My relationship with sugar is passionate, complicated, and frankly a little embarrassing. If sugar were an ex I knew was bad for me, I’d still be answering its late-night texts.

My greatest temptations? Skittles, sour gummies that make my cheeks ache, birthday cake on days that aren’t my birthday, Mountain Dew, ice-cold Coke, and tutty-fruity ice cream. The attraction is immediate. One bite, one sip, and suddenly the world seems a little brighter. What’s not to love?

Well, apparently, quite a lot.

Keto Changed the Rules

When I started my low-carb journey, I eventually lost 23 kilograms. That’s an achievement I’m genuinely proud of. Unfortunately, my sweet tooth didn’t receive the memo.

Giving up obvious sugary treats was difficult enough. Then I started looking more closely at everyday foods. Whole wheat bread, brown rice, and lentils can all contribute significant carbohydrates, even though they’re often considered healthy choices. Certain fruits also need careful consideration when you’re following a strict keto diet.

Suddenly, eating felt less like enjoying a meal and more like investigating a crime scene. Every carbohydrate was a suspect.

Am I Hungry, or Just Bored?

The bigger revelation has been recognizing that I don’t always eat because I’m hungry.

Sometimes, the TV is on, the day is dragging, and I’m reaching for snacks simply because they’re there. Other times, everyone around the table is eating dessert, and joining in feels like an unwritten social obligation.

My personal favorite disaster is football night. The game is on, the snacks are everywhere, and my team has lost four weeks in a row. Naturally, the solution to my team’s problems appears to be eating something I wasn’t planning to eat.

Team loses. I stress-snack. I feel guilty. Repeat.

Apparently, my football team isn’t the only thing struggling with consistency.

The Problem With Saying Goodbye

Sugar isn’t an essential dietary ingredient, but that doesn’t mean avoiding it is effortless. The taste, the habits, the social occasions, and the comfort of familiar treats can make changing how we eat surprisingly difficult.

I sometimes describe my relationship with sugar as an addiction, although that doesn’t mean I’m making a medical diagnosis. Whatever the label, the cravings and habits feel real to me.

And despite losing 23 kilograms, I’ve had relapses. A sour gummy worm occasionally wins the argument, and I find myself back where I didn’t intend to be.

I’m learning that one slip doesn’t erase my progress. It simply means I still have work to do.

I’m not declaring victory over sugar anytime soon. For now, I’m trying to understand my triggers, make better choices, and stop treating every setback like the final episode of a tragic television series.

If you’ve struggled with sugar cravings, I’d love to hear what helps you. Because somewhere out there, a bag of Skittles is waiting for me, and frankly, it has a very persuasive marketing department.