Hi everyone, I've been withought computer access for a few months and posting using an iPhone is just annoying so I haven't been back to update how we (Husband and I) did with giving up sugar so here goes.
Well, what an adventure! I initially gave up fructose on new years day 2010. I suffered awful withdrawal symptoms but eventually was ok. Slowly weight started to drop off and I felt absolutely fantastic. My head was clear, my skin was clear and I was able to exercise much more than before.
Early Feb we were dealt an awful blow when our son was diagnosed with a profound disability and I started eating sugar again (comfort food) and undid all of the hard work. Weight piled on again, skin looked awful and blotchy, headaches were rampant and I felt really sluggish. I knew the sugar had to go. So, in early April I decided that was it, NO more sugar! I bought a 5kg bag of glucose powder from the health food store and used that in replace of where I'd usually have sugar. The withdrawal this time was hardly noticable and pretty soon I was again feeling great.
Three months on...
I'm now 14.5kg lighter than this time three months ago, I keep getting comments on how good I look, not just the weight loss but people are moreso commenting on my skin and saying that I look much 'fresher'. My skin had been really blotchy and red before but it's a much more even colour now. I have so much more energy and my mood is also lifted. It's just easier to do things and to think straight now.
I don't think people can expect giving up fructose will automatically change their life but it does make it much easier to improve those other aspects of your life that need a little tweaking. For example, prior to giving up sugar I was going to the gym 3-5 times a week every week, working out and busting my guts but the weight never shifted. When I gave up sugar I was able to work out more efficiently and the weight just dropped off. I still needed to exercise (we all do) but having a clear head with a brain that wasn't always tired and foggy made it a lot easier to work harder and run further.
I didn't go 'low fat' anything but I didn't pig out on slabs of bacon and cheese either. I ate small meals often throughout the day and stopped when I was full. Giving up sugar makes it a lot easier to feel when you're full, you just don't eat as much. I do think stopping all of the 'low fat' foods is crucial though because they do tend to be higher in sugar. Old habits die hard though and if you're an over eater you will need to keep an eye on that. But giving up sugar just makes it a little bit easier to stop when you're full.
My Husband....
Three months after giving up sugar he is now 17.5kg lighter and looks absolutely amazing. He's also started training at the gym and it has helped with his weight but before giving up sugar he just didn't have the energy to do anything at all. We'd tried everything but giving up sugar is what gave us the kickstart to really get some good results with weight and general wellbeing.
I hope this encourages others to keep going with their no sugar journey. As I said, going fructose free isn't a licence to become sedentry and start eating lard, you will still need to exercise and watch portions but if (like me) you were doing everything to shift weight and it just didn't happen, you may find that cutting out fructose is the key you've been looking for.
Good luck!
