The I Quit Sugar 8-Week program has shut it’s doors, but you can still quit sugar with the help of the I Quit Sugar Starter Pack, available from the I Quit Sugar Store. Worried you won’t last the distance?  I know how you feel  Before I quit sugar, I was terrified at the thought of parting with Mars Bars for the rest of my life. And to be perfectly honest, I never believed that I would actually make it through the entire program. But I did, and two years later I’m an old hand at this sugar-quitting caper (you can read more about my experience quitting sugar, here and here). So for all you first timers, here are my top tips for surviving the I Quit Sugar 8-Week program, and saying goodbye to the sweet stuff for good.

1. Be prepared

My top tip for surviving the IQS 8-Week program? Do your weekly shop and Sunday cook up. If your fridge is stocked and your meals are prepped, it will be harder not to stick with the program, than to stick with it. So what are you waiting for? Get to the shops stat!

2. Mix it up

For this to work you need to make it work for you. I have the fussiest husband in the world…current status 2 year old. But I make it work it by cooking him the same meal as me, with some toddler friendly variations. Think potato wedges instead of sweet potato fries, chicken instead of fish, peas…well I don’t even go there, I call that picking my battles. And don’t be afraid to switch up the order of the meals in your meal plan. On the nights I know I’m going to be home late from work I always go for the quickest and easiest options on the meal plan like salads and stir fry’s.

3. You’ve gotta have faith

There is a lot of food on the program, including fat…you know that stuff we have been told not to eat our entire lives. I was sure I would put on weight, but I didn’t. In fact my weight is more stable than it has ever been. So trust the process, ditch the calorie counter, and enjoy the full fat yoghurt.

4. You were born to try

So not everything on the meal plan is going to float your boat, but don’t let that stop you from trying new things. I swear I thought I hated beetroot, and now I’m popping baby beets like candy. And some of the meals that I thought sounded ho-hum (alright just downright weird) were the most amazing. Avocado and strawberry toastie, I’m looking at you.

5. No one is perfect

 Your never going to be able to follow the program 100% of the time and you might even sneak in a piece of cake, but don’t let that send you back into the arms of a family size block of Cadbury chocolate. Any given Friday night you will find me drinking wine and eating dumplings rather than sticking to the meal plan. But I still quit sugar, and you will too, just don’t let little Ms Perfect get in the way.

6. Talk it out

There is a community of experts and I Quit Sugar ambassadors in the forums ready to answer all your questions about quitting sugar. So if your struggling let them know, and your personal support crew will be on the case in no time. And if you’re the shy and retiring type, don’t be deterred, forum stalking is totally acceptable.

7. Get snappy

 Confession time, I am one of those annoying people who take photos of their dinner and post them to Instagram *cue eye roll.* But seriously, it’s a great way to share your journey, connect with other I Quit Sugar peeps, and stay accountable…lets face it if you were eating crisps for dinner every night you wouldn’t be posting that to Instagram #justeatrealfood.

If you have any questions about quitting sugar. Hit me up in the comments section below.