I recently shared that one of my goals for this month is to participate in a 14-day sugar detox. After receiving some messages/questions about the detox, I thought I’d share some reasons why I’ll be giving this break from sugar a go.
Reasons to Try a Sugar Detox
Let me start with a general disclaimer that I am not a medical professional or certified nutritionist. I have done my homework, and these are a few reasons I’m interested in trying a sugar detox.
Added Sugars Everywhere
Did you know that sugar is the most popular food additive in the US? Sugar can be found in 3 out of every 4 products on grocery store shelves. And, we’re not just talking about baked treats and candy. Refined sugar shows up in a range of foods from sugary drinks (including energy drinks, flavored waters, and sweetened coffees and teas) to sauces and condiments; from bread and pasta to protein powders and bars. While I don’t consider myself a “sugar junkie” by any means, it’s easy to see how added sugar can easily creep into your daily consumption. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), added sugars account for approximately 17% of the U.S. adult diet.
A Range of Health Impacts
A high intake of added sugars is linked to a whole host of negative health outcomes, from heart disease to weight gain to depression. A 2014 NIH study found people who consumed between 17% to 21% of their total daily calories from added sugar had a 38% greater risk of dying from heart disease than people who ate less added sugar – about 8% of their total calories. Added sugars come with a lot of empty calories and zero nutritional benefits.
Some Benefits of Hitting the Reset Button
Reducing your added sugar intake can result in:
- re-balanced hormonal production
- reduced inflamation
- decreased viseral fat
- improved gut microbiome, strengthening your immune system
- improved energy level and mental clarity
The sugar detox program I’m doing kicks off on Monday – I’m looking forward to seeing how I feel in a couple of weeks.
Have you ever done a sugar detox?
Welcome to Fit Five Friday!
Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link (exercise, wellness, mental health, nutrition… the possibilities are endless!), link back to your hosts, and share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers! Please don’t just drop a link.
ha well we are clearly on the same page today Reducing sugar in my diet has been a huge help to me both in energy levels and body composition. It is one of the aspects that I work with my clients on as well. Good luck with your detox.
Ha yes 😉 It’s great to hear that the detox has worked well for you. I’m looking forward to it.
A couple years ago, I did a 1-week “no added sugar” detox of sorts. I know there still were remnants of sugar in some of the food I consumed that week, but I made a conscious effort to not be eating blatant sugar-laden stuff. Giving up the chai latte’s was the toughest part! I hope it goes well for you, Michelle, and I’ll be eager to hear the results 😉
Thanks Kim! My biggest concern will be managing my morning coffee – fingers crossed!
It’s scary how much added sugar there is in so many products, including the more “innocent” ones!
Best of luck with the whole process – and like Kim, I’m looking forward to hearing about the results, how you found the whole detox and whether you’d recommend it from your experience.
It is crazy how much added sugar there is! I will definitely share how things go.
I have done sugar detoxes. It always feels good, and then somehow more sugar creeps back in!
I do definitely have a sweet tooth, and I try very hard to keep in under control. And yes, you’re right, sugar is everywhere!
Good luck.
Thanks Judy 🙂
I have done sugar detoxes in the past. The most complete one was when I did the AIP elimination diet I managed to stay sugar free for 6 weeks. It was difficult, but amazing, alas sugar has a way of creeping back in. Overall I will say I’m MUCH better about sugar and gluten than I ever had been before.
Oh, I remember when you did the AIP elimination diet. 6 weeks is a long time – I’m hoping I make it through these 2 LOL!
No never.
Good luck.
I am not sure I could. Sugar is everywhere.
I hope it works out well for you.
Thanks Darlene – this should be interesting.
I was a major sugar-holic for most of my life, until I quit cold turkey about six years ago. I followed a protocol that was so strict, I couldn’t even eat fruit. I had a pretty… interesting… week, and then I was fine. I still don’t eat sugar, although I do eat fruit now and I’m not as strict- like if I go to a restaurant I assume there’s some sugar in the sauce somewhere, and I eat it anyway. But I keep my overall consumption very, very low, and don’t have the cravings anymore. Good luck with your detox! Your body will be happy.
Wow, no fruit is pretty restrictive. It sounds like you’ve found a good balance for yourself. I’m hoping that this detox will help me to be much more mindful moving forward.
I’ve tried it. Sugar is my major vice – more than alcohol or anything else. I’m interested to hear how it goes and what tips you have after you finish.
I’ll definitely share how it goes.