Quitting Sugar for 90 Days: A Journalist's Journey with ADHD and Focus

A journalist with unmedicated ADHD quit sugar cold turkey for 90 days to improve focus. Initially relying on dark chocolate as a crutch for productivity, she found that sugar acted as a chemical bribe rather than a sustainable method. After quitting, she experienced headaches, irritability, and difficulty starting tasks. Psychologist Shruti Shah noted that the craving was about losing a routine and emotional function. By day 60, the journalist learned slower momentum-building techniques like music, timers, and coworking. Social pressure at events tested her resolve, but after 90 days, her focus became steadier, relying on movement and structure instead of sugar.