The 'Towards a Sugar-Free Future' Challenge

delta13

Resisted added sugar post-covid jab on my "sugar-free" days!
Spent the bank holiday weekend visiting family. Was fed tea and cakes by both my mum and grandmother on separate days.
I regret nothing   

Jazee

Today is my official no sugar day this week but I didn't have any yesterday either.  Have made a fresh tub of fruit salad this morning as it's definitely keeping me on track.  Raspberries and blackberries were from the garden.

Honey_Bear

Thank you all for posting, and I'm sorry I've been AWOL for a few days; things were manic and I always forget that I get overtired after being full on and then can't face anything at all.  I *think* things have settled down now. 

Well done Jazee, Fayolle, In Need and Delta for resisting temptation, whatever form it takes for each of us.  The message that's coming through is that we all seem to be able to manage single days without climbing the walls, and I'm chuffed as nuts that's the case, and in addition, that if we plan ahead we've all managed to find some kind of work-around that suits us individually.  That's really, really helpful information.  This isn't easy but we can make it slightly easier for ourselves with a bit of fore-thought.

I was sugar-free yesterday and I have to admit it took a bit of extra self-control because I was over-tired, and that always leads to binging in my case.  So, for once, I didn't indulge and I'm as pleased as punch about that.  I'm back on the decaff coffee but only half as much as I was drinking before because I need to look forward to something, and that instant gratification hit I get from it really works for me.

I will have sugar today and from tomorrow (1st September) I'm stepping up to two sugar-free days a month.  I was planning on making it Tuesday, but given how challenged I was yesterday, and the only way I got through it was to keep reminding myself I'd be able to have sugar today, for the moment I'm going to make it Monday and Wednesday, until I get into the swing of things.  Prior Planning Prevents (!!!!!!) Poor Performance, and all that.

Jazee

Well done HB.
In September I'm also planning to separate my two sugar free days a week.

leftatthetrafficlights

On my 2nd sugar free day today - not intentional again but I've stopped drinking coffee in the morning (I've only drank one a day for the past couple of years anyway) and as I haven't drunk alcohol for a few days my cola habit has stopped!
I've also avoided condiments other than a drizzle of balsamic vinegar on my salad leaves -  which is something I will never give up - so no sugar from those either - that's a real turnaround for me as I used to have more condiments than food!! 😂😂😂

in_need_of_direction

Nearly made it through my second sugar free day.  Ate a candy but otherwise avoided all sweets, chocolate, biscuits, cakes and cola.  Ended up eating two portions of a relatively healthy dinner though.

Honey_Bear

I'm relieved that you decided to split your sugar-free days, Jazee.  I wondered if I was being a bit self-serving but I honestly don't think I could have made it through two in a row just yet, so I'm glad you had reached the same conclusions.  Great minds think alike, and all that.

Lefty, I could never give up Balsamic vinegar either and I don't intend to.  It's added sugar that's my problem, not sugar per se, and there's even sugar in toothpaste apparently so I've got no intention of getting rid of it completely, just the extra stuff that I've been gradually piling on for years.  Balsamic stays, two piles of chutney on the side - not so much, so well done.

In Need, one candy isn't the end of the world - unless it means one family-sized bag of the stuff!  We're all going to deviate occasionally, but stopping at one is a real achievement, so I'd celebrate that.

I made it through yesterday without any trouble at all which surprised me.  I also realised I'd got peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts and cashews stashed in various places, so they're now my substitute for afternoon snacking, plus a pile of sunflower and pumpkin seeds I use in breadmaking.  Half a dozen nuts and a spoonful of the seeds and I couldn't manage anything else so the pangs disappeared instantly. And I've definitely lost of kilo, so I'm extremely happy with that, but it's not the driving force.

in_need_of_direction

It actually was one candy and I’m kind of excited that I didn’t use that as an excuse to get derailed 

cookie02

Hello @Honey_Bear, I found this thread a little late but I'd love to join you too please. I am also trying to cut down. I have just had a very sugary bank holiday weekend due to a family birthday. I have no regrets - it was lovely and my mum's food is amazing . I will try and do two days a week from next week. This week, I plan to do just one sugar-free day (today). If I manage a 2nd day this week, I will count it as a bonus!  Thank you 

delta13

Short update to say I caved and bought some orange malteser buttons on Wednesday (chocolate orange is my favourite). At least it wasn't fizzy drinks! And whilst they were nice they weren't amazing. I'm happy to say I still have about 2/3rds of the pouch left.
Made some fruit salad last night which will be my healthy sweet treat for my non-sugar days this week.