Yoghurt-coated cranberries made me realise that I might have a sugar problem. Last night, I had the bright idea to rearrange my kitchen cupboards. As I laid the items on the countertop, I noticed that the pile of yogurt-coated cranberries kept growing, followed closely by my boxes of Lindt chocolate and sugar-free sweets. I realised then that I don’t just have a love for sweet things, I have an addiction. Addiction: that word seems so scary and shameful, but I know the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. So this is me… a sugar addict documenting their journey to recovery.
Ice cream is my favourite food. It has been my favourite food for as long as I can remember. Something about it makes me feel calm in the moment: my thoughts stop racing, and I feel as though I am in control in that moment. I can finish one tub after another without batting an eyelid, even in the harsh winters of the UK.
But that feeling of bliss is short-lived. Soon, that feeling of calm is replaced by feelings of regret and guilt. I realise that I have consumed a weeks worth of calories in one sitting and I start feeling disgusted with myself. And when that feeling of guilt and shame becomes overwhelming, I reach out for more ice cream to numb the pain.
For many years I didn’t have any problems with this cycle, until recently.
Why Change Now?
I have been chronically exhausted. At first, I thought it was because of my workload. I started taking naps during lunchtime and immediately after work, but nothing helped. After months of chronic fatigue, I decided to visit the doctor. After a couple of tests, I learnt that the fatigue was because of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
CKD involves kidney damage or reduced function that lasts for at least three months. From my results, the doctor stated that I have stage 3 CKD; which is worrying given that the average person in their 30s doesn’t often have kidney issues. With this diagnosis came the need to change my diet: low sugar, low sodium and low potassium. In other words, no bananas (high in potassium), no crisps (high in salt) and definitely no sweets and ice cream.
Sugar Addiction is Real – And You’re Not Weak
No bananas and crisps were somewhat easy, but the no sugar has been a battle. Sugar is very addictive and has a powerful impact on the brain’s reward system. Remember that feeling of calm I talked about when eating ice cream, well, that comes about because sugar triggers a rush of dopamine (the feel-good hormone).
This hit of dopamine makes the brain associate sugar with feelings of pleasure, making you crave sugar. The brain being the amazing tool it is, starts to adapt to the dopamine rush. After a while, you will need to consume more sugar to get the same feeling. This leads to the vicious cycle of craving and indulgence. So if you are struggling with a sugar addiction, know that it is not a character but rather an emotional and behavioural issue. And lucky for us, it can be unlearned.
I’m not aiming for perfection, just presence. So to kick-start my unlearning journey, I have created a Sweet Tooth Survival Kit. The Kit is filled with nourishing alternatives that don’t leave me feeling like I failed myself. I’ve begun paying attention to the why behind my cravings; journaling when I can, recording voice notes when I can’t.
I’m making sure my meals contain more fibre and protein to keep me fuller and steadier. When the urge hits hard, I meet it with gentleness—a deep breath, a grounding affirmation, and the quiet reminder: “I choose what nourishes me.” Little by little, I’m also clearing out the things I know tempt me into spirals. I’m not doing this as a punishment but as a quiet act of self-protection.
What’s Next?
This journey isn’t just about sugar, it’s about reclaiming my energy, my clarity, and my peace. I’m doing this for my skin, my kidneys, my moods, my mornings. I want to feel lighter both in body and in spirit. And if you’ve been caught in the same cycle — craving sweetness while feeling like it’s draining you — I want you to know: you’re not alone.
I’ll be sharing my journey, including the cravings, the shifts, the swaps that work (and the ones that don’t). No filters. Just truth. Each week, I’ll post updates and offer tools, like sugar-free treats that satisfy without stealing your glow. Share your stories, drop me a DM, or leave a comment and remember that healing doesn’t have to be solitary. We’re building this new rhythm side by side.
So here is to the woman I’m becoming – I see you. I know this path hasn’t been easy. There are days you’ll want to give in, to let the craving win, to reach for the comfort you’ve always known. But I want you to remember: you are not weak, you are rewriting patterns that have lived in you for years. You’re doing something brave. You’re choosing healing over habit, nourishment over numbness. Keep going, love. You are already becoming the version of yourself you’ve prayed for: steady, radiant, and free.
