Sugar addiction is a real thing – I know because I am sugar addicted. I’ve studied it since my late 40’s. While I feel I have a handle on it (most of the time) it is still the thorn in my side I deal with constantly. Today I want to share steps on how you can break free from sugar especially before the holidays arrive.
How Sugar Impacts Hormones, Cortisol & Energy
- Blood Sugar Rollercoaster
- Sugar spikes your blood sugar, which causes insulin to rise. The problem? After the spike comes the crash - leaving you tired, cranky, and reaching for more sugar.
- Cortisol Chaos
- Every blood sugar crash triggers your body’s stress response. Cortisol gets released to “rescue” your dropping blood sugar, which keeps you stuck in survival mode and adds to stubborn belly fat.
- Hormone Disruption
- Chronically high sugar intake throws off hormones like insulin, estrogen, and leptin (your hunger hormone). This leads to more cravings, less satiety, and weight gain that feels impossible to shake.
- Energy Drain
- Instead of steady, all-day energy, sugar leaves you wired… then wiped out. No wonder so many women feel like they’re dragging through the holidays!
Strategies for Breaking Free Before the Holidays
Breaking the sugar cycle doesn’t mean swearing off dessert forever. It means resetting your body so you are in control - not the cravings. Here’s how:
- Anchor Your Meals with Protein
- Every meal should include at least 20–30g of protein. This keeps blood sugar steady and cravings at bay.
- Crowd Out, Don’t Cut Out
- Fill your plate with colorful veggies, fiber-rich carbs, and healthy fats. When your body is nourished, sugar feels less tempting.
- Stay Hydrated
- Often, sugar cravings are really thirst in disguise. Aim for half your body weight in ounces of water each day.
- Handle Stress Without Sugar
- Stress drives cravings. Instead of reaching for sweets, try walking, journaling, breathwork, or even a quick stretch break.
- Plan Treats Intentionally
- Don’t “wing it.” Decide ahead of time which holiday desserts you love most, enjoy them fully, and then move on.
Bottom Line
Breaking free from sugar before the holidays isn’t about restriction - it’s about freedom. Freedom from the energy crashes, the endless cravings, and the frustration of feeling like you’ve lost control.
This year, imagine enjoying your favorite holiday foods without guilt and entering January feeling strong, confident, and in control. That’s the power of starting your sugar reset now.
