We all know that too much sugar isn’t good for us. Sugar affects our energy, mood, mental clarity, digestion, and so much more. But, whether you’ve decided to cut out sugar for health reasons, weight loss, or something else entirely— detoxing from sugar is easier said than done.
First of all, sugar is an addictive substance. Sugar activates the brain’s reward system, releasing feel-good chemicals that make us crave more. This cycle is reinforced by sugar’s impact on blood sugar and insulin levels, making it tough to break free from the habit.
Secondly, sugar is often hidden in unexpected places. So, even those who think they don’t eat a lot of sugar are often getting their sugar fix from foods like tomato sauce, salad dressing, and protein bars.
Unfortunately, all of this makes it difficult to cut sugar out of our diet. Not to mention, cutting it out too fast can lead to withdrawal-like symptoms.
In this blog, Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, explores five simple steps to get you started on your sugar detox. Together, we will explore the best way to detox from sugar as well as FAQS for each step of your detox.
5 Simple Steps to Detox from Sugar
When it comes to detox, a great rule of thumb is to go slow. As you’ll see throughout the five steps, a slow and steady approach will not only be easier to integrate into your routine but easier on your body.
1. Clean Up on the Home Front
The first step in a sugar detox is to remove sugar from your home. This is often complicated by the fact that sugar is hidden in foods we might not expect.
Start by removing all the obviously sugary foods from your fridge and pantry. Next, check the labels on sauces, dressings, and processed snacks. Look for words like “sugar” or “syrup,” as well as any ending in “ose.”
The final step is to fill your home with whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
FAQ: What is the timeline for quitting sugar?
It probably feels overwhelming to cut out sugar and remove all sugar from your home all in one go. Our advice? Finish up the sugary foods you have in your home and stop buying new ones.
Then, the next time you go shopping, swap out some of your favorite sugary foods with sugar-free alternatives. Replace sugary treats with low sugar fruits (berries and green apples), don’t buy any simple carbohydrates and read the ingredients on anything from the center of the grocery store.
Sugar detox is a lifestyle shift and there’s no rush. Go as slow or as fast as you want.
2. Eat Protein for Breakfast and Lunch
During a sugar detox, protein is your best friend. Protein provides long-lasting energy and prevents that mid-morning and afternoon energy slump. Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast and lunch which will stabilize your blood sugar levels and reduce sugar cravings later in the day.

- Breakfast: Eggs with spinach, Greek yogurt with nuts, or a protein smoothie.
- Lunch: Grilled chicken salad, quinoa and vegetable bowl, or lentil soup.
FAQ: What happens when you suddenly cut out sugar?
Any time you suddenly cut out sugar, you will most likely experience symptoms of sugar withdrawal. These detox symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, nausea, dizziness, breakouts, cravings, etc. Protein will help regulate your blood sugar levels and reduce cravings, which may reduce your detox symptoms after you quit sugar cold turkey.3. Switch to Whole Grains
One of the most important dietary switches you can make when detoxing from sugar is to switch from refined grains to whole grains. Whole grains provide you with more nutrients and fiber, helping to keep you full and satisfied. When grains are refined, they often lose essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. These nutrients keep you full and satisfied, and keep you from reaching for sugary snacks. Examples of healthy whole grains include brown rice, quinoa, oast, and whole wheat bread or pasta.FAQ: What is the fastest way to detox from sugar?
If you want to detox from sugar quickly, you need to prioritize whole unprocessed foods. These foods help stabilize blood sugar levels, reduce cravings, and provide essential nutrients. Your body sees grains (and especially white, processed carbs like those found in cookies, cakes, white bread, pastas, etc) as another source of sugar. They provide you with quick, easy energy, but they also create a huge spike in your blood sugar levels. The simple act of replacing refined grains with whole grain alternatives can help reduce sugar cravings so you can detox from sugar more quickly.4. Learn to Recognize Hidden Sugars
The hardest part of a sugar detox is finding the hidden sugars in your diet. Sugar isn’t just found in cookies and cakes – it’s also present in alcohol, salad dressing, protein bars, and many processed foods. Being aware of these hidden sources is crucial. Here are a few easy ways to learn to recognize hidden sugars:- Read Labels: Look for ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, glucose, and other hidden sugars.
- Limit Alcohol: Alcohol can contribute to overall sugar intake and affect blood sugar levels.
- Eat at Home: When you cook and bake your own treats, you have more control over the amount and type of sweeteners used. Eating out while on a sugar detox is pretty difficult and you will be more likely to slip up out in public

FAQ: Why does sugar make you feel bad?
Sugar is a highly inflammatory substance and affects many of the body’s systems, including your immune system, digestion, sleep, and hormones.
The infamous sugar high and low is due to the sudden rise and fall in your blood sugar. After you eat sugar, your body rushes to produce insulin to turn sugar into usable energy. But once this process is complete, your insulin falls and your energy goes with it.
In many cases, you eat way more sugar than you need. That sugar gets stored for later use, in the liver, muscles, and tissues. This process is why some people associate sugar with weight gain.
5. Swap Out Sugary Drinks
Many of us consume sugar not just in our food, but in our beverages. Be sure to check labels on your favorite drinks and reduce the ones that contain high levels of sugar. Replace them with healthy, sugar-free alternatives during your sugar detox.
Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine recommends you swap sodas and sweetened beverages for water, herbal tea, and sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime. You may also want to use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation when baking or in your morning coffee.
FAQ: How do you flush out sugar in your body?
Drinking lots of water is essential during any type of detox but especially during a sugar detox. Carry a refillable water bottle to keep track of your water consumption and always begin your day with a big glass of water.
Detox from Sugar Naturally
Detoxing from sugar involves making mindful choices about what you eat and drink. Detox naturally by cleaning up your home environment, prioritizing protein and whole grains, recognizing hidden sugars, and swapping out sugary, you can successfully reduce your sugar intake and enjoy the benefits of a healthier diet. Remember, gradual changes are more sustainable, so take it one step at a time.
Work with Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine
At Boulder Holistic Functional Medicine in Boulder, Colorado, we’re here to guide you as you detox from sugar. Whether you need personalized advice or support to navigate your sugar detox, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your health goals. Set up an appointment with us today and start your path to a healthier, more balanced life.

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