I did it. But I didn't think I could.

I (Emily, here!) started my no-sugar journey in the beginning of September with the mindset to take it slow, one day at a time, and learn how sugar affects my body, in what amount, and if I could have a healthy relationship with it after the hiatus was over. If you're interested in learning how to handle your sugar cravings, head to the bottom of this post and click to reserve your space in my free teleseminar on the 13th! Anyway, I learned so much during my education at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and graduating, I felt I was equipped with all of the knowledge I needed, but for some reason, I couldn't truly internalize all that I was learning.

Does that ever happen to you? You know the shoulds, the must dos, but your brain feels split as you think you shouldn't do something but still do it anyway. It's a constant push pull that is exhausting and leaves you standing over the kitchen sink shoveling food into your mouth even though you aren't hungry and were planning on going to bed. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? I know it resonates with me. A lot.

In September, I had finally had enough. I felt like I had lost control. And I was tired of feeling exhausted and gaining weight and having these insatiable cravings. So over the last three weeks, as I've given up all sugars but fruit sugars, I stepped into the nooks and crannies of my mind and broke down my desire for sweets. It wasn't rainbows and butterflies, that's for sure, but it was pretty eye opening.

Week One:

Most common thought: Why the f*** did I do this?
Realization: I was making myself eat something for dessert every night, because allowing myself to eat dessert felt like food freedom. For so long, I denied myself dessert, that even though I wasn't hungry, had no interest in adding food to my belly, and was exhausted over the idea of making anything else, I ate it anyway. Compulsion.
Next Step: Breathe. Sit with your realizations.

Week Two:

Most common thought: Eating your weight in fruit isn't the answer either.
Realization: If I were with other people right now, getting a hug or having a great conversation, I wouldn't be making food, forcing myself to eat it or sitting in my room alone and drowning myself in another chocolate smoothie bowl. Am I actually hungry for sugar or something else?
Next Step: Take a yoga class, and give yourself permission to be at ease.

Week Three:

Most common thought: It's almost October! Only half kidding ... it was actually - Love is the answer.
Realization: My heart was lonely, I felt like I was missing something in my life, and I was replacing that lack with food, namely sugar. What I really needed was love; love for myself and for others.
Next Step: Slowly introduce sugar back into my lifestyle, being mindful and kind to my body, truly listening to hunger and satiety levels and my heart.

Ending Thoughts:

I wasn't expecting this to be anything more than a nuisance, a three week drought to my bottomless cravings, and an otherwise uneventful, if not difficult, period in my life. Unfortunately/fortunately it was far more than that. I survived, and surviving was my goal. But I also learned a bunch. I learned how as much as I love sugar, I don't need it nearly as much as I thought. It was a comfort, a craving of security, and a crutch for something I was lacking in my life. I find that fascinating. So what's my next step? To take it one day at a time. I'm not setting unrealistic goals for myself (see SMART goals) and telling myself that I could go my entire life without sugar. HA that's a joke - birthdays, holidays, life! But I am going to actively listen to myself and choose happiness over dependence.

Other perks of a better relationship with sugar?

no emotional ups and downs
no more brain fog and headaches
no more psychotic urges to shovel more
into my mouth even though I'm stuffed

That being said ... interested in finding a better relationship with sugar?

Emily Friend breaks a big topic, controversial Sugar, into bite-size pieces with tips, tricks, and advice on finding which sugars work best for your body and in what amount. Learn the facts and get free tools for health success without having to change out of your sweats or get off the couch. Total wellness doesn't have to be hard. In fact, if it's not bringing you great vibes, it's not worth it.

The Giving Up of Sugar ...

It’s been two weeks since I announced my giving up sugar for the remainder of October. To be honest, I don’t know how differently I feel. I can’t hold one factor, sugar, constant, and a lot of other things are happening in my life. But here’s why I've stuck with it: when I decided not to tempt myself with sugar for the remainder of the month, it was so I could get back to my body and my health.

Sugar is a drug, so I detoxed with what felt a lot like a hangover for a few days. With my permanent sweet tooth, I’m surprised I was able to give it all up (still eating fruit, though). I even have lollipops in my drawer that I’m not eating. And I feel proud. I feel in control. Sugar addictions are no joke, and it’s easy to feel out of control around the substance. We deny ourselves sugar, so that in turn only makes us want it more. Then we let ourselves have it, but knowing that we’ll restrict ourselves again, we binge binge binge on the sweetness of our treats.

I am no stranger to hiding out in the kitchen with, yet again, another slice of cake. That feeling like you're hiding out and scarfing down your guilty pleasure, hoping no one will come in and see you in your blissful shame. Maybe that resonates with you, or maybe that sounds silly, and of course, not everyone has that feeling in the world, but it doesn’t make the emotions that come with it any less. Some feelings that can come up from sugar addiction are: confusion, stress, shame, remorse, guilt, frustration.

It’s easy to feel out of control, throw your hands up in the air, and go home to hide, but those emotions listed above are no bueno. We need to be feeling strong, glowing, energetic, excited, and loved by the foods we’re putting in our body. If you feel like your cravings are out of control, you’re not alone. In fact, I’m right there with you. It’s a never-ending cycle and a movement towards greater understanding.

But guess what? I’ve taken all of the hard work out for you. If you want to understand why you’re constantly craving sweets and how to gain control without deprivation, you’re in the right place. Join me in October for The Sugar Blues Talk ... reserve your space today by clicking below!