It’s been 20 days since I started my no added sugar challenge. And believe it or not, I’ve managed to tame (not eliminate completely!) my sweet tooth.
The first few days were obviously the hardest, but I avoided the added sugars. Then came Chicago. I didn’t drink any alcohol, I didn’t drink any sugary drinks in the morning, but I did have dessert at RPM (there is no way anyone can resist the donuts!). And then I had a few bites of the chocolate tart at Osteria Via Stato.
But you know what, I don’t feel guilty, and I certainly don’t regret my decisions. And here’s why. A big reason why I love dessert is because eating it is always a special experience. One you share with other people. These were conscious decisions, not emotional ones. NBD! And really, the donuts at RPM are truly little bites of fluffy heaven!
A recycled picture…but you get the point!
Other than those few bites of dessert, the only other added sugar I’ve been consuming every now and then is honey. When I was in Chicago, I ate oatmeal for breakfast every morning, but because it was completely plain, I had to sweeten it with a tiny amount of honey to make it palatable. Also, I make my own salad dressings now, and I need to add a little bit of honey to balance the acid from the vinegar.
Again, I don’t think of my use of honey as a weakness. It beats the sugary muffin or store bought dressing alternative. Am I right?
Other than that, I’ve stuck with the rest of the challenge. Promise! How you ask? Lots of willpower and fruit. I usually eat a piece of fruit with my lunch. And I’ve been avoiding the after dinner no added sugar treats. If I really want something sweet, I’ll make some banana fro-yo (one frozen banana, a little almond milk, and a little instant coffee all blended together).
Apples, berries, and grapes are my favorites!
Once the challenge is officially over, I’ll share more tips and tricks along with the benefits I’ve experienced.
And for anyone who thinks my little challenge doesn’t count, I beg to differ! I avoided 95% of the desserts available to me in Chicago (cookies, bars, M&MS!, etc.) without having to think twice. And I’ve gone from staring at the bag of chocolate chips sitting in our fridge, to forgetting about it altogether (until right about now). WHO AM I?!?!
More to come…
What’s your favorite no added sugar treat?
Khushboo says
August 21, 2015 at 9:46 amGreat work, P! I like your approach towards cutting back on sugar and the fact that you have tamed your sweet tooth is a sign of huge progress. Have you tried dates stuffed with nut butter- definitely acts as a sweet fix and is so delish!
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myinnershakti says
August 22, 2015 at 6:02 pmLove dates with PB and the fudge like texture!
Reshma says
August 22, 2015 at 12:16 pmWow! Sticking to a challenge like this on a trip is no piece of cake. 😉 I’m truly impressed and inspired! I loved RPM when I was in Chicago and I need to try out this banana fro-yo.
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Aekta says
August 23, 2015 at 12:05 pmWow, Par! I’m super impressed!! Go you!! <3
Aparna B. says
August 24, 2015 at 8:24 amThat’s so awesome you were able to curb your cravings!! It would be very hard for me to do a no-sugar challenge. I wonder if I’d survive!! My favorite no-sugar-added treat is definitely fruit. Give me all the fruit! Especially blueberries, strawberries and raspberries in plain greek yogurt. Omg. YUM!
Kacy says
August 25, 2015 at 11:13 amIt sounds like you’ve done great! I do try to watch my sugar, but it’s so hard to avoid the hidden ones without planning. I’m hoping once we settle into our apartment I can start making my own condiments as well to limit that a bit.
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