Trying to get off refined sugars

eponine1976
eponine1976 Posts: 143 Member
edited October 6 in Food and Nutrition
I'm wanting to cut out refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup as much as possible. Anyone have any tips? I'm a bit of a sugar addict and I've tried going cold turkey and by the 3rd or 4th day I'm going crazy with carb cravings and then end up binging. I'm borderline diabetic though so it really is important that I find a way to either eliminate or drastically reduce the amount of sugar in my diet and stick to more healthy carbs like veggies and whole grains. I would love to hear how others have managed to eliminate excess sugar from their diet.

Replies

  • Mmmary212
    Mmmary212 Posts: 410 Member
    Done it. Just stop. It's tough for the first few days (like you know) but DONT give in. You can do it. The way I combat the cravings is to eat something really fatty, like a chicken thigh with all the drippings and the crispy skin (YMMV) Or find something to preoccupy your time....trust me, once you get through this rough time, the cravings are GONE and you'll start craving the right foods.

    Really...the only answer is to just stop eating them.
  • Grokette
    Grokette Posts: 3,330 Member
    Done it. Just stop. It's tough for the first few days (like you know) but DONT give in. You can do it. The way I combat the cravings is to eat something really fatty, like a chicken thigh with all the drippings and the crispy skin (YMMV) Or find something to preoccupy your time....trust me, once you get through this rough time, the cravings are GONE and you'll start craving the right foods.

    Really...the only answer is to just stop eating them.

    I agree. Sugar, carb and starch addiction is just as bad if not worse than being addicted to nicotine, alcohol or other drugs.

    The only way to get over it is to gut it out and don't give in.

    Drink extra water, up your fat intake, go read a book, clean house or go for a walk when cravings hit. Depending on the severity of your addiction, it will go away in as little as a few days or as long as a couple of months.

    You have to be steadfast in your resolve because as a borderline Diabetic, YOUR health depends on it.
  • u2fergus
    u2fergus Posts: 422 Member
    I agree with what others have said about the cold turkey approach. Trying to slowly wean myself off processed sugar didn't work. Giving it up entirely did.

    One suggestion for making it easier would be to drink herbal tea. Depending on what flavor you choose, it can have a sweetish sort of flavor that will help you with those cravings. Maybe try rooibos or mint or hibiscus... those are my go-to sugar craving flavors. :)

    Best of luck to you! Giving it up is really not as hard as it seems initially. You'll stop craving it before long.
  • Charlottejogs
    Charlottejogs Posts: 351 Member
    I have a friend that was able to quench her sweets cravings with fruit, nut, yogurt, and avocado- she would describe that avocado saved her. I am working on avoiding high fructose and suger but don't use a lot or have a strong sweet tooth. Good luck!
  • Arabian♥Breeze
    Arabian♥Breeze Posts: 323
    Good luck with that.
  • JohnsonLiz25
    JohnsonLiz25 Posts: 9
    I've never tried getting off sugar so maybe following some of the other peoples comments are best, but I noticed that you said you already tried going cold turkey and you end up bienging so I thought I would share what I would do! anytime Ive tried making a life style change I ease into it. Set small goals and when you have a craving try to do something else to get your mind off it but if it doesnt work then allow yourself a small "guilty pleasure" in my own experiences I have found that taking small steps makes me feel so much better about the progress Im making and helps me to not feel overwhelmed!

    good luck to you and be proud of yourself and the progress your making!
  • staywithit
    staywithit Posts: 19 Member
    TRY TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE GETTING ENOUGH PROTEIN IN YOUR DIET AND EAT EVERY THREE TO FOUR HOURS THIS WAY YOU DON'T HAVE A CRASH IN YOUR INSULIN IN YOUR BODY WHICH WOULD HELP YOU NOT WANT TO CRAVE SUGAR/ CARBS AS YOUR BODY IS FEELING DEPRIVED.
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