I’ve officially stopped trying to not eat sugar. It was the biggest mistake I’ve made on my road to healthier eating. I told you all the reason I thought I was succeeding at making healthier choices was because I was taking everything slow. Not judging myself and still indulging if I felt like it.
Striking sugar started off pretty well….but then it was one timbit, then an ice cream sandwich, then a piece of wedding cake….then another 
* yes, that definitely says what you think it does – my siblings love me I swear: note to self – do not get up to go to the bathroom during a meal, ever. PS: grandma I’m sorry you had to see this 
Trying to strike sugar did open my eyes to all the sugar that’s in all the processed food, things I wasn’t even aware of. I definitely noticed a difference in my energy levels and mood, but in the long run depriving myself from things I wanted made me take a HUGE slide backwards…..all of a sudden I was eating tons of grains, less vegetables, eating poorly and now I feel like crap. It really sucks.
* I think I ate over 5 pizzas this month
So I am not going to completely get rid of anything ever again….unless it happens naturally and it’s what I want. I hated that feeling of deprivation…Not to mention that literally EVERYone I had to decline sugar in front of thought I was a pretentious douche
* For the record I am NOT watching my weight – as mentioned to a fellow blogger – I am trying to eat better so I no longer have to “tuck” myself into my pants while doing a plank – moms you know what I’m talking about
I think for me it’s just better if I take it slow. It just works for me. Now I’m eating like complete crap! I think I ate chocolate chips, cookies, cake and chips yesterday! which hasn’t happened in a long time.
Now I have to go all the way back to square one…starting with homemade oatmeal this morning
I’m not going to get down on myself about it but I definitely wish I was back where I was prior to this sugar strike, eating cleaner meals and feeling good inside and out
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Questions:
1. ever tried to strike anything out completely?? how’d it go??
2. has anyone ever left you a vulgar message in your food??
hopefully no one takes that to heart. When my sibs and I get together we’re so used to using vulgar humor as a coping mechanism that we never actually get hurt feelings…..numb we are
3. what was/is your workout today??
I did 2 solid ZWOW workouts and they totally kicked my trash. I am hoping to get some yoga in later on and hopefully a nice walk with my cousin Lyndz
I don’t blame you for getting off the strike sugar trend. I’m one for everything in moderation. It just seems too extreme for me to completely cut sugar out of my diet so I didn’t even try. Especially because I am a health nut to begin with so I’m aware of how much sugar to consume and that processed sugar can be found in foods. And let’s be real, I love a good treat.
I completely agree. It was just too much for me. At first I had no issues….but looking back I realize that I had no issues b/c my body was finally in a place where it didn’t crave sugar all the time. What I should’ve done was eat sugar when I felt like it and I think I’d be better off right now
but that’s ok. I know I can get back to that place with a little organization….are you going to the Cho workout??? I couldn’t get it off work 
but I’m trying….
I’m SO sad that I can’t make it because I have a tumbling lesson that night! It looks so fun. I’m going to be one jealous girl when all the posts go up about it.
I can’t go either
My charming BF wrote that exact word in my food yesterday… Spooky! My workout today will be running with my club
I actually don’t mind the word at all…I think it’s funny
ps: did your DVD come??
Take the positive from the experience. It brought you an awareness about the food you eat. I know I can never cut sugar from my diet completely – what I do pay attention too is the amount of sugar in regular foods such as yogurt, bread and pretty much anything else you can think of. I opt for plain yogurt and sweeten it with fresh fruit. I also try to buy products with REAL sugar rather then a processed sugar or replacement sweetener (sp?). I allow treats here and there and if I really want something and I have had more in the last while I just have a small bit. As you know in life we tend to want what we cannot have. Just the mental note of “you cannot have it” makes you want it more. Once your body is accustomed to eating less (less not NONE) sugar it just becomes a habit. You are doing great and you make good healthy eating choices overall and that is what is important. Glad to see you are doing well – sorry we did not connect over the summer but our month up in Ontario seemed to fly by. The boys and I may head to my parents farm up there in May – we will see – for now we are loving our time in England.
Stay strong
Cheyenne xo
That’s ok Chey….just glad you’re still alive and well! and hopefully we will meet up in May
xo
I tried cutting out the sugar too, but it also didn’t work so well. I try to eat everything in moderation so I’m not depriving myself!
And you look great, by the way!
I took me a minute to read what that word said! I can honestly say that no one has written dirty words in my food! But I kind of wish that someone would! lol!
agreed. It was a bad decision to take it right out….I think I’ll be fine now but It was scary there for a little while
and lol this comment made me laugh so hard….I love that you’d prefer dirty words in your food 
I’m dieting right now (counting calories). I’m pretty against cutting out food items (it doesn’t seem effective), unless you have an allergy to them. Counting calories is great because it’s all about learning what foods will keep me full and strong…plus every weekend I get rewarded with seeing the weight I’ve lost!
I used to count my calories and I agree….it really taught me a lot about food. That was one of my first experiences even paying attention to what I put in my body. Congrats to you for sticking with your goals!!!
I never did a sugar strike, but I did do a dessert strike when I was losing my final baby weight about 9 years ago. I’m going hiking today, yay! I have been super tired lately and unmotivated, so I am excited to get moving:) Hope you have a great day!
dessert striking is a great idea
I don’t eat a lot of dessert…..although I did have a lot after I gave up the sugar challenge – I had three desserts at the wedding alone and of course I ate my share of that death star cake 
lol
and I hear you – I had that one great workout week and now I feel like my sickness (and period) made me unmotivated….but I’m trying to stick with it
ENJOY your hike!
So by cutting sugar out completely, you’re having a total backlash? Ugh. I’ve never cut it out totally, although I’ve certainly reduced it. No vulgar messages–yikes!
Today’s workout=upper body weights and a bike ride!
Ya, weird eh? I think for me healthier eating has just only ever worked if I do it slow and steady. I already don’t even eat many added sugars (although once i had a melt down I did) but yes, I guess I just need to take it easy
I am definitely a much better eater than I’ve ever been before and all of my meals are homemade and clean. It’s the snacking that slide back…..and the fact that I wanted pizza and fries more than ever before 
lol
and Sorry about the message
you really had to be at our table – we ended up drinking quite a bit of wine 
way to go! it is all about realizing what works for you and hey if it wasn’t for you, don’t do it! I am the same way, if i say I won’t eat something I want it more versus just kind of trying to cut back a bit.
You’re right Alex….I did want to see if I could do it and I made it 2 weeks with no slips so that’s something
Been there before with the “pretentious douche” turning away bread and other items when I was eating primal. It can be a delicate subject and people can take quite an offense to it! It always surprises me, stick to your conventions and hang in there!
LOL – I know, people are food defensive. Or they immediately feel bad that they’re eating something – I just kept saying “Hey, don’t worry – I love fries, ice cream and all things chocolate”
lol
Its smart you are not going to deprive yourself of what you want. Every diet or healthy eating related thing I have read says never to cut something out. It only leads you to make bad decisions later.
I tried to cut gluten out of my diet because matt has the allergy and I am oh so supportive, but I caved. I needed a bowl of pasta and I needed it now. So much for that.
I actually found a website that is starting to turn the wheels of clean eating. We dont really eat THAT much crap, but I know we could do so much better.
I don’t even know how I ended up wanting to eat better….I think it was really b/c I got so sick of INGREDIENTS! and I was changing other things in my life (like skin care, hair care and cleaning products) so I thought hey why not eat more natural as well. I like it! But like everyone I love processed foods too! I can’t wait for my pumpkin pie blizzard
and that must be hard with Matt having the allergy…..I know it’s hard for me that Colin doesn’t eat healthy, but I guess it’s ultimately to each their own
it’s nice that you tried for Matt, but I love bread and pasta!
Hey! I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while now, but have never added my comments…until now!
I have definitely tried striking things before (ok, not very successfully, but I did cut back
) but always had the same end results as you, I started out strong and ended up eating worse than ever once I finally gave in.
Also, when did you get so freaking ripped? Do you think it comes from long distance runs, or workouts? or the combination? I’ve been losing a few pounds the last few years, but would love to kick that last layer of fat…I run twice a week but only a total of 6 miles
I workout 3 times a week. Any tips on kicking those much unwanted pounds?
Thanks in advanced and keep up the blogging! You inspire me to get up and run
HEY JESSICA!!!!!
I get super excited when someone secret reveals themselves
Thanks for reading! and welcome 
Anyway the fact that you think I’m ripped makes me giggle, as I can’t seem to gain much muscle definition. So thank you.
I think it’s a combination of everything, running probably helps but to be honest when I was JUST running I got injured….so strength is when we finally got to see some definition. I started slow doing strength calendar challenges and the strong stride DVD workouts and then once I was strong enough I started doing Zuzana Light’s “Zwow’s” she’s on facebook. I bike too so that strengthens my quads and calves.
I think it’s great that you’re running twice a week and don’t even worry about the distance. When I finally considered myself “a runner” I was running 3-4 times weekly and it would be total of 6-10 miles per week! so every one starts somewhere. IF you can get some strength training or high intensity interval training into your routine I would – not only does it not take much of your time, it’s extremely effective.
OH! and I still can’t get rid of that last layer of fat – it was finally disappearing but that was only from changing my eating….it’s unfortunately true what they say – it’s 80% diet
I love food lol
haha, thanks for the reply
I LOVE food, too! And that’s definitely an area where I struggle.
I think you look awesome.
Thanks Lindy!
I don’t think that I could even make it out of the first day of a sugar strike.
I don’t have anything to measure how far I run but it was pretty fun! Not much scenery besides cornfields but it was still an awesome run! And I have hockey tonight so thats my workout!
I went on a run up a road by our house today. Trying to change it up a bit! It was almost completely flat but I have no clue how far it was.
sweet – sounds like a great workout and I apologize for the vulgar language on my dessert
Firstly I really really admire you for being so open and honest about your decision! And secondly I can’t tell you how much of a relief it is to read this from a personal point of view!
I really didn’t like cutting something out of my diet completely but sort of felt like I’m not “health conscious” enough, despite making lots of effort to be healthy in my day to day life. It was silly really but I felt like everyone else was cutting sugar but I genuinely didn’t want to for longer than my sugar-free week! So I’m glad I’m not alone in thinking that restricting is never really a great thing to do unless it comes completely naturally
My workout today was cycling to college, only 2 miles but at least my muscles aren’t degenerating! And I did make it to the gym yesterday which is a big plus
I had a very similar experience when I cut out sugar all together… some people can do it and stick to it, but it definitely backfired for me. I try to limit sugar in general, but decided I cannot give it up entirely. A little here and there makes for a happier, healthier me.
It completely BLOWS MY MIND how eating healthy or [trying] to make health(ier) choices makes one feel or look like a pretentious douche!! You completely called it though, and you’re right — it’s just extremely unfortunate that it’s more acceptable — and expected — to eat like shit. Personally, I don’t mind looking like a pretentious douchebag if it means my body won’t hate me later:)
Jenn, I don’t think that way (just for the record) but unforunately that is the case. I felt so weird in a lot of public food settings….some people even asked if I was a Paleo eater (which I’ve heard of but don’t know much about) and you and I have discussed how I think you are awesome but I don’t know if I’ll ever get there…..although I’d like to. My point is, for me, I am definitely one that needs to let things happen slowly and naturally, as I was much more successful that way
I’m with you, girly! Personally, I dislike any challenge or program that advises you to completely eliminate something for a month or two. Let’s face it: that isn’t real for most people. Bottom line? It comes down to moderation. Eat a brownie, not 7, but eat your spinach too. If you go crazy one night, make a note but don’t freak out over it
I agree…..but I do like eating 7 brownies
lol
1. i have gluten, dairy and soy intolerances…the last thing i need is to voluntarily put another dietary restriction on myself. so, i don’t have any plans to eliminate any other food items. i did give juicing a try a few months back, i really liked it, but i was a lot of work. i plan to come up with a revised/easier approach and give it another try.
2. nope. but i hope for your sake your siblings at least used some hand sanitizer before leaving that little edible love note.
3. ran 3.1 miles…decided to walk a bit afterwards, since that’s the ‘big thing’ to do. ended up running another mile. i stink at cool-downs.
That’s very admirable Susan. I always think it’s great that people can take control of what they put into their body, especially if they have intolerance’s.
Great run! I love that you have issues with a cool down, I used to too but I definitely like a good walk after now, even if it’s just 5 mins….though, I’ve been super bad at warming up and cooling down for my long runs (oops)
Re: my tweet reply… Blog comments give me more space to write.
I support your kicking the no-sugar habit to the curb. I am not a fan of restrictions — they just make us act weird. Instead, I’m a fan of focusing on the healthy stuff we GET to eat… vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins… those things are DELICIOUS.
So what if I occasionally have some ice cream or eat PB straight out of the jar!? I know I love my morning oats with fruit, flax, and nuts, so even if I indulge in a huge brunch one day with bacon, french toast covered with syrup, and a side of bloody marys, I still go back to my favorite, simple, healthy breakfast the next day. No guilt. Healthy habits overall.
I actually eat a more primal or paleo lifestyle without breads, grains, sugar etc. I shoot for only about 80%, It works fabulous for me. I can still have a little “indulgence” here and there and cover the cravings. I think the very best thing is to not only eat clean but to eat some fresh stuff. If you aren’t slicing and dicing fresh fruit and vegetables at least once a day then you are doing your body a huge disservice. It’s not how we eat it’s what we eat and how much. I do a lot of personal research in food so that I can run and be that healthy old lady that everyone says, “good job!” as they pass when I’m 80!
Saying that, when my son was a baby (23 years ago) my ex husband and I went an ENTIRE year without sugar or sugar substitute. We did use applesauce for sweetening but that’s it! Our first food off – donuts. hahahaha!
I tried that years ago and it didn’t work for me either. The problem with cutting something out totally is that you focus on it more because you feel deprived and once you let a little bit in the floodgates open. I never chastise myself for eating ‘bad’ food any more. I just wait till I’m hungry next and try to eat a healthy meal.
I tried striking sugar last year and had about the same result you did, and I declared…NEVER AGAIN! I like sugar and depriving myself only made me eat it like crazy once I caved. I have returned to my all things in moderation mantra, works so much better for me
I totally know what you mean, Ali! I caved for a few days. I didn’t go nuts but I areamfew things, wrote a post admitting it, and then jumped back on the strike sugar train. Maybe it’s because I didn’t eat so much of it before the challenge? I don’t know. I haven’t had any since and I’ve got something happening mid-October so I’ve got to keep it this way for a few more weeks! It makes it easier to stay on track if you have a specific date or goal. I just feel like I have to look my best for this “thing” I have so that’s whatis keeping me going!! Moderation works for you so keep doing it that way!
I think deprivation leads to cravings. If you tell me I can’t have sugar I am going to be dreaming about sweet things.
But, if you tell me something is going to HURT me that is different. If I had liver disease, I would give up alcohol.
To me there is a big difference.
Ugh, this is the story of my life. If I ever try to give up certain foods I just get fixated on them and end up eating more of them than planned. Then I just feel disappointed with myself, which means I end up eating more crap and the cycle continues. I’ve learnt now to just try to be balanced, which is harder than it sounds. I wish I could be more all or nothing sometimes but it’s not how I roll
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