How Jane Transformed Her Health Through Sugar-Free Baking

Jane Jones from Florida, a mom and nonprofit attorney, dropped about 66 pounds after starting a blog called "Sugar-Free Baking." Her small venture grew, and now she hopes her treats will reach hospitals and nursing homes, allowing people with diabetes to enjoy a good cake too.

In an interview with People magazine, Jane shared that she worked non-stop during the week but loved to bake in her free time—cookies, cakes, and pies were her specialties. In the summer of 2019, she thought she was suffering from a stomach bug and ended up in the ER two weeks later. On her 46th birthday, doctors informed her she had high blood pressure and dangerously high blood sugar. "The doctor told me I had Type 2 Diabetes and was very close to having a stroke," she recounted.

Stunned by the diagnosis, Jane returned home determined to change her diet. At the time, she weighed 233 pounds and had tried countless diets without success. She revamped her meals to focus on low-sugar vegetables, lean proteins like turkey, chicken, and fish, and salads. She began walking every day in her neighborhood for 40 minutes as a part of her fitness routine, realizing that without it "my blood sugar levels spike."

Yet, life threw its challenges her way. During the holidays, she felt down because her great love of baking seemed out of reach.

One day, during a routine grocery store visit, she bought a sweetener made from grape skins. She used it to bake chocolate chip cookies, and the response was amazing. Jane started experimenting with various sugar substitutes and creating new recipes. Within three months, she lost about 66 pounds and her blood sugar levels improved significantly.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, her daughter suggested she start a blog to share sugar-free recipes on social media. The blog, "Sugar-Free Baking," now offers over 250 sugar-free recipes, and Jane even started selling her frozen cookie dough. "When I launched the blog, it had to be very authentic. I wanted to share what I learned," she said. "I'm tired of skinny fitness models telling everyone to run around the block—that's not the answer. Genetics play a big role, and everyone needs to find what works for them."