It's the day before my next No Sugar / No Flour challenge begins on December 1st and I'm realizing the participation numbers are pretty low. I can't blame anyone because who in their right mind would try to go without sugar and flour during the month known for its holiday baking. Every time you turn around in December, you're running into a candy cane, Reese's tree, or chocolate Santa. Not to mention the cookies, the cookies are everywhere as people dust off the recipes they use just once a year. It's almost an insult to them if you don't indulge.

I decided to do the challenge in December for two reasons this year.
1. Highlight the fact that to some people, it will never be the right time for them to take the challenge. They can cite a special occasion or obstacle for any week of the year, from a cousin's birthday party to the weather being too cold. It's unfortunate, because if they just picked a time and did the two weeks, they would experience something life-changing that could put them on a healthier trajectory and give them even more weeks to extend their life.
2. I do these challenges for my own accountability purposes. Honestly, I'm not some fitness guru or health expert with cut abs trying to talk you into doing something that's easy for me. I'm a guy that has struggled with food addiction throughout my life and I've come to realize that I need accountability partners to keep me from going off the deep end. Doing these challenges and preparing worksheets and material that I give away for free is a lot of work, but it's worth it to me if I know someone else might be walking the same path as me.

So, if December isn't right for you, I completely understand, but nothing is stopping you from getting ready now for when the moment comes. Get the packet and follow along, so you can realize that the challenge isn't as hard as you think it is. 

November and December are terrible months for eating and being healthy. If you don't agree, then I'm not sure what world you are living in. The weather gets colder so you don't want to do things outside and it's even more inconvenient to wake up early and go to the gym because of the temperature and ice on the windshield. With the cold comes warm comfort foods that are a signature of Fall, warm soups, fresh breads, and don't forget the pumpkin spice. It seems like the entire season is against you so you might as well settle down under that comfy blanket and sip on your hot cocoa as you wallow in despair.
I completely get it, and will admit that I'm a victim of the holiday slide as well. Once you reach mid-November, you are thinking about that Thanksgiving feast which is actually the opening round of holiday baking season. The next thing you know, you're surrounded by a never-ending cavalcade of sweet treats that will provide non-stop temptation for weeks to come. Once you start eating and enjoying the cookies, candy, and other delicious items, your brain and body are primed for the next readily available item the following day. You end up telling yourself it's ok to indulge now and you'll just be super healthy starting January 1st.
The problem with this thinking is that you end up losing so much ground in your battle to be healthy. Your perspective on food and your own body image suffers such a blow, that it's tough to regain what you once were in mid-Summer. The only solution is to draw a line in the sand and take two weeks to reset yourself before things become too bad.
WHAT I'M ASKING FROM YOU:
I don't want you to starve yourself, or even avoid people and treats for two weeks. There are no special pills, drinks, or exercise regimens involved. You can operate as normal, though you will have to tell people what you're doing, which will definitely start some conversation. You can eat as much as you want and when you want, so you stay full and avoid temptation. (Which is everywhere right now, trust me). Your eating during the two-weeks should be easy to figure out, which no charts, lists, or anything else that take up your time and energy.
WHAT IT INVOLVES:
 The easiest way to describe your eating for this time is that you will focus on single ingredient foods in their original form as much as possible. If it has an ingredient list, especially a list with a word or two you don't recognize, then it's not on the menu for you. You're basically shopping from the perimeter of the grocery store and avoiding the aisles. You can eat out at restaurants, but the same rules apply, so if you don't know what's in it, then don't order it. You'll also need to know how they prepared it, because restaurants can be a little sneaky at times and sweeten up your food without you ever knowing. When it comes to exercise, don't do anything crazy during this time, simply because you need to focus on your eating and not distract yourself. I do highly recommend taking walks to help get you out of the house and avoid temptation.


Yes, there are more fine points to discuss, which is why you'll see videos and other information available before and during the challenge. Follow along and ask questions as you have them. You can join the Facebook Group, follow me on TikTok, or keep up with me on YouTube. I'm going to help you realize that you can do this, because if I can do it, anyone can.

Happy Holidays!
John Graham