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!

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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?

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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 flushes out sugar? ›

Make a meal plan that includes foods to detox your body. Think leafy greens, lean proteins, and whole grains. Water is your best friend during a sugar detox. It helps flush out toxins and keeps you hydrated, reducing cravings.

What happens after 2 weeks of no sugar? ›

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. To help you quit — for good — we've created various products clinically proven to curb sugar cravings.

Can you eat bananas on a sugar detox? ›

If you eat a lot of fruit, consider limiting how often you eat , oranges, bananas, grapes, mangoes, pineapples, dates, and figs. Fruits that are lower in sugar are avocados, lemons and limes, any kind of berry, grapefruit, kiwi, watermelon, cantaloupe, and peaches.

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.

How to quit sugar for dummies? ›

Quitting sugar suddenly can lead to intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it difficult to stick to your sugar-free diet. Instead, it's typically best to gradually reduce your sugar intake over time. This can allow your body to adjust and make it easier to stick to your new diet without feeling overwhelmed.

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.

How long does it take your body 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 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 is the no sugar challenge day 1? ›

Day 1: No Sugar Breakfast

Fiber-rich, no-added-sugar energy bars are a great place to start. They're naturally sweetened with dates and packed with fiber which helps slow absorption of sugar and keeps you feeling full. They're super easy to make and can be stored in your freezer for a quick grab-n-go option.

What happens after 7 days without sugar? ›

When you decide to quit sugar, your body will start to experience changes from day 1. You will feel more energetic and a bit lighter as well. 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.

How long does it take for inflammation from sugar to go away? ›

Inflammation doesn't simply spike immediately after sugar has been eaten but can last several hours afterwards. If you eat a sweet breakfast, sugary snacks mid-morning and mid-afternoon, and something sweet after dinner, it's easy to see how your inflammation levels could remain high all day long.

Can you eat peanut butter on no sugar diet? ›

Peanut butter is an excellent addition to a diabetic diet. Always look for peanut butter that only contains peanuts and possibly some salt. Avoid peanut butter with added sugar and hydrogenated oils.

What should I eat when I am sugar free? ›

Eat a lot of protein and fiber

"Many might experience sugar cravings as the brain seeks glucose," according to Spair. To keep your blood sugar balanced, protein is the category of food you want to focus on, with fiber coming in a close second. Those foods will curb your cravings and keep your energy up.

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.

How long does it take to get rid of sugar withdrawal? ›

The timeline for sugar withdrawal will vary for each person and may depend on the amount and kinds of sugar you have been eating. The symptoms only last a few days to a few weeks for many people. You may find they are worse the first few days and lessen over time.

How long does quitting sugar take? ›

Sugar withdrawal generally lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Each person will go through the withdrawal process differently, and the intensity of symptoms will depend on whether you fully cut out sugar or slowly wean off it.

How long does it take to get off sugar? ›

However, after reducing or quitting sugar, it is believed that it takes around 10 days for the taste buds to reset and for the brain to become re-sensitized to dopamine. During this time, individuals may experience cravings and withdrawal symptoms as their bodies adjust to the decreased sugar intake.

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