I personally thrive on a low-sugar diet, so your girl is here with simple tips for eating less sugar!
The secret is out, I’ve spent the last few months diving into new research, developing new recipes and getting ready to relaunch my all-time most popular guide: the 7-Day Added Sugar Detox! The guide will relaunch early summer, and I am so excited for it.
Though it’s been a while since I’ve taken one-on-one clients as a dietitian, the most eye-opening journey was always SUGAR!! Sugar is such a sneaky ingredient, it goes by many different names, and unfortunately we’re all consuming far too much of it – which is why I wanted to make this information available to as many people as possible.
To get everyone excited about the upcoming launch, and to help us all get into better sugar habits this spring, I’m sharing 5 simple tips for eating less sugar. And I don’t think you’ll even miss it 🙂
PS – I have a whole No Added Sugar tab on my website to help you get started, like this Healthy Green Goddess Chicken Salad with Crispy Chickpeas and Fresh Herb Dressing!
Why Cut Back On Added Sugar?
Cutting back on sugar doesn’t mean you have to say goodbye to all the foods you love. In fact, small, intentional swaps can make a big difference in how you feel—without making you feel restricted or overwhelmed.
Whether you’re working on balancing your blood sugar, feeling better in your body, or just trying to eat more whole foods, here are 5 realistic tips for eating less sugar in your daily life.
1. Start by Reading Labels
Sugar hides in all sorts of packaged foods—even ones that seem healthy, like yogurt, salad dressing, or granola. Look at the “Added Sugars” line on the nutrition label and scan the ingredients for sneaky names like cane juice, corn syrup, or agave nectar. Aim for products with no added sugar whenever possible.
2. Swap Sugary Drinks for Less Sugar Alternatives
One of the best tips for eating less sugar is to crack down on the ingredients in your favorite beverages. Sodas, flavored coffees, and fruit juices have tons of sneaky sugars that add up fast. You don’t have to give up your favorite sweet beverages completely, but swapping a few out every week will make a big difference in your total sugar consumption. Here are a few of my favorite swaps for an elevated beverage:
- Sparkling water with lemon or fruit slices
- Cold brew with a splash of homemade nut milk and cinnamon
- Electrolyte packets like LMNT or nuun
3. Focus on Protein & Fiber at Meals
Have I mentioned the benefits of eating a high-protein diet?? Balancing your meals with enough protein and fiber helps stabilize blood sugar, which keeps energy (and your mood!) more even. We crave sugar for many reasons (like actual addiction!), but our brains are smart and know that sugar = quick energy, so it’s usually what we reach for when we’re hangry. When you’re actually nourished and satisfied from protein, sugar cravings naturally fade. The quickest tips for eating less sugar? Don’t get hangry!
4. Tame Your Sweet Tooth with Less Sugar-y Options
You don’t need to ditch dessert completely—just make smarter choices.
I love keeping something as simple as Date Snickers in the freezer, but it’s always great to replace your favorite sneaky sugary snacks with homemade versions like these Nutter Butters, Twix, Mars Bars, Tagalong Cookies, Strawberry Bark, and more.
5. Don’t Try to Be Too Perfect
The all-or-nothing mindset is the quickest way to burn out. Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on progress. Celebrate your wins—even if it’s just one less sweetened latte this week or choosing water over soda. Make small goals for yourself, like reading more labels, making more product swaps, and remembering that sustainable changes are built over time.
