For Connor and his wife Hollie, the decision to quit sugar was, at first, about fitting into their wedding attire—but they weren’t prepared for what it turned into – this journey not only brought them closer but also paved the way for a beautiful surprise: the conception of their first child. 

The couple embarked on a health kick leading up to their wedding, initially following their own meal plans. However, the monotony and struggle to find easy, creative, and budget-friendly recipes left them feeling tired and craving change. The discovery of the I Quit Sugar 8-Week Program, conveniently aligning with their wedding date, marked a turning point in their health journey.

Connor vividly recalls the initial challenges—withdrawals, headaches, lethargy and even sugar-induced dreams. However, the three-week mark brought a surge of energy and a newfound appreciation for healthy foods.

“I even had crazy sugar dreams about custard and profiteroles,” Connor says - and, well, haven't we all! “But, as soon as we hit the three-week mark, we felt energised and began craving healthy foods.”

The liberation they felt from quitting sugar translated into tastier meals, simplified meal prep, and an enduring love for their favourite recipes, with the new dad adding, “dinners started to become tastier and having leftovers for lunch the next day was so easy.”

One unexpected but welcome side effect was a significant cut in their weekly grocery bill – and this is something so many of our members appreciate, particularly with inflation through the roof. The online shopping list and regular emails from the program kept them on track, reinforcing their commitment to the sugar-free lifestyle.

“Having the shopping list online was great, and being able to tick off the items online as we shopped was so easy and convenient,” he says. “I’m a bit of a book nerd too so I decided to go back through the first I Quit Sugar book, and it really shocked me how much sugar was in our food.”

And Connor’s not the only one! We’ve all had that sinking realisation when we find out how much sugar is in all our staples, from bread to cereal. The scary part is how quickly these added sugars can shoot us over the limit of 6-9 teaspoons a day. When we consume too much fructose – which we absolutely are, with Aussies taking in 17 teaspoons of the stuff every day – the liver gets overwhelmed and, as a result, we increase our risk for metabolic syndrome and all the diseases associated with it. Let’s take a look at non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – this condition is at the heart of a rapidly growing health crisis. Affecting quarter of the population, this is no small matter. Your sceptical friends may be surprised to hear that just because they don’t drink alcohol, they can still end up with fatty liver disease. In fact, the non-alcoholic form of this disease is projected to become the become the leading cause of cirrhosis in the next 10 years. So, the WHO is onto something when they warn against overloading on sugar. But it’s worth noting these recommendations don’t include the sugars occurring naturally in fruits and veggies – so don’t go cutting out these nutritional powerhouses. But highly-processed foods like confectionery, cereals, some breads and baked goods contain the added sugars that the WHO implores us to go easy on. The WHO is also recommending that the 10% guideline is worth cutting down further to 5%, to reap additional benefits to our health. After all, sugar offers little to no nutritional gains, and happens to be a highly addictive substance. Studies show sugar triggers our brain’s reward system and provokes a stronger response than cocaine. This is because it causes the release of dopamine in the brain, and when we consume sugar in excess, it can be hard to break to cycle of cravings and binging. But you don’t have to do it alone – that’s what we’re here for!

Interested in reaping the benefits like Connor? To learn about foods that boost your gut, combat sugar cravings and leave you feeling fuller for longer, come 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 (and fun!). 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

Connor and Hollie’s dedication to the program yielded tangible results, leading them to their weight loss goals.

“We both lost five kilos on the Program,” he says.

The real triumph, however, was Hollie's pregnancy news, a joyful surprise just five days before their wedding. 

“After struggling with PCOS and being told by our doctor that falling pregnant would be hard, we found out the amazing news just five days before the wedding,” Connor says. “Once we started the 8-Week Program and discovered a healthier lifestyle, her period became regular and her PCOS symptoms eased.”

The couple welcomed their baby boy in January 2018, and say they’re determined to continue the sugar-free lifestyle. 

“Why would we want to go back to feeling tired and groggy all the time? It’s just not worth it.” 

Encouraging others to take the plunge, Connor says it’s all about giving it a go.   

“The I Quit Sugar team give you great support over the whole journey, and you feel the results much quicker than you think you will,” he says. “You’ll be so glad you left your sugary life behind!”

Sounds good, right? 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.