Help quitting refined sugar

ghudson92
ghudson92 Posts: 2,061 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hi everyone. I want to cut refined sugar out of my diet as it is literally obliterating the benefits of my healthy meals and I'm gaining weight like crazy. I've given up refined sugar before with ease, however, I seem to be using it now as a coping strategy which is making it hard to resist. Does anyone have any tips on how to curb the sugar cravings?

Replies

  • CasperNaegle
    CasperNaegle Posts: 936 Member
    No clue how to cut cravings, but why not give yourself some and just measure your calories to be in a deficit. You can lose and have some sugar.
  • ghudson92
    ghudson92 Posts: 2,061 Member
    @CasperNaegle I prefer to keep sugar intake from fruit. I have digestive issues which is my reason for wishing to avoid refined sugars as they make things uncomfortable!
  • MelaniaTrump
    MelaniaTrump Posts: 2,694 Member
    Throw it all out of your house, burn it, soak it all in the bathtub?
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    Work on an alternative coping strategy. For me, going for a walk or workout, if possible, or briefly journaling a bit about what's going on helped with mindless and stress-related eating.
  • xokaitt
    xokaitt Posts: 5 Member
    @georgyporcupine OK I got this! I'm doing the same thing right now (cutting out refined sugar). I found a few things help my cravings:
    1) Drink water with lemon- similar to the way sorbet clenses your palate in between courses, lemon juice does the same for my mouth. The taste of it is so strong it curbs my cravings (plus you get the benefits of drinking water. If that doesn't work i'll move to
    2) chew a fruity piece of gum - this is for obvious reasons, it gives you the sweet without the negative side effects.
    If that doesn't cut the craving (usually during that time of the month), i'll make myself a shake with chocolate protein powder or a cup of coffee sweetened with stevia; both satisfy my sweet craving pretty well.

    Good luck!
  • NaturalNancy
    NaturalNancy Posts: 1,093 Member
    I agree, get it out of your house.
    I find the more I don't eat it... The cravings go away.
    I agree with the post above!
    Lemon water and protein shakes!
  • ghudson92
    ghudson92 Posts: 2,061 Member
    @JanetYellen @NaturalNancy @xokaitt @lemurcat12 thanks for the help everyone, definitely going to try the lemon water and the shakes :)
  • sweetcaroline109
    sweetcaroline109 Posts: 21 Member
    I've been trying to do the same. I'll let myself have a sugary zero calorie drink at the end of the day (like Sprite Zero), and it's helped.
  • LindzMiche
    LindzMiche Posts: 30 Member
    "Magic Banana Brownies" really help me not reach for the candy bowl at work.

    3 really ripe bananas
    1/2 c cocoa powder
    1 tsp baking powder

    Mash up bananas and mix all ingredients together. I put it in a loaf pan. Bake in preheated oven at 350 for 15-20 mins. Let cool COMPLETELY until you cut em. I weigh the bananas before and usually cut it into 8 brownies (they're about 2-3 bite brownies).. about 50 cals each. Store in fridge.
  • whmscll
    whmscll Posts: 2,254 Member
    I also find that having a cup of tea with orange or other fruit-like taste helps me with sweet cravings.
  • laurie62ann
    laurie62ann Posts: 433 Member
    On the same mission myself. I trying to remove all artificial sugars from my diet. I drink ALOT of diet soda and use artificial sugars in my tea. Like yourself I'm having some digestive issues! I'm on day two of no soda and first full day with out artificial sugars; I'm using 1/4 teaspoon of real sugar instead.

    Good Luck!
  • ghudson92
    ghudson92 Posts: 2,061 Member
    Such helpful comments, thank you all!
  • chelseascounter
    chelseascounter Posts: 1,283 Member
    Drink WATER, tea, or do some exercises. I agree with another poster, just don't buy it at all. If it's not in your house, it won't be there to tempt you. Anytime you feel like buying a donut, just remember your goal!
  • diannethegeek
    diannethegeek Posts: 14,776 Member
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    Work on an alternative coping strategy. For me, going for a walk or workout, if possible, or briefly journaling a bit about what's going on helped with mindless and stress-related eating.

    ^This for me too. Cutting out bad habits doesn't work for me unless I stop to address what they do for me in the first place (generally comfort or coping) and work to build something new in its place. I can tell you that I use delaying tactics, lots of decaf tea, and knitting or other activities that keep my hands busy. But those are just a bandaid until I figure out the root cause and build something new in its place.
  • ghudson92
    ghudson92 Posts: 2,061 Member
    Thanks all. As a rule I only ever drink water and have 2 cups of tea a day. It's just the food and the portion control I need to work on oh and the exercise :(

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