The sweet truth: why I cut out processed sugar

A few years ago, I had one of those wake-up moments—one I’ll never forget.

It was the Thursday before I got engaged. I had eaten a lot of processed food and sugar—mostly celebrating a birthday—and that night I got really sick. I literally threw up for nine hours straight. I spent all of Friday in bed, completely wiped out and trying to recover. Then Saturday came—one of the most special days of my life—I got engaged. It was a sweet, joy-filled season, but also a powerful wake-up call.

I knew 100% it was the sugar. It wasn’t the first time I’d experienced this kind of reaction—there had been smaller episodes before, always after eating a lot of sugar and processed foods. But this time, it was so intense I just thought, I never want to go through this again. This isn’t worth it.

That moment marked the beginning of my journey to cutting out highly processed sugars and learning how to nourish my body in a way that actually made me feel good.

Since then, I’ve learned how sugar doesn’t just mess with our energy or make us feel sluggish—it actually has a huge impact on our immune system. Research shows how sugar can:

    •    Suppress immune function for several hours after consumption

    •    Increase inflammation in the body

    •    Disrupt gut health and hormone balance

    •    Feed candida and other harmful bacteria

    •    Contribute to mood swings, fatigue, and skin issues

There are even studies that show how it can contribute to an inflammatory environment where cancer and disease can thrive. When our bodies are inflamed, they are more vulnerable to autoimmune issues and chronic illness. And in those moments, sugar is not helping—it’s hurting. That’s why so many people fighting illness are encouraged to follow an anti-inflammatory diet.

But here’s what I’ve also learned: the answer isn’t perfection or fear—it’s intention. I’m not someone who believes in extremes or being obsessive. I still love sweet treats—I just wanted to find a way to enjoy them while actually feeling good afterward.

So I started baking with organic coconut sugar, organic maple syrup, and organic honey. These are still sugar, yes—but they’re less processed, lower on the glycemic index, and don’t leave me with the same blood sugar crash or stomach issues. I feel great after eating treats made with low processed sugars! Coconut sugar and maple syrup are my go-to’s for baking, and when I make my fresh milled bread, I always use honey. Occasionally I’ve used organic blue agave, but even that is rare since it tends to be higher in fructose. I stick to what feels good and fuels me well.

We don’t eat sugary treats all the time. These are still special for us. But I’ve learned that it is absolutely possible to create delicious, feel-good desserts made with better ingredients that still taste indulgent.

Since getting married, my husband and I have only grown more passionate about how we eat and what we bring into our home. We rarely buy processed snacks or packaged foods. Our grocery staples are meats, clean veggies, clean carbs like non-GMO rice and quinoa, and homemade bread made from freshly milled wheat. And all of our sweet treats? I bake them myself.

One of the biggest changes we’ve seen is in my husband’s health. He had struggled with high blood pressure for a while—even though he was working out and doing his best to eat clean. But since we got married, cut out processed sugars, cleaned up our coffee, and started cooking almost all of our meals at home, his blood pressure has stabilized—and he no longer needs medication. It’s been such a blessing to see how food really is medicine.

When it comes to produce, I try to stay mindful of the Dirty Dozen—those fruits and vegetables that are most heavily sprayed with pesticides. I don’t always buy organic, because let’s be honest, it’s not always affordable. But I do my best to be aware and intentional. “Clean” doesn’t have to mean perfect. It just means you’re choosing what’s best for you with the knowledge you have.

Because the truth is—we live in a world where clean food is harder to find and a lot more expensive. It’s frustrating, and it shouldn’t be this way. But I do believe there’s hope. That’s why I’m such a fan of gardening and buying local when we can. Even organic produce can still be sprayed with certain chemicals, so growing your own food or knowing your farmer can make such a difference.

Most importantly, I want this blog and these recipes to encourage you.

You can bake and cook in a way that feels wholesome and beautiful—without relying on all the processed ingredients that are so easy to grab. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about choosing to steward your health well. Scripture tells us our bodies are temples, and I truly believe it honors God when we take care of the bodies He’s given us.

Health is a gift, and I don’t take it for granted. I’m not doing this just for me—or even just for my husband. I’m doing it because I want to be healthy and full of energy for my future kids, my grandkids, and for the life God has called me to live. I want to be fully present and full of life. And for me, that starts with what I’m putting on my plate.

So if you’re looking for inspiration for clean, feel-good recipes that still taste amazing—you’re in the right place. I hope this space encourages you to try something new, take small steps, and enjoy every bit of the process.

Your health matters. Your energy matters. And the food you eat? It’s part of the story.