Good for you, but I disagree about the “hard wired” thesis. I believe children are “hard wired” for stimulation. But it is the cultural conditioning that tells us we should resort to sugar for that stimulation. Mostly because of the governemt subsidies on sugar, thanks to the empire of plantationism leftover from the colonial era. But don’t get me started on that…

I eat the Mexican “candies” which are based on Tamarind. Tamarind is an excellent sweet substitute, because it is extremely rich in citric acid. Learn to love sour, and carry the Tamarind candies with you at all times. When you feel the urge to splurge, pop one in your mouth and you will lose interest in sugar. Citric acid will stimulate your metabolism and especially in hot weather meke you feel energized and hydrated.

There is no such American candy. These candies are called “Benyrindo”, made by Dulces Beny of Jalisco. There is an even harder hitting variety called “Rellerindo” for real hardcore acidheads. It actually has Tamarind pulp inside that tastes a little like extremely sour burlap fibers. Kids love these candies because they have not yet been conditioned to hate sour. If you can’t find them at the Mexican store give me your address and I’ll send samples.

Hi David, I’ve been reading your blog for a while now. I want to lead a sugar-free life like you but it is so-so hard! Nearly all packaged foods out there contain sugar, it’s too hard to avoid. I bought some dried figs the other day, only to find I couldn’t stop eating them because they were dried with sugar! I can never stop once I start. I have been on so many sugar binges I’m ashamed…I do ok for 5 or 6 days without sugar and then, I have a ‘treat’ and WHAM! I can’t stop!

Also, how can I refuse my Mum’s banana bread? The other day, she baked a big loaf. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings so I had to eat some. But couldn’t stop…which led me to cookies, honey, chocolate nut bars and more carbs…I felt horrible afterwards. Do people give you weird looks when you tell them you’ve quite sugar? I find it hard to say ‘no’ when my friend wants to share cake with me. Unfortunately, sharing cake is part of ‘catching up’.

On the brighter side, maybe the rise in sugar prices lately will help us cure our sugar addictions!

Hi Fizz,

It’s no longer an issue for me to not eat sugar. As much as I used to be characterized as a sugar lover I am now known as “Mr. No Sugar.” Part of that comes from absolutely refusing sugar no matter who made it with however much love. I still eat dessert but it’s a cup of fruit, a smoothie, or a naturally sweetened cookie.

As far as sharing with friends and loved ones, it’s time for you to start making the cake. Right now you’re not taking responsibility and blaming friends and family for something you WANT to do.

If you are serious about getting off sugar, I recommend Stop Being Sweet the book. In it I explain how to deal with friends and family, how to create your own sustainable sugar abstinence program, and how to read labels so that you don’t end up purchasing something you think is unsweetened only to later find out it’s filled with sugar.

The rise in sugar prices only means that sugar addicts are going to be running extra thin on cash in the coming months. After all, there are a still a lot of SUVs on the road…

Not trying to be a downer, but I’ve heard from too many sugar addicts who like the idea of getting off sugar, only to give up the fight within a few months. Being sugar free isn’t easy, but it is possible. I’m sure you can do it if you truly want to.

I have finally got my act together and added you to the list of blogs in my side bar. Love everything you’re doing!