Welcome to the Eat REAL 7 Day Sugar Challenge

The Y's in California are partnering with Eat Real, a non-profit dedicated to making our food system healthier and more sustainable for generations to come. From November 8-14, our collective goal will be to not eat any added sugars!

We know it won't be easy, especially at first. But we think you'll come away seeing the power real food has to fuel a good mood and a healthier lifestyle.

We're so excited to take on this challenge together!

What are added sugars?

Added sugars, ranging from honey and agave to high fructose corn syrup, are added to foods and beverages to give them extra sweetness or flavor. These sugars are refined and often consumed in excess quantities without any of the beneficial nutrients, protein, and fiber.

Added sugars are different than naturally occurring sugars, like those found in whole fruits. Naturally occurring sugars are accompanied by beneficial nutrients and fiber that help slow your body’s absorption of the sugar.

Added sugars can be sneaky. They are found in almost 70 percent of packaged foods, along with breads, health foods, snacks, yogurts, most breakfast foods and sauces.

What's the Issue?

Here's the problem: The average American eats about 17 teaspoons of added sugar a day. That's double the recommended amount for men, and triple for women.

Numerous scientific studies have revealed a connection between health problems and too much sugar. Eating high amounts of added sugar doubles the risk of heart disease, even for people who aren’t overweight.

And the more added sugar we consume, the greater the risk for Type 2 diabetes, cancer, strokes, liver damage, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

But isn't sugar all natural?

When you eat a piece of fruit, you are consuming natural fructose (or natural sugar), along with additional nutrients and fiber - all things that are good for your body and digestion!

But with added sugar, almost all of the nutrients and naturally occurring fiber is removed. This makes it harder for your body to process, and in turn can lead to weight gain, and an addictive-like craving for more added sugars.

Challenge Yourself!

We know the idea of eliminating added-sugars from your diet can seem daunting. That's why our 7 Day Sugar Challenge is a great place to start. We'll be with you every step of the way to offer support, motivation, and tips for staying on track!

We know it won't be easy, but if you stick with it, your sugar cravings will fade. Eventually, you'll even begin to feel more energetic, focused, and less irritable.

Remember, this challenge is a learning experience. Go easy on yourself as you adjust to this lifestyle change, and life might get a little sweeter.