Spinoff: The No/Low Sugar Challenge!!!

[Radianthealth]

These sugar threads have me really ready to face my "Sugar Love" head on.

I love eating healthy foods that are good for my body, but the last thing I would like to phase out of my diet is sugar.

I will come back with more challenge details. Feel free to join:grin:

Helpful links:
http://nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/sugar_addiction

[HoneyDew]

You guys are always reading my mind! :grin:

I just wrote in my journal some short-term goals. One was to go an entire week with no sugar, coffee or alcohol. I want to continue the dismissal of sugar, but I wanted to cuts out the other stimulants for my first week. I am not sure when I will start, though. So many events coming up.

[sareca]

Great challenge!

I've been off wheat (somewhat), sugar, caffeine and drinking limited alcohol for the last 2 months but sugar has been worming it's way back in. :naughty:

Yesterday I put BBQ sauce on a pork chop and the other day I baked some french fries and put ketchup on them. :eek: It has to stop. I allow myself 70% chocolate, molasses in my vermont cocktail, and grade b maple syrup when I'm on MC but that's it. I need to rededicate myself to no/low sugar. :yep:

[Cichelle]

I would love to do it. According to my Ayurvedic consultation, I should stay away from white sugar. Honey, molasses, pure maple syrup are okay. But man, it's hard to give up that sugar. I've been making Irish oatmeal every morning with a few squeezes of honey. It's so difficult not to dump a bunch of sugar in there.

I'm definitely striving to reduce the amount of sugar in my diet. I know it's unrealistic, at this point, to say I will eliminate it. But I am trying to do better.

[xstacy2]

I need to cut sugar out too.

[Zawaj]

Yeah! I'm on it! I have been limiting my sugar and am aspiring to low sugar/low glycemic index lifestyle!

[Radianthealth]

Yay :yay:

I am so happy that you ladies decided to join me:grin:

I don't want to make this too structured. The main goal is to be healthier and to reduce our sugar intake.

Please feel free to share any tips that help you with your sugar reduction goal.

Here are some of mine:

Read labels for sugar content
Sunflower seeds are reported to help control sugar cravings
Eat 6 mini meals a day to regulate blood sugar
Stay away from the white stuff
Plan, Prepare, Execute your meal plan
Create healthy sweet alternatives to your favorite sugary treats
Study the glycemic index so that you know how certain foods will affect your blood sugar
Stevia: Find a brand that you like, and enjoy
Whole foods are key, Fresh fruits, veggies, and Whole Grains
Be kind to yourself and forgive yourself if you aren't as successful as you would like to be. An "all or nuthin" or "temporary" attitude is not beneficial for making positive permanent changes

[Radianthealth]

You guys are always reading my mind! :grin:

I just wrote in my journal some short-term goals. One was to go an entire week with no sugar, coffee or alcohol. I want to continue the dismissal of sugar, but I wanted to cuts out the other stimulants for my first week. I am not sure when I will start, though. So many events coming up.
This is a good idea, journaling is a good method to help people work towards their goals. I would like to journal more in the future.

[Radianthealth]

Great challenge!

I've been off wheat (somewhat), sugar, caffeine and drinking limited alcohol for the last 2 months but sugar has been worming it's way back in. :naughty:

Yesterday I put BBQ sauce on a pork chop and the other day I baked some french fries and put ketchup on them. :eek: It has to stop. I allow myself 70% chocolate, molasses in my vermont cocktail, and grade b maple syrup when I'm on MC but that's it. I need to rededicate myself to no/low sugar. :yep:

LOL

Sareca you ain't playin:grin:

Why have you stayed away from wheat?

[Radianthealth]

I enjoyed some cheesecake today, I made it on Sunday night using a recipe from Eating for life, It taste just like the real thing too:grin:

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (I used Lactaid Cottage cheese because I am lactose intolerant)
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 Tbsp Splenda (I used Stevia)
12 oz fat free cream cheese, softened at room temperature
1 cup egg substitute (I use egg beaters which is 99% real eggs and has very good simple ingredients)
1 Ready Crust reduced fat graham cracker crust (The next time I make this I may try to find a better alternative at whole foods)

Preheat oven to 350 F

Spoon cottage cheese into blender and blend until smooth, about thirty seconds. Add vanilla extract and Splenda (Stevia); blend for about 15 more seconds.

Add the softened cream cheese and blend for about 30 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed. While blending, gradually add the egg substitute and continue to blend until smooth, about 45 seconds.

Pour cheese filling into Ready Crust and bake until set, about 35 minutes

Slice into 8 portions, top with your favorite berries.

I ate mine with a bunch of strawberries, this tasted best after I let it set in the refrigerator for a day:lick:

[sareca]

LOL

Sareca you ain't playin:grin:

Why have you stayed away from wheat?

:giggle: I'm trying to be :armyhat: wit it.

It makes my stomach bloat and gives me a headache. Took me years to figure out that's what it was. :ohwell:

[FlowerHair]

I need to join this challenge after the Christmas Holidays. But I have a baaddddd sweet tooth so it's going to be tough :perplexed