If you’re rolling eyes at the title of this post, I don’t blame you. I’m notorious for starting food related challenges and then modifying them or quitting completely.
At least I stick to my fitness challenges, like the Tough Mudder and the Miami Half Marathon. I’m not a complete slacker!
Anyway, the idea of a no added sugar challenge came to me after reading Liz’s posts about a documentary called Fed Up and the changes she and her husband made to their diet after watching it, namely how they went sugar-free for a bit. To be honest, I haven’t watched Fed Up yet, but it’s on my list. I have, however, done a fair bit of research on sugar – it’s effects, how it’s marketed, and how it’s hiding in pretty much everything. No bueno!
I officially started my challenge on August 1st but didn’t want to say anything right away because I honestly didn’t know if I’d stick with it. Well, guess what…it’s been 7 days and I have yet to reach into the bag of chocolate chips sitting in my fridge! Win!
Why I’m putting myself through this…
When I told Vishnu I was doing this, he asked me why. He doesn’t really see the point because I don’t eat a ton of sugar/processed foods to start with, and he’s right. Holistically speaking, I don’t consume tons of sugar or sugary foods. However, after reading Liz’s posts and doing my own research, I realized that while I don’t eat ice cream and cake on a daily basis, I need to be more cognizant of the hidden sugars. Like the kind lurking in seemingly healthy jarred pasta sauce for example. Reading food labels is so important, especially because there are over 60 words for sugar (craziness).
Also, while I don’t consume dessert like goodies on the regular, I find myself craving something sweet after both lunch and dinner every single day. And this is no regular craving. It’s super intense. And when we do have dessert in the house, I find myself going back for second, third, and fourth servings, all while thinking, “Let me finish this now so I can start with a clean slate.” So really, I want to be more disciplined when it comes to sweet treats. Another reason for this challenge.
And finally, while my skin hasn’t been acting up too much over the last month or so (knock on wood), I want to see if eliminating added sugar keeps the breakouts away. I have yet to go two months in a row with semi-clear skin, so that would be huge!
Here’s what my version of a 30 day no sugar added challenge entails:
1. No added refined sugars (white sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, etc.). Basically no dessert.
2. No artificial sweeteners (don’t use them anyway)
3. Avoid as many every day products containing added sugar as possible*
4. No fruit juice
6. No alcohol
FYI: For MY 30 day challenge, fruit is ok. I’ve read a few different view points about the sugar in fruit, but at the end of the day, this is a “no added sugar” challenge, and the sugar in fruit is naturally occurring. So that’s that!
*The reason #3 says “avoid as many” instead of “no” is because I’m travelling to Chicago for work next week. And while I can stay way from the wine, the DD/SB coffee runs in the morning, and the after dinner dessert, I don’t want to overthink every single thing I eat. Eating healthy while travelling is already hard enough. I don’t want to make it any more difficult or inconvenience my team in any way.
Basically, by the end of the 30 days, I’m hoping my intense craving for something sweet after every meal disappears or isn’t as strong. I’m already reading labels with more scrutiny (check!). And I’m crossing my fingers that my skin stays on the clear(er) side!
Wish me luck!
Have you ever done a no added sugar or 100% sugar-free challenge? Any tips?
Love this and I think you’re doing a great challenge, P! Even if you don’t comply to it 100%, you will still be far better off by eating less sugar period. Like you, I’ve become more cautious about my (hidden) sugar intake lately and I feel far better eating less. I’m still eating chocolate daily but more of 85% which has minimum added sugar. I ate a full ‘no sugar’ diet when I did the Whole30 and definitely noticed a decrease in cravings over time. Have you looked into your fat intake? If you still notice yourself craving something sweet after meals, it might help to increase your fat. Also stock up on some yummy-flavored herbal teas- they really help change the taste after a meal.
Khushboo recently posted…TATS Tartine
Thanks, K! I think the super dark chocolate will have to make a come back after August 31! And I’ll monitor my fat intake and see what happens. I “think” I’m eating enough but need to pay attention to it I think.
Aw, thanks for the shout out! I’m excited to see what you think when you’re done! Honestly, it was just such an eye opening experience for us and I feel like I’m much more aware of ingredients lists now! And I’m all about challenges and setting goals so I’m right there with you 😉
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables recently posted…Things Making Me Happy!
Thank YOU for blogging about your experiment! It’s been an eye-opening experience for me too. 🙂
In my experience, getting through the first week cravings is the hardest! Once you do that, you’re golden! Good luck, it’ll be worth it 🙂
Pragati // Simple Medicine recently posted…Why I Won’t Eat A Quest Bar
Absolutely! The first few days were the hardest. But now, I really don’t even think twice.
I love that you just posted about this! After overdoing the eating with summer traveling and weddings, I told myself this week I would do this no sugar challenge (but for a week or two) but it’s SO hard! I’d love to hear the results of your challenge because maybe that will motivate me to try even harder!
It’s a great way to reset! And the first week really is the hardest. I’ve probably told you, but I have THE biggest sweet tooth ever. And in the last 15 days or so, I’ve seen a real change in my cravings. If I can do, anyone can!
I am notorious for saying “thats it!, i’m done with sugar. I am a self professed sugar addict and know I have to kick this habit! This challenge is what I need 🙂
aidahscreativelife.com
Aidah recently posted…Home Free Episode 3: The Elimination (Video Included)
You really can do it! Trust me…I’m the biggest sugar addict ever!
Unrelated, but I just signed up for the Tough Mudder out here. Ahhhh!
Good luck with the no sugar thing! Good to hear you’re not eliminating fruits. I 100% believe they have their place in one’s diet.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Watermelon Basil Gazpacho [Recipe]
WOO! Go you!!! When is it?
November 1st!
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Savory Cornbread Waffles [Recipe]
If you’re going to stick to any challenge.. make it this one. Sugar is so bad for a gazillion reasons.. kick the habit to the curb! You can do it 🙂
Liz recently posted…Plenti Greek Yogurt – The Perfect Snack
Thank you!!!
Good luck with this! I’ve been thinking about cutting back on sugar but then I think of how hard it is & I never do it. Maybe you’ll be the inspiration I need to finally try.
Krystal // The Krystal Diaries recently posted…Body Shaming
It’s REALLY hard the first week and then gets progressively easier. If I can do it, you certainly can!
Wow, this is quiet a challenge! Good luck, Parita. I have notorious for wanting/needing something sweet at the end of each and every meal. I have tired to avoid this many times and have failed miserably. I can’t wait to see your update at the end of 30 days.
Reshma recently posted…An Incredible Production
You can do it, Reshma! Maybe my post-challenge report out will convince you!
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