I woke up this am starting my headaches and pondering - what was I thinking! I am in my most busy time of year for work and I don't need this. But, I continue mostly becuase I made a commitment to myself, to Cari and to this blog. And that is good.
I am shocked at all the things with extra added sugar! It's CRAZY! I was at the store last night (avoiding the Halloween aisle) and trying to find a quick dinner - most pasta sauce is totally out. I often make my own but for a fast fix, I will miss the Prego.
It reading pasta sauce label over the top on this challenge? Maybe. But for now I want to make educated choices.
Oh and I just ordered an agave nectar cookbook- exciting!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Pass the Ibuprophen please!
HEADACHES!!!
I woke up with one that has stayed with me all day. It has been hard to see at times. I give full credit to my sugar detox. To cope with this, I took some ibuprophen and have tried to eat a combo of fat, protein, carb every 2-3 hours. It has relieved the pain slightly. I am predicting another 2 days of this maybe more.
My new enemies today: (These either have sugar, corn syrup or both)
Prego Spaghetti sauce, my favorite brand of roasted almonds, pretzels, saltines, and Campbell's tomato soup.
My new Friends today: (These Don't have sugar, or corn syrup and they taste good)
Triscuts (love them, always have), Homemade Ranch dressing, sliced Almonds toasted in the oven (yummy and crunchy when they're warm), Cascade Fresh yogurt, spiced apple cider herbal tea. (Other flavors they want me to try- pumpkin spice, eggnogg'n, ginger snappish- these will be fun for the holidays.)
I woke up with one that has stayed with me all day. It has been hard to see at times. I give full credit to my sugar detox. To cope with this, I took some ibuprophen and have tried to eat a combo of fat, protein, carb every 2-3 hours. It has relieved the pain slightly. I am predicting another 2 days of this maybe more.
My new enemies today: (These either have sugar, corn syrup or both)
Prego Spaghetti sauce, my favorite brand of roasted almonds, pretzels, saltines, and Campbell's tomato soup.
My new Friends today: (These Don't have sugar, or corn syrup and they taste good)
Triscuts (love them, always have), Homemade Ranch dressing, sliced Almonds toasted in the oven (yummy and crunchy when they're warm), Cascade Fresh yogurt, spiced apple cider herbal tea. (Other flavors they want me to try- pumpkin spice, eggnogg'n, ginger snappish- these will be fun for the holidays.)
1 day down
Yea! We made it through one day. My headaches started early, but I felt pretty good. I, like Amy, spent time reminding myself of no sugar several times yesterday.
I feel much better waking up on a morning after a day of no sugar. Waking up on a day after sugar splurging is awful, so I am glad I don't have to deal with that anymore.
It feels good to be heading in a positive direction.
I feel much better waking up on a morning after a day of no sugar. Waking up on a day after sugar splurging is awful, so I am glad I don't have to deal with that anymore.
It feels good to be heading in a positive direction.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Day 1
Ok, Day 1 is almost over and it was ok. Mostly just catching myself and stopping habits like having something sweet after lunch (and dinner.) Ended up using Extra Sugar Free Gum which helped.
Anyone have good ideas for no-sugar treats?
355 days left..............sigh.
Anyone have good ideas for no-sugar treats?
355 days left..............sigh.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
90 minutes and a piece of pie
So we start tomorrow and I am laughing at myself that it is 10:25 at night and I am considering having a piece of the berry pie I served with dinner tonight. This may be WHY I need to go off sugar :-)
I am excited about tomorrow and a bit fearful. I worry I won't be able to pull this off. I hope this blog will keep me inline. Between the blog, Cari and the others who are doing this I know I have a better chance.
Go us. I think.
I am excited about tomorrow and a bit fearful. I worry I won't be able to pull this off. I hope this blog will keep me inline. Between the blog, Cari and the others who are doing this I know I have a better chance.
Go us. I think.
How did this all get started?
I thought I would write a little bit about how this all got started. I have a friend who has two boys. She told them she would pay them each $100 if they wouldn't eat any candy or store bought treats for 1 year. They both did it and received the $100.00. Last week I took my two older girls to the toy store to buy birthday presents for another daughter. While we were there, my oldest daughter saw a motor scooter she would really like to have. The problem is it was $300.00. The whole drive home was a conversation about how she was going get that motor scooter. By the time we had returned home, she had remembered that her friend got $100.00 for not eating candy for a year. I told her I would pay her the same if she would like to do that. It got her really excited and that was all she talked about for two days. While contemplating this I thought about doing it too. I initially thought it was a good way to support my daughter, but thinking on, I knew I needed more help than she did. The idea started growing in my mind. It's funny how I thought it was such a great idea but at the same time, mourning all of the treats I wouldn't be able to eat. :) Why is this such a sad thing for us sugar addicts?
My next step was to put the idea out there on facebook to see if anyone was with me. Amy replied first asking if I wanted a partner, and here we are.
Several of you have responded that you would like to be included, so welcome. Can't wait for our first day tomorrow. Looks like we have about 2 hours and 55 minutes left. True confession...I am having one more piece of cheesecake before bed. Pathetic I know.
My next step was to put the idea out there on facebook to see if anyone was with me. Amy replied first asking if I wanted a partner, and here we are.
Several of you have responded that you would like to be included, so welcome. Can't wait for our first day tomorrow. Looks like we have about 2 hours and 55 minutes left. True confession...I am having one more piece of cheesecake before bed. Pathetic I know.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Sugar, I will miss thee
Half of me can't believe I am doing this. Half of me can't wait. I know that sugar plays with your blood sugar, hunger levels and overall health. But, it is delicious. And chocolate- dont get me started.
So I am going to undertake this experiment and see how it helps me head toward greater balance. At minimum I hope to end cravings for sweets, increase energy (versus the short term energy of sugar) and lose a few pounds. I also hope I will sleep better, become fabulously rich and a supermodel. Ok, maybe not those last two.
I promise total honesty in my blogs. If I cheat, I will admit it.
For me, this is primarily about white sugar, corn syrup and other heavily processed sugars. I may try out Agave sweetner for a few things. Fruit is also ok in my book.
Overall I know I will learn alot and look forward to hearing about other's experiences. To my kind husband- I apologize in advance for any crabbiness I may exhibit this first week. :-)
So I am going to undertake this experiment and see how it helps me head toward greater balance. At minimum I hope to end cravings for sweets, increase energy (versus the short term energy of sugar) and lose a few pounds. I also hope I will sleep better, become fabulously rich and a supermodel. Ok, maybe not those last two.
I promise total honesty in my blogs. If I cheat, I will admit it.
For me, this is primarily about white sugar, corn syrup and other heavily processed sugars. I may try out Agave sweetner for a few things. Fruit is also ok in my book.
Overall I know I will learn alot and look forward to hearing about other's experiences. To my kind husband- I apologize in advance for any crabbiness I may exhibit this first week. :-)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
I love sugar. I hate sugar. I love sugar. I hate sugar. I love sugar. I hate sugar.
I will end on the part that says I hate sugar.
Hi, I'm Cari. I am in a constant love/ hate relationship with sugar. Starting October 26, 2009 I am going to change that. I am going off sugar for a year. I have many goals but my main goal is that I can change both physically and mentally. In a year's time I would love to not have an appetite for sugar anymore. I would love for the sugar cravings to be gone. I would love to eat healthy food and not worry about when I can get my next treat. There are so many other things I believe will happen in this period of time, and I am so looking forward to all of the benefits, BUT my number one goal is to change. Instead of looking for my next sugar "fix", I want to be able to say, "no, thank you" to anything offered to me and really mean it. After a years time, I want to be able to have a piece of birthday cake or even just a few bites, to know what it tastes like, and then be done. I want to be engaged in so many other interesting and enlightening things that I don't have time for treats. I want to really taste and enjoy good food without being stuffed with sugary desserts at the end of the meal. I want to change.
At the end of 12 months, I am going to pay for classes from a Dietitian that can help me to reincorporate sugar into my life. This may last anywhere from 3-6 months. I can't see myself off sugar for my whole life. I am trying to change so I can have it sparingly in times of celebration. This is the part that I will need the most help. The backlash at the end of 12 months could be devastating for me.
Everyone's way of going off sugar may be different. I will not eat (almost) anything that has sugar, corn syrup, or high fructose anything in it. Whenever possible, I will read the labels and avoid anything that has these 3 things in it. There are some things that don't appear to have sugar in them, such as pretzels, and wheat thins, but if you read the label carefully they have corn syrup in them. These things I will avoid. Some things are unlikely to not have sugar in them such as bread and cereals. Since these items are essential in my diet for energy, I can pick and choose the best option. When choosing these items, I will not go over 3 grams of sugar per item. Even so, the less grams the better, and if it is sweetened with molasses or honey I consider that a bonus and a better choice. I am sure I will not catch every sugar in every thing, such as sugar in condiments, (ketchup), but I will do my best to find out. For me, artificial sweeteners will be ok. Usually I don't eat that much of them, so I don't see that as being a big deal. This is in such things as yogurt or sugar free pudding, or diet pop. I may drink diet pop at first as I am detoxing but my goal here is to say goodbye to pop forever. My pocketbook will thank me also. Most likely we will blog later on how bad diet pop is. So much for that now. One last thing I WILL eat is things sweetened with organic evaporated cane juice and brown rice syrup. These are found in things like Cliff bars, some granola bars, and Kashi cereal, etc.. I have read a whole book on the different types of sugars and the effect they have on your body. These sweeteners and others such as honey, maple syrup, and molasses are better because they have a slower effect on the blood sugar. They don't give me a sugar high or headaches. These I can and will eat in moderation as I know that within my body and brain, sugar triggers more sugar. More of that later as well. That pretty much sums up how I will police my diet for this coming year.
As I finish up, I thought I would write a quick summary of me. I turned 40 this year. Me and my husband have been happily married for 15 years. We have 5 children ages from 4-13. That keeps us very busy. My oldest daughter is going to start the "no sugar for a year" this Monday also. She calls it NSFAY. Kids, right? It will be interesting for me to see how she does and the difficulties that come with being 11 and trying to eat healthy. We are a pretty active family and I can see many benefits of me (the mom) staying away from the sugar. And, if you stay tuned, you will for sure read about those benefits and all of the struggles as well.
The Co-Administrator of this blog is Amy. Take it away Amy. I am signing out for now.
I will end on the part that says I hate sugar.
Hi, I'm Cari. I am in a constant love/ hate relationship with sugar. Starting October 26, 2009 I am going to change that. I am going off sugar for a year. I have many goals but my main goal is that I can change both physically and mentally. In a year's time I would love to not have an appetite for sugar anymore. I would love for the sugar cravings to be gone. I would love to eat healthy food and not worry about when I can get my next treat. There are so many other things I believe will happen in this period of time, and I am so looking forward to all of the benefits, BUT my number one goal is to change. Instead of looking for my next sugar "fix", I want to be able to say, "no, thank you" to anything offered to me and really mean it. After a years time, I want to be able to have a piece of birthday cake or even just a few bites, to know what it tastes like, and then be done. I want to be engaged in so many other interesting and enlightening things that I don't have time for treats. I want to really taste and enjoy good food without being stuffed with sugary desserts at the end of the meal. I want to change.
At the end of 12 months, I am going to pay for classes from a Dietitian that can help me to reincorporate sugar into my life. This may last anywhere from 3-6 months. I can't see myself off sugar for my whole life. I am trying to change so I can have it sparingly in times of celebration. This is the part that I will need the most help. The backlash at the end of 12 months could be devastating for me.
Everyone's way of going off sugar may be different. I will not eat (almost) anything that has sugar, corn syrup, or high fructose anything in it. Whenever possible, I will read the labels and avoid anything that has these 3 things in it. There are some things that don't appear to have sugar in them, such as pretzels, and wheat thins, but if you read the label carefully they have corn syrup in them. These things I will avoid. Some things are unlikely to not have sugar in them such as bread and cereals. Since these items are essential in my diet for energy, I can pick and choose the best option. When choosing these items, I will not go over 3 grams of sugar per item. Even so, the less grams the better, and if it is sweetened with molasses or honey I consider that a bonus and a better choice. I am sure I will not catch every sugar in every thing, such as sugar in condiments, (ketchup), but I will do my best to find out. For me, artificial sweeteners will be ok. Usually I don't eat that much of them, so I don't see that as being a big deal. This is in such things as yogurt or sugar free pudding, or diet pop. I may drink diet pop at first as I am detoxing but my goal here is to say goodbye to pop forever. My pocketbook will thank me also. Most likely we will blog later on how bad diet pop is. So much for that now. One last thing I WILL eat is things sweetened with organic evaporated cane juice and brown rice syrup. These are found in things like Cliff bars, some granola bars, and Kashi cereal, etc.. I have read a whole book on the different types of sugars and the effect they have on your body. These sweeteners and others such as honey, maple syrup, and molasses are better because they have a slower effect on the blood sugar. They don't give me a sugar high or headaches. These I can and will eat in moderation as I know that within my body and brain, sugar triggers more sugar. More of that later as well. That pretty much sums up how I will police my diet for this coming year.
As I finish up, I thought I would write a quick summary of me. I turned 40 this year. Me and my husband have been happily married for 15 years. We have 5 children ages from 4-13. That keeps us very busy. My oldest daughter is going to start the "no sugar for a year" this Monday also. She calls it NSFAY. Kids, right? It will be interesting for me to see how she does and the difficulties that come with being 11 and trying to eat healthy. We are a pretty active family and I can see many benefits of me (the mom) staying away from the sugar. And, if you stay tuned, you will for sure read about those benefits and all of the struggles as well.
The Co-Administrator of this blog is Amy. Take it away Amy. I am signing out for now.
Welcome to "No sugar allowed!"
"It is quite possible to improve your disposition, increase your efficiency, and change your personality for the better. The way to do it is to avoid cane and beet sugar in all forms and guises."
-John Tintera, an Endocrinologist
A quote from the book "Sugar Blues" -William Duffy
This blog is dedicated to those who want "to improve your disposition, increase your efficiency, and change your personality for the better."
For one year we will refrain from sugar, and then we will blog about it. We will find support by sharing our experiences. Our starting date is October 26, 2009. Our ending date is October 26, 2010.
Can't wait to start. Join us in the journey!
"It is quite possible to improve your disposition, increase your efficiency, and change your personality for the better. The way to do it is to avoid cane and beet sugar in all forms and guises."
-John Tintera, an Endocrinologist
A quote from the book "Sugar Blues" -William Duffy
This blog is dedicated to those who want "to improve your disposition, increase your efficiency, and change your personality for the better."
For one year we will refrain from sugar, and then we will blog about it. We will find support by sharing our experiences. Our starting date is October 26, 2009. Our ending date is October 26, 2010.
Can't wait to start. Join us in the journey!
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