I Gave Up Sugar for Two Years — Here's How It Transformed My Life

Vogue Arabia

07-05-2025

It was just another typical day at the office, filled with deadlines, stress, and the usual snacks — chocolate, chips, cake, anything sweet to comfort us as we worked through the pressure. Like many women, I believed in the age-old saying that chocolate lifts your mood. And yes, science supports it: chocolate contains magnesium and helps increase serotonin, our feel-good neurotransmitter. Around PMS, it feels like a lifeline. But on that particular day, I started to question the routine. Was I really helping myself, or just masking something deeper?
Fast forward to Christmas 2023. I was in Beirut with my family — a season usually rich in rituals, sweets, and indulgence. My mother and I made our usual trip to the pâtisserie to pick out the perfect desserts for after lunch. Kunafa on Sunday mornings was sacred. And Panettone? Irresistible. But something inside me shifted. That day, I said no. No to Kunafa. No to Panettone. No to every little sugary tradition that once brought me joy. My mum was surprised, maybe even a little concerned. She knew how much I loved those moments. But I knew this was the beginning of something important.
From that day on, I cut out refined sugars — no sweets, no chocolate during PMS, not even the tiniest dessert at celebrations. What started as a weight loss attempt didn't quite deliver the physical change I expected on the scale. But what I gained instead was so much more valuable.
My energy levels tripled. I no longer struggled to stay awake after lunch or battled the dreaded afternoon crash. I used to rely on melatonin gummies and herbal teas for sleep — a habit that spanned nearly 20 years. Now, I fall asleep naturally. I even yawn — a simple, human gesture I hadn't experienced in ages.
My skin? Softer than I can remember. I can't pinpoint when the transformation happened, but I feel it — in my face, my body, even my hair. It's like everything got a quiet, nourishing reset.
When it comes to my mood, I used to experience regular mood swings, but now I feel far more balanced. And yes, I can say it proudly — though to be honest, I'm not entirely sure if this new emotional stability is thanks to my hormone shifts or the result of cutting sugar. Maybe it's both.
And the best part? My energy feels like it did in my 20s. I move with ease, I walk for hours, I exercise without dragging myself. The fog I used to wake up with? Gone. It felt scary at first — that kind of clarity — but I welcomed it.
Truthfully, I haven't had my sugar levels tested yet, but it's on my to-do list. Cutting sugar was the first step, not the whole journey.
To be clear: I didn't cut out all the sugar. I still eat fruit, dates, and occasionally use honey when I crave the familiar sweetness of Kunafa or a chocolate bar. These natural sources come with fibre, vitamins, and minerals — and are part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
I'm not here to advise or preach. I'm not a doctor. I simply wanted to share what this decision did for me — in case you're struggling with sleep, low energy, or feeling out of sync with your body. Maybe my story will inspire you to try something new. And who knows… maybe one day, you'll thank me for it.