6 Ways to Break Up with Sugar (and Still Be Friends)

1. Feed Yourself Before the Craving Hits

Ever been “hangry”? Of course, you have, we’ve ALL been there. It’s that magical moment when hunger and anger collide, and suddenly that chocolate bar is screaming your name like it’s auditioning for The X Factor. Here’s the deal: cravings aren’t real hunger. They’re your brain saying, “I need dopamine, NOW!”

Stop the madness by eating proper meals with enough protein, healthy fats, and fibre to keep your energy steady. Think eggs and avocado for breakfast, or a handful of nuts with fruit for a snack. Boring? If you let it be Effective? Absolutely.

2. Hydrate like it's your job!

Sometimes, when you think you want sugar, your body is just begging for water. It’s like your brain sends the wrong email to the wrong department. Instead of replying to the craving with biscuits, try sipping on some water or herbal tea first. Invest in a fancy schmancy new water bottle and get it into you!

Set yourself a hydration goal—6 to 8 glasses a day—and remember, wine doesn’t count (unfortunately).

3. Move it, don't eat it

You know when you’re eyeing up a bar of chocolate, and you just need it? Get up and move. Go for a walk, do a few squats, or dance like nobody’s watching.

Exercise releases endorphins, a.k.a. your body’s natural happy chemicals, which can shut down that sugar craving faster than you can say “double caramel latte.” Bonus: it also gets you out of the kitchen, where all the bitey snacks live.

4. Set a Trap for Your Trigger Foods

We all have them: those sneaky snacks you can’t be trusted around. For some, it’s biscuits. They whisper sweet nothings from the cupboard. So, what do you do? Remove the temptation.

Don’t keep them in the house if they’re your kryptonite. Or, if you absolutely must have them, buy single servings. Because let’s be honest, no one has ever eaten just two biscuits from an open packet.

Shout out to Orla Walsh for this amazing illustration.

5. Distract yourself

Cravings love routine. They’ll show up like clockwork if you always reach for chocolate at 3 p.m. every day. Time to mix things up.

Take a shower, switch rooms, call a friend, or start an entirely unnecessary home project (organizing your wardrobe, anyone?). Distraction is key. You’ll be so busy living your best life, you’ll forget all about that KitKat.

6. Cut the Drama and Find Your Balance

Here’s the thing: sugar isn’t evil. You can have a little and still be a functioning adult. In fact, trying to cut it out completely usually ends with you face-planting into a cake.

So, plan for the treat. Want a chocolate square? Have it. Fancy a biscuit? Go for it. Just don’t turn it into an all-or-nothing showdown. Sugar’s a part of life, not your nemesis.

Final thoughts

Breaking up with sugar doesn’t mean it’s over for good—it’s more of a casual “let’s take a break” situation. Focus on what nourishes you, lean on your friends (or your Unislim crew, hint hint), and remember: you’re sweet enough as you are.

Now, go pour yourself a glass of water and maybe call your bestie. You’ve got this!