Sugar is not as sweet as you think it is! This is probably not news to you, but the higher your sugar intake, the fatter you get! And with increased body fat comes the risks of high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and many other obesity-related lifestyle diseases. And should I mention the trouble that candies and aerated sweet beverages create for your teeth?

To ask you to stop your sugar intake totally for an indefinite period of time is being unreasonable. A chocolate, an ice-cream or a cup of smoking masala chai is definitely a mood elevator. So let’s hit the middle path. What about a two-week challenge? Fourteen days without added sugar and sweets? We will not count sugar added to meals for taste. Believe me, it is very much doable. And what’s more, it does volumes for your mental strength and confidence when you can deny yourself something that you really like, albeit for a short period of time.

There is a small rider to this challenge. Along with sugar you will also have to cut back on dairy products and consume absolutely no alcohol or artificial sweeteners.

So, if you are up for the 14-day sugar-free challenge, here are some tips and tricks that really work:

• TIP 1: Declutter your pantry! Do not store chocolates, biscuits, cookies or sugary beverages. It is almost impossible to last the 14-day challenge if you have a box of Oreos within easy reach. Start the challenge with a sugar-free kitchen.

• TIP 2: Go natural! The first few days will be tough. Stock your pantry with fruits (preferably citrus) and reach for one whenever you feel like giving in. Definitely substitute post-meal desserts with fruits for these 14 days.

• TIP 3: Keep yourself occupied! Whenever the sugar craving arises, think about things to do. It might be as simple as going for a walk or attending to household chores. You will find that the mind is an easy thing to divert. This little trick works not only for sugar addiction, but a wide variety of other dependencies as well.

• TIP 4: Exercise! A 14-day sugar-free challenge coupled with five days of exercise every week is an awesome weapon to fight fat. Exercise releases a number of good hormones and is an excellent tool for keeping mentally and physically healthy. It will also motivate you to stick to the challenge.

• TIP 5: Eat! Going on a sugar-free diet doesn’t mean you will have to cut back on other foods. Don’t binge eat, but control your cravings by eating nutrient-dense whole foods.

• TIP 6: Challenge your will power! This might seem a little obvious, but it is a strong weapon. Whenever you feel like digging into the next bowl of dessert, ask yourself this question: “Am I not strong enough?” The answer will be: “Yes! I am.”

• TIP 7: Avoid social gatherings! Invites normally lead to heavy meals. Avoid parties and eating out during this challenge. If you must, be mindful of your diet.

Health benefits of this challenge:

I could speak volumes about how much good this challenge will do to your health as I have done it several times myself. But we would love to hear from you about your experience of the challenge, its benefits and the completion of the challenge, wholly or partially.

Do mail us back!

The writer, a martial arts and fitness coach, is the founder of Mike’s Martial Arts, a Calcutta-based martial arts and advanced functional fitness studio. Contact: mayukhpb@yahoo.co.in