Any other sugar addicts out there who have stopped eating sugar?

I've had issues with sugar for years on & off, and especially this past holiday. So, I've stopped eating added sugar & sugar substitutes, & I'm celebrating 6 weeks off sugar! I'm thrilled, feeling so much better, sleeping better, less moody, etc. I've been working with a health coach who has suggested that after the 6 week point, many can again eat sugar occasionally in moderation. So, I'm wondering if anyone else has ever stopped eating sugar, if so what forms of it (I do eat fruit) & have/will you try to eat it again in moderation? I have to say that while I'm not sure I want to ban it forever, I'm not even missing it that much & fruit tastes so much sweeter now. Thanks!

Hi Ruhu

Many congratulations.

I was a major sugar addict since early childhood. I ate my way up to 371 pounds with chocolate and other refined carbs. When I gave up there were times when I sat on the sofa and sobbed because I wanted chocolate so much.

I now eat nothing sugary. Major event when I had a clementine the other day. Goodness it tasted SOOOO sweet!

It's a lot like alcoholism. If you think you can start having "just a little bit" you may end up readdicted.

I don't think I will ever eat sugar again not as a regular thing, just have an ice cream once in a while if eating out.

Good luck on your journey too, 366to266. I too am feeling after struggling so long & it being such a relief to be off sugar & having minimal cravings for it, that I'm not eager to even try it again. While I see the advantage to trying it in a small amount in a controlled environment where I can eat it mindfully, I just don't think I'm ready yet. Keep me posted on your progress, I'd love to hear more & follow your progress.

I found after about two months I 'could have it' without losing control probably because by then a 'little' went a long way now esp w/the techniques of eating with attention & intention. Every now and then I'll have a 'processed sugar thing' and the results (bloated weird physical feeling) tell me that it just isn't worth the few minutes of enjoyed consumption. Is there one particular sugar item you feel you're missing the most?

Congrats! and me too went cold turkey...now you can't avoid sugar that is already in some foods but eating more fruits/veggies help me a lot with plenty of water! One day I decided to have a energy drink and oh man couldn't finish it, it tasted like I just sucked down a cup of sugar...Nasty!

I can't say that there is anything I'm really missing... Hence why am I even considering trying it again?!. Come warmer weather though, I may miss ice cream/frozen yogurt, but since I've also stopped eating dairy, that's a no-no anyway. As I already mentioned, fruit alone tastes so sweet & satisfies any sweetness I may crave. I had been so torn between the opposing arguments you read about of avoiding a tempting/binge food entirely vs eating it in moderation so to avoid binging on it, & want to be sure I'm not setting myself up for that. But, I'm thinking now as I'm working through this with all your help, that it just feels right to continue avoiding it for now... I can always revisit it later, right? Thanks FS friends!

There is nothing you need in sugar-added products that cannot be gotten from other foods. Congratulations on finding what works for you.

Hey Ruth - I believe one reason that low carb works for me is because it is pretty much no sugar...hahaha. I feel so much better off of it and I don't know if it is the grains in the breads or the sugars that were making my joints ache; I just know that within days of cutting them out the aches were gone. I am so happy that you are doing well and very happy to be on this journey with you!

Wheat always made my joints ache. It is a common symptom of gluten intolerance.

Congrats! I'm new back on and still feeling my way around the site forums. I was so glad to see your post regarding sugar addiction. It is good to know that someonelse has experienced this too.
Good for you for leaving that sugar where it is and keep moving forward.

I stopped eating sugar a few years ago and dropped 50lbs. Then I thought I could eat a little sweet treat here and there. Well, a little added up to more and my waist expanded as the weight increased over the past two and half years. I am doing my best to give that sugar up again. I know it works and have learned my lesson. So thanks for sharing your experience. It is so difficult for me now, but I'm holding on that I can do it again.

Renee~

I am a former sugar addict. Sugar was my diet I loved everything sweet probably. I stopped sugar years ago. I am not going back. I realize now that what I was doing was not healthy for me. It made me over eat and getting nutrients in the process. And I am perfectly fine with my choices right now. I am not fanatic about it.
But the thing is now if I try to eat something that is high sugar I feel overwhelmed - it is so over sweet to me now.

I know you can do it again. We have to be motivated though I believe in my heart. I love sweets with a passion, but I do not want the weight problems that go with them. I would do the same thing if I ever touched the sugar again probably. I can go the route of moderation which would mean only some days eat sugar or completely give up the sugar treats except for the little my body needs. I have studied the bible for the last few years and know a lot of information in my head, but must make the changes I need to to improve my health. I have just started on my journey to lose weight and know this is the greatest weakness I have. I am determined to continue to win this battle along with God's help. Addiction becomes an obsession in the mind. I know there are scriptures in the bible that will help along our journey.

good for you.

@Ruth - maybe a mixture of real fruit blended with ice for a smoothie type thing when you want to enjoy that 'spoonful of icy goodness?'Now I'm wondering what would happen if you made this up in an old fashioned ice cream maker ... w/o the dairy of course ...like a sorbet?

Great idea, Bella! I know a guardian angel when I see or have tea with one!