Are you addicted to sugar? I’m pretty sure that I am. I was starting to reach for the chocolate when I got home from the school run, that’s how bad it was, 9am and scrabbling in the cupboard for something sweet to get me through the day. Every time I walked past I had to have a rummage and see what I could find, even resorting to pillaging the children’s choccy supplies when we ran out!
The worst times were when I sat down in the evenings with a cup of tea. Dave and I could easily do a family bar of choc in one sitting between us, on top of everything I was getting in the day, that’s a lot! I was also getting sugar crashes and generally feeling tired and grotty all day. Not to mention the weight creeping back on. I couldn’t stop though, I was really addicted to sugar.
So I decided to quit! Although I’m not cutting it out completely, that is really tough as it’s in practically everything, but I’m not eating anything after dinner and I’ve stopped snacking on it through the day. I have a few tips if you are looking to do the same. I also asked my fellow bloggers for ideas.
What I’ve done.
I’ve swapped my evening cup of decaf for a fruit tea. I never used to like them but it turns out that when you’re desperate for something sweet, it can really help.
I also bought some seriously dark chocolate and allow myself a square when I really feel the craving. It’s not particularly nice but it really does kill the urge to binge.
How I felt.
Initially it was really hard, I’m about a week in now and I really struggled the first few days and had headaches and dizziness but it definitely got easier and already I’m finding that I’m not having the same level of cravings. I had one piece of cake over the weekend as it was Dave’s birthday but that really has been it. I even left the biscuit on the side of my tea when I was in a cafe!
Here’s what some other fabulous bloggers had to suggest when I asked them about being addicted to sugar and trying to cut it right down but still getting the sweet hit I crave.
Layla from Motherhood Diaries says: ‘Replace sugar with either a natural sweetener. I use 100% organic maple syrup because I have a sweet tooth. Or when making cakes,I wait until my bananas are really brown so they’re super sweet and add in some medjool dates too 
‘
Rachael from Lukeosaurus and Me recommends: ‘Cutting out sugar in hot tea or coffees makes an (alarmingly) big difference to your sugar intake! It’s crazy how many tea spoons of sugar we have without ever thinking about it!’
Victoria from Starlight and Stories has a great idea: ‘Pop a banana whole in the freezer for a while, once it’s frozen it tastes just like banana ice cream, perfect for a treat and zero sugar.’
Helena who writes The Queen of Collage has some good advice: ‘Cut out fizzy pop and juice drinks and be food aware. It’s frightening what things contain sugar and because it’s so addictive companies know this and haven’t cut down on the amount going into food. Cooking from scratch helps as you know what’s going into your food.’
They also came up trumps on no refined sugar recipes!
With this fruity birthday cake recipe by Treasure Every Moment and this lemon drizzle by Mummy to Dex you can have your cake and eat it….with no refined sugar!
There’s a gorgeous recipe here by Captain Bobcat for a hazelnut and almond pan-bread here that is both sugar and gluten free.
Pancakes are a great way to start the day, especially on the weekend and these by Mimi Rose and Me are carb and sugar free, and these ones from Le Coin De Mel are also vegan.
So am I addicted to sugar? Yes, the way my body reacted to cutting it down so drastically makes me think I definitely am. And it’s something so hard to avoid completely but I’m going to carry on with my quest to cut it right down.
Great tips Louise. I have been the same as you, my worst tie is that last cup of tea of the day. Like you I’ve been trying dark chocolate, it certainly has helped. X
I’m thinking of giving up added sugar for lent, so this is very inspiring.
Thanks for the tips! My husband is going to be away for the next couple of weeks and I’m hoping it will be easier to cut back on sugar a bit when it’s just me.
Nat.x
I actually love the really dark chocolate which helps, I can drink my tea with no sugar, but coffee is my weakness I have cut it down to one sugar before, but I ended up back at 2 in my coffee. I drink water during the day, but chocolate is my weakness!!!! #bigpinklink
sometimes I feel like a lost cause, how can I ever give up chocolate!!?? I do like dark chocolate the best though, does that help? #bigpinklink
I’m finding it ironic that on the day you put this as your host post on #bigpinklink, I’m linking up with a post about candy! I need to cut down on my sugar intake, I have noticed lately that I practically live on it to stay awake until bedtime.
Am I addicted to sugar? My love, I’m addicted to anything that is bad for me and anything that makes me put on weight! #bigpinklink
I really admire you doing this. I though giving up dairy was tough but my biggest craving aside from cheese has been chocolate. I find I have chocolate far too much and that is the obvious sugar. The hidden sugars are petrifying.
Good luck keeping it up! I think after a while most people say they could never go back and everything becomes to sweet.
#BigPinkLink
I really feel like I ought to take your lead on this, I eat far too much sugar #bigpinklink
I cut out sugar about 6 months ago. I started to follow a keto diet – I have epilepsy and I read somewhere that there were benefits in trying it – and due to my low carb intake I no longer crave sugar. I used to have 2 sugars in a tea, and because I don’t like tea without sugar I swapped to black coffee (as I cut out milk as well). Someone made my usual brew and I just couldn’t stomach it. Dark chocolate is my guilty please (the sea salt variety). There is no going back. My family are thrilled as it means there is plenty left in the treat box now! #bigpinklink
I am definitely addicted to sugar. And it’s a crutch I lean on when I try to lay off the booze too. I plan to give up drinking for lent but don’t want to just hit the hobnobs instead. Some great tips here – the fruit tea one I will definitely try. But I can never have just one square of dark chocolate… #bigpinklink
This is something for me think about as I’m almost certainly addicted to the stuff. I’ve just finished Dry January though so am not quite ready for another challenge! Give me a few weeks …
That’s a great idea about the frozen banana! We’re going to try that tonight. I think my mummy is really addicted to sugar too! She can’t go with her haribo x #BigPinkLink
I am literally holding s Lillie O Brien’s cluster as I read… you have gotten me thinking x #bigpinklink
Luckily I don’t have too much of a sweet tooth. However, some foods do contain a lot of sugar. #bigpinklink
Good to have these tips and the insight from you too. I don’t eat a lot of sugar but I worry about the amount my daughter does. #BigPinkLink
I also find it difficult when you’re into the sweet habit. But once it’s broken, gets easier to stay healthy! #bigpinklinky
So much respect for you, and I’m enjoying following your journey. I’d love to try and give up / cut down myself!!
Fab tips, I’ve started making smoothies for my breakfast and that has made me feel healthier and craze less chocolate! I guess i’m getting my sugar fix from fruit instead which has got to be a good thing! That being said, I will defiantly still be having the odd piece of cake or chocolate biscuit, it’s just more of a treat that a daily occurrence at the moment. xx
Doh #bigpinklink
I have always had a really bad sweet tooth and my little boy has definitely taken after me! These are great tips and something I really need to implement for a healthier lifestyle and diet. #bigpinklink
It sounds like you’re doing brilliantly. We’re trying to cut down our sugar intake too and the first few days were killer! #bigpinklink
In this day and age, cutting out sugar is such a mission, it’s in everything. Cutting out big ticket items are a good way to start so some good tips here 🙂 #bigpinklink
We’re trying to cut down sugar which is hard because I love to bake! I’ve reduced the sugar in my tea and now give away most of our bakes which is helping my sugar intake! #bigpinklink
Wow you are doing amazing. I wish I could do this. I can imagine it’s hard at first xx
Thank you for featuring me. I feel like I may have ranted somewhat. Sugar has a lot to blame for when it comes to modern day illnesses. #bigpinklink
Awesome tips Lou, I’m carrying all my excess weight around my tummy atm and I know thats sugar related so I really need to cut down, definitely going to be trying a few of these ideas. Thank you oh wonderful #bigpinklink co host xx
Wow hun that sounds tough, but well done for recognising it. I know that I would struggle to avoid opening the cupboard when I’m feeling peckish and craving something sweet. The tips from the other bloggers are really good, especially replacing sugar for alternatives that are still sweet or slightly sweet. Claire x #BigPinkLink
I’m also addicted to sugar and I would really struggle to give it up altogether. Lots of good tips here. We do the same with banana (banana ice cream!) and it’s a fab treat! Add some frozen strawberries and you have strawberry ice cream. Add 1/2 an avocado and cacao and you have chocolate ice cream!