How to start a sugar free diet

  • Ali

Keen on reducing sugar intake and having a sugar free diet? Keep reading…

Are you tempted to join BBC Radio 2 Presenter Chris Evans on his ‘sugar free February’ but worried about where to start when it comes to a sugar free diet? Here’s my top tips and guide to going sugar free.

I quit sugar over three years ago and have never looked back. For me it has been a life changing journey of rediscovery and finding foods that I love and which taste amazing. I focus far more on what I can eat than on what I can’t and this makes me happier too.

The benefits of a sugar free diet:

For many going sugar free is about losing weight, regaining control over food, and preventing the sluggish, bloated feeling. Stopping the addiction to sugar - be it at the desk, during the school run or on the daily commute - is key to our overall health. The benefits of a sugar free diet are amazing.

What you can expect as a result of quitting sugar:

  • Lose weight
  • Get your health in order especially if you are diabetic or have high cholesterol
  • Cut your angst - sugar can be the cause of angst and depression
  • Give you freedom from dieting and learn to love food again
  • Explore new cooking styles and sugar free recipes
  • Transform your relationship with food
  • Gain clearer skin
  • Get a better night’s sleep
  • Stabilise your moods
  • Balance your hormones
  • Increase your energy
  • Improve your concentration

How to start your sugar free diet:

If you’re tempted to quit sugar or reduce sugar, join me on one of our 30 days to healthy living programmes. We start one every month and guide and support you every step of the way.

Our 30 days to healthy living plan not only teaches you how to quit sugar but enables you to discover whether you have sensitivities to known food allergens like wheat, gluten and dairy too.

We’re there to guide and support you on the journey and as part of the plan you’ll have unlimited access to our vibrant community forums where you can vent, ask questions, seek advice, share stories, swap sugar free recipes and so much more.

The programme has been developed in a way that offers a long tem change in lifestyle and thus a total transformation. It has been completed by hundreds of people over the last few years from new mums with busy family lives to working professionals and retired pensioners.

Our plan comes in 30 day instalments but many people stay on it much longer than that. Research has shown that it takes on average 60 days or eight weeks to kick an addiction like sugar.

So what do you get?

We’ll walk you through every trick and technique to help you quit sugar or reduce your intake and remove other known allergens from your diet.

You’ll receive healthy meal plans with sugar free recipes and flexible shopping lists to support your changes all to help you get started on your sugar free diet.

You’ll also have access to online forums with daily support, motivation and advice so you’re not left alone to muddle through, but helped to ensure you get through the process of transformation with absolute ease.

Most people experience weight loss when they quit sugar and many people have found that they have reversed their diabetes and come off cholesterol medication (with the support of their GP).

Is a sugar free diet easy?

I’d be lying if I said total transformation from sugar and other known food allergens was easy. We’ve all seen the pain on the Doctor’s face as he transforms into a new version of himself in Dr Who. Life is pretty much the same for us, but I promise you the journey to a sugar free diet is worth it.

It can be difficult at around day four and again around the 14 day mark as your body goes through cravings but you’ll definitely experience the benefits. Plus there are so many great sugar free recipes and sugar free foods out there!

One of the best ways to stay on track is to find a partner and quit sugar together or even better reduce sugar as a family. You’ll all support each other on your sugar free journey and if the whole house is behind it, it’s much easier to stay focussed and on track.

Not sure if a sugar free diet is for you?

After the programme, the focus is on “low sugar”, rather than “no sugar”. It’s not forever so don’t let that put you off. After you’ve cut right back on the amount of processed foods in your diet, it’s much easier to stick to the recommendation of no more than 6–9 teaspoons of added (free) sugar a day.

Whether you’re dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, Paleo, egg-free or low FODMAP, know this: we design our meal plans to be as adaptable as possible so you can swap ingredients and recipes in and out as necessary. I encourage you to be as creative and imaginative as you can with recipes – don’t be afraid to try something new or think outside the box! There’s also gluten-free, dairy-free and Paleo options on all of the recipes. If you need extra advice on food swaps, simply post in the forums or email me – I’m always happy to help you out!

A sugar free diet has worked for me and it can work for you too. Message me to find out more or to book your place on the next programme.