Many men follow diet plans to an exact science, but I have yet to find any that follow a diet plan that is high in sugar. On the contrary, most men try to limit the amount of sugar that they consume in hopes of getting that lean, chiseled physique we all want to have that we see on the cover of Men’s Health and other Fitness Magazines.
While it’s hard to totally avoid sugar (they do show up in fruits, of course), what would happen if we stopped consuming it entirely? Thanks to a recent publication on Men’s Health, we have some clarity to that answer, and today I’ll dive into that topic and share what I learned.
What Happens When We Cut Out Sugar From Our Diet?
There is no shortage of debate when it comes to what a proper diet really is. Depending on who you you choose to listen to, Vegans will tell you that avoiding animal products (where I get my testosterone personally) is the only way to live, while the new Keto enthusiasts will tell you to consume fat. However, it doesn’t really matter who you ask, there won’t be anyone out there singing praises for sugar!
Again, it’s found in more places than you probably know about. It’s not just candy store items and desserts. In fact, you’ll find sugar in veggie burgers, sauces, and even low fat crackers. According to Dr. Eric Pham, M.D., out of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange, California, you’ll get an almost immediate impact on your body when you cut out sugar entirely.
Just inside a week you can see a noticeable lowering in your blood pressure. You’ll also see your fat and insulin levels be healthier, he continued .
One factor that comes into play is if you are eating carbs. Remember that your body does tear down complex carbs, things such as fruit and oatmeal, into simple sugars used as fuel (energy.)
Are you ready for three days without sugars?
If so, you are in for an uphill battle, says Dr. Brian Quebbemann, M.D., who is also from California and works as a bariatric surgeon.
The obvious thing is that you’ll dream about sugary foods, such as donuts, especially if pastries are in your morning routine and dessert is in your evening routine. Sugar stimulates your brain, and without it, you’ll think about it.
You could feel bad, and even sluggish, but that’s due to changes going on inside of your body. Good changes, I may add.
First off, insulin stabilizes. This is a hormone that works to regulate glucose. There won’t be any crashing, either. If you have consumed sugars, you know this effect well. You could even feel lethargic, but after a few days, that feeling should subside. You could also see your adrenaline spike, and this will help you break down the sugars and glycogens that remain inside your body. Also, this is released rapidly into your bloodstream. All of this happens inside of just 24 hours!
Even gnarlier, your body will actually make ketones out of fat within just three to five days since your glycose has depleted, and this is your main source of energy. If you follow a Keto Diet, you know that this is when your body gets into Ketosis, which many call “fat shredding mode.” (It is.)
You could see some cramping in your muscles because you are dropping water in high levels when you are in the state of Ketosis since you cut out sugar. Keto flu can happen, as well as headaches, a slowing down effect (fatigue), and even cramps. All of this can last about one week.
When this is all over, you’ll have more energy, a clearer focus, and you’ll be relaxed. As a long term solution, doctors aren’t sure this is very healthy, but short term, well, you’ve seen what happens in just three days.
Quitting anything is hard. Nicotine, beer, chewing tobacco, even sugar. It’s all mindset.
The best way to be healthy all the time is to eat healthy complex carbs.
Leave a Reply