Sugar Free May

This sweet(less) initiative started off small at our Townsville Family Recovery Centre in 2018. Three years on, we are very excited to be making this program available to veterans and their families across the nation.  

Now we know what you’re thinking – sugar is in everything. It’s important to note, however, natural sugars found in wholefoods can be quite good for you. Sugar, particularly when paired with the fibre in fruit and vegetables, is a health and easy way to access a quick energy boost.  On top of a natural sugar kick, fruit and vegetables also provide a fantastic variety of vitamins, micronutrients, phytochemicals, and water – all of which our body loves. 

Sugar Free May isn’t about restriction. It’s about becoming more aware of what you’re putting into your body, and trying to reduce the amount of pre-packaged, refined sugar filled foods you eat. Throughout the month, veterans and their families will be learning: 

• Healthy habits
• Label reading and hidden sugars in pre-packaged foods
• Why listening to your body and eating primarily wholefoods is best
• How good a reduced-refined sugar diet makes you feel.  

What impact does reducing refined sugar have?  

As research suggests, as well as our previous participants in Sugar Free May have reported, a reduction in refined sugar, can lead to: 

• Improved sleep, skin and mood 
• Reduced cellulite 
• Increased energy 
• Increased the enjoyment of wholefoods 
• Reduced cravings 
• Improved gut health and digestion 
• Improved mental health
• Reduced inflammation in joints.  

Now, we aren’t stopping you from eating fruit, dairy or a couple of tablespoons of raw honey or organic raw maple syrup. We recognise the strong link between gut health and mental health, and this program simply aims to educate participants on how small dietary changes can make a large difference to our physical and mental wellbeing. If a month seems too much of a challenge, simply setting a daily, weekly or fortnightly sugar free goal is a great first step. Simply not adding sugar to your coffee can significantly decrease your intake of calories and have a positive impact on your energy levels and tastebuds.  

If you have any questions or would like to participate in Sugar Free May, please contact us today. 

This program is for veterans and family members only who are registered with Mates4Mates.  

Not a registered? No problem! You can find out how you can join Mates4Mates here and participate in this program, along with the other amazing services we offer! 

Written by Lauren Kelly, Exercise Physiologist