I Ditched Sugar for 7 Days — Here’s What Happened

I Ditched Sugar for 7 Days—Here’s What Happened to My Mood, Skin, and Hot Flashes

Let me start by saying: I love sugar. Chocolate, bikkies, that cheeky scroll from the bakery aisle—yes, please. But menopause and sugar? They’re like two drunk uncles at a wedding: loud, unpredictable, and best kept apart.

After one too many nights of hot flashes, mood swings, and skin that felt like sandpaper and oil slick had a baby, I decided to try something radical.

I broke up with sugar for seven days. Cold turkey. No added sugar, no sneaky sauces, no “but it’s fruit juice!” loopholes.

Day 1: Send Help

I woke up smug. This’ll be a breeze, I told myself while sipping my coffee like a martyr.
By 3 PM, I was staring at my wife like she was made of chocolate.

Mood: Cranky.
Skin: No change.
Hot Flashes: Still flaming.

Day 2: The Cravings Are Real

The sugar cravings were next-level. I found myself sniffing the peanut butter jar for comfort. My brain was foggy, I was tired, and everything annoyed me—including myself.
BUT… I did notice fewer hot flashes that night. Coincidence?

Day 3: The Dip

This was my hormonal hangover day. I had a dull headache, zero motivation, and nearly cried because we ran out of frozen peas. (No, peas are not sweet. I don’t know what happened either.)

BUT—my face looked less puffy.
And I slept better.
Small wins.

Days 4–5: Turning a Corner

I woke up without the usual bloated belly and my skin? Less red. Less angry.
I also realised I hadn’t had a mood swing in two days. (My wife noticed too. She lit a candle in thanks.)

Hot flashes still happened, but they were shorter and milder.
Mood: Surprisingly steady.
Energy: Slowly climbing.

Day 6: The Glow-Up

Okay, this is where I got smug again.

My energy was up.
My skin looked clearer.
I didn’t crash at 3 PM.
Mood: Solid. Skin: Glowy-ish.
Hot Flashes: Not gone, but less drama. Like a menopausal soft launch.

Day 7: I Made It

No, I didn’t turn into a wellness goddess. But I did feel more… even.
Less rollercoaster, more gentle hill.
I didn’t realise how much sugar was messing with me until I gave it the boot.

So, Will I Stay Sugar-Free Forever?

LOL. No. I’m not here to live a life without birthday cake or the occasional sneaky Tim Tam.
But I will be more mindful. Because honestly? I felt better. Calmer. More like myself—whoever that is in this menopausal mystery ride.

Final Thoughts

Menopause is wild enough without sugar flipping the switch on your hormones every five seconds.
This little sugar-free experiment taught me that food really does affect how I feel—and that I’m stronger (and grumpier) than I thought.

If you give it a go, let me know how you feel. Especially if you also found yourself sniffing peanut butter jars for comfort. #Solidarity