From Sugar Dependency to Freedom: My Journey of Healing (Life After Sugar Podcast Recap)

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Netta Gorman on her “Life After Sugar” podcast about my journey from sugar dependency to freedom. As someone who works with grief and healing, I found myself reflecting deeply on how my own experience with loss became intertwined with my relationship with chocolate and sugar.

When I lost my husband at age 39, with two young children to care for, chocolate became my constant companion. Every emotion, whether positive or negative, led me to reach for something sweet. I couldn’t imagine life without it—in fact, during the pandemic, I distinctly remember declaring I’d rather die than give up chocolate. Looking back now, those words reveal just how deep my dependency had become.

The Hidden Nature of Sugar Dependency

What strikes me most about sugar dependency is how socially acceptable it is. We don’t think twice about offering sweets to crying children or celebrating life’s moments with sugary treats. As a grief counsellor, I’ve observed how often we use sugar to mask our pain rather than processing it properly. It’s a coping mechanism that society not only accepts but actively encourages.

My professional work with bereavement, grief and loss has taught me that healing often requires us to face uncomfortable truths. Just as we cannot bypass the grieving process, I discovered we cannot truly heal while using sugar to numb our emotions. The parallel between grief work and breaking free from sugar dependency is striking—both require us to sit with our feelings rather than seeking quick comfort.

The Transformation Journey

My turning point came through a 10-day programme that changed everything. The physical withdrawal was intense—I remember one particularly difficult day when I found myself shaking and crying. But like the grief process itself, working through the discomfort led to profound healing.

What I’ve discovered on the other side of sugar dependency has been revolutionary:

• A deep sense of inner peace that no amount of chocolate could provide
• Improved energy levels and mental clarity
• A more authentic relationship with my emotions
• The ability to face stress without turning to food for comfort

The Mind-Body Connection

As a holistic wellness practitioner, I’ve come to understand that sugar dependency isn’t just about willpower—it’s about our relationship with ourselves. The same principles that help us process grief can help us overcome sugar dependency:

• Acknowledging our feelings without judgment
• Developing new coping mechanisms
• Building a supportive environment
• Treating ourselves with compassion during the healing process

Supporting Others Through Change

In my practice, I now offer sugar dependency programmes alongside my grief counselling work because I’ve witnessed how interconnected these journeys can be. Whether it’s processing loss or breaking free from sugar, the key is understanding that transformation is possible, even when it feels impossible.

For those struggling with sugar dependency, especially in the aftermath of loss or during periods of emotional upheaval, know that freedom is possible. Just as we learn to carry our grief in a healthy way, we can learn to nourish ourselves without relying on sugar for emotional support.

Moving Forward

Today, I no longer queue for chocolate during crises or scan dessert menus before main courses. More importantly, I’ve found that inner joy and happiness that I used to seek in external sources. This journey has not only transformed my personal life but has deeply informed my professional practice, allowing me to support others in their own journeys toward holistic wellness.

Feel free to reach out for a consultation where we can discuss your unique situation and how I might help you find your own path to freedom.