Tips for Cutting Down on Sugar (2024)

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Keeping tabs on how much sugar you’re consuming is an important part of a heart-healthy lifestyle, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetesor prediabetes. The empty calories from added sugarsin desserts, sweetened beverages and candy can lead to weight gain and spikes in blood glucose levels.

The good news is that cutting down on sugar may be easier than you think.

Tips to cut back on added sugar:

  • Toss the table sugar. Cut back on the amount of sugar you add regularly to beverages and foods including cereal, pancakes, coffee or tea. Try cutting the usual amount of sugar you add by half. Continue to decrease the sugar until your taste buds adjust.
  • Swap out the sugary sips. Water is best, but if you want something sweet to drink or are trying to lose weight, diet drinks, unsweetened iced tea, and other unsweetened beverages can be a better choice than sugary drinks.
  • Shop wisely. Compare Nutrition Food labels and choose products with the lowest amounts of added sugars. Dairy and fruit products will contain some natural sugars. Added sugars can be identified in the ingredients list.
  • Go from added to natural. Instead of adding sugar to cereal or oatmeal, enjoy the sweetness from the natural sugars found in fruits. Try all the varieties: fresh, frozen, dried or canned fruits.Many dried fruits can be sweetened so read labels carefully and choose the unsweetened options. Buy fruit canned in water or natural juice. Avoid fruit canned in syrup, especially heavy syrup.
  • Half it. When baking cookies, brownies or cakes, cut the sugar called for in your recipe by one-third to one-half. Often you won’t notice the difference.
  • Use flavor extracts. Reduce some of the added sugar in recipes by using extracts, such as almond, vanilla, orange or lemon, to add some sweetness.
  • Spice it up. Enhance foods with warm spices instead of all the added sugar. Try ginger, allspice, cinnamon or nutmeg.
  • Get saucy. Switch out the added sugar in a recipe with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce.
  • Use non-nutritive sweetenerswhen necessary. Low- and no-calorie sugar substitutes mimic the sweetness of sugar, making them a good bridge if you’re trying to cut down on added sugars. These sugar substitutes can work as a short-term solution as you gradually train your palate to enjoy foods and drinks that are less sweet.

Tips for Cutting Down on Sugar (11)

Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisors.

See our editorial policies and staff.

Last Reviewed: May 23, 2024

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FAQs

Tips for Cutting Down on Sugar? ›

In conclusion, quitting sugar for two weeks can lead to a wide range of transformative changes in the body and mind. From weight loss and improved cardiovascular health to clearer skin and enhanced mental well-being, the benefits are evident.

What happens after 2 weeks of no sugar? ›

In conclusion, quitting sugar for two weeks can lead to a wide range of transformative changes in the body and mind. From weight loss and improved cardiovascular health to clearer skin and enhanced mental well-being, the benefits are evident.

How to flush sugar out of your body overnight? ›

Stay hydrated. The more water you drink, the more sugar will rinse from your body. Eat a diet featuring lean proteins (fish, chicken, cheese sticks, etc.) combined with high-fiber vegetables (leafy greens, cauliflower, cabbage, etc.).

How long does it take to detox from sugar? ›

Done correctly, it takes about 2 to 3 days to detox from sugar. You'll know it's happened because your cravings will diminish, your energy will increase, and you'll crave healthy foods more than unhealthy ones. If it takes longer than 3 days, it's time to check for hidden carbs and sugars in your food and beverages.

Can I eat bread in a no sugar diet? ›

Read labels carefully and choose sugar-free or homemade options whenever possible. White bread and pastries are refined carbohydrates that can quickly spike blood sugar levels. Opt for whole-grain bread and pastries made with minimal sugar or explore low-carb alternatives.

Can you eat pasta on a no sugar diet? ›

Avoid simple carbohydrates

Many no-sugar diets also recommend that people avoid simple carbohydrates. Simple carbs include white flour, white pasta, and white rice. The body quickly breaks down the carbohydrates in these foods into sugar. This process causes a spike in blood sugar levels.

Can I eat fruit on a no sugar diet? ›

Whole foods that contain sugar aren't completely off-limits when you are on this diet. You can eat fruits like strawberries, pineapples, and oranges. You don't want to eat fruits that have sugar added to them, however.

What does a sugar face look like? ›

Dehydration and Dark Circles: High sugar intake can dehydrate your skin, making it look dull and leading to pronounced dark circles under the eyes. Imbalance in Skin's Microbiome: Sugary foods can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria on the skin's surface, potentially leading to infections and imbalances.

How long does it take to see results from not eating sugar? ›

Try giving up sugar for 2 weeks to see just how much better you feel, and how much better you look. When you see positive results from short-term changes, you'll be motivated to make the long-term changes necessary for real transformation. Know that breaking the sugar habit is far from simple.

What brings your sugar down immediately? ›

The fastest way to lower blood sugar is to take fast-acting insulin medication. Exercise can also help to bring down blood sugar levels quickly. Diet and lifestyle changes can help manage overall blood sugar levels, but for immediate action, prescription medication or medical assistance may be necessary.

What food washes out sugar from blood? ›

Certain types of foods are especially effective at controlling blood glucose. O'Meara recommends a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats.

What should I eat if my sugar is high? ›

These 10 picks can help you manage blood sugar levels and keep your numbers in check.
  • Unsweetened or Plain Yogurt. ...
  • Blueberries. ...
  • Beans. ...
  • Leafy Greens. ...
  • Dates. ...
  • Glucerna® Shakes and Bars. ...
  • Steel-cut Oats. ...
  • Mushrooms.
Nov 6, 2023

What is the hardest day of a sugar detox? ›

You may experience: Fatigue, cold- and flu-like symptoms, low blood sugar, or self doubt. Day 3 is the beginning of some of the hardest days for most folks! Your best bet: Realize that you are likely not experiencing a real cold or flu but the effects of detoxing from sugar.

What can I eat on a no sugar diet? ›

Foods to eat

Proteins: chicken, fish, beef, tofu, eggs, etc. Healthy fat sources: egg yolks, avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, unsweetened yogurt, etc. Complex carb sources: beans, quinoa, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, brown rice, etc. Unsweetened beverages: water, sparkling water, unsweetened coffee, and tea.

What can I eat for 2 weeks that has no sugar? ›

Foods to eat
  • Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, carrots, asparagus, zucchini, sweet potatoes, etc.
  • Fruits: apples, oranges, berries, grapes, cherries, grapefruit, etc.
  • Proteins: chicken, fish, beef, tofu, eggs, etc.
  • Healthy fat sources: egg yolks, avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, unsweetened yogurt, etc.
Feb 26, 2021

What to eat when avoiding sugar? ›

Sugar-Free Alternatives
  • Vegetables. Compared to fruits, most vegetables contain less sugar. ...
  • Meat. Seafood, pork, beef, and chicken are all sugar-free. ...
  • Beans, Nuts, Lentils. If you don't eat meat, soybeans, lentils, beans, nuts, and seeds are great sugar-free, high-protein foods.
  • Grains.
Nov 29, 2022

What can I eat without my sugar going up? ›

However, certain foods, such as leafy greens, whole grains, eggs, and nuts, will not raise it as much as others and can help lower long-term fasting glucose levels. This means these foods will not raise a person's blood sugar, also known as blood glucose. These foods may also help them avoid a blood sugar spike.

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