Viewing Category: My Personal Journal

Don’t Worry, Eat Cookies

January 19, 2006

That’s my mother’s philosophy. Her words! She’s a life-long sugar addict.

As much as I try giving her books, sending her statistics, and even living as an example, nothing has swayed her from eating sweets.

It would make me happy if she quit for a month because she’s never been off long enough to feel the effects of being sugar free. She can’t do it.

She can’t do it because she doesn’t want to.

I can’t change everyone. I can’t change anyone, in fact. But sometimes I can influence someone to start doing something they were already thinking about doing.

And, at least, I can take care of myself.

Posted on Jan 19, 2006

Keep On Keep’n OFF

January 16, 2006

Lately I’ve been maintaining my sugar free diet and there’s not much to write about it. My energy levels are pretty steady and I’m in good spirits. I got a bike and am riding it daily. It feels good. I feel good.

It used to be that Cheez-its and Gold Fish crackers were regular snacks for me but they don’t seem appealing anymore. Apples and natural peanut butter really get a lot of mileage and, as a daily staple, satisfies my cravings.

Basically what I’m saying is that a few months ago I wouldn’t dream of not eating the cheddary baked cracker snacks…and now they’re unappealing. I’m eating less, eating better, and feeling better. I’m also more interested in cooking and learning how to prepare good meals.

Posted on Jan 16, 2006

Crashing

January 10, 2006

I’ve still experienced the “crash” effects of sugar even though I’m off sugar. It’s not regular as when I’m eating sugar, but once in a while I still get really sleepy and just need to lay down in the middle of the day.

While my moods are more regulated, sometimes I still wake up feeling tired or just plain down. My body sometimes feels heavy. I attribute this to my diet which, while not containing refined sugars, hasn’t really grown healthy enough.

Still working on it…

Posted on Jan 10, 2006

Trick or Treat?

January 09, 2006

Not many people know this but my entire unsweetening began with a ritual.

I had to do something crazy in order to do something crazy like free myself from sugar, so I went trick or treating on Halloween!

Yes, TRICK OR TREATING.

And boy was it fun! Gwenn, Jacob, and I each got a nice bag of candy (see photo below) which I ate during the two days between Halloween and my birthday.

In fact that was all I ate—candy!

Then I quit sweets for a year.

My quit date had to be significant, thus my birthday.

The act of trick or treating showed the lengths at which I’d go to get sugar into my system.

As insane it may sound, it worked for me.

I created a ritual.

In this day and age, many of our rituals are based on products and advertising.

How about creating your own ritual?

Ritual: A detailed method of procedure faithfully or regularly followed.

Build a shrine to your healthy self and do sit ups, push ups, or jumping jacks in front of it every morning.

Burn a box of cookies once a week.

The point is, DO SOMETHING!

And most of all, make it FUN or you’ll never do it.

Posted on Jan 09, 2006

No More Binging

January 08, 2006

Since going off sugar I have binged very little.

When I did, it wasn’t on sugar.

Yes, I have eaten more, but that is starting to fade.

Most recently my goal of eating less has had me feeling better.

Smaller portions and slower eating helps and that’s how I’ve been eating since the holidays passed.

Jen mentioned Food Meditation (thanks Jen) and it’s a good thing.

While I haven’t made every meal special, slowing down has certainly helped with how I feel after a meal or a snack.

Anyone can go fast. Not everyone can move slowly.

Slow down.

Eating healthy isn’t about your whole life.

Eating well is about one moment.

It’s about now.

Posted on Jan 08, 2006

Too Much Too Fast

January 05, 2006

There was free pizza at the office today. I had three or four slices (not sure since they were sliced double thin) but still I overate.

Yesterday I didn’t have so much food with me and felt better. Today my stummy was stuffed.

According to an article on MSN, eating slowly can reduce acid reflux. I wish had that in mind during the holidays! My eating has been fast and frequent. There is no doubt that a few pounds have crept under my belt.

While I’m not eating sweets, it certainly doesn’t feel like my overall consumption is under control. More to come…

Posted on Jan 05, 2006

I made it through Christmas!

December 28, 2005

I didn’t eat the Oreo cookies (2 extra large bags) sitting on the top of the refrigerator. I didn’t eat the Tasty Cakes. I didn’t eat cheesecake or apple pie. I refused the offers of ice cream and what’s more is I didn’t eat the ice cream cake, the kind with chocolate on top and vanilla on the bottom with chocolate crunchies and chocolate syrup in the middle.

The other night I seriously considered binging on the bag of Oreos with milk. But I didn’t. Instead I ate cheese and apples. Tasty apples really make the world of difference.

Posted on Dec 28, 2005

Everyone is Sweet

December 25, 2005

Merry Christmas.

Since I’ve stopped being sweet it has become more and more obvious just how much people are sugar coated. Perhaps I’m hyper sensitive, but I’ve watched as parents give their kids cookies, candy, fast food, soda, and sugary cereals.

Adults are unknowing addicts too. The office from last week had a free soda machine and employees drank from it daily. They shared cookies and sweets and sat behind their desks staring at computer screens all day long. Exercise was getting up and going to the printer, or asking questions of a coworker.

Meanwhile, I’ve been overeating. I can’t say no when someone offers me food and I’m astonished at how flavorful things taste. My stomach has been bloated for the past two weeks from my eating when I’m not hungry. The other night I had a strange craving for sweets, but only in my mouth. I wasn’t hungry and I didn’t need energy. I’m getting tired of feeling like my belly is too full.

I hope your Holidays are going great. Consider a resolution for 2006.

Posted on Dec 25, 2005