I’ve always loved Spain as a holiday destination. The architecture is stunning and the culture is vibrant, but what really keeps me coming back is the food, weather, relaxed lifestyle, and friendly people. This past year alone, I’ve visited Madrid, Toledo, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Majorca, Málaga, and Granada. That’s on top of the Canary Islands, Valencia, Barcelona, and Sitges from a couple of years back.
The Post-Holiday Weight Struggle
As much as I enjoy travelling and taking holidays, I’ve always worried about coming home a few kilos heavier and feeling demotivated. This year, I set myself a goal: cut down on sugar, especially refined sugar. I still eat plenty of fruit (the fibre makes a difference), but I’ve stopped buying sweet treats, protein bars, and granola. Those things caused blood sugar spikes and made it too easy to put on unhealthy weight.
Discovering Sin Azúcar Everywhere
Since I started reducing my sugar intake this year, I’ve noticed something interesting about Spanish supermarkets – they have lots of products and entire sections labelled “sin azúcar” (which means sugar-free or no added sugar). Even the heladerías (ice cream shops) and bakeries have sin azúcar options readily available.
It seems Spain’s food culture still leans more towards fresh, balanced eating compared to what we’ve got here in the UK. Spaniards are health-conscious but they still love their sweets, so sin azúcar products are a way for them to enjoy treats without overdoing it.
For me, cutting down sugar whilst having access to these options has been really helpful. Spain was the only destination where I ate more than usual (definitely in calorie surplus) and still came back without putting on unnecessary weight. It’s made a noticeable difference.
What Sugar Was Actually Doing to Me
I used to have granola for breakfast, sometimes with a protein shake, then snack on protein bars throughout the day. Basically, I was experiencing constant blood sugar spikes. Sure, those foods made me feel good initially, but once my dopamine levels dropped, I’d feel low and start craving more sugar. It created a loop that left me feeling emotionally drained.
The physical side effects were noticeable too – I was constantly bloated, the sugar increased my cortisol (stress hormone), and it disrupted my sleep. My energy levels fluctuated quite a bit throughout the day.
Life After Cutting Refined Sugar
This change I made – reducing refined sugar – has made me feel better throughout the day. No more feeling like I’m on an energy rollercoaster.
Day-to-day, I’ve got more stable energy levels, less bloating, I’m sleeping better, and my mood is more consistent. Longer-term, I’m managing my weight better without feeling restricted. These habits feel sustainable rather than restrictive.
My Simple Approach
I don’t really limit my diet or obsess about what I’m eating. I just lean more towards sin azúcar options when I fancy something sweet. That’s it. This means I don’t feel deprived, it’s sustainable long-term, I can enjoy treats without guilt, and travelling (especially to Spain) is much easier.
Tips for Your Next Spanish Holiday
If you’re heading to Spain and want to stay on track whilst enjoying yourself, here’s what I’ve learnt: Keep an eye out for “sin azúcar” labels – they’re common in Spanish supermarkets. Don’t hesitate to ask for sugar-free options at ice cream shops and bakeries. Embrace fresh foods – Spanish cuisine naturally focuses on quality ingredients. Don’t worry too much about eating out – the food culture there makes it easier to eat well. And walk around the cities – it’s a pleasant way to stay active.
The Bottom Line
Reducing refined sugar has been one of the better health decisions I’ve made this year. The fact that Spain has made it easier with their sin azúcar options is a bonus.
Spain isn’t just my favourite destination because it’s beautiful and culturally rich – it’s also where I discovered that you can enjoy yourself whilst maintaining healthy habits.
