We all know sugar is bad for us and that we shouldn’t eat it. It contains no essential nutrients, is horrible for our teeth, and when eaten in excess contributes to all sorts of diseases. Worst of all, sugar can be extremely addictive.

While many folks think they can simply cut out cakes and sweets and call it a day, switching to a no-sugar diet isn’t as simple as grabbing your check before the dessert menu comes. When you’re on a no-sugar diet, you have to eliminate everything that contains sugar – which is nearly all the processed foods you’ll find at the grocery store.

If you’re considering switching to a no-sugar diet and aren’t sure what to expect or how you’ll make it through the first day without eating an entire pie, read our no-sugar diet success tips below.

What to expect the first week on a no-sugar diet

When your body is used to high levels of sugar consumption, it can respond to deprivation with similar withdrawal symptoms experienced by a drug user. These symptoms may include headaches, nausea, depression, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia and mood swings. You can greatly reduce the severity of these symptoms by tapering off your sugar intake over several weeks.

How to deal with sweet tooth cravings on a no-sugar diet

One of the most obvious effects of eliminating sugar from your diet is that you’re going to crave it. At times, these cravings may be intense and difficult to overcome. When this happens, you can respond by participating in some sort of physical activity. Going for a jog or bike ride will cause endorphins to flood your body, which may help regulate mood changes associated with sugar withdrawal symptoms.

Another strategy for getting past your sweet tooth cravings is to drink a lot of water. Sometimes people reach for sugary foods when they’re actually dehydrated. Therefore, drinking a glass of water whenever a craving hits can signal the brain that you have in fact satisfied your body’s request.

No-sugar diet takeaway

When you switch to a no-sugar diet, it’s important to remember that your withdrawal symptoms will subside over time. While some people are able to quickly adapt to a no-sugar diet and feel better within a few days, it takes others up to a full month to feel symptom-free and detoxified. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, the numerous health benefits associated with quitting sugar far outweigh the mild discomfort you’ll feel as your body adjusts.