You’ve probably heard this dangerous piece of weight loss advice – eat less than 1200 calories a day. But the science is in; not only is this risky and nutritionally incomplete, it’s also counterproductive. Kelly knows well the cycle of crash dieting – here’s how the 8-Week Program changed her outlook and her health – both mental and physical.
“My life before IQS was either a strictly structured 1200 calorie diet or, a massive binge fest,” Kelly says. “I’ve always felt really good when my diet’s structured, so I thought being that strict was the way to go. Then (without fail) I’d hit the five-week mark of my latest challenge and think ‘oh, I’ll just have a treat night,’ which then turned into a week, followed by a month.”
Yep, binge eating and restrictive dieting often go hand-in-hand – along with the mental health struggles of chronic shame and guilt. Here at I Quit Sugar, we’re all about breaking down those attitudes to food, reframing eating as a nourishing act that helps us thrive and feel our best. With our extensive meal plans which rely on whole, real foods and a range of delicious flavours and hearty ingredients, there’s no need for restriction – and members like Kelly found their urges to binge eat plummeted as a result.
Just take a look at this hearty chickpea curry! As you can see, the program is anything but restrictive. Get the recipe HERE.
In the journey from restriction to liberation, Kelly's transformation with the I Quit Sugar 8-Week Program is nothing short of inspiring. Battling a cycle of strict diets and intermittent binge fests, Kelly discovered a path to weight loss and exercise joy in just eight weeks – yep, in just 8 weeks, you can change your life.
The consequences of the restricting and binging cycle were evident in Kelly's mood, anxiety, and perpetual fatigue. Despite believing she was eating a "good" diet, the toll it took on her mental and physical wellbeing was undeniable. It was this realisation that something was wrong that drove Kelly to embark on her sugar-quitting journey, facing initial challenges of tiredness and cravings.
“I stayed strong, pushed through the Easter period and the second week brought energy (so much so that I found it hard to sit still), mental clarity and I felt driven to succeed.”
A revelation awaited Kelly as she discovered the pervasive presence of sugar in almost everything she had been consuming. Even so-called "healthy" foods were laden with the sweet stuff, challenging her preconceived notions about nutrition. The program's meal plan became a lifeline for Kelly and her husband in their busy lives. Cooking together and having all the information online made sugar-free eating an accessible and motivating part of their routine.
The most profound change in Kelly's life was bidding farewell to exercise anxiety.
“After resetting my body as well as my mind, I’ve said goodbye to my anxiety,” she says. “I used to have severe exercise anxiety and mild general anxiety – just the thought of raising my heart rate and sweating would panic me. But now, I’m able to do four CrossFit sessions a week and I love pushing myself further each session. I’ve also lost about five kilos and kept it off.”
Post-program, Kelly reintroduced small treats into her diet, mindful of the impact on her mood. Opting for alternatives like rice malt syrup, and incorporating sugar-free snacks, she struck a balance that allowed her to maintain her weight loss.
You read that right! Just because we’re called I Quit Sugar, that doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to sugar forever. We give you the tools to make informed decisions and reel in those addictive behaviours so you can feel free and in control of your own life.
Kelly's advice to friends echoes her transformative journey: "Just do it! Push through the initial sugar 'come down' because it’s worth it."
With her body looking its best, newfound mental stability, and a dramatically changed life, Kelly's story is a testament to the transformative power of breaking free from restrictive diets.
We’ve put in the hard yards so you can enjoy the benefits of an extensive, wholistic program that covers everything from learning how to manage nutrition and mental health to social situations. When you join us for the 8-Week Program you’ll have exclusive access to expert guidance, nutritional planning and support every step of the way. Take a peek at what’s on offer:
- 8 weeks of meal plans and shopping lists.
- A range of exclusive recipes, including sugar-free desserts, snacks and all the old favourites.
- Community forums to share and discuss your experience.
- Expert support to guide you through each week – from world-renowned chef Sarah Glover to yoga teachers, nutritionists and naturopaths.
Next round starts 22nd January – don’t wait, JOIN NOW!
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