Sugar Update

I’ve been off sugar for five weeks.

Having cut out sugar before and stayed off it for years, I knew what to expect.

Surprisingly, it was easier this time. I shifted from two main meals with snacks to three meals with zero snacking.

It took a few days to adjust, but once I nailed my portion sizes, my energy levels stabilized.

I do best with meat and veggies. That protein-carb mix keeps my energy steady. Apple cider vinegar helps too. It slows down carbs and keeps glucose spikes low. All of it adds up to feeling good.

If you’re managing a chronic disease, cutting out sugar is worth a try. Sugar spikes low-grade inflammation. Not a plus when you’re fighting for your health.

When I eat sugar, it’s usually dark chocolate (85% or more). Not all that sweet. Decent amount of fat. Fat fills you up. Sugar doesn’t.

A square or two does it for me. Not a candy bar. But even that’s a lot if I’m having it most nights.

Now, 37 days of being sugar-free, I can tell my inflammation is down.

MS symptoms spike for lots of reasons. One of them? Inflammation. Low-grade inflammation increases the “milder” MS issues. It makes the pain worse. And that, in turn, makes everything worse.

I can tell sugar gives me low-grade inflammation. When I delete sugar from my diet, I feel a slight improvement. The thing is, I notice.

Yeah, I know I should probably never touch sugar again.

Easier said than done. Instead, I’m allowing myself a cheat meal. If I want some chocolate during that time, fine. So far, I haven’t wanted it.

Gotta say, the way our food industry adds sugar to pretty much everything makes going whole food a self-defense move.

Right now, I’m in a good spot. Enjoying it. The food’s great. I don’t feel like I’m on a diet. I’m having sweet potato air fries and berries now and then. Sweet, sure, but not processed. They still have the fiber to slow down the glucose and fructose hit. Sugar is just mainlining. It makes insulin spike hard, and when it hits hard, you gain fat. Soft? You burn it.

It’s easier without sweets in the pantry, fridge, or freezer. I open those doors, and I don’t see quick snacks. Not at all.

Skipping the snacks and sweets is easier when they’re not in the house.

Game on.