Ready for challenge seven?
This weeks challenge may or may not be a hard one for you depending on how big of a sweet tooth you have. Did you guess it? If you think challenge seven has something to do with sugar then you are right! This weeks challenge is to kick refined sugar to the curb for a full 7 days!
Don’t worry! I am going to give you some tips to make this as easy as possible and I promise after just 7 days you are going to feel the difference. And, if you currently struggle with sugar cravings they will start to fade away. I promise!
My first tip for kicking your sugar habit is to become a sugar detective and search it out in the foods you are eating frequently. If you are eating anything out of a package I can almost guarantee there is added sugar. What can be sneaky is the label may not clearly say sugar. Its important to become familiar with the other names used for sugar. Here is a list with 56 other names! Once you are familiar with some of the other names for sugar take a look at the products in your cabinets, refrigerator and freezer focusing on the items you use everyday. Check the ingredients to see if there is added sugar. If there is, ditch that item for the next 7 days. You also need to watch out for so called health foods. So many have added sugar its unbelievable. Common products with hidden sugars are protein powder, nut butter, salad dressing, tomato sauce, soup, frozen meals and protein bars.
In addition to giving up sugar in packaged foods I also want to challenge you to not add it to anything. So, for example if you add sugar to your coffee try to consume it black this week or with a little coconut milk. If you can’t bare the thought of absolutely no sugar and need to take baby steps towards going sugar free my second tip is instead of using refined sugar like white cane sugar use organic maple syrup, raw honey or dates instead. These are still sugars but because they are not processed and in their natural state you will get the benefit of added vitamins and minerals.
Ok, now lets talk natural sugar like the sugar found in fruit, vegestables and whole foods. This week you can keep eating these foods. The reason naturally occurring sugar is ok is in addition to the sugar you are also consuming vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. So, keep enjoying one or two pieces of fruit daily this week. As with anything you just don’t want to go overboard and when it comes to fruit stick to those that contain lower sugar most of the time. I recommend berries, grapefruit and apples as some of the best fruits to add to your diet as they are naturally low in sugar, high in antioxidants and super deliscous.
Ready, Set, Go…. Challenge Time
The first step is to set up your free account on healthstorylines.com if you have not already.
Challenge Seven Instructions:
1. Remove all refined sugar from your diet this week. Simply, don’t consume it!
2. Use the information above to check the foods you are currently eating. If there are things in your cabinets, refrigerator or freezer that contain added sugar and you think they will tempt you either toss them out or remove them from your kitchen.
3. Don’t add additional sugar to your foods. If you need a little sweetness in something swamp out refined sugars for maple syrup, raw honey or dates but try your hardest to avoid adding additional sugars if you can.
4. In the journal section of the Health Storylines app record how you did each day and how you are feeling. For your last journey entry of the week take note of how your are feeling physically and mentally. Sugar is inflammatory so it is very likely you may find joint and body pain reduced.
5. If you feel comfortable and want to share how you are doing ditching sugar this week share with your social media audience by posting on your Instagram, Instagram Stories or Facebook and using hashtag #wholelovleylifesugarfree so we can engage with each other’s posts. And, if you are ok with it (I will get your permission first) I will repost on my Instagram Stories.
Let’s continue to inspire each other!
If you need any help using the Health Story Lines app check out this amazing video!
If you missed my earlier challenges you will find them here!
