KOCHI: This Deepavali, our family joined the celebrations in the apartment complex. It was a lively gathering filled with dance performances and the promise of a delicious dinner. When we reached the dessert counter, I couldn’t resist the tempting spread of sweets, especially my favourite — jalebi.
Though I don’t usually indulge in sweets, I make an exception for jalebi. As I savoured a piece, one of our neighbours raised an eyebrow and asked, “Do you eat sugar? Aren’t you a health coach?” He then launched into a conversation about how he and his friends were embarking on a 30-day no-sugar challenge.
So, what exactly is this challenge? A “no-sugar challenge” usually means giving up all added sugars, processed sweets, and sugary drinks for a period of time — often 30 days. The idea behind it is simple: cut out sugar and break your dependence on sweets.
Often, the benefits of cutting down sugar come from a combination of other positive behavioural changes that follow. As someone becomes mindful about reducing sugar, a gradual mindset shift happens with a focus on making healthier choices.
So they might also start cutting back on oily foods, excess fats, and processed foods. They may even become more physically active. The combined effect contributes to a significant improvement in overall health.
However, some people even start eliminating foods with natural sugars, such as fruits, to intensify the effect, which may not be a smart decision. Extremely strict lifestyle habits are often unsustainable and can sometimes lead to mood disorders and unhealthy relationships with food. The key is in learning to strike a balance!
Sugar becomes a real issue when we consume it in highly refined, concentrated forms, like table sugar, sugary drinks or sweets. Having said that it’s not the the sugar itself that causes the problem but the quantity and how we consume it within our broader diet.
The cravings
Reducing sugar has its own challenges. Many people experience intense cravings, and some even get headaches due to the sudden drop in blood sugar levels. But you can make the transition easier by finding satisfying alternatives. Fresh fruits or naturally sweet options like watermelon can curb sweet cravings.
For those who prefer sweeteners, options like Stevia can offer a natural, zero-calorie alternative. At the end of the day, the real question is whether this kind of lifestyle change is sustainable or not.
I always tell my clients, “Don’t aim for 100% perfection — you won’t keep it up for more than a month or two.” Instead, aim to get 90% of your diet right, and leave that 10% as leeway for occasional treats.
It’s all about learning to put a limit on portions and knowing when to stop. Building healthy habits is about sustainability, not rigidity.