Our 28 Day Sugar Fast

[beansavi]

Want to join me? I want to be in control, not a slave to sugar. Okay, chocolate addict here. That is no joke. The other day I junked out on so many brownies I felt a dizzy sensation. That's when I finally payed attention.

I have been reading some Buddhist writings about truly being present, about loving your body and each individual organ. Being mindfully present to each part of your body, mind, and spirit.

So I am devoting this thread to my pancreas!

Thank you for all of the sugar-neutralizin' over the last forty years.

I am grateful, dear pancreas, and so I dedicate the next 28 days to you.

So far, so good. I am drawing a heart on the kitchen chalkboard every time I get to the end of a sugar-free day.

Wish me luck you guys!

Anyone want to join me and post how you are doing?

[beansavi]

Days one and two: Went to the river, did really well. Allowed myself to eat as much and as often as I needed, as long as no sugar was consumed. Oh, and also laying off any alcohol this next 28 days (one complete moon cycle).

[beansavi]

Today is actually day three of my sugar fast. My family got italian ice and I ordered a sugar-free one, but really wasn't even into it, so I threw it away.

I realize how often I want to have a couple of hershey kisses or a cookie... but it seems like it is out of boredom or a need to hide away. Trying to pay attention to what I am feeling.

This afternoon I got mildly dizzy. I think it could have been I was a little dehydrated and am nursing...plus it was hot and I had on a sweater.

I am wondering if my body is not used to such a reduction in sugar and no real need for the amount of insulin it was having to produce to counteract my chocolate binges every day before now.

Bean

[cristeen]

I'm on Day 5 myself. I went on a total binge after my birth 2 months ago, and now have to work on cleaning my system back out again.

[purposefulmother]

How did I miss you all earlier?

I'm in. When you say no sugar I am assuming you mean refined sugar -- but sugar in an apple, for instance, would be ok.

I'm assuming this because otherwise I'll get reallly cranky.

How are you doing today? I'll post tomorrow and see how it goes.

[cristeen]

Originally Posted by purposefulmother

I'm in. When you say no sugar I am assuming you mean refined sugar -- but sugar in an apple, for instance, would be ok.

That's the premise I'm working under. I'm still eating fruit and small amounts of honey or maple syrup. But all refined sugars are gone. I've also eliminated grain. I'd be on day 9 but our anniversary was Tuesday and we went out. :

How about you, Bean? Since you mentioned baked goods, I'm guessing that's what you meant as well...

[friendtoall]

I'm on day nine without sugar and it sucks. I thought I'd notice some benefits by now. I can go into the pantry without staring longingly at the chocolate chips (not every time) but I don't feel better in any tangible way and am wondering why I'm bothering to torture myself.

[beansavi]

Originally Posted by cristeen

I'm on Day 5 myself. I went on a total binge after my birth 2 months ago, and now have to work on cleaning my system back out again.

Originally Posted by purposefulmother

How did I miss you all earlier?

I'm in. When you say no sugar I am assuming you mean refined sugar -- but sugar in an apple, for instance, would be ok.

I'm assuming this because otherwise I'll get reallly cranky.

How are you doing today? I'll post tomorrow and see how it goes.

Originally Posted by friendtoall

I'm on day nine without sugar and it sucks. I thought I'd notice some benefits by now. I can go into the pantry without staring longingly at the chocolate chips (not every time) but I don't feel better in any tangible way and am wondering why I'm bothering to torture myself.

Hi you guys! I am so glad you are here with me! ARG!

I am eating fruit. Yes, like you said, I meant refined sugar. But I am basically staying away from even health food that is sweet like granola, honey on my peanut butter toast, etc.

How am I today?

Well.........

I think I made it through the first few easy days and now it is getting hard. Which sux because I thought it would be the total opposite.

I feel today like I am in the middle of the ocean, in the process of crossing over to the other shore... but now I forgot what the hell I would want to torture myself for, anyway.

Okay, I know why I am doing this, but my inner crack-like addict (sugar addict) is sooooooooooooooo trying to talk me out of this!

Another thing I have noticed is that I was eating sugar out of boredom a LOT more than I realized.

Lastly, today I realized that my nose is not chronically runny like it had always been.

At least that's a good sign.

How are you all? Let me know --- I am here for support!

Hugs,
"Sugar-free" Bean

[friendtoall]

Maybe my problem is that I gave up sugar on a whim, without setting some goals and reminding myself why I wanted to give up sugar. I've been thinking about doing it for months, but there's always something yummy in the house to eat, and since I don't want to make my kids into sugar addicts, I bravely eat it all myself So, when the pantry was pretty much out of temptation and I managed to go shopping and not buy more, I figured that would be a good time to go cold turkey. I see a lot of you are aiming for 28 days. Why? Should my cravings be gone after four weeks? What are your plans after the 28 days - are you hoping to no longer "need" sugar or that you'll be able to eat it in moderation? Right now I can't imagine giving it up for good.

[barjem]

I gave up sugar except for fruit for 5 weeks a few years ago and it was easy if I kept my protein level up. The worst part I did not loose 1 lb.....my clothes were a bit looser not much..not 1 lb!!!!

[cristeen]

I'm here. Just plugging along.

friendtoall - it takes 3 weeks to form a habit. When I'm trying to modify a behavior, I usually aim for 3 weeks, because at that point I can usually stop obsessing about it so much.

I'm not sure why bean chose 28 days (I just figured I'd give her some support), but I'm aiming for the long haul. We're TTC and that means a strict diet for me, or the RE'll want me back on Metformin. No grain, no sugar, extremely limited "any other white stuff" (like potatoes). My goal obviously being pregnancy and a live healthy baby at the other end. So I'm on this diet (or some variation thereof) at least until the baby is born.

I'm also trying to restrict my sugars (honey, fruits, etc.) to before noon. The body processes them better earlier in the day than late at night. (I remember reading that somewhere years ago, and it definitely feels that way for me.) I made raspberry egg custards for my breakfasts this week. DH gets sausage and melon for breakfast, but with the weather heating up i prefer something cold (and I'll admit something a little sweet to satisfy those cravings). I used very little honey and just let the berries speak for themselves. It's a great sweet treat without being so much that it'll cause cravings.

[beansavi]

Originally Posted by friendtoall

Maybe my problem is that I gave up sugar on a whim, without setting some goals and reminding myself why I wanted to give up sugar. I've been thinking about doing it for months, but there's always something yummy in the house to eat, and since I don't want to make my kids into sugar addicts, I bravely eat it all myself So, when the pantry was pretty much out of temptation and I managed to go shopping and not buy more, I figured that would be a good time to go cold turkey. I see a lot of you are aiming for 28 days. Why? Should my cravings be gone after four weeks? What are your plans after the 28 days - are you hoping to no longer "need" sugar or that you'll be able to eat it in moderation? Right now I can't imagine giving it up for good.

I picked one week, then said 14 days...then thought 28 days-a full moon cycle free of sugar- seemed like a good thing to shoot for. No medical reasons beyond that.

28 days is the time period that will make me feel like I am in charge, not the sugar. KWIM? I, too, am aiming to make this a lifetime change.

I hope I will actually learn to eat ice cream (once in a blue moon) and truly enjoy eating it, rather than eating it and feeling half guilty half happy, and feeling like crap afterwards.

So, in the long run I want to make treats something I give myself, enjoy, and then move on from. Not being a slave to them anymore.

[BusyMommy]

Count my family in.
Dr told us no sugar meant, for my ds, NO sugar; ie. forget all fruits, honies, etc. She said 4 weeks to measure the effect.

Our handout says l-glutamine helps w/sugar cravings.

[beansavi]

Originally Posted by barjem

I'm not sure why bean chose 28 days (I just figured I'd give her some support)

Thanks!

I feel like I am plugging along, too. But I am trying to be okay with that. It sounds like you have some really good reasons for doing this... I am excited for you.

[beansavi]

Originally Posted by BusyMommy

Count my family in.
Dr told us no sugar meant, for my ds, NO sugar; ie. forget all fruits, honies, etc. She said 4 weeks to measure the effect.

Our handout says l-glutamine helps w/sugar cravings.

Welcome! Thank you for the info on the supplements. That is fantastic to know.

That sounds tough for ds, but we are here for you! After 4 weeks will you know if ds can at least have fruit and honey?

[splunky]

I just found this thread, not sure how I missed it before! Can I join you? Please, Please??? I know you all are a ways into this by now, tomorow will be day one for me.
I need to get sugar out in a bad way. I am addicted and it's aweful!
last year I got pregnat for #4 and had a fantastic diet, no whites, very little grains, and lots of fruit, veg, whole foods. I was no longer a slave to food. I gained only 15 lbs and lost it all within 1 week.
Well, all that good work right down the tube! I am now heavier than I was when I delivered
So, here's to starting over and being in control.

[BusyMommy]

I *believe* ds diet is forever; ie. anytime he cheats, it'll activate the yeast. So, I need to double check if we can ever eat fruit again. Or, bread. Or, honey.

So far so good today. I did make a pot of salty bean soup, though, accidentally and the salt is almost as good as sugar.

And : it's my Mom's b'day so we just made her a cake. One piece/person tonight and that's it.

[beansavi]

Originally Posted by splunky

I just found this thread, not sure how I missed it before! Can I join you? Please, Please??? I know you all are a ways into this by now, tomorow will be day one for me.
I need to get sugar out in a bad way. I am addicted and it's aweful!
last year I got pregnat for #4 and had a fantastic diet, no whites, very little grains, and lots of fruit, veg, whole foods. I was no longer a slave to food. I gained only 15 lbs and lost it all within 1 week.
Well, all that good work right down the tube! I am now heavier than I was when I delivered
So, here's to starting over and being in control.

Of course you can join us! I don't care what day each person is on...we just need each other for support!

Welcome!

Originally Posted by BusyMommy

I *believe* ds diet is forever; ie. anytime he cheats, it'll activate the yeast. So, I need to double check if we can ever eat fruit again. Or, bread. Or, honey.

So far so good today. I did make a pot of salty bean soup, though, accidentally and the salt is almost as good as sugar.

And : it's my Mom's b'day so we just made her a cake. One piece/person tonight and that's it.

I read in a nutritional healing book that people need a little more salt while trying to wean off of sugar. Sort of a balancing act?

[beansavi]

Today I found myself in the grocery store looking for "substitute foods" for my usual sugary snacks. Even went to the diabetic section.

Then I finally came to my senses and remembered it is the HABIT as well as the actual sugar I am trying to conquer. I was looking for foods I could snuggle down on the couch with, KWIM?

So.... I went to the produce section and bought a TON of fruit and veggies. Also focussed on buying locally when I could. Then I came home and made a fruit salad which was a sweet treat but didn't make me feel completely STONED afterwards.

Man what a viscious cycle the sugary chocolatey thing is for me! I crave it and can't move forward 'til I get some chocolate...then I eat it but only half enjoy it cuz of the guilt...then afterwards I feel tired and stoned...and more guilt. It is a wonder I do not weigh more than I do. Right now I am 165 lbs, 5'9'. But I have a little too much pudge going on (body fat right at the line before being considered overweight) and my pancreas and heart need a break!

Smiles,
Bean

[cristeen]

Bean - if you're looking for a snack, how about popcorn? It's not sweet, but toss it with some butter and maybe some cinnamon and maybe your sweet tooth will deal with that?