There has been a lot of discussion about how unhealthy and damaging sugar is to your body and that you should go through a sugar detox. But are you ready for it? If you’re consuming a lot of sugar each day (and many people are), this is not going to be easy. Keep reading to make sure you know what you’re in for, so you’ll be prepared. That alone will help you tough it out and make it through your sugar detox days.
You Need Willpower
In order to make it through a sugar detox, you are definitely going to need some willpower. You’re going to want that candy bar or donut. So badly. Are you ready to not give in and make it through a few days of sugar cravings? The key is to keep in mind that it will get easier as time goes by and that you’re doing this for important reasons – to improve your health, lose weight, look better, feel better and reduce your risk of developing Type II Diabetes. Keep reminding yourself that you can do this and that it will be worth it in the end. If you want it bad enough, you will find the willpower to make it through your sugar detox. Of course, keeping all sugar treats out of the house during this process will help with temptation as well.
It Will Be Unpleasant
This isn’t going to be easy and it not going to be pleasant. Before you jump in cold turkey, let’s take a look at some of the detox side effects you can expect over the coming days. When you know what’s coming, that it’s normal and most importantly that it will only last for a few days, it is much easier to make it through this tough transition period of detoxing from your sugar habit.
Intense Cravings
The first thing you’ll notice is that you start to crave sugary treats. It starts out with you thinking that a cookie would be nice. Then the cravings get worse until you’re ready to do just about anything for a sweet treat. Your best bet is to get anything sweet out of the house before you start to crave and cave.
Mood Swings and Tiredness
Don’t be surprised to go from “I can do this” to “no way” in a matter of minutes. Mood swings, crankiness, and even feeling like all you want to do is nap are not uncommon as your body starts to detox from the sugar. Distract yourself. Call a friend, watch a movie, or go take nap. Do whatever it takes to make it through these few days of sugar detox. Remember that no matter how crappy you feel, this won’t last long.
Headaches
Sugar has quite an effect on the brain, as does detoxing from it. It’s not uncommon to have a headache as your body gets used to running without the sugar. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Some black coffee or aspirin will help as well. If you are getting nauseous in addition to having the headache, try drinking some unsweetened peppermint tea.
Joint and Body Aches
Some people experience flu-like symptoms including joint and body aches. It’s your body going through the sugar withdrawal. Try drinking some warm chicken broth or take a hot bath in Epsom salt. The symptoms could be caused by an electrolyte imbalance and both of those will help. I know it sounds strange, but some people swear by drinking some pickle juice to get rid of the aches.
Shakes and Chills
Last but not least you could experience shakes and chills. It may feel like a fever or you’re coming down with the flu, but again, it’s just sugar withdrawal symptoms. Crawl in the bed and sleep through the worst of it if you can. By the time you wake up, you’ll be through most of it. It’s helpful to start your sugar detox on a Friday. You can make it through your workday before the headaches start and then have all weekend to detox. By the time Monday rolls around you should be through the worst of it. Just keep yourself busy or spend a good amount of time sleeping as you make it through to the other side.
The Side Effects Will Be Temporary and You Will Feel Much Better Afterward
Speaking of that, keep reminding yourself that these side effects will not last. Force yourself to tough it out one more hour. Go watch a movie, call a friend, or go for a walk. Distract yourself and before you know it the hour will be over. Keep it up hour after hour and you’ll get through your sugar detox before you know it. Don’t let these side effects scare you away from giving a sugar detox a try. Chances are you won’t experience every one of these and many symptoms won’t be very severe. Above all keep in mind that this will only last for a few days and you’ll come out of it without the sugar cravings and with a chance for a much healthier diet and lifestyle.