As with most New Year’s resolutions, I wanted to start 2025 on a fresh note. New year, new me, right? Plus, let’s be honest, I had a little too much of the #christmaskilos weighing me down. And then there was the sweet tooth. Oh boy, my sugar cravings are out of this world, so giving up sugar for a month seemed… like a fun challenge. Spoiler: it wasn’t.

So, let’s get one thing clear: when I say “sugar-free,” I don’t mean zero sugar (because, c’mon, have you seen how much sugar is in basically everything?). This meant no added sugars—like avoiding candy, cookies, and my beloved chocolate. But, of course, fruit sugars were allowed because, well, they’re natural (and I love fruit). Basically, I was avoiding processed sugars like the plague. Think sugar-free oat milk, sugar-free protein bars… and no, my favorite cookies had to wait for a whole month. I know, tragic.

Week one: the struggle is real

Week one? A nightmare. Seriously, I don’t think anyone should have had to deal with me during those first few days. Withdrawal hit me like a freight train, and the cravings? Let’s just say I was a hot mess of mood swings, irritability, and major snack attacks. Around 4 PM every day, my cravings would kick in hard. By dinnertime, I was practically having withdrawal convulsions, and I’d try to convince myself that I needed a sweet treat so badly (even though I knew I didn’t).

But here’s the trick: whenever I craved my favorite cookies, I’d grab a mandarin instead. Did I eat a ridiculous amount of mandarins? Yes, yes I did. But it worked—mostly. The struggle was real, but I survived, and made sure there were no snacks in sight. Otherwise, I’d be a goner.

Week two: feeling less like a sugar zombie

By week two, the cravings started to subside. I wasn’t completely out of the woods, but my 4 PM snack attack was becoming less intense. The after-dinner craving? Still there, but the mandarins were doing their job (ish). But here’s the thing: week two felt like I was on the right track. My body was adjusting, and I was no longer dying for a sugary snack every time I opened the fridge.

Week three: my body is loving the break

By week three, I noticed some pretty interesting changes. My skin was clearer, I was sleeping better (hallelujah), and I started to notice that certain fruits and veggies were tasting way sweeter than usual. Cashews, sweet potatoes, and even carrots started to feel like little candy bars. I had to keep reminding myself that they weren’t actually cookies.

Also, nuts—let me tell you, they’re game changers. If you’re doing this challenge, nuts are your new best friend. They’re filling, tasty, and surprisingly satisfying when you’re in need of a snack. Trust me, grab a handful of almonds or cashews next time you’re hungry, and you’ll forget about the cookies in no time (okay that’s a lie, but you know what I mean).

Week four: period week—can I survive the chocolate cravings?

Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Week four was the test. Why? Because it was period week. Anyone who knows me knows that this is the week I could eat an entire snack drawer in one sitting. Chocolate is basically my best friend when Aunt Flo comes to town. So, the first few days of my period? Yeah, I wanted chocolate—bad. Like, I was craving that sweet, sweet Tony’s Chocolonely.

But wait. I had a breakthrough. I remember seeing this TikTok about magnesium cravings during your period, and how chocolate (hello, magnesium) isn’t the only way to curb those cravings. Turns out, other magnesium-rich foods like bananas, avocados, and nuts could do the trick too. And honestly? It worked. The cravings weren’t as intense as I thought, and I made it through my period week like a (semi) normal person.

The verdict: would I do it again?

So, after a full month of no added sugars, how did I feel? Honestly, way better than I expected. I felt more energized, my skin was clearer, and I didn’t miss the sugar rush as much as I thought I would. Oh, and the best part? After 31 days, I finally got to eat my cookies again—and let me tell you, they’ve never tasted so good.

If you’re thinking about trying this challenge, I highly recommend it. Seriously. The benefits—clearer skin, better sleep, more energy, and even discovering how sweet healthy foods can taste—are totally worth the struggle.

And now? I’m gonna go eat some cookies… after all, I earned it. 🍪✨