I Quit Sugar - The Paleo Network

I recently bought Sarah Wilson's “I Quit Sugar” ebook, which is currently selling for $15.

I've been following Sarah’s blog and was very interested to read this book.

Whilst I don’t think Sarah would describe herself as “Paleo”, her ideas are very similar. I also really like how she has tried this approach herself, so is able to explain the positive differences quitting sugar made to her. The book explains, in simple terms why we shouldn't eat sugar, and then lays out exactly how to quit sugar – which is no easy task for sugar addicts! Keeping with the Paleo theme, Sarah encourages increased consumption of fats and talks at length about fruit and fruit juices. This is one area I get a lot of questions on, as many people don’t seem to appreciate the sugar content is not a good thing; Sarah does a great job of explaining this.

Whilst Sarah does eat dairy and some grains, I think this book would be a great starting point for a friend or family member who has expressed an interest in Paleo, but doesn't know how to start – or why they should. To go from Sarah’s no Sugar plan, to a full Paleo diet would not be much of a leap and this book would be a great tool for the journey.

Sarah has recently spoken with Nora Gedgaudas, and her blog seems to mention Paleo more and more since this conversation.

The Rise of the Anti-Sugar Movement

In recent years, quitting sugar has become more than a personal health goal — it's grown into a widespread wellness movement. While Paleo enthusiasts have long advocated for the elimination of refined sugars, books like I Quit Sugar have introduced the message to a much broader audience. And it’s no surprise. Sugar is omnipresent in modern diets, and its connection to chronic inflammation, obesity, and insulin resistance is now well established.

Where Paleo and anti-sugar approaches really align is in their focus on real, whole food. The more processed a food is, the more likely it is to be hiding added sugars — even under innocuous names like “rice syrup”, “agave nectar” or “evaporated cane juice.” For someone starting out on their health journey, simply learning to read labels and identify hidden sugars is a major step forward.

What Happens When You Quit Sugar?

The benefits of cutting out sugar can be quite remarkable — even in the short term. Many people report clearer skin, better mood regulation, more stable energy levels, and a reduction in food cravings. Over time, it can also contribute to weight loss, improved metabolic markers, and better hormone balance. For Paleo followers, quitting sugar is often a key part of addressing insulin resistance and inflammatory conditions.

But giving up sugar isn’t always easy. Many people experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, irritability, or fatigue during the first week or two. That’s because sugar lights up the same reward pathways in the brain as addictive substances. It takes time for those neural circuits to quiet down — and in the meantime, having a structured plan like Sarah’s or a Paleo template can be the support you need to stay the course.

Fructose: The Hidden Challenge

One of the most misunderstood aspects of sugar is the role of fructose. While table sugar is 50% fructose and 50% glucose, many natural sweeteners and fruit juices are heavily fructose-laden. Unlike glucose, which can be used by almost every cell in the body, fructose is metabolised almost entirely by the liver. Excessive fructose intake has been linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, elevated triglycerides, and insulin resistance — all risk factors for metabolic syndrome.

Sarah’s emphasis on avoiding fruit juices and limiting fruit intake, especially in the early stages of quitting sugar, mirrors advice found in many Paleo circles. Once your sugar cravings subside and blood sugar stabilises, whole fruits can usually be reintroduced in moderation — but they shouldn’t be the centrepiece of your diet.

How Quitting Sugar Supports a Paleo Lifestyle

Cutting out sugar also aligns perfectly with the Paleo approach in terms of regulating appetite, improving digestion, and supporting mental clarity. Many people find that once they remove sugar from their diet, they become more attuned to their body’s true hunger signals. Meals become more about nourishment than indulgence, and it's easier to gravitate towards meals based on healthy fats, protein, and fibre-rich vegetables.

When sugar is out of the picture, you’re also less likely to suffer from the energy crashes and ‘hanger’ that come with blood sugar fluctuations. Instead, meals keep you full for longer, and snacking becomes far less necessary. This is particularly beneficial for those practising intermittent fasting or trying to balance hormones like cortisol and insulin.

Making the Leap From Quitting Sugar to Going Paleo

If someone has successfully quit sugar using Sarah Wilson’s method, they're already halfway to a Paleo lifestyle. The next natural steps might involve phasing out grains, legumes, and seed oils, and focusing more on high-quality meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, and fermented foods. Dairy can be a grey area, as it is for Sarah, but many Paleo followers tolerate full-fat fermented options like yoghurt and kefir well.

Importantly, Paleo also places a strong emphasis on food sourcing — prioritising pastured meat, organic produce, and minimal processing. For those who come to Paleo from an anti-sugar stance, it’s often a refreshing deep dive into nutrient density and ancestral wisdom, rather than just a restrictive diet.

Tips for Supporting Someone Quitting Sugar

If someone in your life is trying to give up sugar — or even just cut back — there are a few helpful things you can do:

Don’t offer sweets “just this once.” Even a small indulgence can reignite cravings early on.
Stock your home with nourishing alternatives. Think boiled eggs, avocado, seed crackers, roasted nuts, or a Paleo-approved snack bar.
Cook meals together. Sharing the food-prep process makes it easier to control ingredients and find new sugar-free favourites.
Be patient with mood swings. If someone is going through withdrawal, it might take a week or two before they start to feel better — and they may be a bit grumpy in the meantime!

Resources to Help You Stay on Track

There are many free and paid resources available if you’re ready to quit sugar or encourage someone else on that path. Sarah Wilson’s work is a great place to start, especially for those not quite ready to go full Paleo. For a more science-based approach, authors like Gary Taubes (Why We Get Fat) and Dr Robert Lustig (Fat Chance) offer deep dives into the metabolic impact of sugar. And for visual learners, documentaries like That Sugar Film do a fantastic job of showing what really happens when you remove — or add — sugar to the modern diet.

The Bottom Line

Quitting sugar is one of the most powerful steps you can take for your long-term health. Whether you get there through a structured programme like I Quit Sugar, or by embracing a Paleo lifestyle directly, the benefits go far beyond weight loss. You’ll likely see improvements in sleep, energy, skin, digestion, mental clarity, and even emotional resilience.

For many people, giving up sugar is the gateway to a broader shift towards eating real food and living more intentionally. And as Sarah Wilson herself has discovered, once you take that step, it’s hard not to keep going — right into the world of Paleo.

Have you read her book – Did you Quit Sugar? I’d be very interested to hear what you think about it!