I had a bite of a cookie yesterday and spat it out, it was disgusting!

I never thought I'd be saying that in less than 4 weeks without sugar. Each time I have fasted off sugar I have been surprised at how quickly my pallet changes. It always seems impossible until it is done and then it becomes easy. 

If you have taken part in this challenge then well done! No doubt you had your fair share of challenges, sugar is ubiquitous, the call to eat it is very present in our environment and it is easy to go to it as a source of fuel when running on empty. 

I'd encourage against this action, it's not helping your body. Have highly palatable foods occasionally on special occasions, and if you are someone who binges uncontrollably on sugar then don't eat it at all.

I've noted a few very positive changes:

• My skin is so much better (and what's crazy is that I didn't even eat lots of sugar to begin with)

• I am in control of my food intake

• My hormones have altered. This month I got no period cramps AT ALL

• I have more energy (Weights increasing by a large margin)

• Less DOMS

• Moods more balanced

Ok so, can this all be attributed to not having sugar? There are probably some other factors here too, namely that I am more conscious of getting my vegetables in, I am eating more fruit and hydrating more consciously. Would this have happened had I continued using sugar as a reliable source of extra energy and comfort though? No, so it is all linked and cause/effect even if it isn't direct.

Some of it is direct though and it's not just me saying that. Here is a LINK to evidence based research that concludes that sugar does contribute towards mood disorders and depression.

Here's some more evidence based research:

Consuming too much added sugar and refined carbohydrates is linked with elevated inflammation in the body as well as insulin resistance and weight gain.  Excess consumption of added sugar and refined carbohydrates is linked to increased AGE production, gut permeability, LDL cholesterol, inflammatory markers and weight gain. All of these factors can trigger low-grade chronic inflammation.
LINK

High blood sugar linked to vaginal candida LINK
Note that candida infections upset all systems of the body. 

What to do going forward? 
I challenge you to do another month without sugar!