Thought it timely to check back in with our progress -
We began the sugar free diet, just over 5 weeks ago and to date all has gone quite well. We have successfully managed without all 'raw' sugars and (most) processed sugars, and have not missed them at all.
The biggest change for me has probably been doing without the half tsp of (equal) in my espresso flat white; for my husband doing without his occasional dip into the ice cream tub for dessert in the evenings; and for us both doing without that tasty little "cake or slice" with our w/e coffee.
We have changed our 2-3/wkly evening desserts to fresh fruit (pears, strawberries, kiwi fruit, raspberries) with small dollop of fresh cream, and have found this to be really satisfying and just as 'sweet' as any other dessert we previously enjoyed.
Overall we feel better and have been told we look better, and weight loss has been rewarding - 3kgs for my husband, and 5 1/2 kgs for me. Although, we have battled colds and bronchitis for past 2 weeks and as a consequence daily exercise has dropped off significantly, so (metabolism) and weight loss has also slowed.
As a small test (of our taste buds) we tried a small piece of "dark chocolate rocky road" last Sun evening, and we both found that one 'small' piece was enough, and we had no desire to have anymore. For anyone still trying to get off the sugar train, and wondering if this will ever be possible for them - keep going. It wasn't that long ago that I would have been quite happy to chomped into another 2-4 pieces and think nothing of it! But after only 5 weeks I have no desire for sweet things, and have a completely new attitude and outlook on the dangers of sugar.
Thanks again David for your insight.