Some studies say sugar is as addictive as cocaine; I can believe it. Today in nutrition class, we had regular Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookies and gluten-free Betty Crocker chocolate chip cookies, just to experience how those with food sensitivities live. I told myself I was not going to eat any cookies, but I finally gave in and consumed one. I didn’t need the cookie, but I sure desired it. It called to me. Eating that soft, gooey, melt in your mouth cookie totally wasn’t worth it, though; I felt icky afterward, nauseous and shaky. I have felt that way after a donut, too. I guess I need to hang up on sugary foods the next time they call. Better yet, I will unfriend them.
I pondered the no added sugar week, but I could not bring myself to simply quit added sugar. I faced saying no to all cereals (except plain shredded wheat), bread (even high fiber), honey in my tea, Kashi oatmeal, and ice cream; that was just too much to bear. So how does one set the parameters for what to allow? After the cookie episode today, I think it is safe to say cookies, donuts, cake, pie, Pop-tarts, and candy are out. I don’t drink pop, so that one is easy to avoid. Ice cream is something I don’t have every day, and it is not as accessible as the other sugary foods, so I am leaving that off of the evil sugars list, for now. Is there something I am missing? Surely, that is a good start.
I will begin eliminating those high sugar foods right away. No problems with starting, since I am ready to go to bed. I have that night before a marathon feeling, fired up anticipation coupled with anxiety over the enormity of it. I guess that is better than the feeling before a sprint, because that would be a pretty short commitment. Wish me luck, and feel free to share other high sugar foods I may have forgotten.
I think you are totally on the right track. Total sugar elimination would be about impossible. As I type I’m eating strawberries and raspberries with Chobani Greek Yogurt…which has 19 grams of sugar, for breakfast. I’m thinking this is a pretty healthy choice, but there is still that sugar in the yogurt. What I’m not eating is a bagel with cream cheese, a donut or better yet an Apple Fritter. All of the cookies, donuts, cakes, soda’s etc that we pop in our mouth without even thinking are the sugars we need to avoid at first. Here is a statement that stuck with me and made it easy to stop the stupid eating. “food is the fuel we put into our body to make it function. Putting in “bad” food is bad fuel. Stop thinking of food as a social event, something we do mindlessly. It IS THE FUEL for OUR BODY.” Good luck and I think you are on the right track. Let me know how you feel in four days. I think you will be amazed!
Thanks, Carol L. 🙂 I appreciate your suggestions and support.