Are you feeling sweet one minute and sour the next? Do you find yourself snapping at loved ones for no reason, only to feel guilty moments later? If so, you might be experiencing the dreaded sugar-induced mood swing.

We've all been there. You indulge in a sugary treat, and for a brief moment, you feel like you're on top of the world. But then, just as quickly as that sugar rush hits you, it fades away, leaving you feeling tired, irritable, and moody.

So, what's the deal with sugar and mood swings?

When we consume sugar, our bodies release a surge of feel-good chemicals, like dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals can give us a temporary high, but once they wear off, we're left feeling low and irritable. To make matters worse, added sugar can also mess with our blood sugar levels, causing them to spike and crash. This can trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which can further exacerbate our mood swings. But don't worry, all hope is not lost. There are a few things you can do to keep your mood in check, even in the face of sugar cravings. For starters, try to limit your sugar intake as much as possible. Opt for whole foods and natural sweeteners instead of processed snacks and sugary drinks. And of course, regular exercise and self-care practices can do wonders for your mood and overall well-being. So, the next time you feel like reaching for that chocolate bar, think twice. Is it worth the temporary high followed by a mood crash? Probably not. Instead, choose foods and activities that will nourish your body and soul, and leave the mood swings behind.

But it’s not just short-term mood swings you have to worry about – excess sugar consumption can lead to long-term problems too, including the development of chronic mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. The ongoing cycle of blood-sugar spikes and crashes can lead to chronic mood swings over time.  One study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that men who consumed more than 67 grams of sugar per day had a higher risk of developing anxiety and depression compared to men who consumed less than 40 grams per day. Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women who consumed more added sugars had a higher risk of developing mood disorders over time. Now that doesn’t sound so sweet, does it? While more research is needed to fully understand the link between added sugar consumption and chronic mood swings, there is evidence to suggest that reducing your intake of added sugars can help stabilise your mood and improve your overall mental health. Opting for whole foods rich in protein, omega 3s and healthy fats help you satisfy your sweet tooth without the negative mood effects of added sugars. In fact, these nutrients are known to stabilise our hormones and improve our mood. You’ll find them in the following foods:

• Nuts and seeds
• Eggs
• Ghee
• Natto
• Legumes – mung beans are particularly rich in protein!

We’ve also got nutritionists, personal trainers and naturopaths in our team of experts, and they understand what our bodies need and how to best arm ourselves against those cravings. So, if you’ve been having a little trouble keeping that sugar addiction at bay, we’re here to help. 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!