5 months NO processed sugar – breaking the habit

And as a gift to myself as well as a mental challenge, I went 5 months without any processed sugar — no cookies, no chocolate, no post-dinner treats hiding in the pantry since January 1, 2025!

Why?

To test myself.  It started with a 30-day client challenge and continued for the next 5 months. 

I wanted to really improve my energy, my focus, and my discipline without needing an instant dopamine hit.

I wanted to prove to myself that I could delay gratification and stay committed to something uncomfortable.

Here’s What I Learned:

• Mental clarity shot through the roof — no more afternoon crashes.  (I didn’t have many to begin with, but now they were completely gone.) 
• My cravings? Completely gone after the first 30 days, don’t get me wrong, I still had them every now and again, but I learned self-control and better alternatives. (Fruit, honey, maple syrup).
• Better sleep with no big desserts to finish off dinner or a sugar fix in the evening, and of course, more control around food.
• I stopped negotiating with myself at 8pm in the kitchen – that was it, the kitchen was closed. 

It wasn’t about being PERFECT. 

It was about breaking the pattern and the habit that is so EASY to fall into. 

What Helped:

• Swapping out sugar for high-protein snacks: Greek yogurt, berries, nuts, dried figs/dates.
  
  
• Drinking more water and adding salt + electrolytes helped manage and overcome cravings.
  
  
• Building real structure into my meals so I wasn’t constantly snacking or grazing.
  
  
• Reminding myself: this isn’t forever, it’s merely a test of willpower, and know that I had the choice to break it at ANY time. If I slipped up (which I didn’t), I would continue right back on track the next day.
  
  

This wasn’t about cutting out everything I loved or being SUPER strict with my diet — it was about cutting out coping.

And it gave me something better in return: confidence.

I did, HOWEVER, break the 5-month streak with homemade BANANA pudding from my wife Steph on my 40th 🙂  I didn’t feel guilty, it was DELICIOUS (I’m not a cake fan), it was quite the reward for completely taking a BREAK from all white sugar…and of course I had some wine gums and Haribo as well (I’m also human)

But it was enough.  I realized I have way better energy, mental clarity, less inflammation in the body, better digestion, and improved sleep when sugar is not part of my snacks or meals…

So if you’re tired of using food as a way to unwind, numb out, or reward yourself after a stressful day…

I promise you this: You are stronger than your cravings.

Want to learn how to build a plan that works for your lifestyle and goals — sugar-free or not?

Shoot me an email telling me you’re READY, and I’ll send you a free 3-step strategy to get started.

Here’s to strong bodies, focused minds, and no more dad bod excuses.