieve and maintain a weight loss goal. It all comes down to some basic physiology: Our body always wants to maintain a steady blood sugar level. When this dips down, we enter into a lower blood sugar state and sometimes even hypoglycemia. When blood sugar dips, the body sends urgent signals to eat something to bring blood sugar back up - cue hanger and immediately searching your pantry for chocolate.

Ironically, what can typically cause these low blood sugar states is eating foods high in sugar or high in refined carbohydrates. This causes a spike and rapid fall in blood sugar and increased sugar cravings as a result. (Watch the video below for a more details breakdown of this phenomenon).

Related: The Top 10 Fruits To Eat For Weight Loss

How To Quit Sugar In 2 Steps

Now that we know what causes sugar cravings, we can jump into the two step process of stopping sugar cravings.

Step 1: Start your first meal with protein, fat and fiber

Each of these food components specifically aims to balance blood glucose levels and boost satiety (aka, that sensation of feeling full and satisfied after a meal). Protein signals the satiety hormone peptide YY, fat signals the satiety hormone CCK and fiber acts on the stretch mechanism in the stomach to tell your brain that you don't need to keep eating. So not only do each of these food components help you feel full and satisfied, none of them will spike blood glucose levels either, which helps to keep blood glucose levels stable (bye-bye sugar cravings!).

Step 2: Don't add any added sugars

As we've noted, the more added sugars you use, the more likely your blood glucose levels will go on a wild ride and stimulate more sugar cravings. So by focusing on protein, fat and fiber rich foods and NOT adding sugar, you're able to feel full and satisfied without triggering sugar cravings.

Related: 5 Breakfasts You're Eating That Are Causing You To Gain Weight

A Day Of Zero Sugar Meals

Not eating added sugars for a day can actually be surprisingly easy and delicious! Check out my example meal plan below. You can also find my full 7 Day Detox with zero sugar recipes, additional strategies and meal plans HERE.

Breakfast: Keto Coffee + Greek Berry and Cream Smoothie

Lunch: Cauliflower Rice Spicy Burrito Bowl

Dinner: Zucchini Sundried Tomato Lasagna

Related: 7 Day Sugar Detox Program (Full Meal Plan!)

Your Nutritionist,

Autumn

How To Quit Sugar In 2 Easy Steps [+ Recipes] (6)

Autumn Elle Nutrition

How To Quit Sugar In 2 Easy Steps [+ Recipes] (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest way to quit sugar? ›

10 Ways to Quit Sugar
  1. Read the Label Details. Knowing what foods have sugars, hidden or not, can help you cut out sugar. ...
  2. Limit White Sugar. ...
  3. Switch Out Sugary Drinks. ...
  4. Reorganize Foods at Home. ...
  5. Make Foods and Drinks from Scratch. ...
  6. Swap Treats With Simple Carbs. ...
  7. Remember Sugars in Restaurant Foods. ...
  8. Don't Stop Sugar Cold Turkey.
Nov 7, 2023

How long does it take to detox from sugar? ›

Done correctly, it takes about 2 to 3 days to detox from sugar. You'll know it's happened because your cravings will diminish, your energy will increase, and you'll crave healthy foods more than unhealthy ones. If it takes longer than 3 days, it's time to check for hidden carbs and sugars in your food and beverages.

What flushes out sugar? ›

Experts advise drinking 6-8 glasses of water every day for oxygen to flow freely in your body and help the kidneys and colon eliminate waste. What's best, it helps in flushing out excess sugar from your body.

What happens if I eat no sugar for 2 weeks? ›

Within two weeks of quitting sugar, you may experience a better mood, have higher energy levels, and even speed up your weight loss. We believe in the benefits of a sugar-free life.

How to quit sugar for dummies? ›

Keep reading for tips on how to get started, foods to look out for, sweet substitutes to try, and more.
  1. Start gradually. ...
  2. Cut the obvious sources. ...
  3. Start reading food labels. ...
  4. Learn the code names for sugar. ...
  5. Avoid artificial sweeteners. ...
  6. Don't drink it. ...
  7. Opt for the unsweetened version. ...
  8. Add more flavor without adding sugar.

Can I eat fruit on a no sugar diet? ›

Including whole fruits in a no-sugar diet can still be healthful. However, if a person chooses to eat dried fruit, they should do so in moderation and look for varieties without added sugar. Eliminating sugar from the diet is not a complete solution for weight loss.

What does a sugar face look like? ›

Here are the tell-tale signs on your face that sugar is the culprit aging your skin: The surface of your skin looks hard and shiny. Deep, crosshatch lines appear along your upper lip. Discoloration and hyperpigmentation mark your skin.

What are the main symptoms of sugar withdrawal? ›

The most common symptoms of sugar withdrawal include:
  • Sleep issues.
  • Headaches.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Nausea.
  • Irritability.
  • Anxiety.
  • Fatigue and brain fog.
  • Trouble focusing.
Jan 22, 2024

Does lemon water flush out sugar? ›

Lemon water may not directly impact your blood sugar levels and cause it to come down, but it can surely help prevent untimely spikes. The easy to make beverage is very low in carbohydrates and calories, and keeps you hydrated, which is very essential for diabetics to ensure.

What should I eat after eating too much sugar? ›

Fibre-rich foods: You must stabilize your blood sugar by consuming fibre-rich foods like apples, raw vegetables, beans, lentils and even fruits like berries and avocado. You can also have chia soaked water as it contains a lot of fibre, more than you can even imagine.

Can Apple cider vinegar lower blood sugar immediately? ›

On a short-term basis, groups taking apple cider vinegar saw significant improvement in blood glucose levels 30 minutes after consuming the vinegar. However, the differences between the vinegar and control groups reduced after this time frame.

What can I eat on the 14 day no sugar challenge? ›

Foods to eat

Whole Grains: Include quinoa, brown rice, and oats for complex carbohydrates without added sugars. Healthy Fats: Incorporate avocados, nuts, and olive oil for satiety and essential fatty acids. Dairy or Dairy Alternatives: Choose unsweetened options for milk, yogurt, and cheese to avoid added sugars.

What happens to your skin when you stop eating sugar? ›

Cutting out excess added sugar and keeping blood glucose within healthy parameters may slow the rate at which skin ages. A high-sugar diet leads to the production of AGEs (advanced glycation end products), and AGEs are associated with acceleration in the skin's aging process.

Why am I always hungry when I quit sugar? ›

Increase your dietary fiber intake

Eating high fiber foods may help you stave off hunger and cravings. They take longer to digest, causing you to feel fuller for longer. High fiber foods also contribute to healthy blood sugar regulation. Keeping your blood sugar levels stable may help prevent cravings.

What happens after 21 days of no sugar? ›

It takes 21 days to form a habit. Plus, 21 days is plenty of time to feel the fantastic effects of life with less sugar. By the end of the challenge, you'll feel more ener- gized and less dependant on sugar. You might also notice less bloating and some weight loss.

What happens after 3 weeks of no sugar? ›

Week three is when you really start reaping the benefits of cutting sugar. “People usually have no symptoms [of reduced sugar intake],” Dr. Smith says. “They feel energized and encouraged that they can actually do this,” he says.

Is it OK to not eat sugar for a month? ›

Benefits of a no sugar diet for 30 days

Reducing sugar intake or not eating it for a month can lead to weight loss as it eliminates empty calories and reduces the likelihood of overeating, says Singhwal.

What happens after 1 week of no sugar? ›

Within a week of quitting sugar, you will also notice your skin clearing up. Pimples and acne will reduce, your skin will become smoother and you will glow from within. Another big advantage that comes with quitting sugar is weight loss. Fried foods and sugar are two of the main culprits behind weight gain.

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