Cutting out refined sugar
Not naturally occurring sugar
What it's like going (refined) sugar free.
The first week consisted of meal planning and little things to get started. I knew this wasn't going to be easy, but I didn't expect to feel the way I did. I started getting these headaches that would last for hours, and I didn't sleep well. It gradually got easier and now instead of wanting cookie dough, I find myself reaching for an apple. I don't think I've ever felt better than I do right now. Getting through the first week was hard, sure, but everything since then has been smooth sailing.
Sugar is like a drug
Cutting sugar out cold-turkey is very difficult, and so are the side effects. Similar to a drug user, those who cut out sugar cold turkey start showing symptoms of withdrawal such as anger, anxiety, cravings, depression, fatigue, headaches, insomnia, mood swings, and weight changes.
Sugar also has some effects on opioid pathways within the brain, the same system manipulated by drugs like heroin and morphine (8, 9, 10). This is why highly processed, sugar-laden foods can make (some) people lose control over their consumption. They hijack the same brain pathways as drugs of abuse. (Authority Nutrition)
Why go sugar free?
Cutting refined sugar out of my life seemed easy. All I had to do was avoid junk food and drink more water. After I started looking into it, I started to realize that sugar is in everything, but that didn't change my mind. I wanted to be healthier, and cutting out sugar is a good way to start.