SUGGGGAAAAARRRRR

em1ly01
em1ly01 Posts: 17 Member
edited November 27 in Food and Nutrition
Hi All!

Does anyone else struggle with a SERIOUS sugar problem, such as myself? More specifically, coupled with coffee? I can limit my portions and eat right all I want, it's not too tough for me because I was a vegan health nut for a while, but, SUGAR and COFFEE are killing me!

Any suggestions on how to substitute caffeine? I work in an office and have a serious caffeine addiction. I'm also not big on sweeteners because they're full of chemicals.

Any other coffee junkies with a massive sugar tooth out there who can help? Thanks!! :)
«13

Replies

  • juggernaut1974
    juggernaut1974 Posts: 6,212 Member
    What do you mean in "they're killing you"?

    Are you finding it hard to stay under in calories...if so substitute a zero calorie sweetener. The ones on the market right now - despite some attempts to scaremonger about "chemicals" are perfectly safe in reasonable amounts.

    Or try drinking coffee without sweetener.

  • em1ly01
    em1ly01 Posts: 17 Member
    What do you mean in "they're killing you"?

    Are you finding it hard to stay under in calories...if so substitute a zero calorie sweetener. The ones on the market right now - despite some attempts to scaremonger about "chemicals" are perfectly safe in reasonable amounts.

    Or try drinking coffee without sweetener.

    I meant "they're killing me" as in, "I don't know how to get rid of them in my life because half of my day is generally spent drinking coffee with a ton of sugar." It's just so part of my routine?

    I guess I could try one or two in my coffee.. I'm sure in that quantity like you said it should be harmless. Thanks for the suggestions!

    And yeah, the amount of sugar I add to my coffee every day always adds so many empty calories to my log.
  • em1ly01
    em1ly01 Posts: 17 Member
    So you think you are addicted to sugar? Just asking cause we had a few threads about this issue and people seem to think that sugar does not cause addiction.

    It's a huge part of my life; everyone teases me when they see me drink coffee because it's pretty much just sugar and cream with a splash of coffee. I eat relatively well in every other aspect of my life. It's just that one thing I can't kick. So yeah, I think so.
  • juggernaut1974
    juggernaut1974 Posts: 6,212 Member
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    What do you mean in "they're killing you"?

    Are you finding it hard to stay under in calories...if so substitute a zero calorie sweetener. The ones on the market right now - despite some attempts to scaremonger about "chemicals" are perfectly safe in reasonable amounts.

    Or try drinking coffee without sweetener.

    I meant "they're killing me" as in, "I don't know how to get rid of them in my life because half of my day is generally spent drinking coffee with a ton of sugar." It's just so part of my routine?

    I guess I could try one or two in my coffee.. I'm sure in that quantity like you said it should be harmless. Thanks for the suggestions!

    And yeah, the amount of sugar I add to my coffee every day always adds so many empty calories to my log.

    But I guess I'm asking to dig deeper...WHY do you think you need to get rid of them? What specifically is the issue?

    So yeah...if the problem is you're simply consuming too many calories of sugar, then it would seem to be best to either cut the amount you're using down (1 packet instead of three, for example) or substitute a 0 calorie sweetener.

    If it's just that you think sugar is somehow more harmful than any other food, then that's a different issue entirely (it's not...BTW).
  • macgurlnet
    macgurlnet Posts: 1,946 Member
    edited December 2015
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    Hi All!

    Does anyone else struggle with a SERIOUS sugar problem, such as myself? More specifically, coupled with coffee? I can limit my portions and eat right all I want, it's not too tough for me because I was a vegan health nut for a while, but, SUGAR and COFFEE are killing me!

    Any suggestions on how to substitute caffeine? I work in an office and have a serious caffeine addiction. I'm also not big on sweeteners because they're full of chemicals.

    Any other coffee junkies with a massive sugar tooth out there who can help? Thanks!! :)

    3 suggestions:

    1) Slowly scale back on the amount of sugar you use. If it's currently a whole tablespoon, do 2 teaspoons per cup.
    2) If you want to get off caffeine entirely, scale back on the number of cups you're drinking. I would cut out one per week and see what happens.
    3) Get better coffee. I picked up a bag of a local shop's ground beans and I can drink it black, though I prefer it with a teaspoon of half and half and a shake of cocoa powder.

    Bad coffee needs sugar, cream, etc, dumped in it. Good coffee doesn't need a much, if any ;)

    ~Lyssa
  • festerw
    festerw Posts: 233 Member
    Start using less sugar/cream and cut the amount back every week until you're drinking black coffee.
  • rsclause
    rsclause Posts: 3,103 Member
    The last sugar I use to have was good ol southern sweet ice tea. The sugar in tea seemed to be creeping up or I just don't like it the way I used to so I cut it out and went to unsweetened tea with lemon. Now I don't use any real or artificial sweeteners. I get sweets from fruits now. I need those calories for my true love, beer!
  • allaboutthefood
    allaboutthefood Posts: 781 Member
    I am not a coffee drinker, but I was hooked on coke, I drank at the very least 2 2L bottles a day but most days I drank a lot more. I had to cut down until one day I decided to stop drinking pop for 30 days. NO it was not easy but I did it and now I can't stand the taste of it, pure sugar I don't even drink tea that much any more. Good luck!
  • em1ly01
    em1ly01 Posts: 17 Member
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    What do you mean in "they're killing you"?

    Are you finding it hard to stay under in calories...if so substitute a zero calorie sweetener. The ones on the market right now - despite some attempts to scaremonger about "chemicals" are perfectly safe in reasonable amounts.

    Or try drinking coffee without sweetener.

    I meant "they're killing me" as in, "I don't know how to get rid of them in my life because half of my day is generally spent drinking coffee with a ton of sugar." It's just so part of my routine?

    I guess I could try one or two in my coffee.. I'm sure in that quantity like you said it should be harmless. Thanks for the suggestions!

    And yeah, the amount of sugar I add to my coffee every day always adds so many empty calories to my log.

    But I guess I'm asking to dig deeper...WHY do you think you need to get rid of them? What specifically is the issue?

    So yeah...if the problem is you're simply consuming too many calories of sugar, then it would seem to be best to either cut the amount you're using down (1 packet instead of three, for example) or substitute a 0 calorie sweetener.

    If it's just that you think sugar is somehow more harmful than any other food, then that's a different issue entirely (it's not...BTW).

    I don't think I need to get rid of them entirely, I just know that sugar is definitely inhibiting my weight loss because of how much of it I use. Mainly in my coffee. I'm just struggling on how to cut down the sugar, I guess sweeteners is really my only choice since plain coffee to me is so gross.
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    What do you mean in "they're killing you"?

    Are you finding it hard to stay under in calories...if so substitute a zero calorie sweetener. The ones on the market right now - despite some attempts to scaremonger about "chemicals" are perfectly safe in reasonable amounts.

    Or try drinking coffee without sweetener.

    I meant "they're killing me" as in, "I don't know how to get rid of them in my life because half of my day is generally spent drinking coffee with a ton of sugar." It's just so part of my routine?

    I guess I could try one or two in my coffee.. I'm sure in that quantity like you said it should be harmless. Thanks for the suggestions!

    And yeah, the amount of sugar I add to my coffee every day always adds so many empty calories to my log.

    Start a new routine.

    Switch to tea or get one of those water bottles that allows you to infuse water with fruit. Decide how much coffee, cream, and sugar you actually want to have each day and fill the rest of your drinking time with non-coffee beverages.

    Or you could try to kick the entire routine of needing something flavored at hand to drink. I went this route -- I have an espresso with breakfast every morning, drink a cup of tea mid-morning at my desk, and just drink plain water to thirst the rest of the day. If I really want one, I'll have a coffee after lunch, but I make sure that it's a choice and not just auto-pilot (not that there is anything wrong with automatically drinking coffee, it's just my way).
  • em1ly01
    em1ly01 Posts: 17 Member
    macgurlnet wrote: »
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    Hi All!

    Does anyone else struggle with a SERIOUS sugar problem, such as myself? More specifically, coupled with coffee? I can limit my portions and eat right all I want, it's not too tough for me because I was a vegan health nut for a while, but, SUGAR and COFFEE are killing me!

    Any suggestions on how to substitute caffeine? I work in an office and have a serious caffeine addiction. I'm also not big on sweeteners because they're full of chemicals.

    Any other coffee junkies with a massive sugar tooth out there who can help? Thanks!! :)

    3 suggestions:

    1) Slowly scale back on the amount of sugar you use. If it's currently a whole tablespoon, do 2 teaspoons per cup.
    2) If you want to get off caffeine entirely, scale back on the number of cups you're drinking. I would cut out one per week and see what happens.
    3) Get better coffee. I picked up a bag of a local shop's ground beans and I can drink it black, though I prefer it with a teaspoon of half and half and a shake of cocoa powder.

    Bad coffee needs sugar, cream, etc, dumped in it. Good coffee doesn't need a much, if any ;)

    ~Lyssa

    Those are really great suggestions! Thank you so much!!!
  • juggernaut1974
    juggernaut1974 Posts: 6,212 Member
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    What do you mean in "they're killing you"?

    Are you finding it hard to stay under in calories...if so substitute a zero calorie sweetener. The ones on the market right now - despite some attempts to scaremonger about "chemicals" are perfectly safe in reasonable amounts.

    Or try drinking coffee without sweetener.

    I meant "they're killing me" as in, "I don't know how to get rid of them in my life because half of my day is generally spent drinking coffee with a ton of sugar." It's just so part of my routine?

    I guess I could try one or two in my coffee.. I'm sure in that quantity like you said it should be harmless. Thanks for the suggestions!

    And yeah, the amount of sugar I add to my coffee every day always adds so many empty calories to my log.

    But I guess I'm asking to dig deeper...WHY do you think you need to get rid of them? What specifically is the issue?

    So yeah...if the problem is you're simply consuming too many calories of sugar, then it would seem to be best to either cut the amount you're using down (1 packet instead of three, for example) or substitute a 0 calorie sweetener.

    If it's just that you think sugar is somehow more harmful than any other food, then that's a different issue entirely (it's not...BTW).

    I don't think I need to get rid of them entirely, I just know that sugar is definitely inhibiting my weight loss because of how much of it I use. Mainly in my coffee. I'm just struggling on how to cut down the sugar, I guess sweeteners is really my only choice since plain coffee to me is so gross.

    OK that's good info.

    Have you tried tea? I know some people can't stand coffee, but do enjoy hot tea. Perhaps that's an option?

    Cutting caffeine cold turkey is also an option, though you may suffer some discomfort for a few days.

    Or start your day with a cup or two of coffee, then switch to tea or water.

    I would also echo the suggestion to get a good quality coffee, and gradually cut down on the sugar/cream. You may find your taste buds adjust to where you do enjoy it black. (This coming from a guy who downs about 3/4 pot of black coffee every day)
  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    macgurlnet wrote: »

    Bad coffee needs sugar, cream, etc, dumped in it. Good coffee doesn't need a much, if any ;)

    This is great advice. I thought I hated coffee and always put tons of stuff in it. Then I began a relationship with someone who bought good coffee -- now I drink it black.
  • cathipa
    cathipa Posts: 2,991 Member
    festerw wrote: »
    Start using less sugar/cream and cut the amount back every week until you're drinking black coffee.

    ^^this. I used to add flavored creamers to my coffee, but have gradually worked them out of my system and I opt for flavored coffee. Now I just drink it black.
  • cathipa
    cathipa Posts: 2,991 Member
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    What do you mean in "they're killing you"?

    Are you finding it hard to stay under in calories...if so substitute a zero calorie sweetener. The ones on the market right now - despite some attempts to scaremonger about "chemicals" are perfectly safe in reasonable amounts.

    Or try drinking coffee without sweetener.

    I meant "they're killing me" as in, "I don't know how to get rid of them in my life because half of my day is generally spent drinking coffee with a ton of sugar." It's just so part of my routine?

    I guess I could try one or two in my coffee.. I'm sure in that quantity like you said it should be harmless. Thanks for the suggestions!

    And yeah, the amount of sugar I add to my coffee every day always adds so many empty calories to my log.

    But I guess I'm asking to dig deeper...WHY do you think you need to get rid of them? What specifically is the issue?

    So yeah...if the problem is you're simply consuming too many calories of sugar, then it would seem to be best to either cut the amount you're using down (1 packet instead of three, for example) or substitute a 0 calorie sweetener.

    If it's just that you think sugar is somehow more harmful than any other food, then that's a different issue entirely (it's not...BTW).

    I don't think I need to get rid of them entirely, I just know that sugar is definitely inhibiting my weight loss because of how much of it I use. Mainly in my coffee. I'm just struggling on how to cut down the sugar, I guess sweeteners is really my only choice since plain coffee to me is so gross.

    Sugar is not the devil. Over consumption of calories in any form will inhibit weight loss.

  • em1ly01
    em1ly01 Posts: 17 Member
    cathipa wrote: »
    festerw wrote: »
    Start using less sugar/cream and cut the amount back every week until you're drinking black coffee.

    ^^this. I used to add flavored creamers to my coffee, but have gradually worked them out of my system and I opt for flavored coffee. Now I just drink it black.

    I hope I can get to that point soon!!
  • em1ly01
    em1ly01 Posts: 17 Member
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    What do you mean in "they're killing you"?

    Are you finding it hard to stay under in calories...if so substitute a zero calorie sweetener. The ones on the market right now - despite some attempts to scaremonger about "chemicals" are perfectly safe in reasonable amounts.

    Or try drinking coffee without sweetener.

    I meant "they're killing me" as in, "I don't know how to get rid of them in my life because half of my day is generally spent drinking coffee with a ton of sugar." It's just so part of my routine?

    I guess I could try one or two in my coffee.. I'm sure in that quantity like you said it should be harmless. Thanks for the suggestions!

    And yeah, the amount of sugar I add to my coffee every day always adds so many empty calories to my log.

    But I guess I'm asking to dig deeper...WHY do you think you need to get rid of them? What specifically is the issue?

    So yeah...if the problem is you're simply consuming too many calories of sugar, then it would seem to be best to either cut the amount you're using down (1 packet instead of three, for example) or substitute a 0 calorie sweetener.

    If it's just that you think sugar is somehow more harmful than any other food, then that's a different issue entirely (it's not...BTW).

    I don't think I need to get rid of them entirely, I just know that sugar is definitely inhibiting my weight loss because of how much of it I use. Mainly in my coffee. I'm just struggling on how to cut down the sugar, I guess sweeteners is really my only choice since plain coffee to me is so gross.

    OK that's good info.

    Have you tried tea? I know some people can't stand coffee, but do enjoy hot tea. Perhaps that's an option?

    Cutting caffeine cold turkey is also an option, though you may suffer some discomfort for a few days.

    Or start your day with a cup or two of coffee, then switch to tea or water.

    I would also echo the suggestion to get a good quality coffee, and gradually cut down on the sugar/cream. You may find your taste buds adjust to where you do enjoy it black. (This coming from a guy who downs about 3/4 pot of black coffee every day)

    Haha, so yeah, you know the coffee struggle. There's a co-op near me that sells AMAZING fresh, organic coffee beans. I'm going to pick some up because this work coffee needs all the sugar in the world to make it taste better. I'm gonna start drinking caffeinated tea when i need the afternoon pick me up. I've never drank black, good coffee. Maybe that will be my saving grace, haha.

    I've definitely been drinking twice as much water as I used to per day, so hopefully that'll help me feeling full and not be as inclined to grab a cup of coffee.

    Thanks again for all your suggestions, I'm gonna try them.
  • em1ly01
    em1ly01 Posts: 17 Member
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    Serah87 wrote: »
    Not again...

    Yes, sugar, sugar and sugar.

    I'm brand new to the site. So sorry for stepping on your elitist toes.


    You didn't, But expect a lot of stupid answers here, people are going crazy over these kind of threads. I see you already got one stupid comment above.

    Thanks for the heads up! I just learned that the hard way, haha. Sorry for being defensive, I was just taken aback. Thanks!
  • em1ly01
    em1ly01 Posts: 17 Member
    cathipa wrote: »
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    What do you mean in "they're killing you"?

    Are you finding it hard to stay under in calories...if so substitute a zero calorie sweetener. The ones on the market right now - despite some attempts to scaremonger about "chemicals" are perfectly safe in reasonable amounts.

    Or try drinking coffee without sweetener.

    I meant "they're killing me" as in, "I don't know how to get rid of them in my life because half of my day is generally spent drinking coffee with a ton of sugar." It's just so part of my routine?

    I guess I could try one or two in my coffee.. I'm sure in that quantity like you said it should be harmless. Thanks for the suggestions!

    And yeah, the amount of sugar I add to my coffee every day always adds so many empty calories to my log.

    But I guess I'm asking to dig deeper...WHY do you think you need to get rid of them? What specifically is the issue?

    So yeah...if the problem is you're simply consuming too many calories of sugar, then it would seem to be best to either cut the amount you're using down (1 packet instead of three, for example) or substitute a 0 calorie sweetener.

    If it's just that you think sugar is somehow more harmful than any other food, then that's a different issue entirely (it's not...BTW).

    I don't think I need to get rid of them entirely, I just know that sugar is definitely inhibiting my weight loss because of how much of it I use. Mainly in my coffee. I'm just struggling on how to cut down the sugar, I guess sweeteners is really my only choice since plain coffee to me is so gross.

    Sugar is not the devil. Over consumption of calories in any form will inhibit weight loss.

    Over consumption of sugar in my coffee is my problem.
  • Annie_01
    Annie_01 Posts: 3,096 Member
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    What do you mean in "they're killing you"?

    Are you finding it hard to stay under in calories...if so substitute a zero calorie sweetener. The ones on the market right now - despite some attempts to scaremonger about "chemicals" are perfectly safe in reasonable amounts.

    Or try drinking coffee without sweetener.

    I meant "they're killing me" as in, "I don't know how to get rid of them in my life because half of my day is generally spent drinking coffee with a ton of sugar." It's just so part of my routine?

    I guess I could try one or two in my coffee.. I'm sure in that quantity like you said it should be harmless. Thanks for the suggestions!

    And yeah, the amount of sugar I add to my coffee every day always adds so many empty calories to my log.

    But I guess I'm asking to dig deeper...WHY do you think you need to get rid of them? What specifically is the issue?

    So yeah...if the problem is you're simply consuming too many calories of sugar, then it would seem to be best to either cut the amount you're using down (1 packet instead of three, for example) or substitute a 0 calorie sweetener.

    If it's just that you think sugar is somehow more harmful than any other food, then that's a different issue entirely (it's not...BTW).

    I don't think I need to get rid of them entirely, I just know that sugar is definitely inhibiting my weight loss because of how much of it I use. Mainly in my coffee. I'm just struggling on how to cut down the sugar, I guess sweeteners is really my only choice since plain coffee to me is so gross.

    I have recently tried coffee using this...

    http://www.amazon.com/AeroPress-80R08-Coffee-Maker/dp/B000GXZ2GS

    It takes the bitterness out of coffee. My son uses a lot of milk in his coffee and wanted to cut back but he can't stand black coffee. He is able to drink it black by using this coffee method.

    It makes even the less expensive coffees taste better.

  • macgurlnet
    macgurlnet Posts: 1,946 Member
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    What do you mean in "they're killing you"?

    Are you finding it hard to stay under in calories...if so substitute a zero calorie sweetener. The ones on the market right now - despite some attempts to scaremonger about "chemicals" are perfectly safe in reasonable amounts.

    Or try drinking coffee without sweetener.

    I meant "they're killing me" as in, "I don't know how to get rid of them in my life because half of my day is generally spent drinking coffee with a ton of sugar." It's just so part of my routine?

    I guess I could try one or two in my coffee.. I'm sure in that quantity like you said it should be harmless. Thanks for the suggestions!

    And yeah, the amount of sugar I add to my coffee every day always adds so many empty calories to my log.

    But I guess I'm asking to dig deeper...WHY do you think you need to get rid of them? What specifically is the issue?

    So yeah...if the problem is you're simply consuming too many calories of sugar, then it would seem to be best to either cut the amount you're using down (1 packet instead of three, for example) or substitute a 0 calorie sweetener.

    If it's just that you think sugar is somehow more harmful than any other food, then that's a different issue entirely (it's not...BTW).

    I don't think I need to get rid of them entirely, I just know that sugar is definitely inhibiting my weight loss because of how much of it I use. Mainly in my coffee. I'm just struggling on how to cut down the sugar, I guess sweeteners is really my only choice since plain coffee to me is so gross.

    OK that's good info.

    Have you tried tea? I know some people can't stand coffee, but do enjoy hot tea. Perhaps that's an option?

    Cutting caffeine cold turkey is also an option, though you may suffer some discomfort for a few days.

    Or start your day with a cup or two of coffee, then switch to tea or water.

    I would also echo the suggestion to get a good quality coffee, and gradually cut down on the sugar/cream. You may find your taste buds adjust to where you do enjoy it black. (This coming from a guy who downs about 3/4 pot of black coffee every day)

    Haha, so yeah, you know the coffee struggle. There's a co-op near me that sells AMAZING fresh, organic coffee beans. I'm going to pick some up because this work coffee needs all the sugar in the world to make it taste better. I'm gonna start drinking caffeinated tea when i need the afternoon pick me up. I've never drank black, good coffee. Maybe that will be my saving grace, haha.

    I've definitely been drinking twice as much water as I used to per day, so hopefully that'll help me feeling full and not be as inclined to grab a cup of coffee.

    Thanks again for all your suggestions, I'm gonna try them.

    re: the bolded:

    Don't be discouraged if you don't like that coffee black right off the bat! I find I really prefer a medium or blonde roast. If I get a dark one, I have to add milk or cream to lighten it up a little.

    By that same token...try it black first. Let it cool enough that you can take a sip, and evaluate how it tastes to you. If you don't like it, add a little sugar/cream (ie: 1 teaspoon), stir thoroughly, taste again. Keep going till you find the balance.

    Odds are the coffee at work is lower-quality, bought in bulk stuff, because so many people may be drinking it.

    You'll be much happier with good coffee :)

    ~Lyssa
  • Annie_01
    Annie_01 Posts: 3,096 Member
    cathipa wrote: »
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    What do you mean in "they're killing you"?

    Are you finding it hard to stay under in calories...if so substitute a zero calorie sweetener. The ones on the market right now - despite some attempts to scaremonger about "chemicals" are perfectly safe in reasonable amounts.

    Or try drinking coffee without sweetener.

    I meant "they're killing me" as in, "I don't know how to get rid of them in my life because half of my day is generally spent drinking coffee with a ton of sugar." It's just so part of my routine?

    I guess I could try one or two in my coffee.. I'm sure in that quantity like you said it should be harmless. Thanks for the suggestions!

    And yeah, the amount of sugar I add to my coffee every day always adds so many empty calories to my log.

    But I guess I'm asking to dig deeper...WHY do you think you need to get rid of them? What specifically is the issue?

    So yeah...if the problem is you're simply consuming too many calories of sugar, then it would seem to be best to either cut the amount you're using down (1 packet instead of three, for example) or substitute a 0 calorie sweetener.

    If it's just that you think sugar is somehow more harmful than any other food, then that's a different issue entirely (it's not...BTW).

    I don't think I need to get rid of them entirely, I just know that sugar is definitely inhibiting my weight loss because of how much of it I use. Mainly in my coffee. I'm just struggling on how to cut down the sugar, I guess sweeteners is really my only choice since plain coffee to me is so gross.

    Sugar is not the devil. Over consumption of calories in any form will inhibit weight loss.

    True but...When I started losing weight I looked for things that I could cut back on calorie wise that would give me more calories for foods that would keep my appetite under control. Depending on how much sugar she is eating those calories could give her an extra snack or allow her to increase the size of her meals.

  • DeguelloTex
    DeguelloTex Posts: 6,652 Member
    Well, sugar is a chemical. If you're not afraid of sugar on that basis, then finding the best-tasting artificlal sweetener for you would be one very solid approach.

    Gradually cutting the amount of sugar you use could be another.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    edited December 2015
    Personally, I think coffee tastes much better without sugar, but can't you just gradually cut down how much you put in? I never liked sugar in coffee and never used it (to me coffee is not a sweet beverage so the idea is extremely unappealing), but I used to like lots of milk in it (about half and half) and I gradually used less until I ended up liking it black, which is how I now prefer it. Not saying there's any reason to drink it black if you prefer some sweetness, but a tsp of sugar has very few calories, so just cutting down to that might be helpful.

    Edit: having now read through the whole thread, I see you put lots of cream in too. I know sugar gets all the bad press these days, but in small amounts it's not that caloric -- 4 calories/gram. Cream (though tasty, I agree), is higher cal.
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    What do you mean in "they're killing you"?

    Are you finding it hard to stay under in calories...if so substitute a zero calorie sweetener. The ones on the market right now - despite some attempts to scaremonger about "chemicals" are perfectly safe in reasonable amounts.

    Or try drinking coffee without sweetener.

    This^

    You could also try a step down approach. If you add 1 teaspoon now...try 3/4....then 1/2...then none.

    I did this with iced tea years ago. No caffeine (shock! - horror!). You might try a flavored coffee. I use flavored tea bags for iced tea....it really mellows the flavor.

    Cold brew has much less acid (not a coffee drinker)....maybe that will reduce the need for sugar.
  • GaleHawkins
    GaleHawkins Posts: 8,159 Member
    em1ly01 wrote: »
    Hi All!

    Does anyone else struggle with a SERIOUS sugar problem, such as myself? More specifically, coupled with coffee? I can limit my portions and eat right all I want, it's not too tough for me because I was a vegan health nut for a while, but, SUGAR and COFFEE are killing me!

    Any suggestions on how to substitute caffeine? I work in an office and have a serious caffeine addiction. I'm also not big on sweeteners because they're full of chemicals.

    Any other coffee junkies with a massive sugar tooth out there who can help? Thanks!! :)

    @em1ly01 I have made coffee part of my regular way of eating and just replaced the sugar with heavy whipping cream. There is nothing that I know of that states coffee or sugar is bad unless we binge on them or react badly to the chemicals in them.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    edited December 2015
    buy really good coffee...really good coffee doesn't need much, if anything. splash of milk and i'm golden.

    ETA: you may need to try various roasts; i personally like a dark french roast but it's often too strong for many. i also enjoy a medium roast pinon or hazelnut when i'm looking for a different flavor.
  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    When I was growing up my mother used to give me tea with three teaspoons of sugar in it

    I just stopped dead

    It tasted awful for 3 weeks then it just didn't

    Now I can't stand sugar in hot drinks

    Just stop

    Drink your coffee black for 3 weeks

    See how your tastes adapt

    You can do it for 3 weeks surely

    That's not long
  • Lleldiranne
    Lleldiranne Posts: 5,516 Member
    I agree with cutting back on the sweetener in your coffee. Like @rabbitjb I used to drink herb tea with all sorts of sugar, honey, etc ... until I stopped. Now I realize that all I was tasting was the sugar, but now I'm actually tasting the drink. And when I starting drinking coffee, I went with just black. It is a bit of an acquired taste, but cutting out/back the sugar in your coffee is a pretty simple way to reduce calories. (I'm so very not anti-sugar, I think it's wonderful, but I don't like to drink my calories, and I see this as an easy way to reduce calories or allow for reallocation to better/yummier things)

    You can either cut out the coffee sweetener cold-turkey or scale it back. Also consider what @lemurcat12 said about the cream -- that can be another calorie bomb that you may want to consider scaling back to allow yourself calories somewhere else.

    As far as artificial sweeteners being full of chemicals ... sugar is as chemical (C6H12O6 iirc). Aspartame is another chemical ... it's amino acid (the building block of proteins) with one atom substituted. Sucralose is another chemical, basically sugar with an atom substituted. Aspartame is probably near the top of the list for most studied consumable substance, and there has been nothing to show that is harmful. I don't know how much sucralose has been studied (it's newer) but again, no harmful effects have been shown. If you don't like the flavor, that's fine, don't use them (I avoid sucralose because it's nasty IMO) but please try to not give in to popular media fear mongering.
  • ryry_
    ryry_ Posts: 4,966 Member
    I would n
    rabbitjb wrote: »
    When I was growing up my mother used to give me tea with three teaspoons of sugar in it

    I just stopped dead

    It tasted awful for 3 weeks then it just didn't

    Now I can't stand sugar in hot drinks

    Just stop

    Drink your coffee black for 3 weeks

    See how your tastes adapt

    You can do it for 3 weeks surely

    That's not long

    I would second this advice. As someone who switched to sweeteners I've found it harder to kick the habit since I'm not feeling the pain of the extra calories.
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