Why I’m Giving Up Processed Sugar for a Year...

And What Freedom Really Tastes Like.

Day 4 of 44 and Ready for More.

I did it. I committed to 365 days without processed sugar.

And now here I am, Day 4, deep in the detox, questioning everything and flipping from “I’ve got this, easy peasy” to “What in the actual Flippity Flop (but more vulgar Fs) did I just commit to?

But real talk, this one’s called FREEDOM for a reason. Because while it might look like restriction from the outside, it’s actually the opposite. I’m not depriving myself. I’m freeing myself.

The sugar detox is real, the Inner Critic is LOUD and the Inner Child constantly wants Ice Cream. But I’m letting future me remind me of how proud I will be and that right now I’m just navigating the storm of change.

And when we change, even if it’s for the best, our Inner Warrior (aka Ego) wants to protect us from the unknown so it’s gonna throw all the punches, and in my case cookies, and Pie, Oh My! So why did I call this part of the challenge Freedom? Well, cause I had all F words and had to keep the theme up, but also because I am creating:

🍭 Freedom from cravings that feel like compulsion 

⚡️ Freedom from energy crashes,  hangry mood swings and brain fog. 

🧠 Freedom from the mental noise of “Should I eat this?” / “Why did I eat that?” 

😩 Freedom from shame + diet culture BS: Eating Disorder Recovery of the mind. 

💃🏽 Freedom to feel AMAZING in my body, not ruled by a quick dopamine hit

Processed sugar is such a gaslighter, more toxic than all your right swipes! It gives you a feel good hit, a little comfort and then leaves you feeling like crap. The internal chaos. The shame spiral. The sugar highs that crash into exhaustion and irritation, to the left to the left, I am so done with you! I’m also doing this challenge to support my hormones, clear my skin, and maybe not rage during perimenopause when someone chews too loud. (Sorry Babe, Love you)

What I’ve already noticed already just 4 days in:

👅 My taste buds are slowly resetting already.

🍦 My cravings are LOUD, but I know they’ll pass…eventually.

🧠 My brain? Irritated, Hopeful, more chaotic than a teenager on prom night.

🫠 And my mood swings? Slightly less dramatic… HA! Just kidding… stay tuned.

So yeah, today I’m a little cranky. Tomorrow I might be glowing. And by next week? I’ll probably be taste-testing blueberries like they’re Jolly Ranchers.

But I’m in this. For freedom. For fun. For the future me. The one who doesn’t need a cookie to cope or chocolate to feel joy.

So if you’ve ever felt like food had power over you…You’re not alone.

I see you!

But my dear epic human, that power?

You can take it back…one mindful choice, one breath, healthy snack at a time.

This isn’t punishment. It’s permission.

To feel, to heal, to finally stop negotiating your worth with whatever’s in the pantry.

Let’s call it what it is: Freedom, served raw, unfiltered, and sweet AF. 

If you’re on your own sugar-curbing, dopamine-detangling, soul-soothing journey… or even thinking about it: Take this quote and make it your mantra for the hard days (aka Day 4 when your brain thinks a cookie is a coping strategy): Write it on a sticky note.Screenshot it.Make it your phone wallpaper.Or whisper it to yourself when the Oreos start talking smack from the cupboard.

And if you’re doing this too? Drop a 🍓 in the comments, tag me, or DM me your favourite sugar-free win this week. Let’s show the world what real freedom tastes like.

Much Love,

Cindy