Before I get into this, I just wanted to highlight that I’m not going to suggest we all give up refined sugar 🙈 I have the sweetest tooth in the world and genuinely, dessert is my love language 😍
But I also really struggle with debilitating IBS. Some days I was so poorly it was hard to get out of bed and I knew sugar was one of my biggest triggers. So in the spring, I decided to go all in and see what a sugar-free life might feel like.
Giving Up Sugar: Here’s What Happened
By this point, I’m sure we all know that sugar can really throw the gut off balance. Those big spikes and dips in blood sugar (which I experienced so often, I didn’t realise they weren’t normal!), can lead to bloating, cramping and that general ‘out of sorts’ feeling. Especially if you already have a sensitive digestive system like I do.
I was also very aware that the gut and skin are super closely connected. So anything that unsettles the tummy, usually shows up on your face and ‘glycation’ was something playing on my mind.
What Glycation Does to Your Skin
Glycation is simply what happens when the excess sugar in your body attaches itself to your collagen, causing it to snap and break down. It’s far less intense than sun damage, but can certainly add to that dull, tired look when everything is feeling out of sync.
Fortunately, The 5 Minute Kit does everything possible to protect your current collagen levels and helps your skin to make more of it too. So for the most part, I knew I was covered in that department. But my beloved routine wasn’t able to fix my IBS and I needed to look internally for a solution.
The Tough First Few Weeks
I won’t sugar-coat it (pun very much intended 😂), the first few weeks were really hard. My cravings were loud, my mood dipped and I found myself wandering into the kitchen far more than necessary. But after about a month, everything shifted.
The Shift I Didn’t See Coming
I felt more balanced, steady and clear-headed than I had done in years. My energy stopped spiking and crashing. My productivity went through the roof. And it was like someone had turned the static down in my body and mind.
These days, the only time I really think about sugar is around certain times of the month…I’m sure most of us can relate 😉 But a mug of herbal tea and a handful of raspberries always seem to do the trick. And no one is more surprised to hear that than me!!
The Results (Inside and Out)
Although day to day the changes can feel minimal, when I zoom out and reflect, it’s actually been quite extraordinary. My sleep has genuinely never been better, my skin has even more clarity and my momentum is unmatched. Most importantly though, my IBS is more under control than it has been in a decade.
Will I Ever Give Up Dessert Forever?
Would I still choose hot chocolate fudge cake with a scoop of good vanilla ice cream as my final meal on earth? Absolutely. Some loves are lifelong ♥️
But for now, I’m happily enjoying the calm, the balance and the glow. I feel more like myself than ever and just wanted to share in case it helps you too 🥰
