From fewer cravings and steadier energy to healthier skin and improved heart health, here’s what you can expect when you cut back on added sugar. It’s worth it!
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So many times we may promise to cut out sugar, and succeed too, for a while. But it’s more than just cutting back on cakes, fizzy drinks and sweets. What happens inside is that your body starts adapting in surprising ways. The first few days may be uncomfortable but the longer-term effects are quite significant.
You may feel discomfort at first
Get ready for the headaches. If you’ve been consuming significant amounts of sugar, you may experience fatigue, cravings, irritability and trouble concentrating. And this is because the brain is getting used to lower dopamine stimulation. The good news is that it’s temporary and usually improves in a week or two.
Your energy levels stabilise
Sugar tends to cause fast spikes and crashes in blood glucose. Once you cut out sugar, your blood sugar becomes more stable, so no more afternoon slump. You’ll likely feel more energetic throughout the day and won’t have to rely on a sugary snack for that energy boost.
Your taste buds reset
This is the exciting part – your palate starts to change. Foods that once tasted bland, such as plain yoghurt, berries or carrots, start to taste naturally sweeter. You start to taste the actual flavour of foods without sugar covering it up. And as cravings decrease, it’ll become easier to make healthier food choices.
Your skin may improve
There’s a link between high sugar intake and inflammation and glycation, a process where excess sugar damages elastin and collagen. Reducing added sugar can help improve acne in some people and that reddish hue on the skin surface will start to fade.
You may lose weight – without counting calories
Sugary foods are often low in protein and fibre but high calories, so it’s easy to overeat. Replacing them with whole foods can automatically reduce calorie intake while making you feel full. This supports gradual, sustainable weight loss.
Your long-term health improves
If you keep at it, reducing add sugar reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and fatty liver disease. It can also improve dental health because you’ll have eliminated the fuel that cavity-causing bacteria thrive on.
Balance is key
We’re not saying eliminate every gram of sugar forever. There are naturally occurring sugar in fruit and dairy with nutrients and fibre. Instead, limit added sugar while building your meals around whole foods that are minimally processed. Small, sustainable changes are always better than restrictive diets.
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