Participants feel the difference

Asma Al Janahi was an obese until she chose to stay away from refined sugar for one month. “One of my main issues was that a bar of chocolate or any caramelised dessert daily was necessary for me.”

The first time she took up the challenge was last year with her colleagues as they dared her to stay away from sugar for 20 days. Now this year is her third time to take up the challenge, she extended the period for 30 days, adding that there is a variety of desserts she already cannot take in.

“When I first joined the challenge, I thought it will be impossible to survive, but it worked!” said Al Janahi. “It was very hard at the beginning but I had made up for it in other ways.” In 20 days, she was able to lose 3kgs.

She recalled how sugar negatively affected her mood and added more anxiety. “I was hooked on sugar that I couldn’t function without it. And it added more anxiety, as the more I ate, the more I craved it.”

Replacing sugar with fruits had helped cure her vitamin deficiency,

After the challenge, your sugar intake will drastically decrease as you experience discomfort in tasting sugar. I can watch people eat dessert, but I never get tempted.” Asma Al Janahi, participant, #30DaysWithoutSugar challenge

which made her calmer and happier. Now that she’s waiting to finish the challenge on Feb.2, the process went smoothly as she tried to detox.

“After the challenge, your sugar

What is the use of eating something that would spike my sugar levels up with no health benefits? Instead of eating a cake with the tea, I eat nuts or dried fruits. I eat a date besides the coffee.” Kamakshi Gupta, participant, #30DaysWithoutSugar challenge

intake will drastically decrease as you experience discomfort in tasting sugar. I can watch people eat dessert, but I never get tempted,” Al Janahi added.

But it took Kamakshi Gupta only one challenge to get her into the right lifestyle. Gupta added the challenge helped her cut off the unnecessary extras in her meals. “I love to bake, and I enjoyed my ingredients without sugar.”

She said the challenge, which referred to as “automatic leap to healthy eating,” prompted her to look for the natural alternatives. Gupta noted that mindful planning and making the right choices are the key to maintaining a healthy body. Having a sugar-free life helps in enjoying the small indulges as he follows the 80 per cent clean eating.

“What is the use of eating something that would spike my sugar levels up with no health benefits? Instead of eating a cake with the tea, I eat nuts or dried fruits. I eat a date besides the coffee as it gives nutrients in contrast to adding sugar,” said Gupta.

She added that moderation is key and urged people to stop refined sugar and adopt mindful eating habits for at least 10-15 days, as that’s all it takes to make it a habit.