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Abundance Blog Feature: How Can You Cut Back On Sugar?

8/28/2017

8 Comments

 
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White sugar is in too many of the foods we eat, and just like falling for the wrong guy, it can be seductive, but deadly! Following on from the success of one of my earlier blogs, Sugar-Free doesn't have to be taste free! I decided to reach out to a real-life Quitter - of sugar!
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How Do You Kick The Sugar Habit?
​Anyone who knows me knows that I go on quite a bit about the amount of refined sugar we consume as a society! And just like saying goodbye to that guy that's bad for you, giving it up is easier said than done. So, rather than yet another rant from me about the toxic white stuff, I've reached out to one of my Twitter followers, Louisa Houchen, who's kindly volunteered to share her journey of how she did it. Hi Louisa!

Are you totally sugar free/refined sugar free/cutting back on sugar?

In the week days yes, I allow the option of two “bad days” at the weekend, although the more time goes on I sometimes don’t indulge the two days because sugar makes me feel quite unwell now!

If you only consume refined sugars, which ones do you use and what differences have you noticed about how you feel?
If I eat chocolate in the week it would be Green & Black they use raw unrefined cane sugar. I use honey on homemade muesli. I eat halva as a treat which is made from sesame and honey. I used to eat a rubbish chocolate bar around 4 pm every day which provided a 5-10 minute energy burst, and then a huge sugar crash. Eating unrefined sugar helps me to regulate my mood and avoid sugar cravings, ultimately giving me more long term energy.

If you have cut back on sugar what differences have you noticed about how you feel?
I feel much happier because it helps to keep my weight down and maintains my weight. Overall by cutting out sugar and processed foods I started to make more sensible choices of what I was eating, and this helped to manage my mood, especially when it came to fatigue or PMT related symptoms!

How long have you been sugar free/cutting back on it now?
About 18 months

What prompted you to give up sugar?
When I fell pregnant nearly 3 years ago I became very ill and had gestational diabetes amongst other problems! Then after giving birth, I was very overweight and really my body was not functioning well! I had to lose the weight and improve my health and mood; giving up/severely cutting back on sugar really helped to achieve this.

Has quitting/cutting back on sugar changed the way you think about other food you eat? If so, how?
Yes, absolutely! At first you think it’s a great loss, but then you start to really look and think about all the food you eat. I read recently that of 95% disease is diet/food related! So, it is crucial to eat the right diet; every individual is different but can you afford to take the chance? Maybe I would still be eating sugar every day now if I hadn’t become ill. It’s everywhere too! If you start to look at all the labels of processed foods (that includes pesto, tomato pasta sauce, spreads, dips etc.) you would be surprised at how many “savoury” products contain sugar! And maybe you thought you were being healthy?!

Which part of quitting / cutting back on sugar did you find the hardest?
Being at an event or party where sugar is all around, and having cupboards full of snacks at home!

How did you deal with this?
I would take my own snacks, and explain that I am trying to cut out sugar. Or sometimes I would accept that at parties I'm allowed to indulge, if I want. I also removed access to all sugary treats at home!!

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to follow your lead and cut back on or give up sugar? What are your top 3 tips?
a) stock up on healthy snacks e.g. Naked bars. Make your own flapjacks using honey instead of golden syrup etc.
b) Do not buy any packets of cakes, biscuits, or sweets. If they are at home you will seize them!
c) Go back to making all your food from scratch, and if that's not possible for you right now, check labels of the pre-made food you buy to select healthier options.

Have you inspired close friends or family to quit/cut back on sugar or any other unwanted habits they want to be rid of?
I haven’t been able to do this yet; most people think giving up sugar is unachievable or I’m being slightly over the top. However, my partner has been forced into reducing his sugar intake since I am in charge of shopping! Our 2 year old son Tommy does not consume refined sugar at home, it may be a coincidence but his moods are now very good. I allow him treats at other people’s houses but the result is awful…running around like a lunatic then 30 minutes later crying his eyes out and this just shows you how bad refined sugar is!

Thank you for sharing your journey Louisa - I and I'm sure my readers wish you many years of sugar-free living! How can we find out more about you?
I draw using a mouse!...Not a real mouse. Digital pet portraits are created and then the illustration can be printed onto a wide range of good quality gifts including aprons, cushions, bags, tops and phone covers. You can connect with Louisa here.
8 Comments
Carly
9/4/2017 09:40:05 am

Thanks for sharing this story; you're a star! Too much sugar is evil to your body and your mind, which is why I gave it up a good few years ago. I keep telling friends the same, but it's hard work, I'm going to share Louisa's post with them.

Peace
Carly

Reply
Marcia
9/5/2017 12:03:01 pm

Hey Carly

Thanks for stopping by and for sharing! Everything in it's own time; I took most of my adult life to get to this point too, so I know what it feels like. One day something will just click, and your work will be done! ;)

Be Blessed
Marcia

Reply
Daniel
9/4/2017 09:43:41 am

Wow, I love your writing style Marcia and it's great to see you sharing your journey with others in way that encourages them to also share theirs. I need to give up the white stuff, as I'm developing a bit of a belly (my girlfriend keeps reminding me), and I wish I found it easy. I love that idea of bringing your own snacks, so I'll give it a try

Daniel

Reply
Marcia
9/5/2017 12:09:19 pm

Hi Daniel
Thanks for your comment! Everything in it's own time, and at least you're mindful that you do need to do something. Please do give the snack thing a try, and also check out one of my earlier blogs for more ideas: http://www.abundancefoods.co/abundance-foods-leeds-blog/sugar-free-doesnt-have-to-be-taste-free.

Look forward to seeing your pics of your new ripped (I mean healthier) torso! ;)

Be Blessed
Marcia

Reply
Daniel
9/18/2017 09:13:17 pm

Good read, and good to see you reaching out to other people. So much of what Louisa said resonated with me, as I have a constant battle with the sugar and the biscuits :( I need to get my head together, and this has given me some motivation.

Thanks
Daniel

Reply
Marcia
9/19/2017 10:10:11 am

Hi Daniel

Thanks for your comment! I'm glad you found Louisa experience useful, and good luck with everything. Just start slow making small changes and you will get there. Let me know if you need any help or tips.

Be Blessed
Marcia

Reply
Alisha
9/26/2017 10:41:11 am

I'm really inspired by this blog, thanks for sharing it. I keep reading about giving up sugar, but I would find it so hard to give it up as I love my sweets. I agree that I feel better when I don't have it though, so I need to take heed really ;)

Reply
Marcia
9/26/2017 10:58:25 am

Hi Alisha

Thanks for reading and your comment, and lovely to hear from you! Although Louisa has cut out sugar, I realise this journey might not work for everyone, as it takes some serious discipline. If you love things that contain sugar, there's no reason why you can't try to cut back on your refined sugar treats, rather than trying to give them up entirely. I'ts my belief that if you're not ready to commit to it seriously, it won't work.

If enjoying your sweet treats from time to time brings you joy and is more manageable for you, then start there. You can cut back at your own pace, and remember to see this as a journey.

Be Blessed
Marcia

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