The “I quit sugar” posts have proven rather popular…and controversial. If you’ve been following the comments you might be marveling as to why it’s created such fired-up outrage. As David Gillespie said to me, “I don’t think you would have attracted such resistance if you’d suggested cutting out broccoli”. True.
Point being, we are addicted to sugar and someone like me puffing up and suggesting (only suggesting!) that it might be good to try not eating it for a while… just to see what happens…can be threatening.
“All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.” – Arthur
Schopenhauer
Plus, some of the biggest companies in the world have a VERY vested interest in us eating more – not less – sugar. And so spurious “research” and suspect opponents invariably pop up.
But, mostly, I’ve been receiving questions about how I’m going and how I’m coping. Jo has pulled out a few for me to answer:
Have you lost weight?
Sort of. Maybe a kilo. But I look lighter because I’ve lost a lot of bloating and puffiness. I’ve noticed with myself and Jo and others who’ve quit… our faces look slimmer. My midriff is also much flatter. I’m guessing this is because it’s reduced strain on our livers. Tell-tale liver strain areas are the jawline and around the lower ribs. And because we’re producing less gas in our guts!
What do you eat when you get sweet cravings?
A few things: coconut water, Miessence Berry Radical drink and dairy. A chai tea gives me enough of a sweet hit. It contains lactose, which is a sugar, but one that doesn’t contain fructose. For a full explainer see this video. A chunk of cheese or a few nuts will just nip cravings in the bud. You’ll notice all these things are quite “treaty” foods. I think this is quite important…we do need pick-me-ups. But the things I mention will satisfy the need for a treat…not fuel it.
You might like to read this lo-down by Dr Mark Hyman on why some people get more intense sugar cravings…and some supplements to take.