What Happens When You Quit Sugar?
- Weight loss: Sugar is a major source of empty calories, so when you quit eating it, you’ll likely start to lose weight. In fact, one study found that people who cut out added sugar from their diet lost an average of 13 pounds over a 12-week period.
- Improved energy levels: Sugar can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, which can leave you feeling tired and sluggish. When you quit sugar, your blood sugar levels will stabilize, and you’ll have more sustained energy throughout the day.
- Clearer skin: Sugar can contribute to acne and other skin problems. When you quit sugar, your skin may start to clear up.
- Better sleep: Sugar can interfere with sleep. When you quit sugar, you may find that you sleep better at night.
- Reduced inflammation: Sugar can promote inflammation in the body, which can contribute to a number of health problems. When you quit sugar, inflammation levels can decrease, which can improve your overall health.
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Sugar is linked to a number of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. When you quit sugar, you can reduce your risk of developing these diseases.
Of course, quitting sugar can also have some negative side effects, such as:
- Headaches: Sugar withdrawal can cause headaches in some people.
- Mood swings: Sugar can affect your mood, so when you quit eating it, you may experience mood swings.
- Cravings: Sugar is addictive, so it’s common to experience cravings when you first quit eating it.
These negative side effects are usually temporary and will go away within a few weeks. If you’re serious about quitting sugar, it’s important to be patient and to persevere through the tough times. The long-term benefits of quitting sugar far outweigh the short-term negatives.
It’s also important to note that not everyone experiences the same side effects when they quit sugar. Some people may not experience any negative side effects at all. If you’re concerned about the side effects of quitting sugar, talk to your doctor.
Here are some tips for quitting sugar:
- Start slowly: Don’t try to quit sugar all at once. Instead, gradually reduce your sugar intake over a period of weeks or months.
- Find healthy substitutes: There are a number of healthy substitutes for sugar, such as stevia, monk fruit, and honey.
- Read food labels: Be sure to read food labels carefully and avoid foods that contain added sugar.
- Make changes to your diet: In addition to quitting sugar, make other changes to your diet, such as eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Get support: Talk to your friends, family, or a doctor about your goal of quitting sugar. They can offer support and encouragement.
Quitting sugar can be challenging, but it’s worth it for the long-term health benefits. By following these tips, you can make the process easier and more successful.