This Chickie

I did it!  My first success in a very very very long time.  Success in relation to my weight has been hard for me to come by so this is a big one for me. 

On March 11, 2008 I decided to say sayonara to sugar.  After experiences of feeling horrible after eating or binging on sugar products (lethargic, tired, not able to think, bloated, gas-y, HUGE) I decided that it was time to find out what it would feel like if I didn’t have sugar in my day.  When I mean sugar I refer to products where sugar is a major ingredient in the food item.  Certainly it’s inevitable to stay completely away from sugar because it’s still often an ingredient in foods that we eat (ketchup, dressings, sauces, restaurant food) because it’s an additive that makes food taste delicious.  And while I need to watch those types of foods, my main purpose in this detox was to get all the intentionally sugar processed foods (cakes, cookies, sweets, desserts, etc.) and that included anything that was full sugar, sugar free, sugar alcohol products; e.g. sweets.  Coming from eating chocolate or some form of it everyday at least once a day if not more, it just seemed like a good place to start.  Thankfully, on 3FC a thread was beginning and a couple of other people were also struggling in the same area as myself.  So, I jumped on the bandwagon and have found it quite easy to eliminate this food from my day. 14 days later…  I no longer crave sweets.  I can walk through a cereal aisle or bakery area and not think twice or be tempted by all that’s around me.  Of course, I’m still walking a thin line because I know if I popped anything in my mouth, that will be the end of my effort to rid this habit/addiction.  Best to stay away and JUST SAY “No, Thank You”.  All that said, sugar is still in my life but I”m focusing on natural sugar.  I still eat fruit (you get so much out of fruit in terms of nutrients, fiber, flavor, etc.).

 I’m no expert.  I’m grateful to have made it this far but I know there is so much more for me to concentrate on.  With this one thing under my belt and well on its way, I feel more energized to continue to gain my health.  So, I’m doing no sugar for 14 more days and this time I’ve included sweet drinks (that’s no problem for me since I don’t usually like them anyway… juice, sweet sodas, etc.) and diet soda (tough one!  I like Diet Coke).  I know I can make 14 days with no soda.  I did it with sugar, continue to do it, and just adding one more bit.  I believe I’m worth it.  (And, if I don’t I figure I”ll just keep saying that to myself and eventually I’ll believe it!).

Someone wise on one of my 3FC threads reminded me that it’s not about whether you have MOTIVATION to lose weight it’s about your commitment. I take that as good advice. I rarely have the motivation to lose it. It isn’t fun, it often feels like deprevity, it takes a lot of work, and I haven’t been very good at it in the past. But, I know in other areas of life, perseverance is one of my best traits. I’m not one to give up easily if I’m committed to it.

I am committed to gaining health and to gain the health, I must lose the bad habits I have built up over the years. I will create new habits that make me feel good about my body, my self-esteem, my spirit, and my mind. I am committed today and with each day, I will recommit.

Thanks to another member, I have begun a 14 day “lose the sugar” effort. I have been committed to this agreement and thus far have been pretty pleased with what I have done. Certainly there are some choices I have made these last couple days that did not perfectly align with complete loss, but with the goal of letting go of processed sugary foods like cakes, cookies, candy, desserts, etc. I have done very well!

Without the sugar, I feel like I have more energy and the sluggishness I usually feel is lessened. I had an orange juice and diet coke today and bready carbs and I felt the sluggish effects right away. A reminder that those types of foods hinder my progress and are choices that don’t make me feel my best. So, as I plan for tomorrow, OJ, Diet coke, and carbs at every meal is more than my body can handle. I aim to drink water and tea tomorrow and as many fresh fruits and vegetables as I can.

I’m not perfect and that’s ok. Every day will be like an experiment where I will try different foods and if they don’t make me feel my best then that is a sign that I’m “allergic” to them. If I feel healthy and energetic then I know those foods are right for my chemistry and physical makeup. Steady goes my commitment to my good health.