One week in…..celebrate and be PROUD! You’re still here and you’re getting this conquered! That says a lot about you! As you know, I started this challenge a week ahead of everyone and I’m writing this on my day seven. I will say that day six was tricky. I was at a family event with TONS of fun fall food and I really, really wanted some hot chocolate. BUT, I made a commitment and I stayed strong and I wanted the results MORE than I wanted the sugar, period! If you’re one who can go cold turkey on sugar, keep it up. You’ll be happy you stayed strong. If you’re one who is smashing it by cutting your intake in half or less than it was, keep it up….it’s better than where you were. On the flip side, I feel GREAT today inside and out because I am 7 days without sugar and I’m so proud of myself for doing it! Just.keep.going!
TIPS: Here are some tips I used to fight the sugar desires. We are all wired differently, so it may be easier said than done, but at least you can consider these tips that worked for me:
-Grab a (non sweetened) rice cake as a snack. The rice is a fast digesting carb and actually may fulfill your cravings. Something about the crunch with a little bit of salt does it for me.
-Eat a small amount of fruit. Before there was processed sugar galore, all society had was fruit. It comes with added fiber, but it still offers a sweet lift to your body. I rarely eat fruit, but small amounts of it are ok and offer many nutrients. If your body needs something sweet, it may be just enough to hit the spot!
-Drink your water, water, water to flush the system daily.
-I do use some honey sparingly. I’m really aiming to stay clear of the dreaded white table sugar, so a measured amount of natural honey sparingly on my oatmeal or rice cakes was perfect!
-Grab an unsweetened, flavored tea. I love the Acai Berry Tea at Paradise Bakery or the Tazo Iced Passion Tea that you can get at Starbucks or in the grocery aisles. Both offer great taste, no sugar, no caffeine, and no calories….perfect!
-Pop some low fat popcorn and top it with cinnamon! Getting creative with spices really flavors your food and does not add the calories and bad effects that sugar does!
-If the cravings are SO STRONG that they are driving you (been there!), then cave for a bit! Yes, I said that. Satisfy your craving with something low to no fat and a tad bit of sugar. Marshmallows, hard candy, and sugar gum can satisfy your sugar craving, while not adding the fat like a sugary, creamy dessert would. Balance is key. Eat it and move on!
-Have a tip to share?-
TO DO:
Keep up your strategies from week one. By now you are starting to look and feel differently and notice the benefits of less or no sugar. Why would you want to sabotage that now?
Miss a day in the challenge?