The Socially Acceptable Drug: How to Politely Refuse Sugar in Public

Going off sugar in the privacy of your own home is hard enough. Venturing out into public can be daunting. Here's some simple tips on how to stay sugar-free in public!



Embarking on a sugar-free lifestyle can seem overwhelming and isolating at first. I wish there was some magic cure for this, but the reality is that all we can do is stay determined and learn how to cope with our cravings in public.

The Antagonist

Every great story has an evil antagonist. When I first went off sugar, everyone felt like an antagonist to me.

You'll find that most people will continue to push sugar on you despite your consistent, "No, thank you." It took me awhile before I finally realized that these so called antagonists were merely just being polite. Sugar is synonymous with fun and they don't want you to miss out.

Either that, or they just simply cannot understand why on earth you'd want to go sugar-free. For those who can eat sugar without any (immediate or visible) repercussions, the thought of giving it up is unfathomable. Try to understand their point-of-view.

As humans, we are meant for community. There's no point in going sugar-free to control your sugar cravings if you're just going to shut yourself up forever.

Here are a few tricks to stay social and remain sugar-free:

1. Bring your own dish to a party that you can eat- This is not only a great way to mix and mingle sugar-free, but it's a great opportunity to turn someone else onto the idea of possibly giving up sugar too. Who knows, you might even meet someone who is sugar-free as well.
2. Pick the restaurant that you know has something you can eat- If your friend invites you out to lunch be ready with some restaurant suggestions. Restaurants are becoming increasingly accommodating to people with particular food allergies. Check around your local area.
3. Host the party- As the host, you set the tone for the party. Plan the meals and desserts and be creative. Your friends will be amazed at how much good food there is out there that doesn't contain sugar!
4. Stress that you have an allergy- Even if you don't technically have an allergy, stress the reasons for going sugar-free, such as your symptoms. Most people will take you more seriously if you have to do something rather than if it's just purely elective. 
5. Become part of a support group or community- There really is strength in numbers. I've tried many times to do things on my own, only to fail in the end. Recruit the support of family and friends who are going through the same things and support one another. Share recipes and grow healthy together. If you are going off to college and you don't know anyone, why not start a campus group yourself? Everyday I meet a new girl in my building who is going sugar or grain-free. There are so many people going through the same things that you don't have to go it alone. Another good resource is the Weston A. Price Foundation. There's a local chapter in almost every city composed of men and women who are just like you. Find your local chapter here.

Don't give up so easily

Most stories end with the protagonist (that's you!) victorious. The antagonist either gets destroyed or eventually comes around to the main character's side of things. Let's hope in this case, they just come around. 

Most importantly remember that you're not alone and the longer you go sugar-free, the easier it gets. You might feel like you're going through rehab the first few days or even weeks, but once your inner ecosystem heals and your taste buds adjust, you'll be amazed. By then, the they only thing you'll be addicted to is feeling good. 

I'll leave you with an interesting piece of trivia: 

It often takes up to 15 tries of something before you acquire a taste for it.

Were these blogs enough to convince and encourage you to go off sugar? If not, what would you add? I would love to hear your stories and suggestions!