Sugar Update and Soda Addictions

Hey All,

I took a couple of days to myself because, well, I GOT A JOB!  I am really excited to say that I am the  new Account Administrator at Lockton, Inc. in their risk management department.  I am not sure when I start yet, but  I cannot wait!

Here's an update on what I like to call my "Refined Sugar Strike."  This is my third day without having any refined sugar in my diet, and I am actually surprised with the results.  I was expecting to be having all these crazy cravings for cookies, cake, brownies, ice cream, and all the things I usually reach for when I feel the urge to eat something sweet.  Here's the surprising thing, I haven't had the cravings like I thought I would!  Last night was the first night that I wanted something sugary after dinner (probably because we had a really savory meal).  Instead of reaching for the cookies or baking something sweet, I made a healthy sweet treat for myself.  I took one banana, one tsp of all natural/local honey, cinnamon, vanilla extract, a very small amount of vitamin D milk (just to help the consistency), a couple of frozen strawberries (which have the SAME nutritional value as fresh strawberries), and some ice cubes and blended it all together in my blender.  Voila!  I had a healthy ice-cream treat that satisfied my sweet tooth and was good for me!  When I was done, I wasn't feeling bloated, too full, or guilty about my choice.  It was great, and I urge you to try this too when you are craving something sweet :)

Now, there may be some plausible reasons why I am not getting the sugar cravings like I thought I would.  One, I am eating more often and writing it down.  I am not counting calories or dieting or anything like that, but I am eating 6 small meals per day instead of three large meals per day and writing down what I am eating. Why?  Well, I want to see how many servings of fruits and vegetables I am eating per day.  I try to eat 7-8 servings of V's and F's per day because I am training for a marathon, and my diet requires a lot of carbs from fruits and veggies.  There are two reasons why my cravings are stomped out with this diet.  One, I am not as hungry.  When our bodies are extremely hungry, they naturally crave things that are high in calories in order to satisfy them faster.  That's why we crave sugary things later in the day, because our metabolism is faster in the morning and we are therefore more hungry by lunch (if we haven't had a morning snack).  The second reason is because I am eating natural sugars that are in fruits and vegetables.  Just by increasing my F&V intake, I am  increasing my natural sugar intake and therefore becoming both less hungry throughout the day and satisfied with the sugar in the natural foods.

Another reason why I may be decreasing my cravings is because I am exercising in the morning.  Studies have shown that people tend to make healthier food choices after exercise, as opposed to those who do not exercise. So, since I am working out in the morning, I am more likely to make healthier eating choices throughout the day and squash those sugar cravings as a result.

I can already tell that my mind is more clear, I am happier throughout the day and have more energy to do what I want to do. I feel great!

One last thing, I usually don't watch The Dr. Oz Show, but for some reason I did today.  It was actually pretty good.  Apparently, we are not only addicted to sugar as a nation, but we are addicted to soda (or, pop) too!  I know it is harder to quit a soda habit than a sugar habit, trust me.  I know you get headaches, I know you get moody, and I know you get really tired.  But, that's because you are trying to quit cold turkey!  Trying to stop drinking soda completely only sets you up for failure meaning you go back to it just as quickly as you quit it.  Your intentions are good, but just like any addiction, it needs to be done at a slow pace.  Dr. Oz has a 28-day-challenge to help you kick that soda addiction for good!

WEEK 1

Quitting any addiction cold turkey is hard to do and it increases your chance of relapse. This week, switch from all regular soda to diet soda. Add foods high in L-glutamine, like eggs, beans and fish, to your diet. L-glutamine is an amino acid that helps to reduce sugar cravings.

Go Sugar Free

During the first week of the challenge, you will break the addiction to sugar. Switch from regular soda to sugar-free, diet soda only. If you only drink diet soda already, you're one step ahead of the game. Try to consume 1 less can per day.

WEEK 2

As you tackle the second addictive ingredient in soda, remember that headaches are a common symptom of caffeine withdrawal. Add foods rich in vitamin B to your diet, like chickpeas, spinach and whole grain cereal.

Go Caffeine Free

Switch all sugar-free, diet soda to soda that is sugar-free AND caffeine-free.

WEEK 3

As you cut your soda consumption in half, find other fizzy drinks to replace the sodas you've cut. Try carbonated water with a splash of juice or a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime. Try adding coconut water to your carbonated water, it's low in sugar and high in potassium.

Cut Your Consumption by 50%

No cheating. Whatever amount of soda you are currently drinking, cut it in half. If you drink 6 sodas a day, decide which 3 are the most important to you and eliminate the other 3.

WEEK 4

The 4th week of Dr. Oz's 28-Day National Soda Challenge brings total cessation. You are no longer drinking any soda; no sugar-free, diet, or caffeine-free soda. At the end of the week, use the money you would have spent on soda to treat yourself to something that is good for you.

Go Soda Free

If you experience a craving, try chewing sugar-free gum.  Additionally, if you find yourself fixating on soda, find a method of distraction, like taking a walk, doing 10 push-ups or cleaning.

http://members.doctoroz.com/challenge/28-day-national-soda-challenge

All of that was pulled directly off of the Dr. Oz Show website under the URL above.  You can sign up to take the challenge on his website as well.  If you do this, give me updates on your progress!!  I will be sure to keep updating you on my "Refined Sugar Strike" 

Without sugar and soda, our bodies function properly, our brains are fully functioning, and we are generally happier throughout the day!!!  I know my mood has greatly improved, and I hope yours has too :)

Have a blessed day!