How I Beat My Sweet Tooth, Saved Money, and Stayed Sugar-Free
Last year, I went through a tough procedure due to my sweet tooth addiction — I had a root canal done, and oh boy, it was a traumatic experience. Since then, I’ve committed to a no-sweets journey, with the occasional treat here and there (we’re talking once every 2 months!). I’ve tried this before and failed, giving in to my sugar cravings, but this time feels different. In this post, How I Beat My Sweet Tooth, Saved Money, and Stayed Sugar-Free I’ll share what has helped me stay on track!
Breaking Free from Sugar Addiction: My Journey
My journey with sugar addiction probably looks similar to what many people experience. I turned to sugar when I felt sad, when I was happy, during my cycle, and after every meal. Soon enough, it became a habit, and I found myself reaching for sugar almost every time I needed a snack, usually between meals—over three times a day. You might think that’s nothing, or you might say, “Wow, that’s excessive.” And I’d agree. Now that I’m on this journey, I realize it was excessive.
Having a family member pass away from type 2 diabetes due to an unhealthy lifestyle should’ve been a wake-up call. But instead, I used sugar as a coping mechanism once again… until, as I mentioned before, my experience at the dentist. After that, I began researching how to break free from this addiction and stay sugar-free.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Sugar from Your Diet
- Start Gradually: Cut Out Sugar Slowly
- Create a Weekly Meal Plan and Stick to It
- Find Satisfying Sugar-Free Substitutes for Cravings (Like Xylitol Candy)
- Create a Reward System to Stay Motivated
- Find a Buddy on the Same Journey and Motivate Each Other
- Reward Yourself for Achieving Weekly Goals
- Set a Pop-Up Message on Your Phone to Celebrate Milestones
- Establish a Cut-Off Time for Eating
Why These Steps Worked for Me: How I Stayed Sugar-Free
It’s hard to cut sugar cold turkey and here’s why: according to the American Heart Association, sugar can trigger cravings and affect brain chemistry, making it challenging to quit suddenly. So, instead of going cold turkey, I started lowering my sugar intake gradually. Previously, I would have a sweet drink with every meal, but I began by reducing that from three times a day to two, and then to once, until I eventually eliminated it completely. This process was daily, where I would focus on cutting out a little bit of sugar each day.
Setting and Achieving My Sugar Reduction Goals
My goal was to reduce at least 10 grams of sugar per day. To make this more manageable, I designed a weekly meal plan so I knew exactly what I would be eating. This helped me train my brain to recognize that the planned meals were all I would have for the day.
Creating Healthy Eating Boundaries
Another key change I made was setting a strict cut-off time for eating. I stopped eating exactly at 6 PM for dinner. I noticed during my first attempt that late-night snacking was a huge problem, especially when I was cutting out sugar, so I made a conscious decision to stop eating late.
Managing Sugar Cravings with Xylitol
When I had occasional cravings for something sweet, I either snacked on a bit of xylitol candy or drank tea sweetened with xylitol. If you’re not familiar with xylitol, it’s a sugar alcohol that has fewer calories than regular sugar and doesn’t cause blood sugar spikes. Plus, xylitol is great for fightingcavities and improving dental health, as it helps prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth. However, I only use xylitol sparingly and on occasion, when I really couldn’t shake a craving. But as I got further along in my journey, I found myself using it less and less.
Creating a Reward System for My New Journey
I created a reward system to help me feel better about my new journey, as I had to cut going into a coffee shop I frequented every morning to buy my iced coffee and a donut, which of course is filled with sugar. Instead, I save the amount spent on this, which would be about $35 every week, and instead spend it on something that contributes to my goals. For example, I signed up for HelloFresh to receive healthy, pre-portioned meals delivered right to my door. This not only supports my goal of eating better but also saves me time and helps me avoid the temptation of unhealthy snacks.
When you first sign up, you get 10 free meals plus free shipping on your first box! You also get to pick and design your meals, tailoring them to make them as healthy as possible for you and your family. This kept me looking forward to something positive every week and helped me stay on track.
If you’re looking for a way to start your own reward system, check out this link for HelloFresh.
And Last But Not Least—The Power of Support
Having someone to encourage you along your journey can make a huge difference, and it doesn’t have to be a family member. It can be anyone who supports your goals, whether that’s a friend, a Facebook group, or even someone on YouTube whose content inspires you. The best Facebook group I’ve found is the Sugar-Free for Life Support Group—it’s full of people sharing their experiences, tips, and encouragement, which keeps me motivated.
How Going Sugar-Free Can Save You Money
Aside from the obvious health benefits, a sugar-free diet is great for your wallet! By cutting out sugary foods and drinks, you lower the risk of cavities, reducing trips to the dentist and saving on dental bills.
Here are more ways it saves money:
1. Simpler Skincare Routine: Cutting sugar helped my skin look more radiant and acne-free, reducing the need for expensive skincare products.
2. Lower Grocery Bills: Avoiding sugary snacks saved me money on groceries.
3. Fewer Coffee Shop Visits: Skipping sweets meant I no longer stopped by the coffee shop daily, which added up to significant savings.
4. Savings on Fitness: With weight loss and improved energy, I found less need for expensive gym memberships or fitness programs.
I hope you find this post, How I Beat My Sweet Tooth, Saved Money, and Stayed Sugar-Free, helpful in your journey to cut sugar and improve your health. On my blog, CuteTrendFinds.com, I share tips on saving and making money. Be sure to check out my other posts here.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.