For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a bad romance with sugar. Chocolate has always been my weakness—the mere thought of it melting in my mouth was enough to send me running to the pantry, ready to devour an entire slab in minutes. And that’s not even an exaggeration. It would start with just one piece, then another, and before I knew it, an empty wrapper was snuggled beside me on the couch like a silent accomplice.
Up until a few years ago, there wasn’t a single day that passed without some form of sugar in my life—chocolate, ice cream, or some other delicious treat. As a child and young adult, I thought nothing of it. I loved sugar, and because it made me feel all warm and cozy inside, I assumed it loved me right back. One of my most vivid memories as a schoolgirl was sitting with a bowl of icing sugar, eating it as if it were sherbet. And yes, I ate sherbet too!
Before any judgmental voices chime in about bad parenting—especially from my fellow new-age parents who are so vigilant about every ingredient—let’s rewind a bit. I grew up in the ’80s and ’90s, a time when people weren’t as pedantic about food labels and health risks. Parents didn’t police their kids’ diets the way we do now (for good reason). Information about long-term food-related health issues wasn’t as accessible. Processed foods, fizzy drinks, and sugar-laden treats were everywhere, and no one batted an eye. We indulged, kids and adults alike.
Physically, I got away with it. My petite frame and fast metabolism gave me a false sense of security—I could eat whatever I wanted, and I looked fine. Plus, I exercised regularly, so I assumed I was in the clear. Boy, was I wrong.
The Wake-Up Call
As I got older, my body started showing signs of distress. No matter how much I trained or how fit I thought I was, I struggled with persistent bloating. I lived on antacids desperately trying to soothe my unhappy gut.
And then, I learned the truth about sugar.
The Sugar-Gut Connection
Research has shown that excess sugar wreaks havoc on the gut microbiome—the delicate ecosystem of bacteria in our digestive system that affects everything from digestion to immune function.
According to Dr. Mark Hyman, a leading functional medicine expert, sugar fuels bad bacteria and yeast in the gut, leading to inflammation, bloating, and digestive distress. Too much sugar can cause an imbalance, weakening the gut lining and allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream—a condition known as “leaky gut.” This can trigger bloating, food sensitivities, skin issues, and even mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
Moreover, high sugar intake is linked to insulin resistance, metabolic disorders, and chronic inflammation—factors that can contribute to everything from stubborn belly fat to autoimmune diseases.
What Changed for Me?
Pregnancy. Motherhood. A shift in mindset.
When I became responsible for another tiny human’s health, I couldn’t ignore what I was putting into my body anymore. It wasn’t just about me—I had a child to nourish.
Now, let me be clear: I haven’t given up sugar entirely. I still love a treat. But I’ve made significant changes:
✔ I’ve trained my palate to enjoy dark chocolate (something I used to hate!).
✔ I make homemade “healthy chocolate treats” so I know exactly what’s going into them.
✔ I’ve started substituting honey for sugar when I need some sweetness.
✔ I’ve shifted from a toxic relationship with sugar to a healthy acquaintance—I enjoy it mindfully and on my terms.
It warms my heart to see my son enjoying dark chocolate too (huge win!). Knowing that he enjoys something that satisfies his sweet tooth while being a healthier alternative is one of those small victories that remind me mindful eating is possible without complete deprivation.
Of course, I still bump into my old toxic sugary “friends” every now and then, but the difference is—I no longer let them consume me. And you know what? My gut is so much happier.
So, Dear Sugar…
For now, this is not goodbye! Maybe one day, I’ll cut you out of my life forever. But from now on, I’m choosing the kind of relationship that nourishes me, not one that leaves me bloated, exhausted, and full of regret.
Have you had a love-hate relationship with sugar? I’d love to hear your story!
ThisGirlCan 