Sometimes we need a little push in the right direction to transform our lives – just ask Lisa, a former sugar addict turned sugar-free marathon runner, who discovered a life-changing path through the I Quit Sugar 8-Week Program. Here’s how we made her goals a reality. 

“To go from barely running, to running a marathon in 8 weeks is tough, however I managed to not only complete a marathon, but I also got a personal best time which I’d been chasing for almost 2 years.”

Marathon runner Lisa's story is one of resilience, determination and thriving in a supportive environment like the 8-Week Program. But the Aussie IQS member wasn’t always knocking each race out of the park and setting new personal bests – she reveals that she struggled with an intense sugar addiction that got in the way of her health and exercise dreams.

She shares, "My sugar cravings used to have a hold on me. I always thought I had a pretty healthy diet with a good mix of veggies, protein, and healthy fats.”

Unfortunately, the effects of sugar addiction are powerful – even if you’re otherwise eating healthy, those blood-sugar spiking splurges are enough to throw your gut microbiome out of whack, feeding the bad bacteria and sending your energy levels and motivation plummeting. But why? We've all experienced it – that mid-afternoon energy slump that leaves us reaching for a quick fix. But have you ever wondered what's happening on a hormonal level during these energy dips? Let's take a look.

• Insulin and Blood Sugar Rollercoaster: One of the primary players in energy slumps is insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. When we consume a high-sugar or refined carbohydrate snack, our blood sugar levels spike. In response, the body releases insulin to shuttle glucose into cells for energy. However, this rapid drop in blood sugar that follows can leave us feeling tired and sluggish.
• Cortisol: Cortisol, often known as the stress hormone, also plays a role in energy regulation. When we're stressed or fatigued, cortisol levels can rise. This can lead to increased blood sugar levels as the body mobilises energy to cope with the perceived stress. However, chronic stress can disrupt the delicate balance, contributing to prolonged periods of fatigue.
• Melatonin, the Sleep-WakeRegulator: An often overlooked factor in energy slumps is melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. When energy dips hit, it may be a signal that melatonin is starting to rise, indicating to the body that it's time to wind down. This can occur in the afternoon or evening, contributing to feelings of tiredness. 

So that sugar habit that seems innocent enough could be completely sabotaging your health.

Enter the I Quit Sugar 8-Week Program, a holistic journey designed to help individuals break free from sugar addiction while embracing a lifestyle centred around whole foods. Lisa, initially hesitant, found the motivation to join the program as she trained for the Gold Coast Marathon. She recalls, "I knew then, that if I was going to run a marathon in two months' time, I needed to seriously reassess my diet."

The Program, with its meticulously crafted meal plans, recipes, and expert guidance, became Lisa's game-changer.

"Having the recipes and shopping lists all laid out meant it was so easy to stick to, and I was trying delicious new foods and combinations that I’d never thought of before," she says. The transition to a sugar-free life proved not only manageable but surprisingly enjoyable.

As the weeks unfolded, Lisa experienced remarkable changes in her fitness levels – it was 5 weeks in that she did her “longest-ever pre-marathon run, as well as running the highest mileage week I ever had," The most significant impact? "How quickly I was recovering from my runs – after running more than 30km, I felt like I’d barely run 5km,” she says. 

This newfound strength propelled Lisa to complete the marathon an impressive 7 minutes ahead of her personal best. A feat she credits to the discipline instilled by quitting sugar. Lisa went on to face what was her biggest challenge yet – a 100km race through the rugged Victorian High Country. Undeterred by the tough terrain and a 6000m elevation gain, she made a commitment to train and race sugar-free because, as she puts it, "I just feel so much better."

So, if you've ever pondered breaking up with sugar, Lisa's journey is the inspiration you need. Discover the countless benefits – from weight loss and stable energy to improved fitness and motivation.

Lisa's story is a testament to the transformative power of the I Quit Sugar 8-Week Program. As she embarks on her next ambitious goal, Lisa is keen to share the benefits of the program. 

“Everyone should give the sugar-free life a try! It’s surprisingly easier than you think and the benefits are incredible,” Lisa says.

Ready to see the results for yourself? Join us for the 8-Week Program. You don’t have to buy exotic ingredients or splash your cash on new appliances; every tool you need, you’ve likely already got, and our ingredients are easily found at your local grocer. Because we know how challenging it can be to make a change in your life, and it’s the little things that make it that much easier. But that doesn’t mean boring! Take a look at some of the exciting recipes members enjoy:

• Kale + Cauliflower Curry Puffs
• Raspberry Breakfast Muffins
• Prawn + Mango Tacos
• Swede + Cannellini Bean Soup
• Minty Salmon Brain-Boosting Bowl
• Savoury Crepes
• Spiced Sicilian Stew
• Homemade Pesto, Granola and a range of other simple meal-prepping time-savers 

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 22^nd January – don’t wait, JOIN NOW!