How To Kick Sugar For Good In Just Two Weeks!

Easier Said Than Done?

Easier said than done can really be an understatement. But if you follow just these few steps it really can be done!

A Few Facts First!

Sugar Is Addictive

The first part to understand about sugar is that our body treats it as an addictive drug. Those cravings for something sweet is your body so wanting its next fix of sugar. So make sure you know that the beginning is the only hard part. Your cravings will soon fade, many times very quickly. 

Nothing Tastes Right?

Have you ever heard “Wow that is too sweet” about something that a person normally eats or drinks. This many times happens with candies and juices, but can really be with anything that is sweet. This happens because our bodies have an amazing ability to adapt, but just sometimes really works agains us.

We Are Addicted!

As we consume sugary foods and drinks our body continually builds tolerances to the sugar. This causes us to always add a tiny bit more sweetness to our foods to achieve that same satisfaction of sweetness. 

Tastes Actually Can Change!

Heres a bit of Great News! Our tolerances and dependence on sugar can change relatively quickly. This means that it becomes incredibly easier to stay off sugar the longer you go. 

How Long Does It Take!

Truthfully, the amount of time it takes to get over sugar can really vary deepening on the person. But, for most of us we will begin seeing results in as little as a few days to two weeks. 

Let’s go over a probably very oversimplified example. During the first few days you will be craving anything sweet and water will be the furthest thing from your craving. But, look at this in another view. Our bodies will be crazy stubborn for the first few days and once it gets over the fact that it’s not going to get that sugary drink it will learn to become satisfied with just water. Once this happens you will notice that will eventually begin craving water because it is so much better at satisfying thirst. 

Step # 1 (day 1)

Take a really good look at what you’re eating and drinking every day. Just because something may seem healthy doesn’t make it healthy. A granola bar can sometimes be as bad a candy bar. And, a fruit juice can sometimes be worse than a can of pop. 

This may sound extreme, but just for a little while cut everything with added sugar. You will want to cheat for a little while but the cravings for something sweet will subside. 

Typical Things To Cut

• • Fruit Juices (if its prepackaged you should cut it)
  • Sodas
  • Candy
  • Pastries
  • Energy Bars
  • Energy Drinks (These usually have massive amounts of sugar)
  • Sweet Teas (these can be worse than soft drinks)
  • etc… (just look at the label for sugar content)
  • Artificial sweeteners 
    • Some people may believe this unnecessary, but we are trying to kick the sweetness. Artificial sweeteners can be several hundreds of times sweeter than sugar. Consuming artificial sweeteners can then effect our tolerances to sweetness causing all of our foods and drinks to taste bland and unsatisfying. 

Step # 2 (day 2-7)

This is where you learn that your body can have a mind of its own. You will notice that your body can be extremely stubborn and be quite manipulative.

The first day or two may be a bit easier because you’re pretty pumped of finally kicking sugar. But, let’s go over the next phase, this usually starts around day 3. You will start to crave your favorite sugary drinks as if they were the only thing that would keep you from dehydrating. Taking into account that our bodies can be extremely stubborn and manipulative. You will begin trying to make deals with your self of just one cookie or drink than you’ll drink x number cups of water. Don’t fall for it! Stick to your plan of cutting the sugar.  

Step # 3 (day 7-14)

Even though it may seem comical or absurd. But, usually after the first week of arguing with your body, you will notice that your body just begins to cave in to your will.  You will notice the sugar craving subside drastically. (This may take a little longer for some people.) This is where it is equally as important to stay on track. You want to accustom your body to enjoy and crave healthy alternatives.

Here you will notice that you taste of foods and drinks can begin changing. Water and unsweetened drinks won’t be as repulsive as they once were. You will begin getting your body use to new foods and drinks. 

Side Note

I use to drink a lot of sugary drinks, and I could never see my self drinking water and unsweetened teas. But, once kicking sugar your tastes can change quite drastically.

Here is my favorite unsweetened tea

1. 1. 1. I simply boil a little over a liter of water in my electric kettle
      2. toss in 2 tea bags
      3. let steep for 10-15 minutes
      4. pour into a glass container removing the tea bags and refrigerate 
         1. Do not squeeze the tea bags you will alter the flavor

Step # 4 (14 day +)

For many people you will notice that your cravings for everything sweet will have subsided quite drastically. But it is important to continue on limiting your consumption of sweets. But, after a few weeks practice on acknowledging sweets as purely a treat and not to be used to quench thirst or hunger.

Side Note:

A simple example of what I do, I still enjoy my sweet tea. When I eat out I order two drinks, one sweet tea and one unsweetened. When thirsty drink the unsweetened tea and drink the sweet tea in small amounts as purely a treat and to enjoy the flavor.

Conclusion

Even though the first few days are the toughest you will see it will become increasingly easier to kick your sugar addiction. You will notice your energy levels, skin, and even weight become better. But, if you do begin to introduce sugary drinks into your diet it is a slippery slope to over doing it. So make sure you always keep an eye on your sugar intake.