Ok, I’m doing it this time.  I have posted those words before but this time I really mean it.  I can make it 26 days without sugar.  I hope.

I’m in. I stopped eating meat 2 years ago and recently noticed that I had started replacing the meat with sugar. I had never had a problem with sugar until the meat eating stopped. As a child I always asked my mom to tell the easter bunny that I wanted fruits and vegetables in my easter basket every year. My lunch bags from middle to high school were filled with vegetables. I can’t wait to do this just to experience how different this should make me feel. I am a little worried though. I work in a coffeehouse and it’s routine for me to get to work and snack on sweets all night from the pastry case!

Ok, I am in.  To be honest, I am a bit scared.  I don’t know why.  I just need to do it!

Ok folks, big question here ~

Given that sugar is an addiction for some people, do you really believe that obstaining from sugar for 26 days and then binging on Thanksgiving is a rational way to deal with sugar?  Now I say “some people” but I’m going to stick my neck out here (don’t hate me, this is not a judgement)  but I suspect most people on this blog are addicted to the white stuff, otherwise they wouldn’t be here. I’m suggesting that if a person has the capacity to take it or leave it and not struggle, then that person is not addicted nor would they be here.  I am NOT that person. I humbly admit I AM addicted to the white crapola, and I also know that the ” 26 days off - 1 day on plan”  would deffinitely not work for me.  Let me explain.

The following is my typical experience:  When I am off sugar completely for any reasonable length of time (say 3 wks or more) and then I introduce sugar back into my diet (even for a day)  it triggers something in me that sets me up for a binge that lasts a lot longer than just one (Thanksgiving) day.  I know that I will be on a roll with physical cravings, irritability, depression and an obsession focused on my next fix for the next several days, if not weeks.  My sense of deprivation kicks in (mind you, depression could be a neuron thing or a mental thing caused by sugar, and interestingly enough, one may lead to the other) and much, maybe most, of my time is disrupted in fighting off these relentless cravings.

Here’s how the insanity evolves. If I did the Thanksgiving binge,  I would then rationalize that Xmas is just around the corner, so why stop now? This initial mini-binge on Thanksgiving Day would then end up being a 1 month binge, probably going into the new year (geeze, ya gotta celebrate the new year)  and of course, (I’m sure you guessed it) V day is just around the corner on Feb 14.  March 2 is my daughters birthday and her dad and I always take her out to a fine restaurant to celebrate (yeah right, no creme brule’ for me…) My husband’s b.d. is in May, and then of course the 4th of July isn’t too far away (what? BBQ and no dessert?)  my b.d. is in Sept. well…..you got the idea. This could end up being one, year long celebration binge for me.  Hence, THE SUGAR INSANITY experience. 

Now, I am all for moderation, but here’s the rub… if you are addicted to sugar (apparently not all people are) but IF you are, moderation will NOT work, because that’s the nature of addiction.  It’s interesting that I can do moderation with all healthy foods, like veggies, fruits, proteins, but the minute I add the white “sheet” to my diet, the obsession is off and running. Again, that’s the way addiction works, it literally grabs your mind, body and spirit.  Also, I believe if you’re addicted to sugar it is both a mental and physical problem, and in fact,  one seems to feed the other. 

I suspect the only advantage of abstaining from sugar, only to binge on Thanksgiving Day would be to prove my above hypothesis,  ie. the plan doesn’t support truly letting go of sugar and (at least for me) not worth the relentless struggle and withdrawl of stopping again.  I would be interested to hear from those who intend to follow the “THANKSGIVING DAY BINGE PLAN”, particularly from November 28 till December 25, which would be the withdrawl and detox period prior to the next sugar fix on Xmas.  (if in fact, Xmas is your next goal date) I’ve got to say, having overcome several addictions in my life time, by far sugar has been the toughest.  There’s an old saying which seems to ring true for me, and that is “staying off a substance is much easier than getting off a substance.” 

So, there you have it my fellow “sugar fighters”, these are my thoughts regarding the Thanksgiving Day Binge. Do you think I’m nuts?  Wrong?  Do you disagree? Agree?  I’m open to comments, suggestions and experiences.  Currently I am restarting the sugar battle.  Today is day 5 with no sugar (ARGGGG!!) and my body is NOT a happy camper.  I am so tired of fighting with this sugar demon. I want off this, not so sweet, roller-coaster.  My health is at risk (recovery from br.cancer [10 yrs.]  and athersclorosis [angioplasty last Nov.)  If you don’t know this, sugar IS a contributing factor to cancer and arterial problems. 

On David’s second post “My Annual Sugar Binge:...” he states:  “After three years of being unsweet I don’t have the desire to go back to sugary food. It’s as if I’ve “grown up” and let junk food become a thing of my past.  He further states: “Sugar, I’m letting you go. The further away I get from the sweet life the less I want to go back.”  Needless to say David, I am SO impressed, you are my hero (ok, one of them…)  I deffinitely ‘wanna’ be where you are…  unhooked.

I’m grateful to you David, thank you for starting this blog.

A Fellow Northwesterner (let it rain…. ))
Seattle
Donna

Donna,
I am right there with you!  I have been binging (in a very ugly way) for the past two days…my poor kids don’t have any Halloween candy left.  I know that I am addicted and I am confident that abstinence is the only mode for me.  However, I sure will miss chocolate.  Wish me luck as tomorrow is day number 1 again.

Peace,
Kerri Ann

Kerri Ann,
Every fiber of my being is with you.  You can do this - I can do this -  I know this.  Trust me, it may (or may not) take a few times, but the white stuff will become a thing of the past.

Eating your kid’s halloween candy made me laugh out loud.  It so reminded me of me when my daughter was little.  She would run to her dad crying and screaming,  “MOMMY’S EATING MY CANDY!!”  And my husband would yell back “DONNA!  PUT IT BACK!  LEAVE HER CANDY ALONE!  IT’S HER CANDY, NOT YOURS!”  That’s why David’s quote about “growing up and junk food becoming a thing of the past” impressed me so much.  There’s still a little kid in me that wants to use candy (or anything w/sugar) to make herself feel better, just like she did when she was young, little and vulnerable.  She apparently is still in there somewhere screeming for more… but I think it’s only part of the problem.  The other part is the physiology.  I know my physical cravings are very real and powerful to say the least.  But here’s the deal, I’m a tenacious old gal, and I won’t let this white crapola continue to push me (and my health) around.  I’m (a rather young, I might add ) 60 yr old. I have a lot of spunk, energy, talent and love for my family and friends.  I will not let this junk cut me off at the knees, and from what I’ve learned about sugar, it WILL shorten your life.  It aparently contributes to (note: I said contributes not causes)  many diseases.

You know what Kerri Ann?  If sugar were an easy substance to kick, we wouldn’t need support and the majority of Americans would be slender and healthy.  There would be much less disease. The candy companies and the processed food industry would be in jeopardy and many doctors (oncologists and cardiologists) would be out of business.  You know our government yaps a lot about clinical studies, they study fat genes, they compare how other countries use more olive oil, eat more fish, and how the Fr. eat cheese but are not fat, what they never tell us is that no other country in the entire world eats the amount of sugar and processed foods that Americans do. In the U.S. the sugar industry is THAT powerful.  Need I go on?  Ok Kerri Ann, I’m (slowly) getting off my soap box.  I hope what I’m saying encourages you to go forward. I know hearing myself reiterate this, reinforces why I’m dong this. 

Ya know, straight up, it’s not easy.  Not for me anyway.  To those who find it easy, well…  I hate you, leave me along… ) just kidding

Let’s keep in touch.

I meant “alone” not “along” in the last paragraph.  Donna

Thank you.  Your strength and hope are evident and your journey is to be commended.  I will keep you posted on my journey.

Peace,
Kerri Ann

I have gone without sugar for 2 weeks, including natural sugars (honey, agave, etc.).  I am however, eating as much fruit as I like.  I’m trying to figure out where I can find some recipes.  I’m feeling a bit lost.  I read Sugar Shock, which informed me that even natural sugars like honey can have the same effect as processed sugar and can even be more concentrated.  I’m troubled by that, and have had a hard time even at Whole Foods finding foods that have no sugar whatsoever.  Bread is almost impossible to buy.  I feel great and want to keep this up, but I’m getting discouraged.  I need a plan I can live with long term.  Searching online for recipes yields “no-sugar” and “sugar-free” recipes with sugar substitutes! Am I being too strict?  Is there a phrase to describe this eating regiment that is search-friendly?

I just saw this today, November 2.  I have eaten sugar today so I will start tomorrow.  I am in the middle of reading the book “Intuitive Eating” and am doing so great with it .... until I eat sugar. Has anyone else read this book?

I’m in. I went sugar free for about a month last year. I felt sick for a week, but then I had more energy than ever….I’m scared this time around in anticpation of feeling sick again, but I know need to do this. Sugar cravings hit me most at nighttime. I find my self scrounging for something sweet and sometimes I even end up eating straight from the sugar bowl. Does anyone else have these cravings when they wake up from naps (which I do alot and also suspect it has something to do with my sugar levels)?

Sonya,

Have you considered using stevia?  Stevia is a natural herb that has been safely used for centuries in other countries, it’s actually good for you, and apparantly does not affect blood sugar.  I’m currently experimenting with it in my herbal tea.  The thing about stevia is that some brands taste better than others. Some leave a bitter aftertaste.  So you have to experiment with different brands.

As far as sugar being in everything…you can count on it if it’s processed, which is all food that is packaged, bottled or canned.  Ezekiel, organic sprouted bread has no sugar or flour in it.  So that’s a pretty safe bread to use for sandwiches.  I love fresh turkey sandwiches, loaded with veggies.

Regarding a plan ~ My ideas are pretty simple, but then again I’m not an innovative cook, I’m pretty basic.  I always have some sort of animal protein, (fish, chicken, beef) I try to experiment with different veggies for each meal and different types of salads.  I make a lot of my own dressings instead of bottled store dressing.  I’m always trying to lose weight so I limit starchy carbs like potatoes, rice, pasta and bread, but I do eat them minimally.  Again, my cooking style is very basic, so I don’t make any sauces, gravies,  caseroles etc.  Also, I just started using a lot of herbs, both dried and fresh to add flavor. 

I’m wondering if David could help us out by sharing how he ate when he started removing sugar from his diet and perhaps how he eats now.  Oh David, hello?  Are you there?  We need your help on eating “sugarless”....  please tell us what you eat… 

Donna

Jessica,

I’ve read “Intuitive Eating” quite awhile ago.  I think it’s a wonderful book that emphasizes how to pay attention when you eat.  Something I know I don’t do very often. Who pays attention?  I just shovel it in… lol Anyway, that’s how kids eat naturally. They may not pay attention consciously, but they have an automatic shut off, which kicks in when they have eaten enough. Most kids eat only when their hungry, they stop when their satisfied.  Kids eat this way until they learn how to “use” food for emotional relief instead of nourishment. Enter the sugar fix…  It seems what starts out as a childhood habit, ends up growing into a life long eating style, which for me ALWAYS included some form of sugar. 

Anyway, I remember that book being really good.  In fact, I think I’ll dig it out and reread it. Thanks for the reminder.  Donna

Thank you Donna.  I’m happy to hear about Stevia.  I’m going to have to pick some up and try it out.  I was pleased to learn that it is all natural and has been used for centuries in other cultures.  One note for anyone else interested:  I did have great luck eating out at Mongolian BBQ. They provide ingredients and I learned the mustard sauce was the only sauce I could have, but other than that, the meats and veggies provided plenty for a delicious meal. They also have brown rice on demand. Eating out has always been my vice, so it’s nice to know I can continue that a bit.

Kendra B.

Would you describe what you mean by sick?  As in nauseated?  Wanting to throw up?  Upset stomach?

My first week is miserable, no doubt about it.  I am currently on day 6 and the cravings won’t give up.  I wrote extensively in my initial post (the 3rd post) about my experience with sugar.  The following is a small part of what I wrote:

<I know that I will be on a roll with physical cravings, irritability, depression and an obsession focused on my next fix for the next several days, if not weeks.  My sense of deprivation kicks in (mind you, depression could be a neuron thing or a mental thing caused by sugar, and interestingly enough, one may lead to the other) and much, maybe most, of my time is disrupted in fighting off these relentless cravings.>

So Kendra, you are not alone… For some of us, (like me) sugar is very addictive.  However, I do know people that can take it or leave it.  (again, not me) David talks about getting to that place where he feels like he’s outgrown the desire for sugar.  And that is exactly where I’d like to be.  So you’re in good company Kendra, I think sugar is a struggle for most of us here.

I almost forgot, one thing that does help relieve a sugar craving is L-Glutamine.  It’s an amino acid that is good for many things including muscle. Bodybuilders use it for that reason, but it also has the ability to curb sugar cravings.  You can take it in pill form and swallow it with water, but it takes awhile before it kicks in.  I found that if I chew on a tablet, it works immediately. It’s not exactly a tasty morsel, in fact it’s very chalky tasting, but it deffinitely works for me.  Just about all supplement companies make it.  I chew on a 500 mg. tablet whenever a craving strikes, and the craving is gone.
Donna

Kendra, I know the feeling.  Through reading and practice (thought I’m no expert) I have learned a few things. 

If you can battle the cravings long enough you won’t have them any more.  I went to some OA meetings (over eaters anonymous) and learned to take it “one day at a time”.  Just tell yourself “I’m just going to try to make it through today”.  This does relieve some pressure.

I personally haven’t cut fruit back, thought I know that can affect blood sugar levels somewhat. A local nutritionist said if you eat some fruit and drink a full glass of water every hour, you won’t crave sugar. 

One thing that helped me is knowing that once I go through withdrawal, I won’t go back to feeling like crap again. I even sort of embraced it.  I was very head achy the first week.

There is such a thing as palette memory.  Have you ever successfully gave up something for a long time and tried it again only to find that the taste was dreadful and overbearing?  I did this with pop when I was pregnant with my daughter.  Your taste buds and brain work together and adapt to changes. 

After quitting sugar, my tastes have changed (red peppers are so much sweeter now!) and my sense of smell has heightened. 

It’s not going to be easy, but it will be worth it.  I almost caved yesterday with all the halloween candy but my husband talked me down and the next morning I felt so glad I didn’t do it.  Maybe a friend or partner can do the same for you?

About what to eat:

Make a list of all the foods you like to eat that you perceive as healthy. These will become your replacement foods. When you want sugar you’ll eat them instead. Do eat when you first lay off the sweets because you will be HUNGRY. Fruit is good. I ate health bread when I first stopped being sweet. I also ate pasta. It’s not an on-or-off kind of thing. You’ll need to experiment a bit and see what works for you. Some of the foods you choose to eat will turn out to be no good and filled with added sugars that you didn’t know were there. Don’t despair, there’s lots of foods out there. Try unsweetened chips and sugar free salsa.

Some food ideas:

- Natural peanut butter and apples (my favorite)
- Nuts of all kinds
- Eggs and egg salad with unsweetened mayonnaise
- Bread made with natural (and limited) sweetener - avoid corn syrup!
- Veggies, veggies, veggies!
- Orange juice (not drink)

About eating sugar only on the holidays…

The sugar challenge is specifically about getting people to start to manage their sugar intake in a sustainable way. Some folks haven’t ever managed to curb their sweet tooth for more than a week. The challenge starts to put things into perspective.

I look at resisting sweets a bit like lifting weights. You start off small and build from there. Short time periods are doable in the beginning. They’re inviting even. Slowly you lengthen the time frame. By creating limitations around the holidays it’s possible to make it into 2009 without having had eating sweets every single day at the end of 2008. And that’s what the challenge is all about.

Quitting sugar forever is an arduous task. I’m not sure if its possible at this point, but I’m working toward it. And by joining the sugar challenge, you are all taking steps toward it as well.

Remember, you’re not in this alone! Think of the rest of us when you are tempted to take a bite of something sweet. We’re all in this together!

Oh, and Kendra B, you’re naps are most likely sugar-induced! I used to crash half way through the day, sleep several hours at times, and wake up slowly to the need for more sweets. Since I stopped being sweet I haven’t had the need to nap in the daytime. Get off the sugar for several weeks and you’ll just begin to feel the difference. Go several months and you will be amazed!

Thanks for all of the activity on this site!  Today is day 2 for me and I am nauseous and craving sugar so badly!  I am so tired.  It is hard because I know that if I just have some chocolate I will feel better instantly.  I am currently doubting whether or not this is worth it.  I feel physically sick and my mind keeps tormenting me with feelings of deprivation.  However, with that being said I will have apples instead and get myself to day 3.

Kerri Ann

I have been talking about going sugar-free for a week now. My husband has tried to convince me to wait a couple of weeks. And I almost gave in. Then I saw this Sugar Challenge and figured “someone” was giving me a hint…haha. So, I will do it. If I eats sweets on any day (holiday or not), I will just spiral out of control back to where I was. I know this from experience. So, I will keep the sugar away from me…starting now.

I hear ya butterpecan…  personally I know myself well enough to know that if I simply make Thanksgiving my goal,  I ultimately set myself up for emotion and physical pain. Maybe it’s because I’m not new to the sugar battle.  There have been so many times when I have tried to control sugar after abstaining for as long as 2 months, only to end up feeling terribly defeated and depressed when it turned into a binge.  I’ve been doing the, off and on, sugar dance for a couple of years now and I still maintain it is much easier to stay off sugar, than it is to start over again.  I guess I’m not willing to re-experience the headaches,  irritability, cravings and all those other nasty withdrawl symptoms. Donna

Yes, I have been doing the same sugar dance on and off since I got married (about 5 years). I gained 30 pounds within the first years of marriage, so my husband and I started doing atkins. It was great for me because I have hypoglycemia now and was told that I would get diabetes if I don’t get it under control. After a year of being sugar-free, we thought we would be able to control our sugar intake. So, at a wedding, I had cake. Then, I tried to get back on to sugar-free train and within a week, needed something else. Within a month, I was eating sugar everyday. And up ‘til now, I will eat it twice, three times a day. So, I have to lay off the stuff. I am definitely addicted…and just like any drug, it’s best to stay away from it, period.

I have not been very successful at being abstinent from sugar.  In fact, I made it only one day.  Besides the physical addiction, the thing I struggle with the most are feelings of deprivation and self-pity.  And I just don’t understand why I struggle with the feelings of deprivation.  What am I depriving myself of?  The opportunity to be overweight?  To feel sluggish?  To be uncomfortable in my clothes?  To sleep badly and wake up every day unrefreshed and with a sugar hangover?  To spend money I don’t have on junk food I don’t need?

And when the deprived feeling kicks in, which is generally after I have gone 1 day without sugar, then I start feeling really, really sorry for myself.

I am wondering how some of you handle these feelings?  Donna, I think you mentioned that you suffer from the whole deprivation thing.

Also, I am in agreement with everyone that I am completely, totally, and 100% addicted to sugar.  I truly feel that the only way for me to get off the white stuff is to quit completely.  I really have a hard time wrapping my head around that fact.  Although, I have been alcohol-free for 20 years and nicotine-free for 8 years.  And I never thought I could ever live in the world or enjoy my life if I didn’t drink and/or smoke, and in actuality my life has been 110% better since I quit both.

Ok, I am getting back on the wagon today after a pretty bad night last night (justification/rationalization:  nervousness over the election.)

Thanks for listening everyone.

Janet

Donna, I would always rationalize that I worked hard and I gave all the time to everyone and I “deserved” to have an escape every now and then.  I do know how you feel.  I still get that.  It’s been a few weeks now, but I feel sad sometimes.  And why is it my friends can do things without adverse affects!?  They aren’t fat or crazy, as I am!  But the truth is, health isn’t something you can see all the time.  You never know what’s happening inside, so I guess we’re blessed in that sense.  Our bodies are just telling us before it’s too late…

Janet,

You have described exactly what I go through every time I abstain from sugar.  In one word ~ ~  DEPRIVATION ~ ~  and it’s powerful.

For me, the deprivation part is truly a mind game. This deprived attitude kicks in whenever I remove something from my habitual daily life style. I’ve heard it said, by nature us humans do not like change, and that seems to be even more true for me as I get older.  I deffinitely have a comfort zone. I believe we all do, and now I’m altering that comfort zone.  Even if it is unhealthy, sugar has been there for me. In some form, it’s been in my life for a lot of years, and made me feel good when I was down. So why would I not feel deprived? 

Janet, I really think the deprivation mind set is part of the healing process.  Contrary to what some people believe, withdrawal is not purely physical, it’s also emotional. Our minds, our bodies and our emotions are all withdrawing from a substance that was part of our comfort zone. In the midst of withdrawal, neither my emotions nor my body really care whether something is healthy or unhealthy, only my rational side cares.  But it’s hard (no.. more like gut-wrenching!) to validate this withdrawal concept and remember that the deprivation mind set is part of the healing process when we are smack-dab in the middle of it and every fiber of our being is screaming,  I WANT SUGAR!!!  and   I WANT IT NOW!

I too no longer drink (26 yrs) or smoke (20 yrs)  Initially I used a 12 step program to deal with my alcohol problem, and while I don’t advocate 12 step recovery for everyone, it certainly was, at that time, the best thing for me.  For personal reasons I don’t frequent AA meetings anymore, but I have taken with me so many wonderful concepts and adages.  My favorite being “one day at a time”.  It’s so simple, yet powerful.  I can do anything for 24 hrs.  Anything!  Which includes abstaining from sugar.  When I think back during my withdrawal period,  my mind and body screamed for a drink, it screamed for a joint, it screamed for a cigarette.  Today it no longer screams for any of those substances, only sugar.  So… if I’m willing to deal with sugar, ONLY in this 24 hr. period (not tomorrow, not a week from now) just today, I know, at some point my body will stop screaming.  And when it does, then I work on the mind. lol After the physical addiction subsides, at some point my mind will tell me it’s ok to have a little.  For me, that is a lie,  it is not ok to have a little, that is exactly what the sugar dance is all about.  At first I lead, then sugar starts to lead, and ultimately sugar takes over.  Call it a dance, a roller-coaster ride,  whatever….but if I intentionally allowing sugar back into my life, it will screw up my mind, my emotions and my well being.

I hope this helps Janet, writing (typing) this has actually helped me this morning to put things in perspective. In addressing you, I reminded myself, why I feel the way I do and how difficult this process really is, instead of battering myself for being weak-willed and so uncomfortable.  I’m not weak, I’m a ‘wirey’ sort of gal (red hair and all…) and maybe my anger toward being hooked on a not so friendly substance posing as food is what keeps me going forward.  I suspect it’s good to be angry if that anger directs me toward a positive change.  Chat later…  D.

Sonya,
I totally agree.  We may all be human beings, but our make-up and DNA are not the same.  I’ve mentioned this before, and that is, some people clearly handle sugar better than others.  I do not handle it well.  For that matter, some (probably most)  people can handle alcohol, I cannot.  Why?  I don’t know.  I’m sure predisposition, personality and genetics all play a role, but I am not a scientist therefore I really don’t know.  I agree, it’s really hard to be around and/or compare ourselves to those who have no problem with it.  I struggle, they do not. How fair is that?  But you know what I figured out?  I can either waste my time trying to understand out why ‘they’ don’t struggle with sugar and ‘I’ do, or ‘I’ can accept what is true and deal with it.

Short story:  I work with a woman who doesn’t like sweets.  Seriously! When she goes out to dinner, she never orders dessert, and sometimes (get this) she orders it and forces herself to have just a little to be social.  You read right, she actually “forces” herself to eat sweets!  Now me on the other hand, after I wolf my dessert down, I start eyeballing everyone else’s…  ))

Thank you Donna!  For anyone who wants to share, I’m wondering about experiences with 12-step programs.  I attended 2 O.A. (overeater’s anonymous) meetings and at first felt they weren’t for me, but that could be part of the addictive personality and I may have been in denial.  Has anyone been to OA? Can so much focus on the addiction actually fuel it? I’m not sure but I think I might want to go to more meetings to investigate this further.

I, too, struggle with deprivation.  It is so hard to try and rationalize your way into abstinence.  I know that I substituted my alcohol addiction with sugar - and it makes sense…alcohol is mostly sugar anyway!  Since I have been sober for more than 1 year I am feeling stuck and I know that it is because I have transferred addictions.  I believe that we are all on our own road and everyone’s bottom will look different than everyone else’s.  I am making it through today (day 4) with significant physical and emotional discomfort but I have faith that eventually the cravings will lift.  Although, I have never been abstinent long enough to find out of that is true.

Sending support to my sugar sobriety sisters,
Kerri Ann

I’ve wanting to go to Overeater’s Anonymous, but went to therapy instead. I figured a therapist would be able to deal with my problems personally. I’m not downgrading the Overeater’s Anonymous program, it just didn’t seem it would be what I am looking for. I have to say, after 6 months of going to a therapist, I can deal with my emotional problems much better and my eating has calmed down considerably. i stepped on the scale recently, to see how much weight I gained this time and actually LOST 10 pounds. That’s a big deal as I gain and gain and gain…So far, I have not had a really bad craving for sugar. I know people talk badly about getting help, but it helped me a lot. And I have found other ways to deal with my stress, other than food.

Hi Sonya,

I have attended OA meetings in the past and found most to be very helpful.  Every meeting has it’s own feel and personality, and like any organization, a meeting is only as strong as it’s members. Some meetings have long-term members who have a lot to offer, others are comprised mostly of new-comers where sometimes one might feel more at home.  They are all so different, a person really should try several different meetings to experience what feels right for them.  Some meetings are deffinitely better than others.

I personally do not have a problem with focusing on the addiction aspect,  if anything, I find it necessary to remind myself that I ‘am’ dealing with a powerful addiction and not some “mamby-pamby” lightweight little annoyance.  I don’t know about you, but sugar has a LOT of power over me.  By all deffinitions, my sugar issue is an addiction. By labeling my problem as an addiction, I choose not to minimize the power sugar has in my life. So for this reason I find it beneficial to focus on the addiction aspect.  I guess it’s my way of “keeping it real”.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, my mind has the ability to sabatoge my efforts.  Thinking about sweets, or even seeing something sweet can, in one split moment, cause me to rationalize and indulge.  In my experience OA meetings are a great support system that help keep a person in check.

The problem I have with 12 step recovery has more to do with my personal beliefs on spiritual matters opposed to the beliefs professed by other 12 step members.  I honestly have never had a problem in OA but I have had issues in AA regarding this matter.  I believe every person’s spiritual beliefs are personal.  If you connect, (and you will know) then it’s right for you.

So I say go for it Sonya, give it a try, I hope you find your niche. If it feels right and the meetings resonate for you, then you have found an excellent source of support, not to mention a great way to meet like-minded friends. I personally will look into attending OA meetings again as well. I could really use the support and friendship.  Let us know what happens.  Donna

So, how’s everyone doing?

I temporarily fell of the wagon but plan to get back on.  I can feel a difference.  I’m such an addict.  I seem to be consuming enough sugar to make up for the past 3 weeks.  What’s wrong w/me?! 

Last week was easy…but, this week seems a little harder. I have been very cranky. Good thing my husband thinks it’s hysterical when I’m grumpy…otherwise, things would go bad real quick.

However, I don’t seem to need naps, but my body is tired. It doesn’t make sense, but that’s how it is. Overall, I’m feeling good. It’s nice to think that I’m actually eating heathlier. I like feeling proud of myself.

I had a headache for 3 days.  And now no headache.  I am doing really good in staying away from chocolate.  It’s amazing, how I feel now.  Also, I am eating more fruit and nuts, and looking for recipes without sugar.  I am wondering what to substitute? Maple syrup?

You might try Stevia (in small doses). I haven’t used it but I hear good things about it.

Do you say “in small doses” because of the taste?  Or the addiction?  Just trying to learn more. 

I am on day 10!  The first 2 were the worst and then I was TIRED for a few days but so far I am doing great!  This is the longest that I have been sugar free in a while and I am proud of myself and grateful that I am not doing it alone!  Thanks for the support!  I have been eating a lot more fat (nuts) than I usually do and this is causing havoc with my system, hopefully this will all work its way through.  I am eager to read all of your posts every day.

Kerri Ann

Small doses because it’s really sweet. Congrats to everyone. Even avoiding a cookie one day is a step in the right direction! Kerri Ann, as you get past this phase it will become easier to manage what you eat once the sugars are removed.

Woo Hoo!!  Day 15 without sugar!!

Keep up the great work!!  You guys are making me want to get back on track.  In the back of my mind, I know I’ll kick sugar again very soon.  My problem is variety.  I have the food list, but I think we still usually stick to the same foods we’ve always prepared. 

I want to compile some suggestions.  Would you all please post a couple of your favorite sugar free meals? 

I’ll go first.  I enjoyed chicken Parmesan recently.  I made it with sugar free spaghetti sauce and instead of bread crumbs I breaded it in wheat wasa cracker crumbs I crushed.  It was delicious and the family loved it!

Thank you!

Sonya

I love chili. So, I make it in the morning, put it in the crockpot and eat it at night. There is also bacon-wrapped scallops. And stuffed jalapenos…yummy. But, my husband loves this recipe for chicken florentine.

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup butter
3 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 (10.75 ounce) can heatlhy choice condensed cream of chicken soup
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 packages of fresh spinach (stir fry until wilted)
4 ounces fresh mushrooms, sliced
2/3 cup bacon bits
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the chicken breast halves on a baking sheet; bake 20 to 30 minutes, until no longer pink and juices run clear. Remove from heat, and set aside.
Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stirring constantly, mix in the garlic, lemon juice, cream of mushroom soup, Italian seasoning, half-and-half, and Parmesan cheese.
Arrange the spinach over the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish. Cover the spinach with the mushrooms. Pour half the mixture from the saucepan over the mushrooms. Arrange chicken breasts in the dish, and cover with the remaining sauce mixture. Sprinkle with bacon bits, and top with mozzarella cheese.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes in the 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) oven, until bubbly and lightly browned.

i figured, I might as well give the stuffed jalapeno recipe too.

12 jalapenos, cut in half lenthwise and seeded
1/2 cup real bacon bits
1 package of cream cheese
1 cup of mozarella cheese
1/4 cup diced onion
1 clove of garlic (minced)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix bacon, cream cheese, mozarella, onion, and garlic. Use mixture to stuff each half of jalepeno. Place in oven for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through.

I have found that if I have a really good breakfast that I have much less cravings for sugar during the day. I used to eat whole wheat toast with p-butter and jam. Seemed pretty safe, but I think the sugar in the bread and jam was enough. I have been eating a large serving of oatmeal with dried plums and frozen fruit and nuts. Then I’m sure to have a snack mid-morning (thanks for the apple p-butter suggestion!). My cravings haven’t been bad at all. I even walked past the chocolate chip cookie tub on the table in the breakroom at work for two days!

Haven’t been 100%, but I’ve been 90% better.

Remember that this is just the sugar challenge. It’s not quitting sugar forever. You might eventually go off sugar for the long term, but the sugar challenge is for the month. If you ate sugar, you ate sugar. So you learn something. That’s the point. If you’re still off sugar, same deal. November 27th is just about a week away. It’s a good time to get back on the wagon if you fell off. Saying no to sweets takes practice!  For those of you who have kept off sugar the whole while, let us know how it feels so that the others can stay inspired. I hope everyone is doing well. Let me know how I can help you. Questions?

I am also eating peanut butter and jam ...but in the form of ezekiel bread, almond butter, and Smuckers Simply Fruit spread.  Since making this decision 2 weeks ago, I found I am going towards fruit, nuts, Smuckers Simply Fruit spread,and maple syrup. I think the maple syrup just might be substituting for the sugar craving too much (trading one vice for another).  As far as mood, I felt good the first week, but now a low-level of something like anger or dissatisfaction, or irritation, or the urge to through everything out and get organized but no burst of that adrenaline energy that I used to rely on chocolate and sugar for these projects.   
  As far as using stevia, I have tried that in the past, and just couldn’t get past the taste.
David, I found this article in my notes and I don’t recall where, though.  What are your thoughts and how far away do you stay from the “Dirty Dozen” and do you use any of the recommended sweets?  (I tried the brown rice syrup, and that was another thing I couldn’t get used to)     
The Dirty Dozen:
1.  Dextrose
2.  Fructose
3.  Sucrose
4.  Maltose
5.  Corn syrup
6.  High fructose corn syrup
7.  Malt syrup
8.  Honey
9.  Molasses
10.  Maple syrup
11.  Modified food starch
12.  Corn starch
Alternatives might include fruit, evaporated cane juice, brown rice syrup, aguava nectar, or natural and less refined sweeteners such as Sucanat and stevia.

Hi Brenda,

I answered your questions in a new post here.

David

Happy Thanksgiving!