So… um…
Do you want to cut out refined sugar with me for 30 days?
Or let me rephrase. Do you want to join me in making and eating SUPER YUMMY recipes… that just happen to have no refined sugar… for the month of January?
Yes! I was hoping you’d say that.
What is Sugar Free January?
Let’s start with what it is not. It is not a super strict eating program. It is not a cleanse. It is not a course.
This is just a simple and straightforward challenge to remove refined sugar from your diet for 30 days.
The challenge will start on January 2nd and end on January 31st. During that time, you’ll see a whole bunch of ALL NEW sugar free recipes made with just regular, non-scary, real food ingredients right here on Pinch of Yum.
What Are THe Rules of Sugar Free January?
- Cut out refined sugar for 30 days.
- Be committed, but don’t be strict, mean, or shaming with yourself or others.
- Make your own choices. (For example, I still keep dark chocolate in my Sugar Free Plan.)
Wait, You Still Eat Dark Chocolate?
Yep, I do. We all make our own choices, and going sugar free can mean whatever you want it to mean. For me, it means figuring out how to cut out all / almost all sugar without also hating my life or setting myself up to fail.
I’d strongly encourage you to create a Sugar Free Plan that is specific and unique to you and the foods that you want to cut out.
Here’s a PDF that makes it easy –>> POY Sugar Free January Plan.
And here’s what mine looks like:
In my Sugar Free Plan, I keep lots of “regular” foods like the occasional French fries and sushi for Friday nights, wine for weekends, and dark chocolate for emergencies. Sugar Free January is a you-pick type thing, so the Sugar Free Plan will look different for everyone. When I make this list, I’m thinking about:
- What will help me feel my best?
- What sweeteners can also provide nutritional benefit?
- What will make this sustainable for me over a long period of time?
For example, I kept sushi even though sushi rolls are not sugar free. However, I just know that I’m not going to last long on a sugar free eating plan if I can’t say yes to a Friday night spicy tuna roll. Same with French fries – not exactly a health food, but I know I’m going to have a really hard time going out on a weekend with friends and not being able to nibble on a few fries. In order to be able to stick to the rest of the plan, I know I need wiggle room. That’s not true for everyone, but it’s true for me.
Remember: make your own choices.
But Lindsay, you Eat Sugar, Right?
Good catch. I do normally eat sugar! And I have a blog so most people will know when I eat sugary foods. 🤪 Remember this caramel monkey bread? Yeah, I ate that. I definitely, for surely ate that. And I really feel strongly that it wouldn’t be Christmas without a pan of cinnamon rolls or my mother-in-law’s tea ring.
And currently, as you can see from the picture, there’s a can of Mountain Dew in my fridge left over from our party last week. Super classy.
So yes, I eat sugar. For me, the long-term approach has to be balanced, otherwise it won’t work. That being said, I will be going completely sugar free during the month of January for this challenge.
How do I Join You?
Yay, yay, yay! Here’s what you can do:
- Download, print, and fill out your POY Sugar Free January Plan.
- Make sure you are signed up for our email list so you don’t miss any new recipes in January.
- Check back this week for answers to some questions and guidelines for getting ready, and then look for new sugar free recipes all through the month of January.
- Talk to us about what you’re doing by leaving comments on posts or using #POYsugarfreejanuary on Instagram.
What if I want more information and support?
I am not a nutritionist or a doctor or a scientist, or anyone with any sort of professional credibility, actually (!!) and I feel like I should say that a few times loudly. Just a reminder! Not a nutritionist.
So if you want more in-depth resources, a stronger knowledge base, specific menu planning support, and a really tight-knit group to encourage you through removing sugar from your life, I would definitely recommend a more formally organized course called Go Sugar Free which I did back in 2014 and again in 2015.
Jacqueline (the course founder and leader) does an excellent job facilitating the course – there are daily emails, book reviews, a recipe library, and a very active and supportive Facebook group. You will be in good hands with her. Her next course is starting on January 3rd, 2017. Click here to sign up. (We are affiliates for this program. Bjork and I have done it ourselves and can speak to its benefits!)
The Insanely Awesome Giveaway
This giveaway is now closed.
Let’s talk about FREE STUFF! I picked some things for this giveaway that I find really helpful when making healthy, real food meals from scratch to kick us off on a happy note into January.
If you want to enter the giveaway, just leave a comment telling me what you think about going sugar free.
You can say “I could never do that,” (UMM HI I SAID THAT TOO), or “I’m intrigued,” or “I am so totally ready for Sugar Free January!”
Here’s what the winner will get:
- Blendtec Blender
- Instant Pot
- Meal Prep Glass Containers
- My Favorite Cutting Board
- Infuser Water Bottle
Giveaway will close on Wednesday, December 20th at 12pm CST. This giveaway is now closed. We’ll pick one winner by randomly choosing from the list of comments. Giveaway is only open to U.S. residents because of shipping, but if you are not from the U.S. and you still want to leave a comment, I would still be thrilled hear from you. ❤️
Lastly: If you have a question about sugar free January, leave a comment!
I am going to do a follow-up post on Thursday answering your questions as we prepare for the month ahead.
And if you’re not already signed up for our email list, get signed up, you weirdo! We don’t want you to miss any of these Sugar Free January recipes!
I’m absolutely going to (try to) do this!
Sounds like a great idea!
While I believe in the “everything in moderation” approach – including sugar, I do think there is value in taking a month to really focus in on sugar and doing with less. I know it can really open your eyes to what you’re actually putting in your body.
I think having a sugar free month is an achievable step we can all take together to better ourselves in 2018! We will develop good habits, realize sugar doesn’t have to be in everything, and realize whole food recipes taste just as fabulously (also I’m excited to have more energy and clarity!). Can’t wait!
I am intrigued and ready to join in for a sugar free January.
I am pretty much sugar free already, gonna see if I can cut a little more out of my diet.
Sounds interesting, I’m totally addicted to sugar, really need to cut back
That would be really tough! BUT January is a great month with lots of motivation for the new year to try it!
I am definitely doing this! Ty!
Looks like a fun but doable challenge
I went sugar free on Nov. 2. I wasn’t sure I could call it that because I occasionally have bread if I have a sandwich out but never have refined sugar and have fruit but don’t overindulge. I did have a piece of pie on a Thanksgiving and next week when my kids are here and baking I may splurge on something if it is a favorite (like cinnamon rolls). January is the perfect time to come back as I was wondering if
I had a few treats in the next 2 weeks how I would get back on track. I would love to win the package.
Sounds a little challenging for the family but will try!
going completely sugar free would be difficult for me but i’d like to try my hardest!
This could not have come at a more perfect time! Was just thinking I need to shake things up in January and this sounds right up my alley
I also plan to go sugar free in January! I did Whole30 last year and it was great!
I agree that dark chocolate is still totally necessary!
This giveaway looks amazing! I have been eyeing 3 of those items on amazon for the longest time. My husband and I aren’t able to do sugar free right now, but have been talking about doing in in March or April. Looking forward to your sugar-free recipes!
I also did the Go Sugar Free course with my husband and it changed our lives! I still eat sugar but I eat WAY less sugar and am much more informed about what is and isn’t a health food.
I would love to be entered and am excited to be healthier. Thanks.
I have definitely thought about doing a sugar free month, but have never taken the plunge!
i think it’s a great idea! it’s a simple way to eat healthier in the new year without being too strict.
WOW I would definitely struggle with going sugar free but would love love love to give it a try!
I try to limit my refined sugars as much as I can but with the holidays looming, I’ve strayed a bit from that path. I’d love to join the challenge and get back on track!
My husband and I went sugar free for about 6 weeks three years ago… and what a difference we felt! We haven’t done it again since, but I feel like this would be the perfect opportunity to give it another try.
I have such a sweet tooth but I’m intrigued and considering joining you……