No Sugar New Year Challenge (Page 16)

Stay strong Mark!  I started weening myself and going sugar free about four days before the challenge started (minus one last binge Sunday night) and my headaches have just disappeared starting yesterday... hopefully yours should be disappearing soon.

Dropping Out - Just a quick word on dropping out: I've noticed a couple of people who have signed up for the challenge haven't checked in at all ... if you've decided this challenge isn't for you after all (or decide at any time in the future)... and you don't want to log all your dings, simply post "I'm out" in this thread, or on the Spreadsheet   Nobody will fault you or make fun of you, this is a super-tough challenge.   

Things are going well for me..

I had some margaritas on Christmas Eve - couldn't really avoid them - my Brother and his wife pulled out the big margarita machine just for me since I love them so much. Oh well - they tasted good!

Christmas day I had my one free mulligan with a dessert of fruit tart - MMM

I didn't lose much weight - but I also ate a TON of non-sugar, non-junk food items at the numerous holiday parties..

Best part of doing this is I feel in control and confident again that I will make progress.

I'm down 5 pounds

I didn't eat a lot of sugar before but lots of sugar substitutes. I do miss diet Pepsi but didn't get headaches. I miss my sugar free ice cream covered chocolate bars. I gave up white stuff additionally as for me my body doesn't do well with processed foods so eliminate flour, rice, potatoes and I feel so much better.

Yummy things I have rediscovered this week: Celmentines, grapes, sugar free applesause with low fat cottage cheese, and sparkling apple cider.

I'm trying to figure out yougurt. I love the no fat Greek Yougurt but always added splenda to it. I added a little honey and I didn't love it.  I add berries to it. Any suggestions?

I make my own yogurt and kefir (we have Jersey cows,) and I have been making wonderful smoothie-type concoctions for breakfast.  Before this challenge, I really did not think it was possible to eat yogurt without sweetener! I put the following in the blender: about a cup of yogurt or kefir, a whole banana, and some orange juice ( I don't measure that.) A couple of days ago, I bought orange and pineapple juice concentrates and use a couple of tablespoons each in the place of the regular orange juice. I think the secret for me was not to expect the drink to be sweet at all the first time I tried it...then I was pleasantly surprised (OK, I was ecstatic!) when the fruit provided plenty of sweetness. YUM!

I thought you all might get a kick out of this - Last night, I dreamed that I was halfway through a can of Coke (drinking straight from the can) before I realized that I couldn't have it without getting a ding! The funny thing is that I don't have a problem with soft drinks; I have maybe a half-dozen in a year...and I can't remember the last time I drank one out of the can! Would this be considered obsessive?!?

Smoothies.

Bagel egg and cheese.

Bagel w/PB.

Toast w/PB.

Oatmeal.

wow! - Kathy ( and everybody else) - great job - you are a machine with the no rice and potatos!

i'm just now back down to my "starting" weight of 176....i think some of my splurging b/f the challenge started caught up with me!  But, I have to say I'm starting to feel better.  I had a great 6 mi run last night ( 6 mi is long for me!) and I agree with Kathy - I feel very optimistic and pretty in control - i can't wait to see where we are at the end of Feb!

Sometimes I will eat grilled chicken for breakfast.  

Wow Kathy - 5 pounds!  I am hoping for 1.8 at Weight Watchers on Wednesday (and of course will settle for whatever it is, but I know I will be down).  What I wouldn't give for five. 

As for the breakfast question, I have found that I don't have to change breakfast at all.  I checked all the cereals that we eat and they are all legal.  We always aimed for the low calorie/high fiber cereals and they don't seem to have sugar in the first three ingredients.  Needless to say, we are not big on Sugar Puffs cereal and the like.  I also eat nonfat yogurt.  The brand that I get is 100 calories per 8 oz. and believe it or not, I could not find any sweetener in it at all and especially not in the first three ingredients. 

I miss Diet Coke.  I find that I am able to do this challenge because it is limited to February 28 and it isn't "forever."   I really think I am going to make it.  After the challenge is over, I intend to go back to Diet Coke, but I really hope I continue to lay off the other stuff, except for the birthday cake exception.

Have a good day everyone.

Leah

Geez, I couldn't find any of the flavored yogurts that didn't have HFCS as the second ingredient.  I love how they advertise themselves as SO healthy and THE way to lose weight...yet are full of HFCS.... boooo!

I couldn't believe it about the yogurt either.  It is the supermarket brand (Ralphs or Kroger), but I don't know what it would be called someplace else.  My significant other is the one who checked, just to keep me honest, and even he agreed.  I don't think something with HFCS could be only 100 calories for 8 ounces, but I haven't checked the other brands since I am really happy with this one. 

Leah

Don't give up potatoes, just improve on it.  I use sweet potatoes for oven roasted fries.  Sweat potates are really good for you!  Spray them in olive oil and season.  I like garlic, basil and red pepper for spicy fries.

Here is my typical breakfast in the cold weather.

I use yogurt as my dessert after dinner.  I buy the store brand (Stop & Shop) non-fat plain yogurt. I think the serving size is 6 oz @ 80 calories.  I like the tartness of the plain to satisfy my need for ice cream.  Kinda wierd, but it works.

You could alway add a bit of organic jam or fresh fruit to make it sweet.

I'm in last.

Everyone did a great job over the weekend!  Except me.  Took my mulligan on Christmas, but didn't overdo it that day with my meal, and only had one piece of plum pudding with rum butter! YUM!

On Friday I didn't eat a big enough lunch and started snacking by late afternoon.  Then I have an excuse for Saturday - an Irish Coffee was made for me, so I had to drink it.  Our friends from Cincinnati were in town (they're originally from Ireland), and my wife is also from Ireland, so I'm not allowed to waste good whiskey!

My weight was up this morning by a pound from last week, but that all came between going out for dinner Friday night, a bunch of Guinesses Sat night, and going for dinner again last night.  I was actually down a couple pounds as of Friday morning.

Back on the wagon!