@mtstack I so relate! Cancer sure is a huge motivator. I am a stage 4 cancer survivor currently in remission.

My upbringing was very much without processed sugar. We were allowed fructose in fresh fruit and could pick mulberries, guavas, gooseberries etc in the garden without restriction.

We only had processed sweet things such as desserts, ice cream, cakes, drinks etc in moderation very rarely and only as a treat. We drank water otherwise or milk during the day with a small glass of freshly squeezed orange juice every. morning with our breakfast.

I’ve tried during my life to keep that childhood lifestyle up but do slip - especially when it comes to chocolate.

To help control my intake I don’t keep processed things in the house but do have fresh fruit. I now buy in a processed treat maybe once a month. Usually dark chocolate covered ginger.

I use mostly stevia in my tea and coffee and to sweeten food.

I do still love processed sweet things occasionally but the fear of cancer is a huge motivator to almost entirely eliminate processed sugar and eat fresh unprocessed food including fruit.