I've been eating a lot of junk lately, by a lot, I mean - A LOT! I ate a whole package of chewy chips ahoy cookies at the cottage...gross, right? I have been feeling pretty blah (major mood swings, debbie downer)...So last Thursday, I stuffed one more butter tart into my mouth and decided to give up sugar, diary, and white bread products*
I thought I would clean up my diet for the month of July. I started googling to read other people's stories** (Anything I can possibly think of has been done before and blogged about!) Anyways, this is when I watched the online lecture Sugar: The Bitter Truth. This video was exactly what I was ready to hear. Now I want to see how long I can live sugar-free!
What will I feel like after an extended period of time? I feel like I signed up for a radical science experiment! I think I already feel different, but that could be all in my head. At any rate, because I am doing this for my insides, as well as my outer shell, discipline has not been an issue. I am still waiting for my first sugar craving...that will be the true test!!! (I mean, it's only been a week)
Are you interested in how it goes? I will keep you posted if you are curious!
Have you tried this?
Starting Stats: 140 lbs, size 28-29 jeans, muffin top and rolls
* still eating fruit, I've ditched all the sugar I am aware of, soy sauce seems pretty sweet though, so does that pink ginger that comes with sushi. I am not eating any artificial sweeteners. I also gave up cheese/dairy and white bread so that I didn't swap one bad habit for another!
** apparently, I have too much time on my hands
ps Not counting calories, eating whenever I am hungry. I am still nursing. The baby has been sleeping better - could it be related??
pps I was super hungry the first few days...developed a migraine last Friday, with an annoying headache most of the weekend...
UPDATE: I managed to quit sugar for two months. Then, while on vacation, I ate whatever I was in the mood for. It took a while to quit again. This time, I am walking away from canned tomato sauce, dried fruit (raisins in my oatmeal), and limiting my consumption of sushi (we don't do take out as frequently anyways...) I will still eat fresh fruit.
Please keep us posted - I'm very interested to hear how it goes, as I've been thinking about trying something similar!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for challenging yourself like this. Generally I think that "everything in moderation" is really the way to go. So you don't feel deprived, you still feel healthy, etc. If I want sugar I usually make cookies or muffins or something myself so I know exactly what goes into them. I haven't had store bought cookies in a long while but sometimes I sneak one in from Starbucks - delicious - but oh so full of calories and fat! I have baked all - or almost! - of Gwyneth Paltrow's desserts and she uses, for the most part, things like honey, agave nectar and maple syrup to sweeten things up. So, are you giving up all sugars or can you still eat honey and maple syrup? And like you, I have given up white bread products and I have definitely noticed a difference. I sometimes eat white pasta because I think the texture and taste is better than something like rice pasta which always turns out a bit too sticky and gooey for my taste.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting that sugary video - I'll have a look at it later on. I've never heard of it before.
And yes - do keep us in the loop!
J
p.s. A week without a sugar-craving? I think that's awesome!
Have you tried natural sweetener before? I stopped using "fake" sugar and switched to using stevia .....and this other syrup from Bulk Barn its made from natural nectar (resembles a lot like honey) but very healthy for you! Try it out! But definitely keep us posted with your progress...its hard at first but after a week or so...you'll start getting use to not using fake sugar! Good luck hun!
ReplyDeleteI have gradually done this and am amazed at how sweet so many things are. I make my own granola with a little maple syrup and in a pinch bought some store bought granola- was appalled at how sweet it tasted. I'm so interested to hear how it goes for you!
ReplyDeletemy girlfriend did this...she looks great. But man, I find it hard. I have a killer sweet tooth. My problem is i get so discouraged lately. I even have a blasted nutritiionist and just need to suck it up and get on with it...I need results to motivate me. :(
ReplyDeleteI went sugar-free about 3 years ago when we started eating vegan. It makes a huge difference to how I feel. I think no sugar and no diary are the biggest factors for me. I'm gearing up to cut out gluten this summer... but haven't taken the plunge. Such a commitment! I think we might have to add meat back to the menu just so the kids and husband don't feel too 'deprived'.
ReplyDeleteI AM interested in hearing how it goes. Back in 2006 I spent the summer living in Ottawa, basically on my own as all but one of my roommates (who mostly kept to himself) moved home. I pretty much cut out refined sugars completely and drank only water and ate really healthy and worked out every day. I felt fantastic! Probably the best summer of my life (mind you... I did drink a lot hahaha oops).
ReplyDeleteThis summer I am on a HUGE sugar kick again (does it have something to do with being a SAHM haha?)... and I need to kick this habit badly (I saw as a I drink a cup of coffee with sugar in it... oh god)...
Giving up wheat and dairy as well as sugar will melt the weight off - I promise you!!!! Plus with nursing - it will take no time - just make sure to eat lots of other healthy stuff (protein) to keep up your calories!
ReplyDeleteoh also I've made some things from this site - http://www.sugarfreemom.com/ it's a great resource!
ReplyDeletegiving it all up! when you watch the video you will understand!!!
ReplyDeletethx J! your comments have a real affect on me! you are like my advisor or something!!!
i went off everything - actually, I dont drink much coffee, so nothing to sweeten!
ReplyDeletefruit has given me all the kicks i need (so far)
i was just all of a sudden in a place where i could commit to this! It hasn't been negative or difficult at all (so far)
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to adopt a lifestyle 'mom' has decided for you! but i am sure your boys will thank you later! when they are hanging out with great grandkids on their 95th bday :)
ReplyDeletegod i hope the spare tire will disappear!
ReplyDeletethis is it! I want to get back in shape! No excuses!
Yeah... hopefully! I don't think they even realized they were missing anything until they started seeing kids bringing sugary snacks to school... ugh.
ReplyDeleteC
I've done this a few years ago and am loving it. Check out "Engine2diet.com" its not an actually DIET but its such a wonderful resource site for those who want to eat healthy and be healthy. As well as "www.drmcdougall.com". Let me know what you think.
ReplyDeleteKeep me posted I'll be cheering you on.
Ok. I'm in on the no refined sugar. I need to get rid of this tire around my waist before I go back to work, and I've heard that sugar is the culprit....do sour patch kids count???...
ReplyDeleteOhhh, I want to do this too. My diet is a mess. And I'm starting to look like an actual circle :/
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear how you're feeling through this...I've always been scared to give it up all together. I think you've inspired me to eat better for July....I think I'm going to try to limit my sugar to just my morning tea....we'll see how long it lasts for me, ha ha.
For me I could never give sugar all up. The key is to consume everything in moderation especially if you are only trying to "maintain" your figure. I can't imagine you are trying to lose any weight.
ReplyDeletei need to shift the fat off my middle section :)
ReplyDeleteOh gosh. Thanks Shannon! :) I just had ice cream and then I thought about this post and felt guilty. I am going to see if I can give up sugar for a week...or maybe a day!?
ReplyDeleteNot sure how you feel about exercise videos but Tracy Anderson metamorphosis workouts are crazy good. Then again...I don't do them as consistently as I should. Are you still running?
ReplyDeleteYup! Still running! Went for a nice run today!
ReplyDeleteI need to get back into ab workouts
I never get around to doing exercise videos...its almost impossible to follow with the little ones (stop/start/pause/change a diaper/start/separate the boys/rewind/start...)...and when I have a sitter, I want to go for a run!
I am definitely interested in hearing more....good luck in your quest!
ReplyDeleteGood for you. I have been thinking about this and have been snacking on way too much sugary stuffs while writing and blogging. We generally eat pretty clean (not a lot of processed foods) but lately I've been lax. Gah...
ReplyDeleteI must get rolling and cut down in the sugar. Funny thing is, I like salty things more than sweet!
Oh how I admire your commitment and discipline! I like the idea of just doing it for July to see how it goes...maybe I'll give it a try. Maybe. I have a bit of a sweet tooth, but I definitely get major drops in sugar levels throughout the day and I'm sure it always happens on days when I'm eating refined sugar. Like I get super shaky, hot, weak and faint, it's awful. So I guess it wouldn't hurt to try! Good luck, keep us posted for sure!
ReplyDeleteI am interested in what you can eat if you cut out sugar dairy and cheese. LOL but seriously, can some one send me an email telling me what you eat once you've removed the above from your diet?
ReplyDeleteI would like a list of foods I can do. Helps my perspective and stick to it-ness ;) thanks in advance.
Cristina
whimcmail@yahoo.com
I am so happy to find this, it's helped inspire me to go (mostly) sugar free for at least the month of July. We have a handmade chocolate place in our neighbourhood, so I may have a bite or three of their dark chocolate. I don't want to totally deny myself, but I have the same experience as Linds. When I have been having sugar too many days in a row, I get grumpy, weak and generally crappy feeling right around the time of day when the kids are getting out of school. When I do manage to stay away from sugar for a week straight, I feel an overall increase in my energy. Being smack in the midst of perimenopause, and surrounded by a muffin top the likes of which I've never before had, I'm finding losing the extra fat and using my willpower has been a real challenge. Shannon, I hear you when you talk about the mood swings, etc. I think removing the sugar will help....I love your blog, your sensibility and your humour. Thanks again for the inspiration. I will keep checking back for more.
ReplyDeletegood to hear Shannon.. the 1st week or so is the toughest part. I thought you ate pretty healthy! I definitely started to feel better and things were more clearer. Good luck keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteI find that a little bit is NEVER enough...the more I have, the more I want. SWEAR to GOD it has been SUPER EASY so far! Shockingly so! I think because I can substitute fruit. If I was some elite athlete looking to get 'cut', I would have a difficult time!
ReplyDeleteI have SUCH a sweet tooth! And woah! Those side effects do not sound worth it! Give it a go!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cheryl!!!!
ReplyDeleteSugar is NoT worth it! Honestly, summer fruits are so much better!
We are pretty healthy eaters, but I let things slide, and I was ready for a shake up!
ReplyDeleteLets see,
ReplyDeleteDisclaimer: I am the type of person who could eat the EXACT same thing everyday for months...so, I go with what works...
I eat oatmeal and raisins for breakfast every single day. Ancient grain toast with tomato slices for lunch...
JAPANESE FOOD...Love sushi, love avocado rolls
Turkey scallopini...just pan seared with a little salt and pepper
Egg whites
Nuts
I am been eating an apple and banana (shared with boys) a day...lots of berries and watermelon
I am still eating pasta, although I think there is sugar in the tomato sauce...I am going to look into making my own sauce.
salad with homemade vinaigrette
turkey kolbassa
Veggies! Raw or stir fried
hmmmm...not sure what else I have eaten. I brought snacks with me to my brother's house today. I was tempted by the tuna pasta salad but there is sugar in mayo
Shannon, you are going pretty hardcore with even staying away from the mayo! What you are eating sounds pretty darn healthy. I eat well too, my big issue is portion size. I've just got back to making exercise a regular part of my week.
ReplyDeleteI find if I really cut down on bread and pasta it helps weight wise. Ahhh, the joys!
Last July I cut out sugar and complex carbohydrates. I lost 30 pounds and then started eating potatoes and rice - basically going gluten free. I gained back 10 pounds and noticed right away that I felt more tired and sluggish.
ReplyDeleteHow's your no-sugar thing going?You've inspired me and I'm no day 5. Feeling good and surprisingly not as withdrawal-ish as I expected. My goal is to do it for the month and boost my water and veggies.
ReplyDeleteThat's AWESOME! It's pretty easy, considering, right?
ReplyDeleteI am 2 weeks in...unbloated (feel completely deflated)...
The only thing is, I thought the bread I was eating didn't have sugar, I double checked today and it does- booo! So instead of avocado on toast, or tomato on toast for lunch - I will be eating avocado and tomato together. yum!
30lbs! HOLY SMOKERS!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it was definitely holy smokes time. I looked & felt great, but I was definitely jonesing for the foods I couldn't have. A lot of people will say that after 20 or so days you don't even miss it. I don't know who these people are but they are not me. I miss carbs and sugar every single day of my life.
ReplyDelete