How To Quit Sugar In 2 Easy Steps [+ Recipes] (2024)

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How do you actually stop eating sugar and why does it even matter, especially if you're looking to achieve a weight loss goal? Today I'm breaking down the super simple 2 step process of how you can quit sugar easily and achieve your weight loss goals!

*I also have a video version of this article, so if you want to follow along with the video, scroll down!

How To Quit Sugar In 2 Easy Steps [+ Recipes] (1)

What Is Sugar?

Technically, all carbohydrates will break down into sugar. Sugar is the most basic building block of carbohydrates and the body breaks down all (digestible) carbohydrates into sugar. This means sugar can technically come from healthy sources such as sweet potatoes and butternut squash.

But unless you are extremely carbohydrate sensitive, these aren't the types of sugars you need to be worried about when working toward a weight loss goal. When we're talking about "quitting sugar", we're focused on the dense and refined sources of sugars, such as cane sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave, high fructose corn syrup and coconut sugar.

Related: How To Detox From Sugar FAST

What Happens When You Eat Sugar?

When you eat sugar, the body releases the storing hormone insulin. The more insulin the body releases, the harder it can be to switch back into lipolysis (aka fat burning). Foods that contain high amounts of fiber and less sugar, such as whole fruit or vegetables, will cause the body to secrete much less insulin than foods that contain low fiber and high sugar, like fruit juice or added sugars. With this in mind, one of the main goals with weight loss is to help the body get back into fat burning as quickly as possible - which is where greatly reducing or removing dense sources of sugar can be very helpful.

Related: How Much Weight Can You Lose In A Month?

How To Quit Sugar In 2 Easy Steps [+ Recipes] (3)

What Foods Have Sugar?

Foods that are high in sugar include (but are NOT limited to) honey, maple syrup, fruit juice, soda, cookies, ice cream, sweetened coffees, cane sugar, agave syrup/nectar, coconut sugar/nectar, high fructose corn syrup, protein bars, cereals, most bread, most salad dressings, sweetened yogurts and coffee creamers.

Related: The Top 6 BEST Pasta Alternatives For Weight Loss

Why Do We Crave Sugar?

If we can understand why we crave sugar, then we can understand how to stop craving sugar and finally achieve and maintain a weight loss goal. It all comes down to some basic physiology: Our body always wants to maintain a steady blood sugar level. When this dips down, we enter into a lower blood sugar state and sometimes even hypoglycemia. When blood sugar dips, the body sends urgent signals to eat something to bring blood sugar back up - cue hanger and immediately searching your pantry for chocolate.

Ironically, what can typically cause these low blood sugar states is eating foods high in sugar or high in refined carbohydrates. This causes a spike and rapid fall in blood sugar and increased sugar cravings as a result. (Watch the video below for a more details breakdown of this phenomenon).

Related: The Top 10 Fruits To Eat For Weight Loss

How To Quit Sugar In 2 Steps

Now that we know what causes sugar cravings, we can jump into the two step process of stopping sugar cravings.

Step 1: Start your first meal with protein, fat and fiber

Each of these food components specifically aims to balance blood glucose levels and boost satiety (aka, that sensation of feeling full and satisfied after a meal). Protein signals the satiety hormone peptide YY, fat signals the satiety hormone CCK and fiber acts on the stretch mechanism in the stomach to tell your brain that you don't need to keep eating. So not only do each of these food components help you feel full and satisfied, none of them will spike blood glucose levels either, which helps to keep blood glucose levels stable (bye-bye sugar cravings!).

Step 2: Don't add any added sugars

As we've noted, the more added sugars you use, the more likely your blood glucose levels will go on a wild ride and stimulate more sugar cravings. So by focusing on protein, fat and fiber rich foods and NOT adding sugar, you're able to feel full and satisfied without triggering sugar cravings.

Related: 5 Breakfasts You're Eating That Are Causing You To Gain Weight

A Day Of Zero Sugar Meals

Not eating added sugars for a day can actually be surprisingly easy and delicious! Check out my example meal plan below. You can also find my full 7 Day Detox with zero sugar recipes, additional strategies and meal plans HERE.

Breakfast: Keto Coffee + Greek Berry and Cream Smoothie

Lunch: Cauliflower Rice Spicy Burrito Bowl

Dinner: Zucchini Sundried Tomato Lasagna

Related: 7 Day Sugar Detox Program (Full Meal Plan!)

Your Nutritionist,

Autumn

How To Quit Sugar In 2 Easy Steps [+ Recipes] (6)

Autumn Elle Nutrition

How To Quit Sugar In 2 Easy Steps [+ Recipes] (2024)

FAQs

How do I quit sugar step by step? ›

10 Ways to Quit Sugar
  1. Read the Label Details. Knowing what foods have sugars, hidden or not, can help you cut out sugar. ...
  2. Limit White Sugar. ...
  3. Switch Out Sugary Drinks. ...
  4. Reorganize Foods at Home. ...
  5. Make Foods and Drinks from Scratch. ...
  6. Swap Treats With Simple Carbs. ...
  7. Remember Sugars in Restaurant Foods. ...
  8. Don't Stop Sugar Cold Turkey.
Nov 7, 2023

What flushes out sugar? ›

Make a meal plan that includes foods to detox your body. Think leafy greens, lean proteins, and whole grains. Water is your best friend during a sugar detox. It helps flush out toxins and keeps you hydrated, reducing cravings.

How to do a true sugar detox? ›

There are no hard or fast rules when it comes to sugar detoxes, but your focus should be on cutting out added sugars from your diet: that means paying attention to nutritional facts and avoiding sugary sodas, most desserts, processed foods, and even some condiments like ketchup, which can include four grams of sugar ...

What do you eat on the 14 day no sugar challenge? ›

Foods to eat

Whole Grains: Include quinoa, brown rice, and oats for complex carbohydrates without added sugars. Healthy Fats: Incorporate avocados, nuts, and olive oil for satiety and essential fatty acids. Dairy or Dairy Alternatives: Choose unsweetened options for milk, yogurt, and cheese to avoid added sugars.

How to quit sugar for dummies? ›

Quitting sugar suddenly can lead to intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms, making it difficult to stick to your sugar-free diet. Instead, it's typically best to gradually reduce your sugar intake over time. This can allow your body to adjust and make it easier to stick to your new diet without feeling overwhelmed.

How do you flush sugar out of your system overnight? ›

Drinking enough water could help you keep your blood sugar levels within healthy ranges. In addition to preventing dehydration, it helps your kidneys flush out any excess sugar through urine.

What brings sugar down immediately? ›

The quickest way to lower your blood sugar is to take fast-acting insulin. Exercising is another fast, effective way. However, in severe cases, you should go to the hospital. High blood sugar levels are known as hyperglycemia or high blood glucose.

Does lemon water flush out sugar? ›

Lemon water may not directly impact your blood sugar levels and cause it to come down, but it can surely help prevent untimely spikes.

Can I eat fruit on a no sugar diet? ›

Including whole fruits in a no-sugar diet can still be healthful. However, if a person chooses to eat dried fruit, they should do so in moderation and look for varieties without added sugar. Eliminating sugar from the diet is not a complete solution for weight loss.

Does apple cider vinegar help with sugar detox? ›

Participants who took 2 tbsp of ACV with a cheese snack experienced significantly lower blood sugar levels upon waking. Researchers believe that the acetic acid in the ACV slows down the rate at which the body turns carbohydrates into sugar.

What should I eat when I am sugar free? ›

Foods to eat
  • Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, asparagus, zucchini, sweet potatoes, etc.
  • Fruits: apples, oranges, berries, grapes, cherries, grapefruit, etc.
  • Proteins: chicken, fish, beef, tofu, eggs, etc.
  • Healthy fat sources: egg yolks, avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, unsweetened yogurt, etc.
Feb 26, 2021

How long does it take to fully detox from sugar? ›

Done correctly, it takes about 2 to 3 days to detox from sugar. You'll know it's happened because your cravings will diminish, your energy will increase, and you'll crave healthy foods more than unhealthy ones. If it takes longer than 3 days, it's time to check for hidden carbs and sugars in your food and beverages.

What foods are 100% sugar free? ›

Seafood, pork, beef, and chicken are all sugar-free. They're also an important source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. If you don't eat meat, soybeans, lentils, beans, nuts, and seeds are great sugar-free, high-protein foods.

Which bread has no sugar? ›

Nature's Own Life 100% Whole Grain Sugar Free Bread 4.5 out of 5 stars.

What does a sugar face look like? ›

Here are the tell-tale signs on your face that sugar is the culprit aging your skin: The surface of your skin looks hard and shiny. Deep, crosshatch lines appear along your upper lip. Discoloration and hyperpigmentation mark your skin.

How long does it take to detox from sugar? ›

Done correctly, it takes about 2 to 3 days to detox from sugar. You'll know it's happened because your cravings will diminish, your energy will increase, and you'll crave healthy foods more than unhealthy ones. If it takes longer than 3 days, it's time to check for hidden carbs and sugars in your food and beverages.

How long does it take to flush out sugar from your body? ›

The amount of time it takes for your body to get rid of excess sugar from just one meal depends on a number of factors, including your overall health, your activity level, and the type of sugar you eat. In general, it takes about 1-2 hours for your body to process and use up the sugar from a meal.

How long does it take to withdraw from sugar? ›

Sugar Withdrawal Timeline

Sugar withdrawal generally lasts anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Each person will go through the withdrawal process differently, and the intensity of symptoms will depend on whether you fully cut out sugar or slowly wean off it.

How long does it take to quit sugar? ›

After about a week, the hardest part of the detox is often complete, and most people report fewer cravings. At this point, the psychological symptoms of withdrawal can become more apparent. These normally subside after 3-4 weeks, and usually, no withdrawal symptoms or cravings remain.

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