30 days sugar free

[stellabeam]

Originally Posted by hacker

Count me in.
I have been sugar free since Aug 1. I have noticed immediate effects:
less anxiety
more energy
lost a pound( I also started exercise from Aug 1 , this might be the reason :-) )

But I am still taking small amount of sugar in the tea/coffee, but no sweets/candies/ice creams, etc.

I am hoping to make it a permanent habit.

Thanks for sharing hacker! It is inspiring to hear the difference people feel without it. I need that inspiration because sugar is everywhere and at times is still so seductive.

If anyone is considering abstaining from sugar, I just want to let you know that the first week or two can often be shocking! So cranky! So tired and no energy. Awful sleeps. Insomnia in fact.

Just warning you ... it may take a little while to feel the benefits.

[NightSpirit]

I tried sugar free last week and I got a terrible headache, maybe from the lack of caffeine from soft drinks and sweet tea. Could have been because I didn't eat enough because I don't want as much if it doesn't include sweets. I'm going to start again today but I think I am going to take the first week to taper off on the caffeine to avoid that headache.

Right now, I don't feel any need to ever have processed sugar again so I am going semi-low carb, with only fruits and vegetables and some dairy being my only source of carbs. I need to let the bread, potatoes and other starches go with the sugar because I tend to use them as a replacement comfort food when I'm off sugar.

I intend to do this at least for 40 days, a biblical number, as a kind of fast and then maybe add some of the less refined, whole wheat carbs back in after that.

I'll post on my progress once a week. Keep me accountable, if you don't mind. I really want to make these changes permanent for better health.

[stellabeam]

Originally Posted by NightSpirit

.....Right now, I don't feel any need to ever have processed sugar again so I am going semi-low carb, with only fruits and vegetables and some dairy being my only source of carbs. .....

...I'll post on my progress once a week. Keep me accountable, if you don't mind. I really want to make these changes permanent for better health.

Hi NightSpirit,

Congratulations on making a healthful decision!!

Even though you feel like you will never want sugar again, you probably will and best be prepared! Think about the times when you are vulnerable and have a strategy.

Look forward to hearing how you are going.

Stella

[NightSpirit]

I'm happy with how the first week went, no real temptations. I guess I'm still on the high of doing something good for myself. Did have some kind of a flashback feeling that I wasn't expecting when I drove past Krispy Kreme. That was weird since I only went there maybe twice a year.

I have seen that thing happen where when you make a decision, the universe seemed to support you and a whole lot of information on blood sugar levels and health came to my attention this week. Seems high levels damage your most tiny blood vessels in your brain, kidneys, eyes, etc. Just knowing that fact by itself has knocked out my cravings for sweet drinks.
I also want to continue to avoid white flour and potatoes because of their effect on blood sugar levels.

I did experience the sleep problems mentioned the first couple of days but no headaches. I'm two days into the second week and I do feel a little tired, probably from going cold turkey on the colas.

Following something Steve said in one of his articles, since I eat out a lot, I found 2 new restaurants where I can get something that I like, with more vegetables and no sugar or bread. I'm happy with my decision and lost 3 lbs without really trying.

How's it going for the other sugar free people?

[stellabeam]

Originally Posted by NightSpirit

I'm happy with how the first week went, no real temptations. I guess I'm still on the high of doing something good for myself. ..................I'm happy with my decision and lost 3 lbs without really trying.

How's it going for the other sugar free people?

Hello NIghtspirit and other readers,

It sounds like you are doing really well. Congratulations for making the decision!!

I am actually doing a 30 Day Raw Food Challenge (see thread in this forum 30 Day Raw Food in a Full Time Job), so sugar has been the last thing on my mind. On Day 8, and craving hot curried veges at the moment. It almost sent me into swoon writng the words.

I have had pretty minimal detoxing and I think it really helped that I did the 30days sugar free first.

It feels so great to take radical steps for my health, and to beat those addictions. Each day my self esteem improves and I feel like I have some control over myself and my life.

If anyone is thinking of doing 30 days sugar free, I highly recommend it.

Stella

[Lauxa]

I am trying to go sugar-free for August. I have been trying to stay away from highly-sugared condiments such as ketchup as well as desserts. The 1 gram of sugar in my Cheerios has been declared as okay. Only a couple of little cheats...

First day, I was meeting someone and I ate a breath mint. Oops!

Then last week I forgot and ordered cole slaw from KFC.

And I did have an Italian dressing with some sugar in it on my salad that one time.

I have NOT been cutting out bread, fruit, or juice. My mom just gave me her old bread maker so I have been making loaves of 50% white/50% whole wheat that taste awesome, and also using the dough as a base for pizzas.

I'm probably slightly higher carb than usual because we are low on money and trying to find ways to stretch and carbs are cheapest. Still feeling good about resisting the desserts, but looking forward to my binge day September 1 and my 2 jars of homemade fig preserves in the fridge.