How kicking SUGAR has totally changed my life!

January 20, 2013 by Mastin Kipp 74 Comments

Well, I have been off sugar for about four weeks now, and it’s been incredible. I’ve never felt better in my whole life.

Then – last week for my birthday, I decided to go back – cuz it was, you know, my birthday!

So I went there. The night before I had caramel corn and ice cream.

OMG.

When I woke up the next day, I felt like CRAP.

And it reminded me – the feeling that I had – of how I felt when I was hung over from alcohol or in a coke hangover.

I had never been “off” sugar for such a long period of time. And when I went back, I got a peek at the state I had been living in most of my life.

No wonder I had ADD! No wonder I couldn’t focus! No wonder I felt like crap and tired all the time.

It was such a huge awareness. I had been in the sugar fog for so long, that I didn’t even know that I was still in it.

But, since I got some distance with the sugar abstinence over the holiday, when I went back to it, my body let me know what’s up. I couldn’t believe how different I felt. I called it having a sugar hangover. Cuz that is exactly how I felt.

Hung over.

So, I decided that for the next few months I am giving up sugar all together. I was going to only have sugar four days a month, but when you are an alcoholic or a drug addict – you don’t have your substance four times a month.

So, I’m off. I also went to my amazing Chinese Medicine doctor (check them out here) and she told me I also have candida.

So, I am also doing a six-week candida cleanse to get that stuff out of my body. This means no sugar, no fruit, no agave, no coconut sugar, no Splenda, etc. All I can have is a little stevia and Lakanto – which is fine by me.

I am also going to check out some 12-Step Meetings around food and sugar so that I can get some support in the early days of my sugar abstinence.

I’m so excited, because without sugar, I can focus, I can think clearly, I can see and I can manifest in even greater ways.

I am excited because I feel like I am awakening even more of my dormant energy and potential. I am almost finished with my book and already have a second book mapped out.

There are so many projects that I am excited to create and launch. And all this clarity and energy has come from giving up sugar.

One of my saving graces in this change has been raw milk. Now, raw milk is NOT for everyone. Especially if you are pregnant, elderly or have a weak immune system – please check with your doctor and intuition before consuming raw milk.

But drinking raw milk and consuming the prescribed Chinese herbs I am taking have fully helped curb my sugar cravings. It’s helped me balance my blood sugar and also get healthy fats into my body.

What’s so cool about raw milk is that if you are lactose intolerant, you can probably drink raw milk. Also, it has all the eight amino acids that our body needs, and it supports fat loss as well as lean muscle building.

I never in my life thought I would be almost free from sugar cravings, but the day has come. Sure, I still “want” something sugary every once in a while, but those addictive impulses for sugar have subsided for now.

I am one week into the candida cleanse, and I’ve never felt better. With a balanced diet and raw dairy – I feel as if I have a new lease on life. Almost like I felt when I gave up drugs and alcohol – like a brand new me.

Is sugar messing up YOUR life?

As always, the action happens in the comments below. Leave a comment and join the conversation! The TDL Community thrives in the comments and it’s a GREAT place to get support!

Love,

Mastin

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Mastin Kipp is the founder and CEO of The Daily Love. Follow him on Twitter here.

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tc

I gave up sugar just over a year ago and know EXACTLY what you mean. I no longer cook in a hurried state – if I’m cooking salmon etc, I use a low heat & cook it SLOWLY in its own fats. Preserve the nutrition. I have unpasturised milk (still have the unhomogenised – can’t do the raw milk thing) or 6 days a week I make my own almond milk, just almonds, filtered water & a bit of sea salt, a sieve or nut mylk bag & a blender. Super easy. The more things are going back to basics & their original forms (organic, not over processed, raw etc) the better everything becomes. It’s the best way to be & you actually end up spending less $$$ on health in the long run, & are much happier too.
TheHealthCoach

Okay so I am a Health Coach who specializes in Detoxification Protocols to reverse cancers and AutoImmune Diseases & this Blog TOTALLY resonated with me! I was a big shot so to speak in Investment Banking & lived like a regular over-stressed; poor eating Investment Banker and my body let me know it one day! And I embarked on an amazing sugar detox which all my peers thought I was cray-cray! But I pursued because I got addicted to the feeling of well being and long story cut short – it lead me to my purpose of what I am today.

The point is – I totally resonate with this post because we tend to think we need sugar and we don’t realise that this is an addicts mentality. Just because over-consumption of sugar is accepted in most Western Societies today DOES NOT make it OK! Most people dont even know what feeling WELL really feels like! And let me tell you – it feels really really good. Just the way God intended! Sugar is more addictive than cocaine. All those ailments you complain about may just be caused by that white substance on your kitchen counter.. Take a bet with me?
- Joelofnyc
  
  Hi! What is your website address? I’m an ex-investment banker going to school to be a life coach an d would love to check out your site and read more about your story!
Jo

Wow! Congratulations for giving up sugar. I had the same thing with coffee actually. I quit coffee 9 months ago now and I never felt better. When i was off of coffee for about 4 months, I accidently drank coffee and felt, after about 10 minutes or so, the “fog” and pressure in my head coming back to me. A major lesson there!!
http://www.ladiesholiday.com/ Ladies Holiday

I’m sugar clean going on two weeks. Hooray. I’d tried quitting sugar several other times in my life, but just what you said – the feeling of well being trumps the craving this time. When you first wrote about giving up sugar, I was like, good luck mastin and didn’t see myself in nearly the same position just weeks later. I didn’t get it yet. But something clicked and now I do- namely the sugar hangover you described/ coming down feeling which just felt too much like addiction to me. So adios sucre.

The one thing is changing my diet further- I already am vegetarian (over 20 yrs) and don’t drink caffeine or chocolate. So I am looking at this as another new exploration of what can I have in my diet that is non-stimulating, but tasty and satisfying. For the first time I am excited about this opening instead of thinking of it as drudgery or denial.

Thank you Mastin for providing this support, awareness and a little ‘ole place for all of us who are quitting sugar and loving ourselves more because of it.
Faubourg2

I love this post because it makes me feel like stopping sugar again. I stopped it for four weeks in august : my body slimmed, my skin was glowing and improved so much and yes i had this big smile on my face even though i was going through some stuff!

i stopped pastas, bread also and ate a lot of fruit and nuts and vegetables rice etc so really i did not feel frustrated or anything, i drank a lot of water (slightly mineralized) coconut water, coconut milk (in a banana and mango smoothie) and coconut oil (in a spoon, yummy).

I now eat a lot less sugar since and really feel good about it, now i would like to do another one month (or two) without sugar and gluten and start juicing every morning or on the week end.
- Rothermel Harald
  
  hi there. i really resonate with giving up sugar and coffee, but i would like to learn what is the problem with gluten, can you share please?
  thank you .
  harald rothermel
  - http://www.facebook.com/debbiestclairecoach Debbie StClaire
    
    Hi Harald, I hope you don’t mind my reply on your gluten question. Gluten for many is a allergen and the body treats it as a foreign invader and attacks it and as results attacks the body. Gluten is also addictive so we are drawn to eat it even though it is bad for us. Gluten sensitivity can cause many symptoms in the body, bloating, intestinal distress, joint pain, etc.
    If you suspect you are sensitive to gluten try going without it for two week and see how you feel. There is much information on this on the web. Good luck
    Debbie
Patti L.

Did you give up pasta, rice and bread as well?
The link to Chinese Medicine doctor isn’t working for me – I would like more information, please.
This was a GREAT post – it gives me incentive to look into getting off of sugar, too.
Thanks for the share Mastin.
- xstend
  
  Hope you don’t mind my responding to your question to Mastin. I gave up sugar a year ago but I had already given up breads prior to that and I can only eat small amounts of carbs. what I have discovered over the years of paying close attention to my body’s response to food was that carbohydrates contributed to my high blood pressure, not salt. By drastically reducing my carbs I went from 3 medications down to 1. I monitor my pressure at least 5 mornings every week. If I eat any type of bread (for some reason plain crackers are okay in moderation-go figure) my ankles swell and my BP numbers go up. Same reaction if I eat more than 2 portions of any carbohydrate in a day. This however does not include fruits. I can eat that normally without any reactions. Maybe because they are simple sugars.
Lanettehi2u

Wow are we on the same schedule !! I too gave up auger on the 1st and did so very well until last nite when I had a large snickers. I had been feeling so good and positive without sugar . Woke up this morning and read your message WOW talk about perfect timing and you and the universe looking out for me -THANK YOU MASTIN!!!! I have 30 years soberity and love my life without booze -will love it even more without the sugar !!!!
http://TheRelationshipInsider.com/ Sheryl Kurland

Isn’t it amazing how sometimes when we “give up,” we are actually “gaining”? I gave up gluten. Increase fruits and veggies. I sleep much better now among other things. But it hasn’t been instant differences like you’ve had; very gradual changes. Patience and consistency. Great going, Mastin!
Eilish

Mastin
Amazing synchronicity. Have you hear of Sarah Wilson. She has been talking about this extensively for the last 2 years or more. I think you’d love her new book that she is launching this month. I did her program last year and was amazed at both how surprising simple it was to remove it from my life (I eat little processed food) and also how good it felt. http://www.sarahwilson.com.au/2012/12/how-to-quit-sugar-in-the-new-year/

Check it out xe
- Phoenix
  
  I just came over to the blog to say the same thing about synchronicities and Sarah Wilson! I’ve been following her progress the last couple years too and have been curious. Not quite ready myself to go all the way for various reasons but I’ve certainly made some changes to my diet (e.g. cutting sugar in my coffee and morning oatmeal) and am even more mindful now about what and how I eat.
- Zlatina
  
  I liked Sarar Wilson on FB!
Niemanfamily

I believe sugar is a form of drug now. Abused by so many and highly addictive. I’ve been off of all flour and sugar and most caffeine products for 7 yrs now via a 12 step program. It’s been great for me. I work the program still as I don’t want to go backwards one day and say its ok to eat sugar cuz it’s my birthday and find out I’m back face down in it and feeling crappy all for a bite. Much clearer thinking. Far more focused on living now. Check out my journey from 314.5 lbs down to 135 by giving up flour, sugar and being very disciplined around my food. Really nice service you are providing. http://Www.heidinieman.blogspot.com
Ariel

OMG!! I have been trying to give up sugar/sweets for a long time and just decided yesterday that I am giving it up for good! It is so harmful and toxic for me and the emotional dependancy I have for it creates so much negative energy for me. Thank you so much for posting this! You are my inspiration Mastin and if you can do it, I can do it!!! Sending so much love! ~Ariel
Olivia

Congratulations! I gave up wheat 9 months ago and never felt better… I eat a little coconut sugar. So I might have to let that go next… Thanks for your continued inspiration.. Olivia
Cybil_taylor

Hello! I feel the same way about corn! I went to an Asian doctor who told me I eat too much corn. I disagreed until she brought up chips (which I ate every single day) and taco shells. When I ended my relationship with corn I also ended my relationship with Tums. And if I forget and eat some chips, I am right back to Tums! Those doctors are amazing!!

The link to your doctor doesn’t work for me either. I’m interested in the candida cleanse as my dr said the same thing about me
Moniquek

I also decided to kick the habit around November.The results were amazing. I decided to have one piece of birthday cake and like you I was back at square one and it took a week of eating sugar and feeling horrible to get off it again. My question for you is do you still eat whole wheat bread? I do but I know tht even whole wheat carbs have sugar. Also you mentioned that you were still having Splenda and a nutritionist told me that the body reacts the same way to that as sugar? I guess giving it up can have different degrees. Love to hear your thoughts on this.
Thanks
Coreykj

I am sending prayers and thoughts your way for an easy transition off of sugar for you. I so appreciate your wisdom. I wonder how many problems could be linked to diet? I think people are starting to take diet more seriously and with folks like you leading the way many people will start to discover that what they eat really effects thier moods, relationships and so forth. Great post!
Grace

Thank you for writing this Mastin!! I am a Holistic Health Coach
giving 2 workshops this week about giving up sugar! I will be putting
a copy of this post in their info packet. Yay! Congrats!
Grace Kurlander, Get Healthy With Grace
http://www.are-you-there-kathleen-its-me-god.blogspot.com/ Kathleen Reynolds Chelquist

Mastin, Just wondering…. Have you given up breads since they turn into sugar? My mentor NEVER eats sugar, flour, and etc. EVER. Not even one piece. She is Italian and she makes the yummiest foods from God only knows what..LOL. Stevia (and all it’s flavorings) is definitely part of her ingredients, and I give my son Stevia all the time (She really encourages me since he has ? diagnosis). Can you have a lot of Stevia? He always wants 10 drops (his fav #) in his cereal. Anyway, since I am in Spiritual Bootcamp, I am sure “Sugar” will be one of my whispers soon. Being an observer of my EGO self, I notice my resistance to your posts when you write about it. My mind thinks, “Aren’t I doing enough…I have cut alcohol completely (For now). I cut my hair. I stopped wearing make-up for a few months. AND….I QUIT CHEWING GUM (except xilitol), and I drink GREEN JUICE everyday. ” My heart responds, “You are enough if you want to eat chocolate cake all night. And, does it work for you? Do you notice the “SUGAR HANG OVER” the next day? Don’t worry, you will decide when you have suffered enough.” Ahhh… I feel better now. Sort of.
The Daily Commenter,
Kathleen
are-you-there-kathleen-its-me-god.blogspot.com/
PS nearly at 400 people have read my “Cutting Hair” blog. Conclusion? People REALLY make their hair mean something.
- lizilynx
  
  GREAT conclusion, Kathleen!! LOL with you! Congrats on your blog site, too! )
  - http://www.are-you-there-kathleen-its-me-god.blogspot.com/ Kathleen Reynolds Chelquist
    
    Thanks Liz! XO
http://www.facebook.com/lhiggin Lynn Higgin

I am a self-confessed sugar addict (always have been)! I’ve gone off of it before, only to be allured back. As a holistic health practitioner I thought I had this down, getting off sugar! I knew all the dangers of being on sugar, I knew the best way to get off of it, but still I didn’t. This blog reminds me again, of how necessary it is for me to stop the roller coaster of sugar and stop it for good. I also suffer off/on with candida as well, and we all know candida LOVES sugar!

THANK you for writing this blog today. I am going to put it some place where I can read it anytime I start having cravings so it will remind me how good it will feel to be sugar free!
Susan

I think different foods /substances resonate with different people. I’ve cut way back on caffeine, which used to make me feel edgy and foggy. I still can have a little bit and feel fine, but it’s a small limit, and through trial and error, I know what that limit is. Many years ago I gave up red meat, and now if I do eat any red meat I feel horribly sick. We all know sugar is not a healthy food, I don’t eat much of it, but when I do eat some, it doesn’t seem to affect me. For me, sugar is not an addictive drug, the occasional weekly treat keeps me sane and eating healthy the rest of the time. I think the point here is to be flexible, notice how various foods affect you, and live accordingly.
Rmcknight923

Would you post you candida six-week cleanse program here?
- http://www.facebook.com/debbiestclairecoach Debbie StClaire
  
  There is a great book that includes a candida detox program and recipes. It is The Candida Control Cookbook by Gail Burton.
  
  Debbie
Jodi

Mastin, I loved your post. Food addiction is such a little understood addiction! I have been a member of a 12-step program around recovery from food addiction for 21 years, and believe me, it has NOT been a linear path. What I know is that sugar completely fucks with my mind and changes how I feel about myself and who I am in the world. I am so grateful that you are talking about it and that more of us are joining the conversation. Thanks for being part of my village .
http://www.facebook.com/lara.loest Lara Loest

Love raw milk too! Giving up sugar has had a major impact for me too…my mood swings are far less extreme, my sleep is generally deeper and I simply feel happier. I still have Stevia and Xylitol along with some honey in my tea. My life is better without sugar.
Lindsey

I’m 3 weeks into sugar-free living & combined with cutting out alcohol & doing yoga everyday…I feel amazing!! I feel lighter, brighter & so much happier. I just remember how crap I felt on the sugar & alcohol - that alone inspires me to stay on this road. Best of luck.
Dwn

Giving up sugar is hard! I have just started (again) a very low calorie diet as part of a weight loss plan that is very clean as well. I lost a good amount of weight on it a few years ago and then went back to eating sugar and drinking alcohol and the pounds piled back on. So sick of the yo yo.
- poc
  
  Hey Dwn, I also have also experienced the yo yo in weight gain and food addictions. But I’ve also experienced it in other parts of myself that I work on as well. But let’s talk about the sugar : I gave up sugar months ago and lost weight. Then I started back in November but in very small amounts and have regained some of the weight. I know it’s frustrating but don’t give up! Each time you fall you absolutely MUST pick yourself back up no matter how many times you fall.
- xstend
  
  Hi Dwn
  I have a kept a journal for the last 7 years and in reading back I found I struggled with giving up sugar for about 5 of those years. I kept saying that I knew I had to change my eating habits and I even prayed about it but until last year I, too, kept backsliding. Finally, last January I was ready. I did the Daniel Fast for three weeks, saw the difference in how I felt and never looked back. My point to you is don’t give up no matter how many times you fall off the wagon. One day it will be your last fall and you,too will never look back.
Heather

I did the same thing, quit coffee and sugar mid December. I started a liver cleanse and will remove the fruit for six weeks after that. I feel the same way. I feel clear and bright and way more in touch with my intuition. Doreen Virtue said in one of her books that sugar addiction is related to alcoholism. That many children of alcoholics, especially women, will go to a sugar addiction over alcohol addiction because it may be more socially accepted to grab the sugar when raising children. It is a drug for sure. Before my blood sugar levels were on this endless reckless roller coaster ride. Once my blood sugar levels equalled out, my emotional and mental state did as well. Thanks for sharing, it helps my path to know others have experienced the same effects.
Uknowhat10

Thank you for this blog, Ive been trying to give up for so long and it doesnt happen. I want to give up but im unsure of where to start.
Holli

Mastin, this is such a great example of “finding your nutritional style”..
I’m so excited for you as you head into this journey, even discovering that raw milk supports you right now. Raw milk was the key to my sons asthma at age 5, an example of how one persons medicine is another persons toxin.
It was the key to his inflammation, and pulling the raw milk out of his diet, like sugar for you, gave him back his health.
Keep off the sweet stuff, we all need you bright, clean and shining!
xo Holli
Amy Thoennes

Mastin,
Thank you so much for blogging about sugar. I too have candida and have been off sugar for 8 months. It has made a world of difference. I feel better, sleep deeper and I am faster in my work outs. But, I’m not going to lie, eliminating sugar has been challenging. I broke down right before the holidays and had a cupcake. Afterwards I felt terrible. I sometimes miss red wine but do not miss the way alcohol made me feel. Anyway, glad to hear you are feel great and hope you can kick Candida for good!

Amy
Monicamerleau

Thank you Mastin for today’s blog on cutting out sugar. I to have suffered for many years with Candida. I know what needs to be done to get rid of it. Cut out my sugar….I am a mother of two teenagers and a yoga teacher . So I need a lot of energy to sty clear mined and strong. I eat healthy but my weakness is wine and choclate. whichnmakes me crave other salty and sweet goodies.Maybe today’s blog will be my jump start to take care of myself in a deeper way.
Marymm2011

Amazing, Congratulations! That takes a lot of courage…
Beachspirit

Hi Mastin,
I’ve been visiting your website since seeing you on Oprah’s Soul Series and signed up for the TDL emails. Love it! I just wanted to share a great documentary called Forks over Knives that is so informative about nutrition and reversing so many illnesses from skin rashes to cancer and heart disease. I highly recommend watching it.
Love & Light
Julie Hodge

Hi Mastin – so awesome to read that you are “getting it” too when it comes to sugar and how destructive it is on our health and wellness. I’m a fitness expert in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and I run “The Truth About Sugar” workshops and do my very best to help educate friends, family, and my clients with what sugar does, how to reduce, or eliminate it and also the many, many (did I say many yet?…) names that sugar is found under. I’ve compiled a big list, if you want it Anyways I love getting my TDL dose and love what you are doing. And was super happy today to see one more person making the switch to a sugar free (or sugar reduced) lifestyle.

THANK YOU!!!

Julie Hodge
Tinahcity

I really loved your post it made me think once again about how my numerous issues subsided by accident. I went on a modified Adkins diet (meaning I read the Adkins book and cut out all the stuff it said and a few more things since I am lactose intolerant) because I was having issues with my digestion and wanted to see if I could help my stomach problems with a bit of an elimination diet. I didn’t realize til after I jumped back on the carb and sugar wagon how much better I felt without any sugars.

Of course I am diabetic ( well sensitive) and should have known better but the bad part about that is that I was actually NEVER told to eliminate sugar or bread carbs or alcohol even. I was given a pill and told that it would help my body “process sugar”. After a year on the pills I felt awful and couldn’t understand why. I was not really consuming a huge amount of sweets but I do have three kids and a donut loving husband who when he gets his treat of choice waves donuts under my nose and asks me if I want one. I also had a one a day Redbull habit because I had NO energy.

After two weeks of agony (yes my body was really really mad at me) and after kicking my Redbull habit the world was brand new. I could remember things! I did my work effortlessly and without whining! ( I work from home as a transcriptionist, SEO content writer and internet assessor) And I actually loved my husband! ( I would wake up angry, fussy, and grumpy every day and often looked at him not feeling the same way and questioned if I even liked him or not) I never realized how bad I really felt. I had been feeling that way for so long that whenever I felt a little better I thought that THAT was normal.

It also reminds me of when I was pregnant. My iron was extremely low and when I saw the nurse she flipped on me. She asked me was I feeling alright and that she almost sent me to the hospital. She said “haven’t you been feeling tired and sluggish?” I told her yes, but that I thought that was normal. She just stared at me of course but really who doesn’t feel tired and sluggish with two kids, a full time job and being pregnant?

Back on topic. I felt wonderful but of course missed being in the group. My family was eating cookies and cake and burgers (with a bun) and I was the weirdo asking for a Big Mac with no bun. (Needless to say that caused all kinds of confusion and a Big Mac is just two tiny very sad patties covered in weird sauce without the bun) So I jumped back on the wagon and feel like horrendous yet again. Starting in February I will again begin my sugar free, carb free, gluten free lifestyle and stick with it for a year. Why February? Sadly not consuming cheap crap food is expensive if you still have four other mouths to feed so I must begin my “lavish” lifestyle after money matters are settled. Wish me luck!
Mona

Thank you for bringing the affects of sugar addiction into the consciousness of all who follow you. I’ve been dancing around the edges of this issue for a few years. Pretty sure the universe just handed me the motivation I needed on a TDL platter. Love your guts.
http://features.peta.org/VegetarianStarterKit/ Nik

Mastin – Thank you for all of your inspiring blogs and everything you do to raise consciousness and love in our world – I really am grateful for what you do and I respect and admire who you are. With that said, I feel compelled to discuss the Raw Milk issue with you, because I don’t feel it’s aligned with the rest of your messages for Unity & Health. Some of what you stated re: raw milk and lactose intolerant people might be true, but regardless, the dairy industry is inherently cruel and supporting such practices should be called into question. The publicity of Milk is one of the biggest myths that has been sold to our society; Dairy, raw or non, is meant to grow calves into huge cows. Humans don’t start that big as babies and they don’t grow to be that big while nursing. Don’t you find it strange that we are the only species who drinks the milk of another mammal? Would you drink the milk of a monkey (the closest primate genetically to us) or your dog? If you wouldn’t, why are you drinking the milk of a cow? All of that said, dairy has so many health issues for human beings. Raw or not, it contains no fiber or complex carbohydrates, but is laden with saturated fat and cholesterol. It’s contaminated with cow’s blood and pus and is frequently tainted by pesticides, hormones, and antibiotics. Drinking milk has been linked to obesity, allergies, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis—the very disease that it is touted to help prevent. Please check out these links:
http://girliegirlarmy.com/blog/20110430/mothers-day-the-feminists-dilemma/http://www.peta.org/issues/Animals-Used-For-Food/Cows-Milk-A-Cruel-and-Unhealthy-Product.aspx and please check out the documentary EARTHLINGS, narrated by Joaquin Pheonix: http://earthlings.com/?page_id=32 Thanks for your time, attention and consideration. I hope you’ll extend the compassion you have for your fellow human beings to all living creatures, including the sweet, innocent and nobel cows who are also a part of this Uni-Verse.
- Nick
  
  Here’s a great lecture that I think will resonate with you: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnQb58BoBQw&feature=related
shannie

Mastin … when you first went “off” sugar for four months (before the birthday ice cream) … what did that look like? Did you have fruit or ANY sugar?
Zlatina

My New Year’s resolution is to be sugar-free. I am so glad you posted this. I have been sugar-free thus far and I absolutely LVOE it! I hadn’t realized how much sugar products I was eating once I stopped. Amazing! And, I do feel great. I make healthier food decisions and eat more variety. I’ve never made New Year resolutions before but this time I thought to try and it’s awesome!
Lisa B.

Mastin,

Greetings! I just wanted to say that your words are like medicine for my soul every morning. Your blog is the second thing I read each morning, the first is the Bible. You are such a great inspiration to me and in my work. I am the Founder & Owner of an organization called BlackGurl Inc in Chicago. We provide group support and mentoring services to African American girls/young women 12-19. A significant part of the goal of my work is to encourage the spiritual growth of the participants because I know that the only way to live your highest life is to tap into spirit. After seeing you on Super Soul Sunday I immediately subscribed to The Daily Love and have incorporated your fantastic and powerful words into my work. The ladies love it and I see a little more light in their eyes. You are an awesome young man with a future so bright I need sunglasses. May God continue to invigorate you to do the work of Kingdom building.

Lisa Butler
Dawn Blanchette

Hi I too have tried to deal with sugars ev il
Wrath, are u having any natural sugars from fruit ?
Thanks
Dawn
Joni

I went on a personal 30 day challenge of no sweets or desserts for 30 days on 12.12 and I still haven’t touched any. Before this, I was an addict. I looked for chocolate, a cup cake, etc, and now my cravings are gone. I’m really proud of myself and when I recently shared my story with a friend he said, “You shouldn’t deprive yourself. You should have one or two bites.” His reaction didn’t sit well with me because all I could think was this: Sweets and desserts were like my daily/frequent cigarettes. Now that I’ve given them up, taking “one or two bites” is like taking one or two drags from a cigarette. It’s still unhealthy. Anyway, this has been on my mind a lot lately and OF COURSE the universe brought me to your post. It helps to know we’re going through a similar journey. Like you, I have a new found confidence and focus. Something like this would have been “impossible” before but I’ve proven to myself I can do anything if I simply make up my mind and choose.
LynMcF

That is so awesome Mastin! I gave up sugar about 9 months ago and will never go back! I have it occasionally but I always feel so foggy afterwards! If anyone wants to read about how I quit sugar you can read my blog post called Diary of Sugar Addict! http://www.stilettosandgreenjuice.com/2012/06/13/diary-of-a-sugar-addict-2/
SLD46

I feel this good after giving up wheat and gluten (not mutually exclusive). With that, most sugar also disappears. Important to research wheat and discover that the wheat grown today is GMO and not the wheat of 30+ years ago. I not only feel fabulous but visceral belly fat disappearing and high cholesterol numbers dropped big time!
xstend

Hi Mastin. I came off sugar a year ago when I did the Daniel Fast. Like you, I discovered that my thinking became clearer and my brain which has been in overdrive for what seems like my entire life had begun to slow down. The medical field insists that sugar does not cause hyperactivity but I beg to differ. I also stopped eating all types of meat; I only eat fish now.
When people say to me, “you can’t have sugar” I correct them, saying “It’s not that I cannot have sugar, I choose not to eat it”. It took me awhile but my perspective on sugar has changed dramatically. I no longer see it as a treat, but something that does not work well for my body. We get all the sugar we need from eating fruits and carbs. We don’t need the extra.
JackieF

Last night I decided to give up sugar. This morning I awoke to your email. THANK YOU! It was almost like a message that this is something I NEED to do and CAN do!
Laura Marie

Well done Mastin cutting out sugar is such a major step and well worth it. I have been sugar free with only stevia and a little fruit for two months now and it has had a huge impact on my health and life. Sugar was always my drug of choice and one day I had a full body visceral experience where I could actually feel how it was killing me, needless to say it was very motivational and helped me kick the habit. Interesting tidbit is sugar is 10x’s more addictive than crystal meth and for the times I still feel the urge I think of that fact, it helps:)
Love and blessings
Laura Marie
Armando

Hey Mastin! I totally relate to your experience of going off sugar then allowing yourself to enjoy some birthday cake etc….and the hangover the next day. Exact same experience here. Thanks for sharing.
Adoptsuccess

I also have been off sugar for the same period , I also have cut bread ,crisps all the addictive foods that have been my downfall over the last 40 years . I now food combine and have never felt better .
I have tried for years but was so addicted to these foods I just could not do it .
What has helped me the most is being in therapy and dealing with all the baggage I had been lugging around all these years .Good luck with your future ventures.
Leah x

Hey Mastin,
I have been off sugar for months due to similar reasons as you, I won’t go into it too much on here. I’m in several 12 step programmes one for food as well and is really helping me. Me too I had some additional help as well last year which got my finally into recovery from my ED which is amazing. Been off Alcohol and drugs for over two years but struggled heavily with my food, bulimia etc, but I have finally kicked that in the but. But it is, as with everything a daily programme and huge commitment is necessary. And my higher power does what I can not do for myself . If you like get in touch with me, I’ll send you my contact details. Lots of love xoxox
Mirandasmeets

Hi Mastin,
Fantastic that you gave up sugar!
I also gave up sugar and I feel great! When I eat sugar the next day I feel angry,tired,unhappy.
cheryl

I have a great acupuncturist that is a nutritionist and he gets you off of sugar for 6 weeks. When I did it I looked dramatically younger and healthier. I felt amazing. On my birthday I had a piece of cake and it actually made me high and not feel so great.You are inspiring me to go back on my sugar cleanse soon. The acupuncturist helps with the cravings and balances out hormones. Then slowly you bring back in fruit after the six weeks.With most people I have met there is also dramatic weight loss. It is amazing what how nutrition effects are well being in every way.
Rickbuchikos

Lovely article I enjoyed it tremendously. You may or may not know that when you give sugar to yeast/fungus, they make alcohol out of it and release it into your system.
Elyza

That’s so great, Mastin! I’m so glad you are doing well! I went off of sugar last April, and was so hungover on the few days I tried to go back. And I spend days feeling fiendish over food! I went off of fruit in October and that’s helped even more. I love that you are going through this, I feel that it is tougher than people think. I mean, Sugar is in table salt even! I have quite a few food allergies, and intolerances, but going off of sugar was the hardest. Being off the fruit this long has deadened my cravings completely, and I just want to say that I went off of sweeteners as well (including stevia) because my body reacts to sweeteners in the same way as sugar. Just a thought. Food has never tasted so good to me! I’m so glad there are others like me trying to kick sugar. I’d love to know more of you in person and revolve life around activities and not food!
Alexjl

I have noticed that sugar or sweets can sometimes make me feel tired or depressed. How do you start? It seems so daunting to give up sugar. What do you replace it with when you’re in the mood for something sweet? Is sucralose/artificial sweeteners ok?
http://shaynalmeida.podomatic.com/ Shayn Almeida

Thanks for the inspiration Bro’! Sugar is undoubtedly my daily Fix. ~ I Know it’s holding me back on multiple levels, and I definitely know that it’s time to finally quit. Thank you for the inspiration, the reminder, and the little push I needed to make this decision to outline and begin my own multi-dimensional (candida) cleanse. Keep up the great work!!!
me

Sugar, while great going down, leaves me depressed and at times extremely angry and moody.
Odnettie

Hello Mastin,

Love the article and the responses. In your article you mentioned Chinese Medicine with a link attached. Only one issue, the link didn’t work for me-any other options. I would like to start an authentic detox and I’m a fan of Chinese Medicines. Please advise…thanks!
Nicole

Yes, I suddenly decided to cut out all processed foods (in an effort to regulate my sodium intake) and refined sugar. I didnt do it to lost weight, but just to see if that was the cause of the constant dark circles under my eyes.

I have also been “oil pulling” which is something that people here may be interested in.

One of the first things I noticed in cutting out processed foods and sugar is that in general, I dont have food cravings. I also get full a lot faster and I have lost my desire to “graze” at night.

Also, my dark circles have gotten a little bit lighter, but time will tell. I could also be experiencing the effects of oil pulling.

I will keep everyone posted on my progress. Good luck in your sugar-free quest Mastin!
http://twitter.com/frannabari franna bari

Congrats ! I have been off sugar for almost 3 weeks. This is huge for me considering I could eat a costco size box of Oreo’s in one week. I am also been dairy and gluten free but today I ate one slice of “healthy bread” and I felt like I was hit over the head with a hammer.
http://twitter.com/frannabari franna bari

Congrats ! I have been off sugar for almost 3 weeks. This is huge for me considering I grew up on Smurfberry’s and could eat a costco size box of Oreo’s in one week. I feel very clear headed and my skin looks great.
Shelley Buehner

i can’t imagine my life without one cookie every day…seriously. made with honey and molasses…;) all the best Mastin! I just did a liver cleanse for 2 weeks, and for whatever reason my desire to smoke cigarettes was lifted. My desire for one cookie every day never left. I’m thinking it’s probably an emotional reaction..historical.
Shelley Buehner

oh, and one more thing. I love coffee. It’s my favorite comfort food. One-two cups a day. Totally didn’t need/miss that either during my cleanse. Just the one cookie. and maybe buttered popcorn, a little.
Monique Elliott

Thanks for sharing. I have been trying to cut sugar out in a big way (mainly soft drinks and white bread) for some time and have found it very hard. I am coming to realize that I actually have an addiction to sugar. Thank you for sharing. Your insight helps a lot. Today is the day that I am going to cut sugary drinks out of my diet for good and slowly work on an over all lower sugar diet and your story provides a lot of motivation in this regard. Thanks again!