How To Detox From Sugar & Curb Cravings

Let’s be real — who doesn’t yearn for a gooey chocolate chip cookie or a handful of sweet candies as the clock ticks towards 8 pm? There’s something satisfying about capping off a ‘marathon’ workday with a treat!

But when does the occasional sugar indulgence become a sugary landslide? When should you pump the brakes on your sweet escapades? Today, we’re going to touch on how to detox from sugar and a few simple ways to help curb those cravings!

How to Detox from Sugar 101

Before we delve into the process of sugar detox, it’s crucial to understand why monitoring sugar intake matters. The concept is quite straightforward. When you consume anything containing sugar (e.g., bread, soda, or dessert), it can impact your blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas releases insulin to regulate the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. Some people may experience a “sugar crash” after consuming high-sugar foods and beverages, which isn’t the most pleasant experience. While our bodies naturally manage sugar through normal metabolic processes, reducing excess sugar intake can help maintain overall health and well-being.

As we mentioned at the top, having a daily sugar craving is entirely normal—even the experts agree. According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, keeping 'added sugars' below 10% of your daily caloric intake is recommended. For instance, if your daily caloric intake is 2,500, allocating 250 calories for a chewy chocolate chip cookie is within the guidelines. ¹

However, if persistent sugar cravings are causing feelings of anxiety, bloating, or fatigue throughout the day, a brief sugar detox could serve as a beneficial reset—particularly after holidays or special occasions! Now, let’s explore some steps you can take to achieve this.

1. Conduct a Pantry Sweep

According to Brian Wansink, author of Mindless Eating, we eat based on the visual cues around us.² For example, if there’s a vanilla sheet cake sitting on the kitchen counter or a gazillion chips perched right in front of us, we subconsciously go on a mental mission to consume these items. So, if we have a ton of dessert items in our pantry, it may be harder to avoid sugar and certainly won’t support a sugar detox.

The solution? Consider a pantry sweep to swap those boxed brownies for a bag of almonds! If you can find a way to only store items that serve your sugar detox, you’ll get one step closer to success!

2. Replace Sugary Drinks With Detox-Friendly Sips

If you constantly crave that daily Diet Coke or Pepsi at lunch, you’re not alone. Many people find it challenging to reduce soda consumption due to its sugar content, which can significantly influence the brain’s reward system.³

A healthier solution to soda is, of course, drinking more water, but you can also reach for something more flavorful that can support your detox simultaneously.

This is where our blood orange Detox Shot can offer a soda substitute! The Suja Organic Detox Shot is formulated with ingredients like turmeric and dandelion root, which some find supportive as part of a balanced diet aimed at maintaining overall health. Plus, it’s part of our Registered Dietitian-created 6-Day Detox Cleanse, which also includes our organic, cold-pressed Celery Juice and nutrient-packed Mighty Dozen green juice. This is an easy way to kickstart feeling your VERY best!

3. Prioritize Protein Sources

Based on a study conducted by Missouri Medicine, “higher protein meals can reduce unhealthy snacking on high sugar foods.” ⁴ Why? Protein is considered a ‘macronutrient’ which can help keep you feeling full for hours on end. Studies suggest that higher protein meals may help reduce the impulse for unhealthy snacking, potentially aiding in blood sugar stabilization.

So what are some healthy proteins you can prioritize? Consider the following:

Chicken breast: Skinless, boneless chicken breast can provide a lean protein source.
Fish (Salmon, Tuna, Cod): Fresh, wild-caught fish is a great source of unprocessed protein.
Eggs: Fresh eggs, whether boiled, poached, or scrambled, are a natural and complete protein.
Tofu: Natural tofu, made from soybeans, is an unprocessed plant-based protein.
Beans and Legumes (Chickpeas, Lentils, Black Beans): Dried or canned beans without added sauces or flavorings.
Quinoa: Unprocessed quinoa is a whole grain and complete protein source.
Edamame: Fresh or frozen edamame provides a natural source of plant-based protein.
Nuts and Seeds (Almonds, Chia Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds): Raw, unsalted nuts and seeds are unprocessed protein-packed snacks.

4. Incorporate More Whole Foods

When you're diving into a sugar detox, think about adding more whole, unprocessed foods to your daily routine. As we mentioned, proteins help reduce those cravings, along with veggies, fruits, and whole grains. These are the true MVPs when it comes to reducing sugar intake. These functional ingredients support your body’s needs without all the extra sugars you find in processed foods.

5. Opt for Healthy Snacks

Let’s face it, when the snack attack hits, it can feel nearly impossible to not reach for something sweet. But in the same vein as ‘conducting a pantry sweep,’ you can begin to think ahead and buy healthy alternatives for snack time! Here are some snack combos to consider:

Chia seed pudding
Celery sticks and nut butter
Hummus and veggies
Greek yogurt with fresh berries
Homemade kale chips
Seaweed snacks
Grass-fed beef jerky

6. Don’t Go Cold Turkey

You may be tempted to completely “be done” with sugar to get back on the right health track. However, sugar can be addictive, so completely going cold turkey could spark withdrawal—presenting symptoms such as mood swings and headaches. It’s best to gradually reduce your sugar intake over time, so you don’t completely shock your body!

Take Control Over Your Sugar Cravings

Snacking on some chocolate every now and then can be just “what the doctor ordered”, but keeping an eye on your sugar intake is key to leading a healthy lifestyle. Try out these simple steps to tackle those cravings and get back in the driver's seat of how you feel.

Don’t forget to check out our Detox Shot to hit that reset button for kicking off some healthier habits right now!

Disclaimer: This blog contains promotional content about our products. The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. While the nutritional information and health tips shared here are based on published studies and expert insights, they should not replace advice and treatment from a healthcare professional. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health objectives.