It has come to my attention that I might be having a bit of an affair with sugar. My true love is healthy whole food but at the end of each day when I think back to what I have eaten I find that sexy Mr. Sugar has weaseled his way into my diet yet again.
With a child on the way and the pounds and my regular exercise regime cut down to walking and much more mild yoga, the weight of pregnancy is starting to pack itself onto my frame and my hormones going up and down more than a roller-coaster I have decided that it's time to make a change.
I have broken-up with sushi, soft cheese and alcohol (this has been my decision given that most doctors say a glass of wine here and there is ok but I want my kid to have to best chance possible). I have really looked at myself inside and out and softened to the changes in my mind and body and love myself more than ever but after all these changes I still felt like Mr. Sugar was holding me back from feeling at my best. He's like that one guy (or girl) that you have a tumultuous relationship with, break-up 10 times yet still find that you get back together because you feel like it's just too challenging to live without him.
I have been living in Australia for the last 5 years and although Australia sneaks sugar into most things I know that the U.S. is far worse. So with that in mind I feel that in my last few weeks in Australia before I move home I need to break-up with Mr. Sugar once and for all.
And if you're reading this for tips, here is what is working for me:
1) a cup of lemon in warm water
2) start your day out with a hearty breakfast with protein, veggies and whole carbs (ex. eggs, avocado, blanched spinach, wholemeal seeded toast, fresh squeezed juice OR unsweetened granola/muesli with nuts (almonds/walnuts) and rice or regular milk (rice milk adds a bit of sweetness without added sugar))
3) eat a snack if you get hungry keep fruit or prepared veggies around for ease so you don't go for the pre-made crap that's sure to have added sugar (ex. apple/celery with a bit of all natural unsweetened peanut butter)
4) try a snack that has protein but not overly sweet like fruit
5) Vary your dinner with whole grains (quinoa, brown/wild rice, wholemeal couscous), a variety of veggies, and a source of protein (fish, paneer, chickpeas, lentils, quinoa, meat)
6) Exercise daily even if it's just a brisk walk, the endorphins you get from it will help replace the craving for sugar
7) Eat until you feel satisfied, not over full, just comfortable. If you eat quality food until you are satiated you will have less desire to seek out sweet to fill a void
8) READ LABELS on prepared foods, sugar may be hidden in there (ex. sauces are notorious for this)
9) Plain yogurt with an unsweetened jam is delicious if you need a sweet fix
10) Remove your temptations and learn what tricks to curb the cravings work for you
11) Drink lots of water. It's amazing how often we reach for those unsavory foods because we're dehydrated and not actually wanting or needing the food
If you relapse and find yourself having a crazy night with Mr. Sugar don't beat yourself up. Every day is a fresh day. Just pick yourself up and start again. Believe me, I've done it a million times and one of these times it will stick. I think having two people instead of one to think about helps a bit but I'm not saying go out and have a kid to quit sugar, that would be far too drastic. Just find what works for you and stay relaxed about it.
Food is the spice of life, enjoy it's healing qualities.
