In many ways I have reformed my addiction and reduced the sweet stuff from my diet, but since having a baby and getting only four hours of sleep a night, I’ve noticed that I’ve developed a “healthy” sugar addiction to keep me going.

My old habit of York Peppermint Patties from years ago are no longer my crack. As of late, it has morphed into raw so-called “healthy” desserts, like our beloved Raw Brownies or other sweet treats. One day I caught myself day dreaming about what sweet treat I was going to eat later in the day and I realized I had a problem.

As we teach in our programs, vibrant health is a life-long pursuit, it’s about correcting course and getting back on track when we veer astray. So when I felt like I wasn’t able to shed some of my baby weight, and my energy was low and moods a bit erratic, I knew I had to ask myself the question I had been dreading; “What foods do I love and crave the most?”.

The answer was plain as day. It was sugar!

Although I wasn’t eating “the bad” sugar, I decided for myself – and the health of my baby, to take the sugar-free plunge.

It’s been two weeks now sans all types of sugar – fruit, dried fruit, maple sugar, honey etc. And I’m happy to say that I feel fantastic!

I should also mention that I’m completely grain-free too. For those of you considering  a clean break from all forms of sugar, just know that grains can awaken the sugar beast as well.

This new level of health tastes so much better than my healthy sweet treats at the end of the day. I’m sleeping better, waking up more refreshed even with little sleep. The bags under my eyes are going away. I have more energy. And a bonus is that my physical body is responding and I’m releasing the extra baby weight.

If you think that you might be addicted to sugar, take our Conscious Cleanse Sugar Sensitivity Quiz below.

Please leave me a comment below. Are you a sugar addicted? Are you ready to take the sugar-free plunge with me?

We’re here to cheer on and love you up!

Jo

P.S. If you need some extra TLC, we’d love to coach you in our next Live Conscious Cleanse program. Come join us now!

Conscious Cleanse Sugar Sensitivity Quiz:

1. I can’t pass up a plate of cookies or (insert your favorite sweet treat here) without over-indulging.
2. I LOVE and crave sweet foods all of the time.
3. It’s hard to get out of bed in the morning.
4. After having fruit or even a green smoothie with lots of fruit my head feels foggy.
5. I have digestive problems i.e. constipation, gas, bloating or diarrhea.
6. I have been on antibiotics more than once for a significant amount of time (2 weeks or longer).
7. I feel emotionally up and down throughout the day, irritable or even edgy at times.
8. I’ve struggled with alcohol and drug addiction or someone has in my family.
9. I need to end my day with something sweet.
10. My family loves sugar too!

If you answered yes to 3 or more of the above questions, it’s very likely that you have a sugar sensitivity.

Jo Schaalman and Julie Peláez are co-authors of the book The Conscious Cleanse: Lose Weight, Heal Your Body, and Transform Your Life in 14 Days, a best-selling, step-by-step guide to help you live your most vibrant life. Together they've lead thousands of people through their online supported cleanse through their accessible and light-hearted approach. They've been dubbed “the real deal” by founder and chief creative director Bobbi Brown, of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, beauty editor of the TODAY show. 

To learn more about “Jo and Jules” and to download a free e-cookbook for a sampling of the delicious food served up on the Conscious Cleanse, please visit their website.