So as I posted recently, C and I have given up sugar as much as we can. We are now 3 days into it, and both undergoing incredibly different experiences.

For me, my biggest cravings are juice for breakfast in the morning, biscuits with my coffee, and something sweet whenever I get sit still. It’s quite obvious from that list just how addicted I well and truly was. My withdrawals started off easy enough, a slight headache pain and the odd craving. I’ve not been drawn to the point of having to physically pull myself away from something as yet, so that’s good. Not a single slip up to date. Yet last night the headache truly started to come on to the point where it felt like I had some super muscular mini person constantly tugging on my forehead and nose. The headache was horrific, and this morning when I woke up it was still there. C immediately gave me some panadol, and I managed to drop back off to sleep for another few hours of solid sleep (thankfully the aircon was also switched on, so I didn’t die from the heat).

C has had quite a different reaction. No headaches to report, but still cravings. It doesn’t help when they have a box of chocolates on the front counter at work, but he has stayed strong. He had a minor slip up this morning when he had a couple of strepsils for a dry throat (caused by the air con at his work), then realised there was sucrose in them (as well as glucose – not so bad). He immediately swapped over to sugar free gum, but found that his cravings for sugar immediately jumped in strength. He really struggled with them, and has fought to get his mind off it today.

Today my biggest craving has revolved around drinks. I want a milo, or a juice. Something other than water or mineral water. I’ve tried milk, but it’s just not hitting the spot. This weekend we have a few parties to attend, which will be my first true test in giving up sugar. I will need to make sure I’ve had a hearty breakfast before I go, and we will be drinking vodka lime & sodas to ensure we don’t consume anything sugary. I’ll also get some dry white wine as a backup. We will need to watch what snacks are provided as well. I don’t know how much strength we have at the moment if there were to be sugary treats. I would like to think that we wouldn’t give in, but given we’re not exactly free from cravings I can’t guarantee that would be the case.

Fatigue levels seem to be good though, so that’s a good thing. I’ll just be glad when this headache has gone!

C and I recently decided to give up sugar, resulting in a mass clean out of our cupboards and fridge. Today I went to the grocery store to buy some non-sugar supplies so that we would actually have food to eat.

Oh my god.

I actually paid attention to the sugar content of some things I wouldn’t have thought would be a problem, and I was stunned. Mustard, tomato sauce, low fat cheese (!!!). It’s no freaking wonder I struggle with cravings for sweet stuff, it’s in everything we eat!

Thank goodness I had done a bit of research so that I didn’t go home empty handed. The bulk of what I bought was fruit and veg, meat and several different types of nuts, so the amount of processed foods we will be eating is quite low. I got a few snacks, chips and dips (no added sugar and low overall sugar total), and swapped soft drink for mineral and soda water. We never drank full strength soft drink anyway, but I will be glad to cut soft drink from my diet altogether anyway. it just means I’m on the wine when it’s time to have a drink!

This morning I had a poached egg on a slice of toast, and lunch was a ham, cheese and tomato sandwich on sour dough. I’ve also purchased rolled oats and we have frozen berries, so that will be another breakfast option for me. Eventually I would like to remove bread from my diet and have it as a treat only, as I know I get quite bloated from it.

So from here it’s onwards and upwards. I’m just waiting for the withdrawals now, it’s going to be tough.

But so worth it.