I’ve mentioned in previous blogs about this experiment that I enjoy preplanning and setting myself up for success when I set out to do something crazy like this. Originally when I thought about my goals and personality, I had intended just to give up sugar and nothing else. As I continued my research on the subject, I realized things had to be more drastic and my start with sugar quickly included flour also.
But why, you might ask. First of all, everything I had discovered on giving up sugar strongly suggested you go cold turkey from any sweetners, artificial or natural. Continuing to eat those things, even if they don’t contain actual “sugar” will keep your body in a state of need for the sweet stuff. My goal wasn’t to simply substitute the variety of “sugar free” options out there for my regular food and then think I was really sacrificing anything. I’ve eaten a bag of sugar free candy before and I’m sure it ended up being just as bad for me.
Another good reason to get rid of the flour was that I didn’t have to bother looking at labels anymore. There was no need to analyze the ingrediant’s list to see what hidden sugars or other chemicals might be lurking in the package. Once the sugar and flour combo were out, I realized that I would be sticking to food that was very close to its original form. This helped me quickly and clearly identify what could and couldn’t be eaten, making things easier from a planning perspective.
Caffeine ended up going away due to the sweetener issue also. I’m a huge fan of Crystal Light teas and punch, but even though it was considered “healthier” than soda, it was still sweet and would impact me. I realized I was pretty much safe with just water, so I decided to challenge myself to up my water intake so I could help flush my system faster.
Giving up milk was simply a personal choice for my experiment. I enjoy milk and cheese and wonder if I could ever live without them. I also knew when I started the experiment that I would be leaning more heavily on cheese than typical. It’s difficult for me to eat a salad without cheese or have my eggs without sprinkling some cheese on top. I was worried that I would hurt my results if I ended up eating more cheese and was also drinking milk, so I had to pick one. Sorry milk, I just don’t love you as much as cheese.
I think you’ll agree that this was quite a bit to give up all at once and I’ll admit it was challenging. I do think that going for the entire combination helped me get through the craving time faster. You try it and let me know what you think.
What I ate today
Our youngest son has become obsessed with applesauce so it’s tough for me to even get some now. It does make me feel good though to have him ask for applesauce instead of candy or cookies.
Well, onward to day twenty-four.
But why, you might ask. First of all, everything I had discovered on giving up sugar strongly suggested you go cold turkey from any sweetners, artificial or natural. Continuing to eat those things, even if they don’t contain actual “sugar” will keep your body in a state of need for the sweet stuff. My goal wasn’t to simply substitute the variety of “sugar free” options out there for my regular food and then think I was really sacrificing anything. I’ve eaten a bag of sugar free candy before and I’m sure it ended up being just as bad for me.
Another good reason to get rid of the flour was that I didn’t have to bother looking at labels anymore. There was no need to analyze the ingrediant’s list to see what hidden sugars or other chemicals might be lurking in the package. Once the sugar and flour combo were out, I realized that I would be sticking to food that was very close to its original form. This helped me quickly and clearly identify what could and couldn’t be eaten, making things easier from a planning perspective.
Caffeine ended up going away due to the sweetener issue also. I’m a huge fan of Crystal Light teas and punch, but even though it was considered “healthier” than soda, it was still sweet and would impact me. I realized I was pretty much safe with just water, so I decided to challenge myself to up my water intake so I could help flush my system faster.
Giving up milk was simply a personal choice for my experiment. I enjoy milk and cheese and wonder if I could ever live without them. I also knew when I started the experiment that I would be leaning more heavily on cheese than typical. It’s difficult for me to eat a salad without cheese or have my eggs without sprinkling some cheese on top. I was worried that I would hurt my results if I ended up eating more cheese and was also drinking milk, so I had to pick one. Sorry milk, I just don’t love you as much as cheese.
I think you’ll agree that this was quite a bit to give up all at once and I’ll admit it was challenging. I do think that going for the entire combination helped me get through the craving time faster. You try it and let me know what you think.
What I ate today
- Eggs and turkey sausage with light cheese.
- 3 leftover brats for lunch, along with a side salad. This was after my trip to the gym. Only 3 more trips to reach my goal.
- Pork Tenderloin with a sweet potato and broccoli on the side
- Some cheese chunks as a late night snack. (My day at work today drained my willpower).
Our youngest son has become obsessed with applesauce so it’s tough for me to even get some now. It does make me feel good though to have him ask for applesauce instead of candy or cookies.
Well, onward to day twenty-four.