Friday, February 7, 2014

i'm quitting sugar.

It’s true. I’m quitting sugar. Today is day 5 of an 8-week program, that you can read about here. In December, one of my most cherished friends, Haley and I decided to start an 8-week program. It was easier to make that commitment when I had a friend that was going to do it with me. I would say she probably feels the same way. Mostly because she convinced me to do it.

So, why quit sugar? There are several reasons one may one would want to quit sugar. Maybe one has a sugar addiction. For me, it is a way for me to recalibrate my body. The first year of marriage just came up on me when I realized I had gained 20 pounds. 20 pounds? WHAT? In response I say, “but, I’m making homemade meals and we are trying not eat out” Well, whatever. We were excited to be married and probably used that as an excuse to run across the street to the grocery store and get a tub of ice cream. I wanted to do this program because it serves as a way for me to still make meals at home and to gain knowledge about what it looks like to cook meals with whole foods. When reading about whether or not I should quit sugar, I realized I was experiencing many of the questions Sarah was asking:

Do you get an energy slump in the afternoon? Uhm, yep. Always.
Do you need something sweet after lunch or dinner? Always. Mostly chocolate. Specifically dark chocolate with caramel and sea salt from Trader Joe’s
Does your stomach get bloated after eating? Uhmm...Yep.
Are you unable to eat just one piece of cake and walk away? Most of the time I can walk away. But I usually don’t deny a piece of cake.
Are you “podgy” around the middle, perhaps even slim everywhere else? Well, yes to the podgy around the middle.
Do you often feel unclear? That you’re not always sharp and on-form? Uhm yes. For the last few weeks leading up to IQS8wp, I went to the doctor because I was experiencing having a foggy head that really scared me.
Do you want to lose weight? Duh.
Do you have an autoimmune issue and wonder if quitting sugar might make a difference? Maybe. Probably not. 

So, is sugar my problem? Maybe. There is literally sugar in so much crap. Has this been my problem? Maybe. We will find out. I am 5 days in and I’m not completely starving and I haven’t had sugar. I don’t see any difference yet because I have also been sick for the last 4 days with a cold. 

Anyway, most programs consist of crappy food or not much food or lots of shakes and things. What I love so much about this program is the knowledge of all of the wonderful things I can eat and how delicious it has all been. Seriously. So good. Here are a couple of things I have eaten throughout this week. 


This Sausage & Beetroot hash was delicious. I used Scimeca's Italian Sausage, local to KC. I roasted some beets and added onion and spinach to complete the dish. So good.


I improvised this a little bit. Instead of pumpkin puree that the recipe called for, I just used sweet potatoes (which are like my favorite anyway). I coated the chicken nuggets with gluten free flour (I'm on a GF diet per my doctor for a month to test my sensitivity to it-except I totally failed during the Super Bowl. oops!), an egg and shredded unsweetened coconut. I steamed the broccoli and snow peas with coconut oil, lemon, & some salt and pepper.


THIS has got to be my favorite treat from this week. For breakfast on Tuesday and Friday, we made a Toastie aka Grilled Cheese (I guess Toastie is an Australian thing??). Anyway, so simple. Avocado, cheddar cheese and well, I added an egg. 

Oh, and Dustin has been incredible supportive and has enjoyed the food as well. Except he has also eaten all of our leftover pizza from the Super Bowl last Sunday. Whatever. He loves it and I am really encouraged that he is also on this journey with me! 

I am thankful to be doing this. I am excited to see what comes of the 8 weeks. The goal is to make this a lifestyle. Thank you Jesus, for sustaining me this week when all I wanted was that GIANT chocolate chip cookie my friend Rachel brought to Gospel Community last night. 

Oh, and I'm thankful for the grace of Jesus. So often I see people trying diets (although this is not a diet) and beat themselves up when they make one little mistake. I think if it wasn't for the grace of Jesus in my life is so many different areas, I would be tempted to beat myself up too. I am just thankful for the opportunity.