Well, I did it… I went seven days without even one lick of sugar! I ate fruits, vegetables, lean meat, legumes and eggs only. No sauces, sugar, carbs, dairy, processed food, condiments, etc. And guess what? I didn’t cheat!
So I bet you’re wondering if I lost any weight. As of this morning… drumroll, please… I lost six pounds. Yippee! A nice little start to the fifteen pounds I wanted to lose.
I thought seven days would be long enough for me to stop craving sugar. Well, it was and it wasn’t. I definitely crave it less, but I went to a meeting on Wednesday where they had a bowl of M&M’s on the table and it nearly killed me not to eat any. However, I haven’t been waking up wishing for a brownie for breakfast, so it’s an improvement!
Is this a lifestyle I can stick to? Heck no. I cannot go without carbs and dairy. I actually don’t think it’s healthy to for a long period of time. I also can’t say no to every special occasion treat or going out for pizza. A few days in, I was really hating life and it’s because I felt deprived. I watched my family eat pancakes (whole wheat pancakes to boot) and couldn’t have them? Yeah, that’s not how I want to live.
So I’ve learned some important lessons:
1. I am in control of food. Food doesn’t control me. I do have willpower!
2. I don’t always need to add a lot of fat and sugar to things to make them taste good…. there are a lot of delicious fruits, vegetables and herbs for me to eat and they taste great!
3. I would rather put most of my effort into exercising and have a less extreme, but still healthy, diet. Dieting makes me sad. Exercising makes me happy. It’s a no-brainer for me.
4. Yeah, I lost some weight. But I was miserable doing it. I will be content to lose it more slowly and be happier doing it.
5. Moderation. Moderation. Moderation. I think that’s the name of the game when it comes to making a permanent change in behavior. Choose a pear instead of a cookie. Take the stairs. Don’t go back for seconds. Walk instead of drive. Repeat every day, every month, every year and you have yourself a healthier life.
Comments & Reviews
Janie says
You've inspired me! I've started counting calories this week. It's amazing how much "mindless" eating I do. It's almost like training your brain to stop when it feels full, and remembering to use treats as well, a treat -to sit and enjoy it, not to eat it in passing, or to eat 10 instead of 1.
Jennifer {The Craft Patch} says
That's so true! I think counting calories is what I am leaning towards too. Nothing like realizing that a slice of cheesecake is 400 calories to help you only enjoy one piece. 🙂
6c38f8f6-2ddb-11e3-8b72-000f20980440 says
I think counting calories is the way to go, too. I also try and watch my carbs, sugar, and fat, but I totally agree with you…..living WITHOUT them altogether is not something I want to do. Moderation is a wonderful word, isn't it?
cambric cotton, pins and needles says
Congratulations, a week, and you were ready to ditch it the second day, I'm glad you made through the week and you have achieved. You are right moderation is the way to go, once again good on you.
Jennifer {The Craft Patch} says
Thanks!
Danielle says
I like the moderation approach too. I have loved the book Intuitive Eating. It is really great.
Jennifer {The Craft Patch} says
I'll have to check it out from the library. Thanks for the suggestion!