Would Like to cut out sugar

[AshleighM]

I would like to cut out sugar. I have always been a meat and "tater" kinda of girl and I would like to change my eating habits. I not a big veggie eater and I LOVE bread and carbs.  Where should I start? What books should I read?  

[SunsetRunner · Accepted solution]

Hi Ashleigh - 

I am a MASSIVE sweet tooth, and I've come to accept that I won't ever fully be able to cut sugar out. What I have done, is remove 'hidden' sugars. I don't touch 'ready' meals and I don't choose "low fat" options (as these are packed with sugars to make it taste good - fat isn't the enemy but sugar is!) I don't drink fizzy drinks or sodas etc

for books I know of a number of friends who've done well with Deliciously Ella or I quit Sugar by Sarah Lawson. I personally prefer Joe Wicks "Lean in 15" or the Medicinal Chef cookbook. But essentially I just do my very best to choose raw ingreidients and create my meals from scratch - that way I know exactly what I'm eating. 

(Don't get me wrong - I treat myself to a chocolatey treat every now and then too)

[betpchem]

@AshleighM I always think it's a bad idea to "cut out" something entirely. I think that leads to feeling deprived and then to binges. I would say limit the amount of artificial sweeteners - limit your soda, for example.

I love bread and carbs, too. I switched to whole grain breads because I figure those are healthier. I've also gone to quinoa instead of potatoes and rice. But again, I don't cut these out entirely. I focus on having less, not having none.

[CindyFitbit]

I agree with @betpchem I think that every change should be gradually. You can check with a nutritionist to check how to compensate or substitute the things you want to cut off. 

[goldshotc]

Check out the Sugar Smart diet.  It has loads of great info about different types of sugar and how to reduce sugar intake in a healthy way.  I did it and noticed that when I have natural sugars (i.e. apples), they tasted SOOO much better now!

[MarilynL]

Ashleigh M,

Books to read to help get rid of suagr cravings and not feeling hungry all the time:

The art and Scence of Low Carbohydrate Eating- Stephen Phinney MD PhD and Jeff Volek PhD RD

Why we get fat- GAry Taubes

The Banting Diet  -Tim Nokes MD

Grain Brain - Pearlmutter 

etc etc

You say you like meat (yay) and dont like most veggies but that means you do like some - which? How about eating leafy greens, tomatoes, colorful peppers in a salad along with your meat (and fish?) Do you like eggs? How about bacon and eggs cooked in butter for breakfast (no toast) filling and satisfying.

To see lots of videos, and hear talks by Medical experts go to www.Dietdoctor.com . You can get it free for the first month and learn a tremendous amount. Then decide for yourself.

I am sorry to inform you that whole wheat bread is in no way healthier or better than white bread. Dont delude yourself.

I know its difficult to cut things out entirely but I am sorry to say when it comes to sugar you truy have to just cut it out. It is the most adicting substance (easier to cut down on cigarettes than sugar I have heard) In anycase why not try to totally cat it for 3 weeks and see how you feel? Anyone can do that.

If you are just dying for something sweet have some kind of berries. Its true, fruit is natural but over the decades they have been brea to enhance sweetness and most are high in fructose. When you are reducing weight give them a miss. Once you are where you want to be, eat fruit as a delicious desert treat.

Back to the vegies do you like advocado? olives ?/ you can have those too (in moderation)

Check it out and if I can help I will be happy to.

[lonestarlesa]

@MarilynL I love your imput!
I just lost 80 pounds doing a no-sugar diet. I just added sugar back in, and found that it really is not settling well with my body.

I will look at the books that you recommended, and hopefully, I can watch the videos.

Do you mind telling me more of your experience, (because I am nosey!) on how you got so much info on low carb/ sugar free eating?

[MarilynL]

I am so happy you found the post helpful  lonestarlesa:) 80lbs!!!! Tremendous!

I am a big believer in health and nutrition and try my hardest not to get sick and use any drugs.

Having said that I had (ahem) a terrible sweet tooth and I know that sugar is the worst so I set out to see how I could help myself.

Back in the day I was a personal trainer and have my degre in 'Life Style Management 'that means a healthy mind in a healty body essentially. I worked with Dean Ornish before he was famous and I tried every diet I know, all with sucess and then disaster and back to the trenches.

I must admit that I really am a carniverous being, so although I lost a lot of weight juicing and being vegan it is more natural for me to eat a diet high in fat and some protein and vegetables. (ie basically the New Adkins Diet for those that want to follow something and understand what they are doing)

I also continue to do research as I find that reading about these ways of eating helps reinforce what I have learned and helps me stay on track. (Please go and take a look at wwwDietDoctor.com)

That said, I have the famous  10 lbs I would like to get rid of and its a neverending story 😄 The good news is that I am 64 wear size 6 and dont take ANY meds. I am also in the process of learning e- commece so I can get a website up and sell my gorgeous jewelry creations.

Vital exciting and interested- just live your life with passion and do it! Thats my philosophy:)