
For mumble-mumble years, I’ve been addicted to sugar. All my life. From the first taste of my mother’s brownies/cookies/pies/cake, I was hooked. I cleaned a plate of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and even the dreaded peas because I wouldn’t get dessert unless I ate all my dinner.
An early memory: somehow eating everything in my Easter basket during a visit to my grandparents’ house, and throwing up in the back seat on the way home. Halloween candy gone in days. Sneaking Hershey’s Kisses from the candy dish. Sneaking candy all the time.
Then older: eating M&Ms for dinner, or a pint of Ben & Jerry’s, always washed down with Diet Coke. Sugar sugar. Oh, honey honey. And maple syrup. It felt so good – well, of course. Sugar fuels every cell in the brain. And the sugar rush (yes, it’s a thing), pushing glucose into my blood. Too much.
As I learned more and more about the dangers of elevated blood sugar levels and Type II diabetes, I understood how damaging sugar is. And believe me, I’ve tried quitting many times. Those cravings are real.

Finally, it was enough. We all reach a breaking point. I’ve quit you, sugar, hopefully forever. And I am quickly becoming a fan of intermittent fasting. I’ve started slow and easy – 8 hour window to eat (for me, that’s 8:00 am to 4:00 pm) and a 16-hour fast, during which much of that time I’m asleep, anyway. I’m hoping to add in a 24-hour or up to a 36-hour fast once or twice a month.
Intermittent fasting is not a diet. It will help you lose weight, and it will lower blood sugar levels. There’s plenty of research available online, if you’re interested. Check out Dr. Jason Fung.
A few weeks ago, I had my blood work done. My doctor was very pleased – blood sugar normal (A1c at 5.7). I’m determined to keep it that way. Meanwhile, my clothes are loose. My rings were loose – had them all resized. Unfortunately, my skin is loose, too! But I’m working on that, and would still take the looser skin over any of the other health issues.
This Swiss Chocolate trilogy author no longer wants Toblerone or Cailler bars. Give me Gruyère and Emmanthaler cheese instead!
Good for you, Martha. Congrats!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, Geri. I owe you a call! Thank you. I still have weight to lose (probably until my last breath), but at least the blood sugar is under control. Love you ♥️
LikeLike
I know the feeling! About 25 years ago, I realized chocolate gave me headaches so haven’t eaten it since. A ton of sweets include chocolate so it has cut down on my consumption. Kudos to you for getting a grip on sugar!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was the threat of medication from my doctor, Jacqui! And, I guess, my own realization that I was heading for big trouble. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah these elderly changes. Sigh.
LikeLike
It’s not easy to make a change like this. I know: I lost 65 lbs. (another 11 when I was running. Those are back!) when I hit my own wall. I’ve been at a healthy weight for decades, proof that a change like this can be sustained. My own way differs from yours, but what works for you can be long-lasting. Good for you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Connie. Of course I wish I’d done this years ago, but each new day brings an opportunity to do better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And congratulations on your successes, Connie. 💙
LikeLike
Thank you, my friend.
LikeLike
Good for you, Martha. The program sounds reasonable, but how do you I get through those evenings?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know, Nancy! I’m usually up until around 11:00pm.
LikeLike
HarI om
Congrats and more power to you! YAM xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Yamini. Getting better every day. ♥️
LikeLike