Sugar Addiction book: my story shows you a gentle path out of sugar addiction

You can control sugar addiction

You need four things to heal from sugar addiction:

1. Find your sugar abstinence

If you’re sugar sensitive, and you want to stop sugar binges, eliminate sugar from your diet in order to heal. This step, combined with eating regular meals of whole, healthy foods, is what heals your brain chemistry so that you aren’t eating sugar compulsively. This book shares the secrets that helped me give up sugar … and regain my life. I outline exactly how I did it.

“For many years, I have struggled with sugar addiction. Until recently, I did not know this problem was something that I shared with other people. Reading your book nightly is helping me to stay my course of healthy eating and abstinance from hidden and obvious sugars. Thank you!” – Jen

2. Soothe yourself without turning to sugar or food

And yet abstinence is not enough to stay off sugar for good. Even though you’ve fixed the biochemical craving for sugar, you haven’t healed the emotional craving. You still have an ingrained pattern of turning to sugar or food for comfort when you’re stressed, anxious, have an unmet need or have blocked feelings.

You need to create a new pattern of soothing yourself without turning to food. Period. Without this new pattern in place, you will eventually go back to sugar when life gets stressful or when your circumstances change. I know – I spent 10 years going back and forth with sugar until I finally found lasting abstinence.

“I am on my 7th day and I have to say that this really is life changing to see such a notable difference in ME. I have lived in a vicious cycle of being agressively hungry and trying to work around it, deny it, give in to it, and get fat and depressed and irritable – reading your book was eerie because everything you said seemed to show case ME.
“Thank you so much for the honesty and the no fluff and hype approach to a subject that is very real to many if they can make the first step of accepting that SUGAR IS THE PROBLEM. Bless you Karly. I really appreciate your leadership.” -Stephanie T. S.

3. Relax and refresh with the support of others.

I know that the thought of giving up sugar feels terrifying and impossible – overwhelming, too, as our culture is surrounded by sugar. That’s why you need support. You need the voice of someone who’s been there, as well as the voice of someone who’s traveling the same path, so you can feel reassured when you’re feeling discouraged or afraid.

When you buy the book here, you’ll have the option to upgrade to our private forums (women only, sorry guys). You’ll get crucial support from others who are going through the same thing. It’s very, very hard to get off sugar on your own – especially when your friends and family don’t understand why you’re doing this. The other people in the support program will know exactly how you feel.

“I’m celebrating 90 days sugar free! I’m unbelievably fortunate and grateful to have been able to learn so much from you and for this AMAZING community of women. You speak the truth that is within me – so thank you so very much for your voice.” – Kaitlin, Support Forum member.

4. Embrace this for life, without resentment.

To stay sugar free, you need to be mindful about what you’re eating. This doesn’t mean that you have to be obsessive about what you eat or a rigid food cop. It does mean that you need to pay attention.

If you find yourself justifying why you can indulge in a sugar treat now and then because you’re “fixed,” stop and question this thinking. If you find yourself craving sugar, I’ll give you practices and self-assessments you can use to get unstuck and move onward in your abstinence.

Healing from sugar means that you have to keep doing the things that keep you sugar free – those things that honor your sugar sensitive brain chemistry and keep it healthy and whole. Think of healing more akin to putting gas in your car – something you do over and over again – rather than fixing a broken muffler – something you do once and then it’s done. You need to put gas in your car over and over and over – you need to continue new practices, sustain new patterns that don’t rely on food for comfort.

I have read it probably four times and highlighted tons of passages. It is the best book on the subject right now. Everything I started to wonder about was answered in the next chapter. You are real and I can relate. Thanks again!” -Joy R., New York

What you can expect:

Discover how to quit sugar, and make it stick:

• find hidden sources of sugar in your diet
• plan sugar free meals
• deal with feelings of deprivation
• prepare yourself for a successful sugar detox
• learn how to order at restaurants
• prepare your family and loved ones for your sugar free lifestyle

First, I’ll prepare you by grounding you in good habits, to make your sugar detox as easy as possible. Then, I’ll help you through the detox process — the first week or two of sugar free eating. Next I’ll help you maintain your sugar abstinence over time — a lifelong journey. I also offer tips for holidays and special occasions, as well as suggestions for meal planning. Return to top

Why Overcome Sugar Addiction?

The pain of an addictive relationship to sugar and simple carbs can manifest in many ways. Here’s a sampling of the kinds of benefits that readers share with me and on our forums:

• Stability in your emotional moods and sense of well-being.
• Freedom from sugar or other food cravings.
• Increased, consistent energy throughout the day.
• A leaner body.
• Greater self esteem.
• Freedom from irrational swings, anger and irritability.
• Decreased PMS symptoms.
• Prevention of type 2 diabetes and other problems associated with eating foods with a very high glycemic index.
• Improved likelihood of meeting your goals for weight loss.

This book can also help you if you just want to reduce your sugar intake, rather than give it up all together. It can also help you if you’re undecided: if you’re thinking about giving up sugar, but aren’t certain you’ll benefit from it.

“It’s been very helpful in helping me kick the sugar habit for good, and is a wealth of information about how to sensibly kick the sugar habit for good. And while I’ve just gone through the first week of detox, and have a week to go, it’s making me realize how much hidden sugar I have in the house, and am starting to find sugar free alternatives to them. I’m now focusing on what I can eat, versus what I can’t. And hope to be off the sugar rollercoaster for good this time.” – Patricia B.

About the author and book

Karly Randolph Pitman, founder First Ourselves

I was addicted to sugar for years, suffering from overeating, bulimia, violent mood swings, an up and down weight, low self esteem, depression, and irritability. I attempted to give up sugar one, two, three, dozens of times. For 10 years! But it wasn’t until I hit rock bottom with suicidal thoughts that I found the courage to finally conquer my sugar addiction.

As I know firsthand how painful sugar addiction can be, I wanted to help others conquer their sugar addiction. I wrote this book as a helpful, inspirational guide from someone who’s walked the path to freedom, in the hopes that others may follow in my footsteps to release themselves from sugar bondage.

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Details about Overcoming Sugar Addiction book

• 8 Chapters organized in a way to help you step-by-step achieve this challenging change in your diet.
• 137 pages with practical ideas and insights.
• Format: Digital book, Adobe Acrobat PDF
• Author: Karly Randolph-Pitman
• Publisher: First Ourselves
• Published: August 2010. First edition March 2008

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Reader feedback about Overcoming Sugar Addiction book

Readers like you are finding answers and reaping rewards in how they feel, how they look, and rediscovering the kinds of quality life experiences that can otherwise feel impossible when living with the ups and downs of sugar addiction:

“I have been on a sugar free and no flour diet for a year and five months! I dropped a lot of excess weight that was easy without exercise. I feel calmer—never did I think I could do this at all…This is a wonderful way to live. Free. I wrote you when I first started and I thought I would let you know. At times it is hard to stand apart from the crowd. I just know all around this is much healthier.” – Karen M.

“On 9/7/08, I read the first 60 pages of your powerful ebook on sugar addiction, and I became sugar free until 10/10/08, when I ordered a sweet potatoe & forgot to ask for it plain. I scooped out the brown sugar, but I could still taste it. That evening and the next 2 days, I had an enormous amount of cookies, candy bars, ice cream, raw cookie dough and a whole Marie Callender’s chocolate pie. I went back to your ebook, printed all 100 pages, put them in a binder, and started carefully reading and highlighting. It only took the first 22 pages to get me back on track again. Your book is very powerful and you have a very special gift!” -Ingrid K.

“I really enjoyed reading the book Overcoming Sugar Addiction. It was easy to read, and I have been very successful with overcoming my sugar addiction since reading the book…Thank you, again, for making this book available. All the best to First Ourselves.” – Bonnie C.

“I’ve just finished your book on sugar addiction. As a sugar sensitive person and abstainer for a number of years now I feel as if you are writing about my own evolution of awareness. These are all of the steps, tips, matras I’ve used ove the years as I progressed to where I am today. Fit, lean & sugar-free. I’ve often been asked how I’ve done it and since you have written it down for me I can now send my friends and family to your site to read the book themselves…You have done an excellent job communicating this process. Thank you.” – Angela G.

“I just want to thank you again. I am still sugar-free and have never felt better in my life! It really has been so much easier going off cold turkey than trying to be moderate… I loved every page of your book and wonder why it’s not on the best seller list. It should be. You are an inspiration and a kindred spirit, and I just wanted to share my success and say thank you – because you are a HUGE part of it. xoxo” – Wendy H.

“I read your book back in Feb and was inspired; I gave up sugar for 4 mos and felt great, less anger, less self-loathing…Thank you so much, your e-mail got me to reconnect with First Ourselves and I’m hopeful that I can re-center! Thank you for all your hard work and for putting yourself out there. You’ve helped me.” – Lisa P.

“Thank you and bless you for your knowledge and first hand experience. I have had your book in my hand all day and in fact just got two supplements you recommended…When I read your book I read it so quickly because it felt like I was reading my own life story. Thank you again for all you do. You inspire me and I look forward to your [support program]. Bless you!” – Karyn V.

“I have so much appreciation and gratitude for your gift of writing, connecting and helping women with your inspirational story…Reading your book motivated me to return to a low-glycemic way of eating and also realize that I can’t eat sugar – ever. With this new found motivation, I was finally to get back on track one month ago.
“I have lost weight and even more importantly, the depression I was experiencing while living on sugar has improved greatly. Thank you for your generosity and insight. Your sharing of your story has helped me realize that I can live without sugar and live well. A million thanks.” -Pam C.

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“I almost started to cry when I read this…Thank you so much for writing. It is a great comfort and strength to know that others have and go through similar struggles and come to peace with them.”- Gabriela

“I read your sugar addiction ebook a little over a month ago, and think it’s time to send a thank you your way. I was having a hard time digging up thoughtful info online, and your book was perfect. You have a great, personal tone that makes it clear that you’re speaking from your own experience, and you convey what you do know in a way that’s easily digestible (so to speak).
“The book really spoke to me…After making it halfway through the book (I started late at night and didn’t stop until my eyelids stopped cooperating), I decided to take sugar out of my diet on a trial run. I’d tried before many times, but not against the kind of framework, support and mindset you suggest in your book, so they always started breaking down at some point. My wife decided to join me, mostly for support and because she likes the idea of eating better anyway…
“So I’ve been at it now for month and a week, and have really been enjoying having more emotional bandwidth to work with. I’ve had bad days, emotionally-speaking, but I feel the difference between those and bad days where I try to fix it with sugar. It feels like I can get over those days much faster, and they are much less severe. I just have more resources available to me…
“I have tons more to say about this experience, and can’t really thank you enough. I know there’s a lot of resources out there and that I really came across yours first, but your tone and down-to-earthedness really helped me feel like there was someone out there with really similar experiences, and that gave me the confidence to give it a try. We’ll see what the future brings, but I feel like it’s quite possible that I can sustain this indefinitely.
“I also realize that in your business and speaking career you cater more towards women, and might not have as many success stories from the male side of the species, so I wanted to help flesh out that side of things, to whatever use it might be to you. So thank you again!” – Chris S.

“I so appreciate what you are doing and putting out there in the world. I have read your e-book so many times that I can practically quote from it. What never fails to inspire me is your personal story and all that you gave up when sugar was ruling your life.
“I always come away from it reminding myself that I simply cannot be the woman, wife, friend, employee that I want and deserve to be when sugar is in my daily life. I was not really able to put that concept into words until I read your book. It is like living in two alternate worlds when sugar takes over – the days when sugar is coursing through our blood and the days it is not. I much prefer the days when it is not, thank you very much.
“I also enjoy the newsletter as it always speaks to me. So thank you!” – Mary T., California

“I have downloaded your e-book on overcoming sugar addiction and it is fantastic! I am 21 years old and a long distance runner. I identify with you a lot in your e-book in regards to being addicted to sugar and not being able to control myself when it comes to eating it. I have a very sweet tooth and even though I am fit and not overweight, I know I could be a lot healthier in terms of my diet. Thanks so much for your inspiring story!” – Katie F.

“You have changed my life. I would like to thank you for your website and e-book, which I came across last week. I won’t go into much detail other than to say, I am 30 this year and have had eating disorders since I was 13 which have dominated my life (with multiple inpatient stays). What you offer has helped me enormously, beyond the gratitude I can express. I am extremely grateful for your e-book and wealth of information that you share. It has been a journey getting to this point, but now I feel that the next stage (the journey out of my eating disorder) can start, due to the hope you have given me. Thank you for sharing your journey and experience. With love and gratitude.” – Bobby L.

“I first want to say – Thank you. Thank you for the effort you have put into this site, your words, your thoughts, and work…
“My first thought was to write a guide book to being sugar free. After I saw your site and read your ebook I was further inspired…I felt compelled to tell you this because I want to finally feel like I belong to a sugar free supportive community and network.” – Judi W. F.

“I don’t usually write this type of letter, but I wanted to thank you for your insight and wisdom. I downloaded your Overcoming Sugar Addiction book.
“I always feel like you are speaking directly to me. I have overcome sugar twice. I believe that my fear of ‘I cannot do this the rest of my life’ sabotaged my success. I am now currently trying to overcome this addiction again.
“With the newsletter today, I think that I will be able to do this. You gave me a new way to view fear and I think I can make it work for me now. I don’t know if you actually read your email. It sounds like you have got quite a following. If you do happen to read this email, please know that it is coming with the most sincerest thank you! You are going to help change my life for the better. Thank you again, and God Bless you,” – Kathleen G., Ohio

“I just wanted to say that I read your e-book on giving up sugar, and it made so much sense! A lot of the stuff you say about how it all goes back to self-image, control-issues and dealing with the difficult things in life is exactly what I’ve been thinking about lately. Now thanks to you, my hunch is confirmed: there is such a thing as a sugar and starch addiction, and other people have defeated it! Thanks so much! Now I can embark on my journey knowing that others have succeeded too!
“Thanks for sharing your story and advice. You are clearly a very awake, aware person, and you also have the eloquence and the patience to put your discoveries into words that anyone can understand. It’s a gift that we’re receiving too, as readers Good luck with everything! Stay at peace.” – Raluca T.

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“Thanks for the inspiration to quit the sugar shuffle. I can’t hardly finish a meal without a sweet treat, it’s the biggest addiction I have and I know with the willpower I can over come it. Think I’ll start soon!” – Ally

“I just wanted to thank you for your e-book on sugar. Wow, it was like you were an old friend sitting down having a heart to heart. You reached me down to my very soul. The footprints are clear on the long trail ahead of me, all I have to do is follow. You are a blessing to many. I look forward to reading your other book as well. Im sure I will re-read the sugar book more than once, that will remain permanently on my computer. God Bless” – Julie M.

“Just want to say a big thank you! I have just started reading your book and I am so emotional reading it as it is….me! I can so identify with everything you are saying. I think of sugar as like being in a bad relationship and you just keep on going back even though you know it is never going to be good! I hope your story inspires me to finally give up sugar ….forever! That is my wish and I know I can (eventually!) do it. Best wishes,” Joy Y., Australia

“Reading this book gave me a whole new perspective. I finally have come to a place of feeling like I don’t want sugar- Yeah!!! Thank you so much for helping me make that connection.” – Tiffany, USA

“I stumpled across your site and just read your book ‘Overcoming Sugar Addiction’. I have to say that you’ve captured all my feelings, emotions and constant battles (within myself) for these last 3 years.
“Since banishing as much sugar as possible, five days ago, I’ve noticed I am a much calmer, focused and balanced individual in everyday life – Whatsmore I no longer crave sugar and the daily constant yo-yo diets and self sabotage.
“I can not thank you enough for sharing your wisdom and experience with us.” – Diane C.

“Reading your [book] today is just what I needed. I wanted to tell you that your story and posts really have solidified this idea in my head – I will feel better, feel more stable, less depressed, and live a better life when I give this stuff up for good. I’m scared. I’m scared about what I’m giving up and wondering how I’ll get that feeling of relief and release when I’m really stressed if I can’t eat spoonfuls of ice cream or pancakes with cinnamon and sugar and butter slathered all over them? But I have to do this. Again, thanks for having this website.” – Jen T.

“Hello! I have just started reading your book and want to let you know how much I appreciate what you are doing. I see so much of my own story in yours and have been aware of my sugar addiction for some time. It never quite occurred to me until recently – when I did a 10 day detox – how much better I would feel without ANY sugar. I slowly let sugar back into my diet after the detox, and like any addict, I am right back where I was – if not worse. I put on weight and become pretty much ill with junkfood. I am ready to give up sugar for good and am so thankful for this resource!” -Meghan C.

“I thought your ebook was wonderful! Today is my 8th day to be sugar-free and I feel so wonderful. I have been trying to cut sugar and all starchy carbs out, but was binging regulary on straight sugar. Not only was it very unhealthy but it made me “crazy” just like you described.
“Reading this book was like reading a word for word description of my life. After reading this, it gave me a whole new perspective! Instead of wanting sugar and wishing I could be “normal” and eat one piece of cake like all the other moms I’m around, I realized that God made me different! Sugar is such a onesided relationship for me. While I wanted it, it only gave back negatively to me. Left me craving it, feeling physically ill, bloated, obsessive, and just plain has no health benefit.
“I finally have come to a place of feeling like I don’t want sugar- YEA!!! It makes me feel bad phisically and emotionally and I don’t want that for myself. This past week has been amazing. My body feels better and I have been so much calmer! My husband and kids are definately benefiting from me giving up sugar that makes it completely worth it!
“Thank you so much for helping me make that connection! I feel free from the craving and binging! Yes cake still looks and smells tastey- but I am able to think to myself (like you said) that it will only have a negative effect. I feel confident that I will finally be able to maintain this because something “clicked” for me. In the past, I said I didn’t want sugar (or the hold it had on me) it but deep down I did. I would stop eating sugar for a few days, but the whole time think about when I could dig into some cake or ice cream! I no longer do!
“Thanks – I am one person who needed this book!” – Tiffany M.

“As soon as I read your book it hit me. I knew within five minutes that sugar was the issue. The relief I felt was overwhelming. I can solve this problem now that I know what it is. I can deal with withdrawal symptoms, etc. I just had no idea what it was I needed to avoid. You have opened the final door leading to my sanity. This is the last of the issues. With the time I will now have feeling at peace, it will be much easier to finish my book. As you know, it’s difficult to type with your hand in a jar of honey!
“Thanks for listening and thanks for writing. I’ve printed out the book so I can give it a more thorough read tonight. It’s going to be a beautiful weekend in Paris, so I am going to enjoy my newfound freedom and deal with a few days of tweaky withdrawal symptoms. (This week was a binging week…hence the search today.) Many, many, thanks.” -Christine F., Paris, France

“Thanks for writing it, and thanks even more for sharing it. It has already helped me so much. One of the most helpful parts (in addition to the clear emphasis (and reminder for me) that the detox period is short lived) is the list of meals and your description of proportions. I realise now that in my various attempts at giving up sugar I have often felt unsatisfied because I did not include enough vegetables…
“The thing that has helped me so much, is the fact that this is how one intelligent, informed person is actually doing this and all the details help to flesh out the day to day reality of how it is actually possible to do it… I just feel so alone in this carb crazy world. But getting so sick has made me realise how important it is to change – NOW. “So THANK YOU!!!” – Natasha L.

“Reading your story on your sugar addiction has opened my eyes completely, I suffer from binge eating and vomiting it up after and its always the sugar I crave. Im not like everyone else, I cant eat sugar for a small treat then stop at that I have to keep going its like somthing in me just takes over. The overwhelming feeling of guilt takes over after and I feel fat and worthless. I swear everytime I do it that it will be the last time but it just keeps happening. Thanks for sharing your story, its helped me realise that sugar addiction is real and im going to try my best now to be free from this.” – Bridget M.

“I love your site, I love your story….it changed my life. I’ve been battling my sugar addiction for 10 years and I loved the way you did it. I’m 32 and I’m sick of being sick of myself. Your e-book was just what I needed to read, the steps and suggestions are amazing and simple. It’s been 10 whole days and I’m still feeling lethargic and experiencing withdrawal symptoms but little by little I’m feeling stronger and on those days I don’t I just come to your site as a touchstone for inspiration. THANK you!” – Krishna D., India

It was so real and full of help. I read it and now I am sugar free. I am on day 48 and have confidence that I can do this. I am principal of two schools and I have allowed the stress to put on 150 extra pounds. I have lost 20 lbs and continue to lose 2lbs a week.” – Anonymous

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“I have now began what I hope to be a sugar free life, and I when I stumble, when there is a cloud of overwhelming confusion, when it just seems impossible, I think of your words, and I give myself a pat on the back.” -Stefania, Italy

“I really enjoyed reading your book. It was easy to read, and I have been very successful with overcoming my sugar addiction since reading the book.” – Bonnie, USA

“You’ve captured all my feelings, emotions and constant battles (within myself) for these last 3 years. Since banishing as much sugar as possible, I’ve noticed I am a much calmer, focused and balanced individual– I no longer crave sugar and the daily constant yo-yo diets and self sabotage.” – Diane, USA

“Your book is very powerful! You say the most wonderful, helpful things. Now I truly believe I am my best friend, so what better way to show myself how much I love myself [than to abstain from sugar.]” – Ingrid, USA

“I just wanted to thank you for your book on sugar. You reached me down to my very soul. The footprints are clear on the long trail ahead of me, all I have to do is follow. “ – Julie, USA

“I am feeling inspired, even excited, about going off sugar. I don’t feel deprived, but empowered, so thank you! I am going forward with the knowledge that it is definitely possible, and even highly desirable to quit!” – Lori, USA

“I just can’t get over the fact that I have given up sugar. It’s so nice to feel in control of this part of my life, after suffering from the shame of the addiction for so long. I truly feel transformed, and it is opening up my life in such a bright new way. “ – Lynn, California

“Your book has been very helpful in helping me kick the sugar habit for good, and is a wealth of information about how to sensibly [do this.] I’m now focusing on what I can eat, versus what I can’t. I hope to be off the sugar rollercoaster, thanks in part to your book.” – Patricia, USA

“Your book spoke to me on multiple levels. [Sugar] is the last piece of my addictive behavior, and then I can face the spirituality that has been emerging and getting suppressed by my addictions. There is some fear in this, but much more hope.” – Chris, France

“Something you wrote has changed my life, keeping me away from sugar for almost 14 days now (which is a miracle for me)… I think the acceptance part has been a biggie for me -accepting that sugar is just something I can’t have ever! I wasn’t ready to embrace that, but hopefully I am now.” – Melisa, Virginia

“I’ve found that being able to sustain this decision to change a long-standing habit has given me confidence or energy to attempt some other changes that have been unsuccessful in the past. You set out the keys to it very well…You mentioned this cascade of change in your own life, and it’s sure a nice side-effect. “One other thing that’s been really interesting (there’s a lot of things, as you know) has been that I’ve been able to really enjoy social activities more. I end up having more stamina and interest around people when I’m not in a fog, or riding the way up or down from a sugar infusion.” -Chris S., Idaho

Are you ready? Join us today.

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