If you’re ready to learn how to quit added sugar, you probably want to set yourself up for success. That’s why we’ve collated 5 common mistakes people make in the process – and what to do instead.

Going cold turkey

One of the biggest pitfalls of people find themselves in when quitting added sugar is relapsing after going cold turkey. While this may work for some people, especially those who struggle with sugar addiction, it can be hard for others to make such a big change Suddenly cutting out all sugar can cause severe withdrawal symptoms like mood swings and cravings. Try to gradually reduce your sugar intake – for example, you could start day 1 by just cutting sugar out of your coffee or skipping ice cream after dinner.

Not reading nutrition labels

Another mistake people make when quitting added sugar is skipping the labels on the back of your food. Sugar is hidden in many staples like bread and cereal, so you’ve got to be ready to compare products to find one with the least amount of added sugar. Check the ingredients and nutrition panel so you know what you’re eating – and how much! Try to keep the added sugars to a minimum – ideally cut them out completely.

Replacing sugar with artificial sweeteners

Many people replace sugar with artificial sweeteners – and while they may be calorie-free and don’t have the same effect on our liver, they can cause gut issues. Many artificial sweeteners cause our microbiome to become unbalanced, leading to a higher risk for obesity and digestive issues. Constipation and bloating is a common side effect that can have us losing motivation on the quitting sugar journey.

Not eating enough real food

When you quit sugar, it's important to eat your whole foods like veggies, fruit, whole grains, nuts and seeds – if you’re swapping added sugars out for products with preservatives and inflammatory oils, your body will struggle to flourish. You’ll also be more likely to experience cravings as the foods that prevent these – protein and healthy fats – are found in real, whole foods.

Not planning how to quit added sugar

It’s great to have a motivation and a goal, but without a plan, most ambitions go to the wayside. It can be hard to monitor your progress and know what to do next when you’re winging it, leaving you vulnerable to old habits. To avoid this, make a plan how you’ll quit added sugar – start with what you’ll be eating instead, timeframes for your goals and meal plans. It helps to plan out your meals in advance so you always have healthy options on hand.

Doing it alone

Quitting sugar can be challenging when you’re doing it alone. That’s why it can help to join a program like ours – our 8-Week Program is based on accountability, support and providing the essential resources to set you up for success. We’ll help you change the way you look at food – and that doesn’t mean you have to follow restrictive diets or miss out on your favourite foods; we believe you can still enjoy delicious food without jeopardising your health. With celebrity chef Sarah Glover on our panel of experts, you’ll have an array of fun recipes at your fingertips, along with our own exclusive armoury of simple, tasty and healthy recipes for everything from daily meals to impressive entertaining. We know it can be hard to stick to your health goals – especially when you’re trying to manage it alone. When you sign up with us, you’ll have access to clear-cut meal plans, community support and exclusive access to our sugar-free content. Here’s what’s on offer:

1. 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.
2. 90+ member-only recipes.
3. Community forums to share your journey.
4. Support and guidance from the I Quit Sugar team.
5. Exclusive content from our panel of experts.

So, if you’re ready to ditch sugar and the host of maladies that come with it, it’s not too late to join. We’d love to help you get started on your health journey. Sign up HERE today!Top of Form