14 Things That Will Happen If You Stop Eating Sugar for 14 Days

If you were to stop eating sugar for just 14 days, remarkable things would occur within your body. You would undoubtedly experience improved energy levels, clearer skin, and better sleep. Your mood would stabilize, and you might even shed a few pounds.

But what makes sugar so harmful to your health in the first place? Let’s explore the effects of eliminating sugar, offer valuable tips on avoiding hidden sugars, and provide a list of sugary foods to steer clear of.

Prepare yourself for a healthier version of you!

IMPORTANT: I strive to fact check every article I write. Throughout this article, you will see numbers in brackets that link to trusted sources and scientific research papers. I urge you to follow them (all links open in new window) and fact check yourself this article’s claims. If you believe that I need to include more citations or there’s something debunked, please send me an email at hello@foodnourish.net or contact me via the website’s contact us page.

Why Sugar is The #1 Enemy For Your Health

If you want to improve your health, cutting out sugar should be your first step.

Sugar is the ultimate enemy when it comes to your well-being. It has a highly addictive nature, which can lead to weight gain, obesity and a myriad of other problems.

For example, consuming excessive amounts of sugar can significantly increase your risk of developing chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

The problems don’t stop there though…

Sugar wreaks havoc on your skin, causing premature aging and acne. There’s also evidence linking sugar consumption to inflammation in the body, which can contribute to various health issues.

Sugar is everywhere

You may quickly realize that sugar is found abundantly in the foods and beverages you consume on a daily basis.

It’s not just the obvious sources like soda and candy, but also hidden in sauces, dressings, and even seemingly healthy snacks.

Manufacturers often add sugar to enhance flavor and increase shelf life.

In fact, sugar has many different names, making it difficult to identify on ingredient labels.

It can be listed as high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, sucrose, or maltose, among others.

The omnipresence of sugar can make it challenging to avoid, but being aware of its prevalence is the first step in reducing your intake.

Also, when you start adopting a more health-consious lifestyle, then all these sugary-junk foods will be reduced to the minimum.

I personally like to keep things simple. If something is not grown on a tree, on soil or provided by animals then it is not going into my mouth.

What Happens if You Stop Eating Sugar for 14 Days

When you stop consuming sugar for 14 days, you’ll likely experience a range of positive changes in your body. Here’s a video we prepared for our YouTube channel (highly suggest you join).

If you prefer reading, please don’t let me stop you 🙂.

1. You’ll Breath Smell Will Improve

Cutting out sugar from your diet can lead to a noticeable improvement in breath smell within 14 days.

Consuming excessive amounts of sugar feeds the bacteria present in your mouth, which ultimately results in bad breath (halitosis). [1]

However, by eliminating sugar, you effectively starve these bacteria, reducing their growth and the unpleasant odors they produce. [2]

Furthermore, sugar can contribute to dry mouth, another factor that can contribute to bad breath. Therefore, when you stop consuming sugar, your saliva production will increase, providing a natural way to wash away food particles and bacteria that contribute to foul breath. [3]

It’s important to remember that while cutting out sugar can improve breath smell, maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing remains crucial for achieving and maintaining fresh breath.

2. You will lose your appetite for sugar

Cutting out sugar for 14 days may result in a decreased craving for sugary foods.

When you consume sugar, it triggers the release of dopamine in your brain, which creates a pleasurable sensation. [4]

Over time, your brain becomes accustomed to this dopamine rush and craves more sugar to experience the same level of pleasure.

However, when you stop eating sugar, your brain gradually adjusts and the cravings begin to subside. Some research suggests that sugar detox might lead to a decrease in appetite for sugary foods, making it potentially easier to resist temptation. [5] [6]

As you continue to avoid sugar, your taste buds also start to adapt, and you may find that naturally sweet foods like fruits become more satisfying.

3. You will feel hungry less often

If you stop eating sugar for 14 days, you may experience a decrease in hunger.

The reason is, when you consume sugary foods, your blood sugar levels spike, leading to a temporary feeling of fullness. However, this is quickly followed by a crash, causing you to feel hungry again. [7]

By cutting out sugar, you can stabilize your blood sugar levels, preventing these fluctuations and reducing your overall hunger.

From my research, I’ve found that high-sugar diets can disrupt the hormones responsible for regulating hunger and satiety, leading to increased appetite and overeating. [8]

By sugar detoxing for 2 weeks, you give your body a chance to recalibrate these hormones, resulting in a potential decrease in hunger.

4. You’ll start feeling less fatigued

By eliminating sugar from your diet for 14 days, you’ll likely experience a significant reduction in feelings of fatigue.

Excessive amounts of sugar can contribute to energy crashes and leave you feeling tired throughout the day. [9]

This is because sugar causes rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, followed by sudden drops, which can leave you feeling drained and sluggish. [9]

However, when you stop consuming sugar, your body is less likely to experience these drastic fluctuations in blood sugar levels, resulting in more stable energy levels.

In addition to reducing fatigue, cutting out sugar can also have a positive impact on your sleep quality. High sugar intake has been associated with disrupted sleep patterns, which can lead to daytime fatigue. [10]

By eliminating sugar from your diet, you may promote better sleep and wake up feeling more refreshed and energized.

5. You will lose excess water and fat

During the 14-day sugar detox, you may experience a reduction in excess water weight and fat.

When you consume a lot of sugar, your body tends to retain water, which can result in bloating and puffiness. Sugar is a carbohydrate, and all carbohydrates, if consumed in excess can promote fluid retention. [11]

By cutting out sugar from your diet, you have the potential to decrease water retention and notice a slimmer appearance.

Additionally, when you eliminate sugar from your meals, your body will likely start tapping into its stored fat reserves for energy instead of relying on a constant supply of sugar. This is called Ketosis and it is the foundation of Keto Diet. [12]

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the amount of weight you lose will depend on various factors, including your overall diet, exercise routine, and individual metabolism.

Nonetheless, eliminating sugar from your diet can be a positive step towards achieving a healthier body composition.

6. Your Mood will get a boost

Eliminating sugar from your diet for 14 days may result in a noticeable boost in your mood as well.

It’s widely believed that sugar can have detrimental effects on mental health, including an increased risk of depression and anxiety. [13] [14]

Again, when you consume sugar, it causes your blood sugar levels to spike, followed by crashes, which can lead to mood swings and irritability.

By removing sugar from your diet, you can stabilize your blood sugar levels and potentially improve your overall mood.

Furthermore, sugar consumption can also impact the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are vital for regulating mood. [15]

Without the constant influx of sugar, your brain can better regulate these neurotransmitters, potentially leading to a more stable and positive mood.

Therefore, if you’re seeking to enhance your mood, it might be worth considering cutting out sugar from your diet for a period of at least 14 days to observe the potential difference it can make.

7. Your skin will improve

Stop eating sugar for 14 days, will likely improve your skin appearance.

I mean, the connection between sugar consumption and skin health is widely acknowledged.

I remember when I was a kid, we were always told that if you eat chocolates, you’ll get pimples and acne. And they were right. Chocolate is packed with sugar.

Excessive sugar intake triggers inflammation in your body, which may manifest as acne, wrinkles, and lackluster skin. [16]

Furthermore, sugar has the ability to contribute to the degradation of collagen, a crucial protein that maintains the firmness and elasticity of your skin. [17]

By cutting off sugar from your diet, you can reduce inflammation and promote healthier skin.

8. Your body will be less stiff

You may experience decreased stiffness in your body when you stop consuming sugar for 14 days.

Sugar has been linked to chronic inflammation, which can potentially contribute to joint pain and stiffness. [18]

By eliminating sugar from your diet, you have the potential to reduce inflammation and enhance your overall mobility. [19]

Sugar triggers the release of inflammatory markers in your body. These markers have the potential to cause inflammation in your joints, leading to stiffness and discomfort. By cutting out sugar, you give your body the opportunity to heal and alleviate the burden on your joints.

Furthermore, sugar consumption contributes to weight gain and obesity, which exerts additional stress on your joints. By eliminating sugar, you may potentially lose weight and alleviate some of the pressure on your joints, thereby reducing stiffness. [20]

9. Your body will start promoting brain cell growth

Eliminating sugar from your diet for 14 days may potentially result in your body promoting brain cell growth.

Studies suggest that excessive sugar intake could have negative effects on the brain, potentially impairing memory and cognitive function. [21]

By eliminating sugar from your diet for 14 days, your body will start repairing and regenerating brain cells. [22]

One possible explanation for this phenomenon is the potential for sugar consumption to induce inflammation in the brain.

This inflammation could potentially impede the growth and development of new brain cells. By removing sugar from your diet, you may be able to mitigate this inflammation and create a more favorable environment for brain cell growth. [23]

Moreover, cutting out sugar could also improve insulin sensitivity in the brain. Consuming high amounts of sugar can disrupt insulin signaling, which is crucial for maintaining brain health. [24]

Enhancing insulin sensitivity may allow for better uptake of glucose by brain cells, providing them with the energy they require to function optimally and support growth.

10. Your liver will become cleaner

The liver plays a crucial role in detoxification by filtering out toxins and waste products from the body.

However, excessive sugar consumption can overload the liver and potentially hinder its ability to function optimally. [25]

By cutting out sugar, you’re giving your liver the opportunity to focus on its primary responsibilities and potentially clear out accumulated toxins. This process may not only improve liver health but also enhance overall body function.

A cleaner liver has the potential to metabolize nutrients more efficiently, regulate blood sugar levels more effectively, and produce bile for better digestion.

11. Your kidney will start functioning better

Sugar can have negative effects on the kidneys, such as the formation of kidney stones and decreased kidney function. [26]

Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidneys, which can hinder their ability to efficiently filter waste products and toxins from the blood. [27]

Additionally, cutting back on sugar can also play a role in preventing the development of kidney stones, as there’s evidence suggesting a higher risk of kidney stone formation with increased sugar consumption. [26]

When you eliminate sugar from your diet, your kidneys will experience recovery and enhanced functionality.

12. Your immune system will become stronger

Reducing sugar intake for 14 days will make your immune system stronger.

Excessive amounts of sugar, suppress your immune system’s ability to effectively fight off infections and illnesses. [31]

Sugar has been found to hinder the function of white blood cells, which play a crucial role in identifying and eliminating harmful pathogens in your body. [32]

By cutting out sugar for a period of two weeks (at least – ideally FOREVER), you will give your immune system an opportunity to recover and regain its strength.

This could potentially result in improved immune function, making you less susceptible to common colds, flu, and other infections.

13. Your libido will increase

When you stop eating sugar for 14 days, you may experience an increase in your libido. Research suggests that there’s a strong link between sugar consumption and sexual health.

For example, high sugar intake can lead to hormonal imbalances, increased inflammation, and reduced blood flow, all of which can negatively affect your sex drive. [33] [34] [35]

Cutting off sugar can rebalance your hormones and improve blood circulation, leading to a boost in your libido.

Additionally, cutting out sugar might also improve your overall energy levels and mood – as I mentioned earlier – which can potentially enhance your sexual desire.

14. Your sleeping patterns will improve

You may notice an improvement in your sleeping patterns after eliminating sugar from your diet for 14 days.

Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can disrupt your sleep by causing spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, leading to restless nights and difficulty falling asleep. [36]

Sugar can interfere with the production of the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles. By cutting out sugar, you allow your body to stabilize its blood sugar levels and produce adequate amounts of melatonin, leading to more restful and uninterrupted sleep.

Therefore, if you’re struggling with sleep issues, it may be worth considering eliminating sugar from your diet and experiencing the potential positive impact it can have on your sleep.

Foods That Have Hidden Sugars

Identifying foods with hidden sugars can play a crucial role in your journey to eliminate sugar from your diet for 14 days.

It’s relatively easy to spot sugary treats like cookies and soda, but it’s the hidden sugars that can catch you off guard and undermine your efforts to reduce consumption.

One food category that demands caution is processed foods. Items such as canned soups, salad dressings, and even condiments like ketchup can contain significant amounts of added sugars.

Breakfast cereals, granola bars, and flavored yogurts are also common culprits.

Furthermore, it’s important to be wary of beverages like fruit juices, sports drinks, and flavored coffees, as they often harbor high levels of sugar.

Foods Packed With Sugar To Avoid

Successfully eliminating sugar from your diet for 14 days requires being aware of foods that are packed with hidden sugars and should be avoided.

These foods may seem innocent, but they can contribute to your daily sugar intake.

• One major culprit is sugary beverages, such as soda, fruit juices, and energy drinks. These drinks can contain high amounts of added sugars, which can quickly accumulate.
• Another category to watch out for is processed snacks like cookies, cakes, and candy bars. These treats often contain a significant amount of sugar and offer little nutritional value.
• Finally ,ketchup, barbecue sauce, and salad dressings, ALL contain hidden sugars.
• Finally, pastries, innocent looking cookies, chips (yes you’ve read that right), can also have amounts of sugar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bottom Line

Giving up sugar for just 14 days can have a significant impact on your health.

By eliminating hidden sugars in your diet, you can experience benefits such as improved energy levels, potential weight loss, potential improvements in skin health, and potentially reduced risk of chronic diseases.

It’s important to be aware of foods that are packed with sugar and make smarter choices to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Taking this step towards reducing sugar intake can potentially lead to long-term improvements in your overall well-being.

You Might Be Interested In These Articles As Well

ℹ️ FoodNourish is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission without any surcharge to you.