When Tiffany Henriques decided to ditch sugar and processed foods, she never expected to reap the benefits so quickly.
But after only two weeks, the 25-year-old from Bergen County, New Jersey, began to experience both physical and mental improvements.
On April 13, the health and fitness influencer shared a video showcasing her transformation that has racked up 2.3 million views on TikTok.
She told Newsweek: "After quitting added sugar, I noticed an increase in energy levels, a boost in mood, reduced anxiety, improved sleep quality, clearer and glowing skin, and now I have no acne."
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans states that anyone over the age of two should keep sugars to less than 10 percent of their total daily calories. So, if an adult consumes 2,000 calories a day, then no more than 200 calories should come from added sugars.
However, the American Heart Association (AHA), states that the average American consumes 17 teaspoons of added sugar every day, which is roughly double the recommended limit.
Henriques, who uses the handle @tiffanyhenriquesfit, told Newsweek that she used to consume sugar daily by eating cookies, ice cream, and other processed foods.
Initially, she stopped consuming the products in January in a bid to improve her gut health. However, kicking a bad habit is often easier said than done. Research has found that the effects of sugar on the brain and behavior closely resemble those of addictive drugs because of its effect on natural brain chemicals involved in pleasure.
Henriques recently made another attempt to quit, this time documenting the process with a video. On March 30, her video showed her skin looking dull, marked with pimples and under-eye bags. A recent clip shows her with a radiant complexion.
An extract from the clip caption states it was "[the] best decision ever."
She told Newsweek: "Alongside the physical benefits, I've experienced mental clarity, reduced brain fog, and an overall improvement in my cognitive function.
"Additionally, I no longer experience gut health issues or cramps."
The CDC states that high blood sugar levels can lead to diabetes. They can also lead to gastroparesis, a condition that affects how you digest your food that damages the nerves and slows down or stops stomach muscles, causing food to remain in the stomach longer than normal. Diabetes is the most common known cause of gastroparesis.
Henriques has replaced her previous diet with natural foods.
She said: "I prioritize fruits, vegetables, lean proteins like chicken, and wholesome ingredients. I still enjoy natural sweeteners like honey, dried fruits like mango and dates, while incorporating them into a balanced diet."
Newsweek reached out to Dr. Daryl Gioffre, functional nutritionist, gut health expert, and author of Get Off Your Sugar.
He said: "Sugar is not an essential fuel like protein and fat, and the body does not require sugar to function. In fact, the more sugar you eat, the less longevity you will have.
"Therefore, a low-sugar diet is the preferred source of fuel and energy for all ages alike."
Gioffre explained that many people do not realize that sugar cravings could be masking a mineral deficiency, such as a lack of magnesium. He explained that magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and plays a vital role in muscle and nerve function, blood glucose control, and the production of energy and protein.
He also highlights how "comfort foods are loaded with sugar' but the short-term dopamine hit can lead to inflammation in the body.
"The more sugar you eat, the more you're going to burn for energy, and therefore, the more sugar you're going to crave. It literally becomes a vicious cycle, feeding the sugar addiction," he added.
It looks like Henriques' lifestyle change has influenced many online, and at the time of writing, the clip had amassed 230,200 likes.
"Maybe this is my sign," said one user.
Another said: "Okay that's it I'm convinced."
Speaking from experience, a third said: "Keep going !!! I cut sugar completely the last 10 years ! Results are evident."
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