Input on reducing sugar?

Cut milk out and get on the unsweetened almond schtuff. If you cut sugar drastically, you're probably going to have withdrawls and possible headaches. Good news is, your body gets used to it quickly. Keep an eye on labels, it's amazing where it's hiding.

I'm not saying that I don't eat a well balanced diet (although my diet could use some improvement).

I'm saying that Atkins, or low carb diets would probably not meet your criteria for a balanced diet, if your balanced diet included whole grains and fruits.

Whether or not this is proper nutrition is up for debate. There have been plenty of studies showing improvements in health for those on low carb diets.

http://phdres.caregate.net/curriculum/pdf-files/nejm2k3-2074.pdf
Average 4kgs more lost over 6mths (more than would be explained by water weight), lower trigliceride levels, and increased insulin sensitivity in low-carb versus low-fat, low-calorie diet.

Ketogenic diets can help control epilepsy, and are being investigated for effectiveness in other neurological conditions, like Alzheimers and Huntingtons. There is no good data associating low carb with malnutrition, or poor outcomes, despite people trying to discredit low-carb since Atkin's book in 1958. Claims that ketogenesis might lead to ketoacidosis in diabetics have not been substantiated.

Low carb assists with diet compliance in the beginning, due to higher weight losses (in part due to the water lost when no carbs are stored), and the lowerering of hunger associated with ketogenesis. A diet high in protein is also very satisfying. Compliance declines at 6 months, at about the same rate that compliance declines with other diets such as flexible dieting and calorie control. Maybe everyone reaches their goal weight by then

Seeing as low-carb is slightly more effective at weight loss and improving health markers, and has no proven negative health impacts, it make sense to support people using it to improve their health. It is a valid and effective choice, just not the right choice for everyone

I know when people say eat fruit it will satisfy your sugar cravings seems like bull *kitten* but honestly your body runs on sugar so when you crave it its your bodies way of telling you, you need it. I eat as much fruit as I want all day long and I've found that I don't crave the sugary sweets kind of sugar that is also full of fat. Just try eating some berries or a few bananas when you get a craving, it works!

If you just started, my advice is to take it slow as these forums can become overwhelming. good luck.