How to go about eating less sugar?

[Jadekitten]

I've known that I eat waaay too much sugar but until now I wasn't interested in cutting down. But I've realized that if I want to be even more competitive in my sports, I need to stop eating so much sugar.
I have a dessert at lunch and dinner, and when I get home I eat a TON of sugar and carbs. I'll eat like 3 packs of gushers and graham crackers and just sugar sugar sugar.
I'm not concerned with my weight though. Aside from my unhealthy snacking, I eat pretty healthy, and I am extremely active.
I was thinking, I could probably cut out the snacking after school… instead of sugar I could have some apples and carrots. And maybe not pack a dessert with my lunch as well.
I was just wondering, will I feel any different? Does anyone have any tips on not eating so much sugar? I've noticed that I break out the more sugar I eat. In addition, I've been more tired during track practice. I also have depression and when I feel really depressed I tend to eat more sugar because it helps me feel better.
And does anyone have any healthy snack ideas that are filling? I'm pretty picky but I love apples and carrots.
And finally, in your experience, what has cutting out sugar done for you? And I'm not concerned about my weight, I'm very fit.

[ElHenaut]

You're a teenager so you can handle all that sugar for now, but once you hit early 20s your body will gain weight. I can say cutting down on sugar has helped me feel more energetic because I crash less, and it also helps me avoid unhealthy foods in general because most sweets and sodas are sugar-loaded. So by cutting out all sugar I am less tempted to binge on candy or cake or pop and stick with whole grain bread, veggies, lean meats, etc.

[Jadekitten]

I'm not sure I'll ever be able to cut out all sugar, but I am really trying to not snack on it… I had an apple and a granola bar today after school instead of candy and I'm hoping that eventually I can cut out sugar at lunch too. I'm gonna have to start slow lol.

[ElHenaut]

Yeah I don't cut out 100% sugar either, but I cut out all candies, pastries and soda. I get sugar from fruit or from granola bars like you said. The body needs some sugar but it's much less amount compared to what most Americans are eating everyday.

You are smart for starting out slow, just gradually taper your sugar down it's easier to do then going cold-turkey on it. I remember I had really strong cravings for Coke when I was trying to cut down, so every now and then I would give in, but recently I haven't had those cravings so much.

[Jadekitten]

I'm glad I stopped drinking soda about a year ago, I occasionally have a soda on special occasions but rarely drink it. I think I'll mostly try to cut out the candy, I eat way too much candy. You're definitely right, thank you so much for your help! I'm really hoping eventually I can get to a point where I have dessert at dinner and that's all the candy/dessert foods that I have.

[d3f3cted]

lets be honest, sugar does make you feel good, but its not good for you, the reason why we are fat is SUGAR. thats the 100% truth. i went on a sugar free diet for 1month and didn't have a stomach at all. was amazing looking at my abs, minimal exercise and good diet. you should give it a try

[Jadekitten]

I'm not even close to being fat, I'm 5'8" and 120lbs and most of that is muscle because I'm a track athlete (hurdles & shorter sprints) and I ride horses. My main concern is that I'm snacking on too much sugar and not enough good food to fuel my body, because with the amount of exercise I do diet is pretty important… and the more sugar I eat, the more tired I am after workouts /:

[d3f3cted]

yeah its the come down the crash that is killing you, but maybe eat more protein and carbs.

[msainz1]

sugar is like a drug. it releases the feel good hormone dopamine. it really can be addictive. im still struggling to stop eating it but sugar is in so many things ! even things like ketchup and granola bars, etc.

[myspacemybroke]

After eating large quantities of sugar I do notice that I kind of drag ass around a bit. Knocks the level of energy I have down.

I'd say try to wean yourself off, cut down on sugar, then try artificial sweeteners, then none at all.

[BenjaminBix]

You can start with eating home-prepared food and beverages (fruits, vegetables, tea, NO COFFEE) just something you can cook at home.

[Jadekitten]

I don't have any time to cook, I'm 15 and very busy with track and horses, but is tea good for you? I was thinking about maybe starting to drink it to help me wake up in the morning. I'm thinking fruit after school might be a good idea instead of candy. My mom cooks healthy meals every night too, it's just the snacking that I'm concerned about.

[BenjaminBix]

Well if your mom is cooking, it is even better, because she is good at it. And yes tea is way way better than coffee. Tea doesn't have a lot of caffeine compare to coffee, and it is not addictive.
For snacks, granola bars, Fiber One... etc.

[Jadekitten]

Yeah, she cooks really good meals! Okay, thanks! I don't drink coffee but I might start drinking some tea. (: I love this one brand of granola bar, I can't remember the name, it's really good.

[CourtJester]

Maybe cut down on "processed sugar" and focus on natural ones like fruits. Just avoiding soda generally and mainly drink water will help

[Jadekitten]

That's a good idea! I rarely drink soda and I drink a lot of water already tho which is great (:

[Stefan1738]

Get your sugar from fruits, but yeah I like some Sour Patch though. :)

[Anonymous]

i really wanna be healthier...

[Anonymous]

Overdose on salt?