Week 9's challenge is eating no added sugar. It will be the push that will make a difference if you really commit. We've gone over the ways that sugar sabotages your diet and your body's wellness. Today I want to talk about coping strategies for when the cravings hit. Which they do!
1. Reward yourself with something besides sugar: yes you had a great day! You worked out! Yay for you! Do something good for yourself that doesn't involve sugar. Paint your nails, read a book, buy a clothing item or accessory, go on a date with your husband, play with your kids, take a nap, call a friend, workout, take a class, watch a movie or your favorite TV series. Take sugar out of your reward equation.
2. Don't have it around: you can't eat what's not in the cupboard. Don't buy candy, dessert, soda, etc. Stock up instead on fresh fiber-filled fruit. Reach for grapes, berries, and apple, something snappy that will provide texture, interest, vitamins, and natural sweetness.
3. Don't substitute with fake sugar. Fake sugars only help to reinforce your mental need for sweetness.
4. Pay attention to how good you feel when you cut sugar out. Your body will tell you it's happy without sugar. It's your brain you have to convince. Read #1. You will be less bloated, less gassy, less sick, your blood sugar will balance out, you will have fewer blood sugar lows, you will feel more energetic. That will be all the convincing you need.
5. If you do have sugar, and we all will, don't throw in the towel and eat the entire cake. Back away, be kind, start again, call for moral support (you can always text me for a shot of support!). Pass on the self-loathing and all-or-nothing mentality and stay in control. You are the boss of you; don't let your cravings have the upper hand.
Enjoy this week! Do good things for yourself! Reach your realistic goals in these last two weeks and be so proud!
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