The Sugar Free Challenge - Who is in??

[lifechange]

The Sugar Free Challenge - Who is in??

DAMN damn damn.
Yesterday I had the worst (lack of!) nutrition day in ages. Don't know what my problem is-- Basically no nutritious food, beginning with too much coffee, almond croissants, more bread, falafel, m&m's, popcorn, more m&m's-- yuck. I definitely had a sugar hangover today which was part of the reason I had a huge headache-- though I've had headaches a lot this week. I don't exactly know what egged me on. This morning I felt quite ill--and cured myself with very nutritious food, much less coffee and very little sugar. Thank goodness I didn't have to work..
So I was going to rethink my plan and perhaps set up a new moderation type thing-- but Allan kindly reminded me of my suggestion to him of really giving the 30 days a chance before making other decisions. So I will try again--adjusting other things in my daily nutrition instead of adding moderate amounts of sugar-- which, to be honest, probably wouldn't work anyway.
So tomorrow is day 1 sugar free-- again. I'm trying to be positive about Day 1.

[allankay]

The Sugar Free Challenge - Who is in??

I wander if anyone considers protein bars a sugary snack? They come in different flavours including chocolate. They contain very little sugar and calories but plenty of protein and fiber.

I am considering to incorporate them into my diet but am wandering whether that would be cheating or not. Any thoughts?

AK

[NoSugar]

The Sugar Free Challenge - Who is in??

Hi, Allan

Have you set a target of grams of added sugar you're allowing per day?

If you're trying to consume no added sugar, those are out because they contain it. If you're reducing added sugar to a certain level, they could fit in.

[allankay]

The Sugar Free Challenge - Who is in??

NoSugar;1575168 wrote: Hi, Allan

Have you set a target of grams of added sugar you're allowing per day?

If you're trying to consume no added sugar, those are out because they contain it. If you're reducing added sugar to a certain level, they could fit in.

NoSugar,

It is pretty impossible to eliminate added sugar. Even the most healthy cereals and natural yogurt contains added sugar.

I examined the label on a chocolate and cherry protein bar at my local store. It contains 25g of protein, 3 grams of fiber, vitamins and iron, 10 grams of sugar and is only 200 calories. Compared to even healthy cereal bars it contains very low amount of sugar. So perhaps it would be a good addition to a healthy diet? As it provides body with good nutrition.

I think its the word chocolate in the title that scares me and also I wanted to hear the opinion of other on the matter.

AK

[NoSugar]

The Sugar Free Challenge - Who is in??

Well, another way to look at is in terms of your response. If you eat one of those bars, are you going to want 4 more or is it going to lead to some other type of bingeing? Does the taste of chocolate set you up for bingeing? In my old days, 1 Lorna Dune cookie meant a whole packet of them. Anyway, maybe it would help to consider what it will do to you if you choose to eat it.

You're right about sugar being added to most processed foods. If you get an unadulterated Greek yogurt, the sugar in there is the naturally occurring lactose. It is a shame that labels don't distinguish the forms and sources of sugars.

[allankay]

The Sugar Free Challenge - Who is in??

NoSugar;1575180 wrote: Well, another way to look at is in terms of your response. If you eat one of those bars, are you going to want 4 more or is it going to lead to some other type of bingeing? Does the taste of chocolate set you up for bingeing? In my old days, 1 Lorna Dune cookie meant a whole packet of them. Anyway, maybe it would help to consider what it will do to you if you choose to eat it.

You're right about sugar being added to most processed foods. If you get an unadulterated Greek yogurt, the sugar in there is the naturally occurring lactose. It is a shame that labels don't distinguish the forms and sources of sugars.

Very good point NoSugar. Having just one bar might lead to 3 or 4. And also after doing a bit of research on the net I discovered that nutritionists do not advise having protein bars as part of a daily diet because the protein and fiber that goes into making that bar is processed.

So I will do 30 days Sugar Free and then will think about having those protein bars instead of sweets as a one of treat or last resort solution to sugar cravings. Protein bar is still 5 times better than a snickers bar.

Allan

[NoSugar]

The Sugar Free Challenge - Who is in??

Here's a new video about the Evils of Sugar :H:
Fat Chance: Fructose 2.0 - UCTV - University of California Television

[allankay]

The Sugar Free Challenge - Who is in??

Was walking along Oxford Street last night and saw a new store. Called American sweets or something like that. It has all time great American deliciousness. Twinkies, Lucky charms (with marsh mellows), a dozen flavours of coke......... They needed to dry the floor of all the drool, after I left.

[Londoner]

The Sugar Free Challenge - Who is in??

Well, funnily enough I've been binging on sugar this week. Sugar and processed carbs.

My stomach feels like it's rotting....not good haha.

Weirdly, the day after my alcohol binge on Saturday/Sunday I didn't want sugar. My body was begging for nutritious food, which I gave it. It was the days after that I stupidly started eating sugar again. It really takes a hold of you so easily. Sugar in my tea, on my cereal, bread products etc.etc.

I really feel the effect they have on my mood.

[skullbabyland]

The Sugar Free Challenge - Who is in??

Same here, Londoner. I really feel the effects too. I can almost feel a hangover effect when having had sugar. The last week has been rough (both sugar and alcohol, unfortunately), but I'm back on Day 1 and re-committed to health.

[lifechange]

The Sugar Free Challenge - Who is in??

Hey you guys!! Super to see you back here-- What better day than the 1st of November to give this sugar free challenge another chance?! Let's kick it in to gear, yeah??
I'm starting a 3 week fitness challenge tomorrow.. so I'm up for it all! Allan is leading the way!

[NoSugar]

The Sugar Free Challenge - Who is in??

Hi, All

It seems the holidays are a good time for this. If we aren't consciously eating right and exercising, it is so easy to do worse than normal!

What program are you doing, Life?

Have a great weekend!

[lifechange]

The Sugar Free Challenge - Who is in??

So, I thought I'd write for a minute before I take off for a run, which I've been procrastinating doing the entire morning! Meeting a girlfriend at the track helps!

This fitness plan I'm trying out is 6 small meals a day (which I love) with some carbs in the form of non-gluten grains (just in the morning) and vegies, protein, and lots of vegetables (greens!) and some healthy fats. They recommend taking a multi vitamin (how do you feel about supplements, NS and others?) and a protein shake once a day-- no sugar, no gluten, no dairy, max 2 cups of coffee-- lots of water/herbal teas with lemon.
And exercise 5 times a week-- 3x lifting and 2x cardio.
I've decided to follow a bit of a plan (if I can!?) to have a push to stay on track. We are leaving to visit my parents in 4 weeks and I'd love to be off this roller coaster by then. It's so hard to be healthy when you don't HAVE to be!
I was reading the early days of this thread and it was pretty funny. I wonder what they are all up to now? Myhappyplace was here a while ago and seems to still be sugar free--
Will be back in a bit-- after my run. I'm already tired!!

[allankay]

The Sugar Free Challenge - Who is in??

lifechange;1578703 wrote: So, I thought I'd write for a minute before I take off for a run, which I've been procrastinating doing the entire morning! Meeting a girlfriend at the track helps!

This fitness plan I'm trying out is 6 small meals a day (which I love) with some carbs in the form of non-gluten grains (just in the morning) and vegies, protein, and lots of vegetables (greens!) and some healthy fats. They recommend taking a multi vitamin (how do you feel about supplements, NS and others?) and a protein shake once a day-- no sugar, no gluten, no dairy, max 2 cups of coffee-- lots of water/herbal teas with lemon.
And exercise 5 times a week-- 3x lifting and 2x cardio.
I've decided to follow a bit of a plan (if I can!?) to have a push to stay on track. We are leaving to visit my parents in 4 weeks and I'd love to be off this roller coaster by then. It's so hard to be healthy when you don't HAVE to be!
I was reading the early days of this thread and it was pretty funny. I wonder what they are all up to now? Myhappyplace was here a while ago and seems to still be sugar free--
Will be back in a bit-- after my run. I'm already tired!!

LifeChange you go girl.

I would love to hear about your run. How far, how fast, indoor or outdoor.

Last year I lost 25 pounds in a couple of months just by running and after a few weeks of initiation I loved it. Then when I was training for the London Marathon I suffered an injury, gain a bit of weight and found running hard again...

[allankay]

The Sugar Free Challenge - Who is in??

Well, I spent about two hours rationalising my upcoming sugar binge and decided that after 10 days Sugar free I am going to binge a little. It is a very rational decision. The weather is miserable, I have nothing to do today so decided that I would watch a nice movie and eat loads of sweets.

They are right in front of me right now. So I guess I will be on day 1 come Monday.

Have a good weekend everyone.

Allan