Sugar is addictive, and when I realized I had to give it up, I cried.

A year and a half ago, I found out that I am allergic to sugar. I have a physical reaction when I consume it. Yet, I loved sugar, a staple in the average American diet.

Many people choose to adopt a healthier diet around New Year’s, involving a lower intake of sugar. For many who attempt this, much sugar is eliminated for a certain amount of time. Some people succeed more than others in their attempt to eradicate sugar. I had no choice.

The first day of my attempt went well. The second day, I failed. The craving was just too strong. This continued for a while, although I must admit, I failed most days. It was a slow process to wean myself off this thing that had its hold on my mind.

The last thing to go was chocolate. Meanwhile, I used fruit as a crutch.

It was hard, and I struggled, until one day I was tired of living in failure and just decided to stop eating sugar.

I haven’t had any sugar since, not even a trace amount. It’s been a little over a year now.

The hardest part of giving up sugar is the first thirty days. After that you kind of forget what it tastes like. Besides, eating it again only makes you feel sluggish and isn’t worth momentary pleasure.

The one thing that enhances when you give up a food item is your ability to smell it. I can smell sugar across the room.

Again, this is just my experience. Giving up sugar is hard, but once you do it, you can reach a place where you stop craving it.