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Diabetic or Not, Here's How to Effectively Eliminate Sugar from Your Diet in 21-Days

BEUHARMONY

By Lynn RuwizaPublished 3 years ago 6 min read

Are you a diabetic looking to reduce your sugar intake, or just trying to cut out sugar from your diet? Either way, it is possible to effectively eliminate sugar from your food in just 21 days. If you’re diabetic, you already know that sugar can have a serious impact on your health, and that reducing your sugar intake is essential for managing your diabetes. But it’s not just diabetics who can benefit from cutting out sugar - reducing sugar intake is beneficial for everyone, regardless of whether they have diabetes or not.

Set a goal to cut out sugar for 21 days.

Are you trying to cut out sugar from your diet? If so, it’s important to set a goal and stick to it. Making the decision to adopt a low sugar diet can be difficult, but it’s worth it in the long run. This article will explain why and how you should set a goal of cutting out sugar for 21 days.

In 2023, the World Health Organization recommended that people consume less than 10% of their daily calories from added sugars.

While this amount is still too high, it serves as a starting point for those looking to reduce their sugar consumption. Reducing added sugar intake has many benefits, such as weight loss and improved heart health. The 21-day rule is an effective way to start a low sugar diet. It takes 21 days to form a habit, so if you commit to going without added sugars for three weeks, it will become much easier to avoid them in the future. It’s important to remember that this process is not easy and that you may slip up here and there.

The key is to stay motivated and focus on the end goal: to break your addiction to added sugars. So if you’re ready to start on your journey of reducing your sugar intake, make sure to set a goal of cutting out sugar for 21 days. With dedication and perseverance, you will soon be on your way to better health.

Start by eliminating processed foods and hidden sugars.

Cutting sugar from your diet can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. One of the best ways to reduce sugar in your diet is to start by eliminating processed foods and hidden sugars. This means avoiding things like pre-packaged snacks, canned goods, processed meats, and sugary drinks. Many of these items contain high levels of sugar, often labeled as corn syrup or dextrose.

While it may be difficult to avoid processed foods entirely, you can start by making small changes, like replacing a sugary cereal with oatmeal or swapping out candy bars for homemade snacks. Once you get used to reading food labels, you'll be able to better identify added sugars and limit them in your 2023 low sugar diet.

Be aware of natural sugars and substitute them with healthier alternatives.

When beginning a low sugar diet in 2023, it is important to be aware of natural sugars as well as added or processed sugars. Natural sugars are found in many foods such as fruits, vegetables, milk, and yogurt. While these sugars may not contribute to weight gain like processed sugars, too much of them can still raise blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the amount of natural sugars you are consuming and substitute them with healthier alternatives. For example, try replacing sugary fruits with fresh berries or apples which are lower in natural sugar.

Alternatively, swap out sweetened dairy products with unsweetened varieties. If you're looking for something sweet, try naturally sweet alternatives like dates, dried figs, raisins, or bananas instead. Additionally, be sure to read food labels carefully and look for foods that are low in sugar and high in protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. With some smart substitutions, you can enjoy the benefits of a low sugar diet without sacrificing flavor.

Modify your favorite recipes to be sugar-free.

Making the switch to a low sugar diet doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the dishes you love. You can still enjoy delicious food without relying on added sugar. Making small modifications to recipes is a great way to reduce the amount of sugar without compromising on taste.

Start by cutting out white and brown sugar completely, then look for other ingredients that contain natural sugars. Fruits, juices, and honey are common culprits, so try to eliminate them or reduce their portions significantly. If a recipe calls for a lot of sugar, consider replacing it with a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.

You can also add ingredients like apple cider vinegar, which will not only add flavor but also reduce the need for sugar. Other sugar-free alternatives include spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom. Even switching from regular dairy milk to unsweetened almond milk can make a big difference in your sugar intake. Finally, make sure to read nutrition labels carefully when buying packaged foods. Many products contain hidden sugars, even if they don’t appear on the list of ingredients. Look for items that have lower amounts of sugar per serving, or look for alternative brands that have no added sugar at all.

By making simple modifications to your favorite recipes, you can easily reduce the amount of sugar without having to give up the foods you love. The benefits are worth it - cutting down on sugar will help you stay healthier and more energetic in the long run!

Sugary drinks…replace them with water or unsweetened beverages.

When it comes to cutting out sugar, one of the most important steps is to replace sugary drinks with water or unsweetened beverages. Sodas, fruit juices, energy drinks, and other sweetened drinks are full of added sugars that can add up quickly and make it difficult to stick to a low sugar diet. Instead, opt for water or unsweetened tea and coffee. Some carbonated waters and zero-calorie flavored waters are also a great way to stay hydrated without consuming any added sugar.

You can also try making your own fruit-infused water to add natural flavor without any added sugars. Replacing sugary snacks with healthier alternatives is also essential when following a low sugar diet. Try opting for fresh fruits or vegetables like apples, carrots, celery sticks, and cucumbers instead of candy bars, ice cream, and cookies. Nuts, seeds, dried fruits, yogurt, and cheese all make healthy snacks as well. Protein bars can be another good alternative as long as they don’t contain too much added sugar. Eating more protein and fiber will help you feel fuller longer, reducing cravings throughout the day.

Additionally, start reading food labels so you know how much sugar you’re getting from processed foods. Choose products that have lower amounts of added sugars and limit the amount you consume. Finally, adding cinnamon to recipes and beverages can help satisfy those sweet tooth cravings without adding extra sugar.

Avoid temptation by keeping unhealthy snacks out of the house.

Avoid keeping tempting treats in the house. Sugary snacks like candy, pastries, or chips can be hard to resist, especially if they’re right in front of you. It’s important to remember that these treats are not only high in sugar, but they also provide little nutritional value. Instead of stocking the house with unhealthy snacks, replace them with lower-sugar options like nuts, dried fruit, whole-grain crackers, or trail mix.

Keeping healthier snacks around makes it easier to make better choices when hunger strikes. When you do want a sweet treat, look for snacks with natural sweeteners like honey or stevia. That way, you can still satisfy your sweet tooth without overindulging in added sugar.

Stick to your goal and avoid cheat days.

It’s important to stay committed and avoid cheat days when cutting out sugar from your diet. If you’ve been on a low sugar diet for 21 days and you start to slip up, it can be easy to throw in the towel. However, don’t let that be an excuse to go back to eating sugary treats. Instead, reward yourself with something else such as a manicure or a massage after reaching your goal. Having a positive reinforcement to look forward to can help keep you motivated and focused on sticking to your low sugar diet.

If you want a detailed guide to help you through the 21-day journey, click here now.

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