Spring Cleaning: Eliminating Sugar

I am determined to do some SPRING CLEANING!!!  This cleaning is not just for my house, but also for my body.  I am ready to do a SUGAR ELIMINATION CHALLENGE!!!  

Ok, back up!  If you know me, you know that I will not be totally be eliminating sugar.  I'm crazy, but I'm not totally insane.  Why not a total elimination?  When I tell myself that I can't have something, I want it more and more and more and more and. . . . you get the point.  So instead of eliminating sugar totally, I am going to limit myself to one treat a week.  I will plan for these treats, so that I can make intelligent choices.  I am calling these a "treat" not a "cheat."  Cheating has a negative connotation, whereas treats are more positive.

The purpose of this challenge:

• Provide information on how to differentiate between processed and natural sugars
• Show the destructive effects that sugar has on your body
• Break your sugar addiction

You can choose to what level you want to participate in this sugar elimination challenge.  Maybe you want to go full force and cut out all sugars, maybe you want to eliminate only processed sugars, or maybe you just need some more information about sugar.  Well, stay tuned!  I will be blogging about sugar all week.  

1. During the next few days be super observant of sugar in your foods.  Read the labels: look for "added" sugars.  Look at food labels and remember that sugar naturally occurs in fruits, vegetables and dairy, which are good for you.  For example, a can of tomatoes has about 5 grams of sugar, but if you look at the ingredients, no sugar has been added.  These sugars are ok to eat.    
2. Sugar is addictive and you may experience some withdrawals.  Especially if you are eliminating caffeine.  Some of the side effects of a sugar detox may include headaches, irritability, and fatigue.  This usually only lasts for the first few days, so don't give up.  Drink lots of water, I have found that adding fresh squeezed lemon juice to my water helps to speed along this process.
   
3. What about natural sugars like honey, sucanat, and molasses?  This is 100% up to you and it depends on what your goals are.  I like to put about 1-2 tsp of maple syrup on my pumpkin pancakes.  If you are used to putting sugar or creamer in your coffee or tea, honey might be a better option.   This is about making a change.  Small changes might work best for you, so start by using natural sweeteners.  However, if you do better with all or nothing- cut out even these natural sweeteners.
4. DON'T QUIT!!!  If you slip up, don't give up!  Just jump back in and don't look back!