66 days to cut down sugar: ‘I find myself enjoying the sweetness of my lip balm’
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How long does it take to change a habit? It varies, but one paper suggests it takes an average of 66 days. We ask writers to change one thing in their lives within that timeframe … and tell us if it works. Not even a year ago, I would have called myself crazy for giving up sugar, even for 66 days. But the truth is I eat way too much of it and it can’t be good for me.
![[Sharlotte Thou]](https://i.guim.co.uk/img/uploads/2024/02/22/Sharlotte_Thou.png?width=75&dpr=1&s=none&crop=none)
I’ve eaten cake for breakfast on more than one occasion and can easily finish a packet of biscuits in a day. I have a soft spot for baked goods, kindled by the many bakeries and cafes in my neighbourhood. If I go to bed without eating something sweet I feel as though something’s missing.
But for me there’s a serious reason to cut down on added sugar: I have a family history of type 2 diabetes and a diet high in sugar will increase my chances of getting the disease. I’m high risk. The last time I had a blood test, in early 2023, my sugar levels were on the high side of healthy. I’ve been too scared to get it re-tested.
So for 66 days I plan to avoid processed sugar. Rosemary Stanton, the public health nutritionist, advises me to avoid anything with ingredients “my grandma wouldn’t recognise”. When I’m craving sugar she recommends I eat fruit – “full of natural goodness” – but avoid fruit juice because the fibre which will help keep me full has been removed. I’ll also avoid artificial sugars as much as possible, which Stanton says will strengthen a preference for sweeter foods.
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