Our IQS social media extraordinaire Grace Martin takes us through a week in the life of an 8-Week Program member – from affordable prices to tasty ingredients, here's what she uncovered from our all-new program.

Our upcoming spring and autumn programs will be making use of seasonal produce and specialties to ensure your recipes are tailored to you – no matter where you are. Our omni program is filled with weeks of affordable, delicious recipes. You can also opt for our vegetarian program, where you'll find even cheaper weekly plans. Here are just a few of the exciting recipes we've got in store for you:

• Omelettes and frittatas
• Curries and soups
• Roast veggies and bakes
• Miso salmon
• Thai noodles and salads
• Hazelnut torte and French toast – yup, we have delicious desserts too!

Just because you're quitting sugar, doesn't mean you can't still enjoy cakes, muffins and brownies! Here at I Quit Sugar, we're all about using real, whole ingredients to replace those highly-processed, sugar-laden desserts. Instead of a sugar crash, you can look forward to lasting energy, more stable moods and a clearer mind. This is just the start when it comes to the many benefits of quitting added sugar – but before we unpack the whole story, let's find out how Grace's trip to the grocery store went.

Grace's findings on a week in the life of an 8-Week Program member

Grace set out to test one of our newest programs for the upcoming autumn intake – she says it was a relief to have everything worked out ahead of time.

"I always dread going grocery shopping and making my meal plan up on the spot,” Grace shares. “But with everything already planned, it made shopping super simple! I didn't even need to worry about budgeting for each meal because the program has worked it out for me."

The week of shopping included veggies, whole grains, dairy and meat, with the cost coming to $119 all up – it’s time to dive in and explore some of the ingredients our socials expert checked off her list:

Vegetables: Autumnal veggies like eggplants, cauliflower and pumpkin

Whole grains: Affordable whole grains like wholewheat pasta and sourdough bread

Dairy: Probiotic-rich yoghurt and bone-boosting cheddar

Poultry: Protein-rich chicken and eggs

Meat: Affordable cuts and varieties like chorizo, mince and mackerel

Nuts: Peanuts provide lasting energy through the day

Fermented food: Tempeh and yoghurt

The recipes

This week features a number of exciting recipes, from a Moroccan Meatball Stew to a Roast Pumpkin Miso Soup. Each meal is loaded with the essential vitamins and minerals our bodies need to thrive, along with preventing sugar cravings. You'll find yourself daydreaming about chocolate far less often when you're consuming the nutrients your body needs – from healthy fats and protein to fibre, iron and vitamin B12. All of these essentials improve gut and brain health, and keep us feeling fuller for longer. These recipes are the antidote to short-energy snacks and meals that leave us feeling sluggish afterwards – 3 o'clock slump ring any bells? Take a look at some of the other fun recipes in this particular week of the autumn 8-Week Program:

• Pesto Zucchini Slice
• Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
• Fluffy Egg Scramble
• Green Spaghetti and Meatballs
• Moroccan Cauliflower and Quinoa Bake
• Chicken Nuggets and Slaw
• Chicken Pad Thai

You'll notice we use meal prepping to make your ingredients go the distance, for instance, the meatballs of this week crop up in a couple of different dishes. We also love recreating old favourite IQS-style with wholesome ingredients – from delicious pad Thai to chicken nuggets and hashbrowns. Yep, these popular foods can be healthy!

The benefits of quitting sugar

One of the biggest reasons to quit added sugar comes down to the benefits to our gut health – if you suffer from constipation and gas, you might find a diet overhaul could be just what you need to get things running smoothly. Added sugars are one of the major causes of constipation and bloating as a result of the nutrients and fibre sugary foods lack, along with inflammation in the gut, which result in a stool's failure to launch. Research shows fructose is one of the main causes of chronic diarrhoea, this is because the sugar that our bodies can’t break down will end up sitting in the bowels, fuelling bad bacteria and causing a build-up of gas.

Another persuasive reason to ditch the sweet stuff is for your mental health. Studies have shown the incidence of depression is higher in those who consume more sugar. Another issue is that those who are depressed are more likely to get locked in a vicious cycle of seeking the dopamine hit that comes with sugar, and as a result, worsening their mental health symptoms.

Take a look at some of the other reasons to quit sugar:

• Improved skin, hair and nail health
• Reduced risk for heart and liver disease
• Reduced risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes
• More energy
• Improved circulation
• Stronger immune system

Sounds good, right? 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!