For those of us who live in Ontario, it may come as a bit of a surprise considering the weather is still absolutely awful, but the 20th of March marked the first official day of Spring!
Some days still feel a little wintery, but the birds are starting to chirp, the day is longer, and I’m starting to think about what I’m planting in my garden. Warmer weather here we come!
To me, spring always feels like New Years Resolutions season 2.0. It’s a chance to reflect on your January goals and pare down what’s working, what’s not, and what needs adjusting. Maybe the whole 5 days a week in the gym has been too much of a slog, and you need to pivot to something different. Running outside perhaps? Or maybe you chickened out of signing up for that art class you said you’d do? Try again! Make spring your 2026 refinement season.
This spring, I’m making one big adjustment: I’m cutting back on added sugar.
Why I’m Cutting Back on Added Sugar
For those who haven’t read my previous post, I’m currently pregnant with my third baby.
In my past two pregnancies, I was diagnosed with Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy, a liver condition that can become dangerous for your baby if not managed carefully.
During my second pregnancy, things escalated quickly at 37 weeks, leading to a scheduled immediate c-section. It was a stressful and overwhelming experience. And something I’m really hoping to avoid this time around.
So now, I’m focusing on supporting my body as much as possible. Given that I want to give my liver the best chance it can have to support my pregnancy. Reducing added sugar is one of the ways I’m doing that.
Of course, this is just my personal approach. Always check with your healthcare provider before making dietary changes during pregnancy.
What is Added Sugar?
Added sugar refers to sugars that are added to foods during processing or preparation, rather than naturally occurring.
Common sources include:
- Cane sugar
- Corn syrup / high-fructose corn syrup
- Honey
- Agave
- Syrups and sweeteners in packaged foods
You’ll often find added sugars in:
- Granola bars
- Flavoured yogurt
- Cereals
- Baked goods
- Sauces and dressings
Research has linked high intake of added sugars to things like tooth decay, energy crashes, and increased risk of conditions like Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease.
Natural Sugar vs. Added Sugar
I’m not eliminating sugar entirely.
Foods like fruit and milk contain natural sugars, and they also come with nutrients like fibre, protein, and vitamins.
Instead, I’m being more mindful of my overall sugar intake—especially from processed foods.
My 10 Tips on How to Reduce Added Sugar
- Have a strong “why“: Behaviour change is hard. Having a meaningful reason makes it easier to stay consistent.
- Plan ahead: Keep lower-sugar snacks on hand so you’re not caught off guard.
- Understand your triggers: For me, it’s after meals, especially lunch. I now plan alternatives like fruit, a walk, or a distraction.
- Expect hard days: Some days will feel easy, others won’t. That’s normal.
- Build a support system: Having someone to talk to makes a huge difference.
- Out of sight, out of mind: If it’s not visible, you’re less likely to reach for it.
- Read labels: Sugar hides in more foods than you’d expect.
- Be flexible: No one likes to say no to birthday cake on their friend’s birthday. Enjoy special occasions without guilt.
- Pay attention to how you feel: I notice I feel more sluggish after eating a lot of added sugar. That in itself is motivating.
- Keep it positive: Think of this as a challenge, not a restriction.
My Current Go-To Snacks to Reduce Added Sugar:
Here are some of my current favourites:
Unsweetened Applesauce
Eggs (a complete protein with all 9 essential amino-acids)
Greek Yogurt or Cottage Cheese with a small amount of maple syrup and peanut butter
Fruit (especially oranges, pineapple, and frozen berries with milk)
Cheese for protein and satiety
Electrolytes for hydration and subtle sweetness
Pickles or savoury snacks to curb sweet cravings
What I’ve Learned So Far
This has been eye-opening.
Before this, I would have said I eat very healthy—but I didn’t realize how much added sugar was sneaking into my day through snacks and small “pick-me-ups.”
Now, I’m focusing more on:
- Protein-rich foods
- Balanced meals
- Being intentional about what I eat
Final Thoughts: Try a “Reduced Sugar Spring”
Reducing added sugar isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness.
It’s about noticing how your body feels, making small adjustments, and building habits that actually work for your life.
So if you’re looking for a reset, consider this your invitation:
👉 Try a Reduced Sugar Spring
Start small, stay flexible, and see how you feel.
