Quitting added sugar for a week changed energy and cravings

A dietitian reported that giving up added sugars for seven days led to a few difficult days of irritability and low energy, then by day three or four energy stabilized, sleep improved, and sugar cravings softened.

A dietitian described a weeklong experiment giving up all added sugars to see how the body would respond. The experiment followed guidance that limiting added sugar is recommended and included input from registered dietitians and nutrition experts. The author found added sugar in unexpected everyday foods such as some Greek yogurts, coffee creamers labeled "natural," and certain breads. After a few rough days the author reported clearer energy, better sleep, and reduced cravings by the third or fourth day. What happened: - The author removed foods listing sugar or corn syrup and avoided many common packaged items, while keeping natural fruit sugars in mind. - Early in the week the author felt irritability, sluggishness, and some fogginess, along with routine disruptions that may have affected calorie intake. - Around day three or four the author reported more stable energy, improved sleep, and diminished sugar cravings. - Simple swaps included mashed fruit in oatmeal and flavorings such as cinnamon or vanilla; the author also mentioned stevia and monk fruit as alternatives that some people use. - The article cites guidance that added sugars ideally make up no more than 10% of daily calories and gives approximate daily gram counts referenced in dietary guidance. Summary: The week without added sugar produced modest, relatively rapid changes in the author's energy, sleep, and cravings, with the most noticeable differences emerging after several days. Undetermined at this time.