David, Thank you for answering my questions!
Today is the day I have decided to quit sugar. I did have cereal with honey this morning, but I have left out the tea (which I add 3 tablespoons of sugar to). So I suppose I am quitting caffeine too. I need to figure out what I can have for breakfast instead of sugar. I am allergic too LOTS of stuff,eggs being one of them. I think I might try steel cut oats or something.I wonder if sugar in people’s diets increases anxiety?
Thanks again for the motivation,
Esther

Hey All!!
I am trying to cut out sugar for 30 days…i technically started 2 days ago and have ...yes…failed
So i am starting again today…and hoping to really go! it is soooo hard though.
I have been exercising and it feels so great. so keep it up!

I am on my fourth day and am about to give up because of this awful fatigue. I am unable to workout because my whole body aches while I am in motion. This is the complete pits.As soon as I wake up in the morning, I can barely move, I am soooooo exhausted. Any ideas that might encourage me atleast another three days.(hopefully it will get easier after a week). Thanks

Are you eating? If so, what are you eating? What are you doing for exercise? You have to ease up a bit during the “detox” time when you first lay off sugar. In the Stop Being Sweet book I explain how to use replacement foods so that you don’t end up feeling so badly. I also write about where you’re at in the first week and how most people give up there because they feel so miserable. You really need to simply stick it out. It will get better, trust me!

I second that David!

I’ve detoxed a few times off sugar and for me, by day 5, I’m a new woman.  Not to steal the stage here, but hang in there my fellow sugar addicts!  Being on the other side is TOTALLY worth the 3-5 days of discomfort, in my experience.

First day in ages with no sugar….....  I know it’s just one day at a time, but I think quitting drugs, and cigarettes was easier…..  I am going to hang in there and hopefully the end will justify the means….

Hi Susan. The end justifies the means, absolutely! But it takes time. Think if it like weight lifting—2 weeks doesn’t do it. You need to do it for a year.

Thanks for the great analogy!  I lift weights, so it really hit home!  Do you have any sugar in your diet, other than from fruit?

Yes, I still eat (select) breads and pasta. I will eat natural sweeteners such as fruit juice. I’ll have maple syrup once in a while. But I’m off refined sugars as much as humanly possible!

Just got through day 7 with no sugar, and I must say my energy level is great.  My cardio is suffering, but I know you said to cut back a bit on that.  I went to see my nutrition / Psych advisor and she informed me that this is a forever process if I really want to maintain a good weight and feel in control.  I was depressed when I left . I thought for sure we could add all of my” favorites back in!  Guess not.  Anyway I did drop almost six pounds in one week, and that is huge considering I am not obese.  I keep saying one day at a time….....  I licked drugs, nictotine,  and booze , so I am sure that I can lick this too.  Any suggestions???

Tons of suggestions! It won’t work if you’re depressed about it, so tailor it to how you want to live your life. Read this whole blog. Get the Stop Being Sweet ebook which explains how to sustainably reduce or remove sweets from your diet. It’s possible that you will be able to have your favorite sweets once-in-a-while. I eat sugar four days out of every year and have done so for nearly five years, all the rest of the while avoiding sweets altogether. There are many ways to Stop Being Sweet. Figure out what works for you. How you go about doing that is what the book is about. Congratulations and good luck!

I have been off sugar products for 12 days and have had diarrhea every day. I am not dehydrated, but is this normal?

No that’s not normal.

Hi David

I am now at 285 days no sugar, no flour pretty much nothing white.  I feel terrific.  I was on a six week vacation (cruise for 1 month) and decided to have bread butter and sugar free cookies.what a mistake.  I gained 10 pounds and had to start all over….  It seems that nothing white works better for me and my addict personality.  I am down over 20 pounds and feel great.  I have no cravings at all.  I have found enough wonderful foods to enjoy without any cravings.  Nuts, greek yogart, and veggies with olive oil and even some butter!  I am so happy that you have this site!

That’s awesome Susan. You’re an inspiration for all of us. I’ve thought about cutting out bread and have instead resolved to only eat certain kinds. Your ability to not eat flour is to be admired!

You know what, the flour thing is just as easy as the sugar once you are off it for a time….I really don’t crave it on any level…..  really good bread baskets (like steak houses ) still look good, but I just pass and enjoy everything else!

I love your site. i think it’s great!