The sugar trap

I had indulged in every sweet treat in sight for two weeks. Yes, I even quietly eyed Little C’s leftover chocolate croissant after the school run. So, I decided to challenge myself: a sugar-free week, paired with my trusty 16:8 intermittent fasting. Day one was a rollercoaster of cravings, mood swings, and a few eyebrow-raising discoveries.

The sweet struggle

Sugar literally lurks in everything. It hides in rice cakes, pre-made lamb kofta, and innocent-looking granola bars. 18 teaspoons of added sugar per day had been quietly sneaking into my life. Shocking, and frankly a bit depressing, this challenge has turned me into a label detective, squinting hard at ingredients. For tips on spotting hidden sugars, see this NHS guide to reading food labels.

“Waking up grouchy and craving a full-on breakfast made me wonder if this was more than just a sweet tooth.”

Relief in bone broth and walnuts

Lunch brought a steaming mug of bone broth and a handful of walnuts which curbed the cravings just enough to make me feel human again. But by the afternoon, the slump hit, fatigue, a nagging sense of “why am I doing this?” because sugar’s absence is not a good feeling. Learn more about stabilising blood sugar with low-sugar meal ideas.

The craving-energy-slump loop

Cutting sugar is like stepping into a minefield of temptation. Every office biscuit tin, every social event, every corner shop display feels like a test of willpower. My body misses the hit, and my brain misses the comfort. Headaches, dizziness, irritability, they arrive uninvited.

Sugar and social life

It’s also deeply social. Parties, school events, even casual coffee catch-ups revolve around treats. Navigating these without caving is tricky. I’ve found myself apologising for not having the biscuit, the chocolate, the cake. And yet, the pride in saying no? Worth it. For strategies on staying sugar-free in social situations, check out this Healthline guide.

Why I’m doing this

This isn’t just about resisting cravings. I want clearer skin, sharper focus, and a break from emotional snacking. Sugar slows collagen production, messes with energy, and steals mental clarity. I’m curious to see what happens when it’s gone: will my brain feel lighter, my moods steadier, my jeans less tight? Check out my perimenopause fitness and skin health post for more insights.

“Each day is a little experiment in self-awareness, willpower, and creative meal planning.”

My survival toolkit

The journey so far

Each day is a little experiment in self-awareness, willpower, and creative meal planning. I’m learning how deeply sugar has been entwined with my moods, energy, and even my social habits. For more experiments in midlife wellness, read my other midlife challenges.