Maintaining your weight loss and fitness goals is one of life’s greatest rewards—and challenges. And certain foods like sugar, even those found in “healthy” foods, can derail those commitments indefinitely. That’s why Tosca Reno, best-selling author and founder of the Eat-Clean Diet series, wants you to nix the refined sweet stuff for good. Her philosophy: “Remove the sugar, reveal the physique.

More than 15 years ago, Reno, too was addicted to sugar and suffering the consequences: depression and stalled weight-loss efforts. But cutting the sweet stuff from her diet turned that pattern around.

Too much sugar can cause insulin spikes, drain energy, lead to cravings, and signal the body to store more fat. But replacing sugary foods with healthy carbs, protein, and fat will help slice out fat cells that may be hindering your progress. Interested in striking sugar yourself? Download a copy of Reno’s Strike Sugar e-book at toscareno.com