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Weekly Sugar Challenge: September 19, 2011

September 19, 2011 • Comments (0)

No Sweets

This week we’re doing a simple challenge. From right now until next Monday, avoid all sweets.

We’re getting ready for the upcoming Holiday Sugar Challenge, which will begin on Halloween. Can you believe it’s that time of year already? I won’t mention what comes after that…

Good luck! Stop Being Sweet.

Posted on Sep 19, 2011 • Comments (0)

Weekly Sugar Challenge: September 12, 2011

September 12, 2011 • Comments (0)

Boundary

This week’s challenge has nothing (and everything) to do with eating sweets. When if comes to choosing what to eat, we’re often surrounded by outside factors that influence our decision making. To Stop Being Sweet you must learn to make independent decisions regardless of outer influences.

For one whole week, set a boundary for yourself and keep it. Rather than doing it with food, set a boundary in your personal life and then don’t let anyone cross your boundary! For example, if you’re tired of working past 5 pm then set a boundary and go home at 5 each day. Remember that it’s not about being perfect and is more about the practice. Keep it simple, choose one boundary to enforce and focus in on it. Not sure where to place a boundary? Don’t worry. It will jump out at you if you relax and allow it to show itself.

Good luck!

Posted on Sep 12, 2011 • Comments (0)

Weekly Sugar Challenge: Week of September 5, 2011

September 05, 2011 • Comments (3)

Just Say No

Can you believe it’s September already? To prepare for the fast approaching holiday season, this week’s challenge is a simple one.

Avoid sugar from right now until this coming Sunday.

If you’re normally a sugar eater, eat something sweet on Sunday, but be moderate. You’re about to be surrounded with holiday treats so consider this a willpower workout.

For those of you who normally avoid sweets, your challenge is to discover a new unsweet dish. Search the web, ask a friend, get a cook book, whatever. Find something new and experiment.

Good luck! Let us know how you do.

Posted on Sep 05, 2011 • Comments (3)

Weekly Sugar Challenge: Week of August 29, 2011

August 29, 2011 • Comments (13)

This week’s challenge is difficult. A few things have led me to post this test.

First was Hurricane Irene, which was said to possibly devastate the east coast this past weekend. Thankfully, Irene did not cause nearly as much damage as it could have. Government warnings sent people scrambling to their local food store for a stock pile of supplies. Pictures of empty supermarket shelves circulated the Internet. What would happen if you had to do without food, water, or electricity for several days?

The second influence for this week’s challenge is my own personal story. I’ve been noticing that I eat constantly. It’s become a habit for me to nibble on something pretty much all day long. I’ve gained weight and I often feel bloated.

Years ago I spent a cold summer in San Francisco. Funds were low so I had a very rationed food plan that included a small breakfast, a lunchtime morsel, and something for dinner. That was it. I didn’t snack. I was thin, fit, and felt good.

The challenge for this week is to go at least 24 hours without eating.

When I first cut out sugar it became painfully obvious how much sugar I consumed because there was suddenly a huge hole in my life. By cutting out food for a day or more I hope to see discover something new about my body and my eating habits.

I’m going to do this challenge. I will of course drink water during this fast. You can do this with me or you can just watch—it’s up to you. If you join me you do so at your own risk. I’ll comment about my progress this week. If you join me, please comment so we can support each other. Good luck!

Posted on Aug 29, 2011 • Comments (13)

Weekly Sugar Challenge: Week of August 22, 2011

August 22, 2011 • Comments (4)

2012?!

The holidays are coming up fast. I bring that up because I’m planning to do the annual holiday sugar challenge. That’s when we avoid sweets from Halloween to Thanksgiving, then again ‘til the last week of December. If you’re not already on the sugar-free wagon, now’s your chance to start practicing!

From the moment you read this until next Monday, avoid all forms of added sugars. If that seems or sounds impossible, set your own parameters and stick to them for the week. If you find this difficult, consider that it’s only going to get even harder to avoid sugary junk food in the next four months.

Why wait until January to enact a resolution? Get started now and, with enough practice, come January your new eating habits will stick that much easier.

Good luck!

Posted on Aug 22, 2011 • Comments (4)

Weekly Sugar Challenge: Week of August 15, 2011

August 15, 2011 • Comments (4)

Pumpkin from Clipartpal.com

It’s about this time of year that I start to think about my “annual sugar binge” and last night I figured out why. While standing in the checkout line at the supermarket I noticed an endcap filled with scary-themed Halloween paper dishes, cups, and napkins.

Today I went into a different supermarket and while they didn’t have any visible Halloween paraphernalia out and for sale, all of the home magazines in the racks above the checkstand conveyor belt featured Halloween-themed sweets. Imagine glossy photos of bat cupcakes, ghost cakes, and pumpkin cookies on the covers. The kid in me lit up.

I love Halloween. It is coming up but it is still seventy-seven days away. 77 days! Truth be told: as a kid I began to contemplate what to dress up as for Halloween as early as June. Was that my choice or was I falling prey to some crafty advertising?

This week’s challenge it to be aware. Watch out for the subtle Halloween invasion that’s currently hitting the stores. If you have kids, notice if they suddenly ask for candy that they haven’t mentioned all year long. Take note if you find yourself thinking about sweets more often.

The trick, of course, is to think independently and choose healthy treats in the midst of all of this advertising!

Posted on Aug 15, 2011 • Comments (4)