A RECENT trend has surfaced on TikTok and introduced to the public about food wherein GenZs challenge themselves to the “Sugar Detox” challenge and they encourage viewers to try it themselves as well.
The concept of a sugar detox is not a new type of dietary habit where one can naturally detox the body through food consumption. Challengers of this TikTok trend simplify how this type of natural detox is done and its effects on our bodies.
While some viral nutrition trends and challenges may appear harmless or even promising in promoting better body condition, they may still promote bad eating habits if research prior challenge is not done.
Sugar is an essential part of our diet. It is found in almost every item we consume. It comes in two distinct forms: the processed one which is found in desserts, and the natural one, which is found in fruits.
Advocates discuss that abstaining from sugar doesn’t equate to completely not consuming food that provides sugar as it is impossible to avoid it regardless of the kind of sugar that is in the food.
They explained that processed sugar is so much different than natural ones and its overall effects on our body. Staples like fruits, vegetables, rice, and bread provide these natural sugars. Meanwhile, refined or processed sugars are found in candies, pastries, and sugary beverages.
Kyra Belandres (@zoe.kyb) shares her transformative experience with the sugar detox challenge, recounting its surprising effect on her skin.
Photo Courtesy: @zoe.kyb | TikTok
She did not expect the post to blow up and got so many questions about the overall process of detox. This made her decide to share what kind of food to eat and how much sugar should be cut off every day.
Photo Courtesy: @zoe.kyb | TikTok
She also advised us not to cut out sugar overnight as our bodies won’t immediately adjust to sudden changes.
Kyra plans to do the challenge for at least a month now that visible changes pushed her more to continue.
Kaila Daguman (@kaidaguman) also took on the sugar detox challenge. The first content immediately included her meal for the day. She explained that for the diet she’s following, she did not consume even fruits during the first week only. She incorporated fruits and other foods with natural sugars in the following week. Her goal on her first attempt was to consume more protein than any other nutrients.
Photo Courtesy: @kaidaguman | TikTok
She admitted that it was quite hard as this detox had many restrictions, not just the food she expected she wouldn’t consume.
Photo Courtesy: @kaidaguman | TikTok
Acknowledging the excellent nature of the detox, Kaila extends advice to her viewers, emphasizing ample hydration and research to review any potential discomfort or adverse effects.
She outlines her meal plan, detailing the reintroduction of carbohydrates and fruits in subsequent days.
Photo Courtesy: @kaidaguman | TikTok
To sum it up, while the sugar detox challenge provides advantageous health outcomes, its efficacy varies from individual to individual.
Student nutritionist-dietitian on TikTok @bastidadog explained that sugar is not entirely bad, because glucose is used as an energy source for the brain and it can affect its function if an individual is deprived of glucose. These pieces of advice are for those who are in the middle of doing the challenge as well as those who are attempting to do the challenge.
With reports from Louisse Kalingag
