Breaking Up With Sugar: 30 Days Later

Thirty days without processed sugar. A full month of saying no to desserts, skipping the bakery aisle, and re-learning what “sweet enough” really means. When I wrote about my first ten days, the weight dropped fast and the changes felt dramatic. Now, with three more weeks behind me, the story is less about fireworks and more about foundation.

The Plateau
Here’s the honest part: the scale stopped moving. I flatlined at 229. At first it was frustrating—like, if I’m putting in all this effort, shouldn’t the numbers keep sliding down? But what I’ve realized is that the quick drop was just my body’s shock at the breakup. Now I’m settling into something steadier, something sustainable.

The Wedding and the Scoop
This month came with an 8-day vacation on Vancouver Island, complete with another wedding. Weddings are basically sugar buffets, and I did have dessert there—just like at the first one. But here’s the difference: it didn’t spiral. On the plane, I picked pretzels over cookies without much thought. At the famous “Goats on the Roof” market, I walked past pastries that looked like art and didn’t buy a thing. After a sweaty 10.5 km hike, I treated myself to a single scoop of ice cream. A single scoop. Old me would have gone for a double or triple, no hesitation. This time, one was plenty.

What Changed, What Stayed the Same

• Mood + Sleep: Still solid. My days feel more even, my nights more restful. That stability is worth more than a number on a scale.
• Skin: No miracle glow, but no worsening either. Neutral ground.
• Taste: This surprised me most. Crispy Ginger Beef used to be a favorite, but now the sauce tastes way too sweet. My palate has shifted, and along with it, my natural choices—less white bread, fewer pastries, not because I “can’t,” but because I just don’t want them anymore.

Confession + Realization
I used to think of sugar like heroin: one taste and you’re back in the spiral. Now, I see it more like a tricky frenemy. Moderation might be possible—but only if my baseline stays at zero. Sugar can’t be my default anymore. That’s the line I’ve drawn.

The Bigger Picture
I turned 50 last month. A decade ago, on my 40th birthday, I quit smoking. Now, at 50, I’ve broken up with sugar. Who knows what I’ll quit at 60—though at this point I’m running low on bad habits to kick. What I do know is this: change doesn’t have to come with drama. Sometimes it’s just about quietly building a new normal.

Takeaway Sentence: If you want to reset your relationship with food, give it 30 days without sugar—not to lose weight, but to prove to yourself that stability and clarity can taste better than any dessert.