7 Day Sugar Challenge

Welcome to the #7DaySugarChallenge!

What Is It?

It’s simple. Cut out added sugar from what you eat and drink for 7 days.
You won’t be alone. Join thousands of others in the YMCAs of California and Eat REAL challenge to find out just how powerful real food can be!

Why Take Part?

Eating less sugar can be a mood booster and improve sleep. Plus, it quickly improves metabolic health. What’s exciting is that within 7-days these changes can start to happen.

When Is It?

The #7DaySugarchallenge starts

Monday, November 8^th

Why Others Have Joined the #7DaySugarChallenge!

Tell Us Why You're Taking the Challenge

Why Reduce Sugar?

77 grams of sugar. That’s how much Americans consume in a day, on average. That adds up to 60lbs a year—the typical weight of a Golden Retriever!
For kids, sugar intake is even higher, averaging 81 grams. With more than 250 sneaky names for “sugar,” it’s no surprise that kids end up consuming 6x more than what’s recommended in a day. Reducing sugar can improve mental health, help our bodies better fight disease (including covid-19), and expand our lifespan.

What are 'Added' Sugars?

“Added” sugars are added to food during processing. Cereal, snack bars, sauces, and salad dressings all typically contain added sugars.
"Free” sugars naturally occur in products like juice, syrups, and agave that have been stripped of their fiber and additional minerals.
These sugars jolt insulin levels and can, over time, lead to an increased risk of diseases like diabetes. Wine, beer, and alcohol have a similar impact and can lead to liver damage if not consumed in moderation.

How Do I Prepare?

Start cutting back on sugary/alcoholic/juice beverages before the 8th. Check out the labels of your food to understand where sugar is hiding.

Where Can I Get More Information?

Check out some suggested food swaps below, and be on the lookout for daily emails to support you throughout the challenge. We’ll share tips to keep you motivated, along with exciting articles, health and sugar information from Eat REAL’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Robert Lustig.

More Resources

Connect with us on social!

Articles:

Total Sugar vs. Added Sugar | Insider Health
Limiting Added Sugars to Improve your Health | Eat REAL
Importance of reducing added sugar for children | Dr. Robert Lustig Levels Health
Sugar Swap Ideas | Eat REAL

About The YMCA

At the Y, strengthening the community is our cause. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors.

Across California, there are 30 independent charitable YMCA associations and 3 Armed Services YMCAs. Working together leverages our collective impact through our various programs including Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Assisting our communities in these specific program areas ensures a better future for all.

If you’re looking for a place to call your home, find your local Y here.

About Eat REAL

Eat REAL® is a 501(c) (3) Public Health nonprofit organization based in Richmond, California. Eat REAL is dedicated to transforming food in K-12 schools, creating a healthier next generation and planet. Launched in 2012, Eat REAL Certified is a nutrition and sustainability best practices certification program working with school district food service leaders to raise the bar and make food in schools more nutritious and sustainable. Eat REAL’s core program currently supports 300 schools, reaching over 200,000 students.

***The opinions and/or information presented on this website are in no way intended as medical advice or as a substitute for medical treatment and as a material condition of this agreement, you agree not to use such opinions or information in this manner. This information should only be used in conjunction with the guidance, care, and approval of your physician. Consult your physician before beginning any diet, nutrition, or fitness plan, including any offered through this website. Nothing herein is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider if you have any questions regarding a medical condition, your diet, nutritional supplements, an exercise regimen, or any other matter related to your health and well-being.