TO DO: Keep journaling your sugar intake, your findings of “mystery” sugars you didn’t know existed (like 100% whole wheat breads, pasta sauces, Wheat Thins, salad dressings, etc.). Keep working towards your sugar goals. Try dropping one more sugar item than you did yesterday or even plan for that one item per day if you’ve been used to having multiple items. For example, maybe you’re heading out to dinner for a special occasion tonight. If you’re backing down from 3-4 sugar items per day, save your 1 item for dessert tonight. Or, you might be able to go cold turkey and have NO sugar. Some can and some can’t…you have to make that call!
I was out with my husband last night and he ordered a coffee. He had them add 2 sugars and he looked at me and said, “Now Mindy, that’s down from my usual 3 or 4!” I’m proud of him! If you look at each sugar incident intake and just try to cut that down, you’re on the right track. This doesn’t have to be rocket science. Just be mindful of your sugar intake….the whole point of the challenge!
Although today’s to-do might not be anything new, what you’re doing is continuing to practice the pattern. Learning a new and improved way of eating is like a sport. It takes practice, trial and error, and failure. Just as long as you keep going and get back up after every time you fall, you’re moving in the right direction!
TIP: The novelty has worn off and reality is setting in at this point. The cravings might be calling your name. Some of my tips are that I chew Trident gum, maybe 4 pieces a day. I also use a teaspoon of raw honey or Stevia as a sweetener in some of my foods maybe every other day (oatmeal, tea, hot tea). I use a lot of lemon for adding flavor to my water, unsweetened teas and as my salad dressing! Adding in these options takes the edge off and also distracts you as you’re working your plan. Have a strategy you want to share? I’d love to hear it! Email me at [email protected]
-Mindy
Miss a day in the challenge?