So many people have asked me about my year without sugar, and as I started writing a response to my grandma, I felt this would make a great blog post to answer questions people had in general.
Q: How in the world did you do it?
A: Well honestly I had a reward. My husbands end of the deal was that he would pay me what I considered a worth while amount. That money had to be earned outside of his regular job, so knowing that my husband was going to be paying me, and that he would be putting in extra time outside of his 40 hour work week really helped keep me going.
The other part of it was...I didn't go completely without sugar. I just didn't eat any cake, candy, ice cream etc. If I wanted to make some pancakes and waffles, I had maple syrup. I ate fruit, and on my birthday my husband and mom got me sugar free ice cream (which isn't worth it trust me. blah. gross- but really sweet of them both to get me something).
Other than that it was just deciding to do it. I was lucky because my husband really was SO supportive because he knew that I had wanted to do this for quite some time.
Q: What differences have you noticed now that you have gone a whole year without sugar?
A: Well I definitely have a lot more energy!! My grandma asked about my skin, and yes it has been clearer. Justin turned to me just the other day and said, your skin just looks better and better. *blush*
One of the biggest differences is that I can't handle crappy treats anymore. They taste disgusting. I am satisfied with only a little bit, but it has to taste really really good, or else I don't want it. I know it is sad, but I don't think I will eat another oreo, reeses, or even utah truffles. I like true dark chocolate, cheesecake, and rich ice cream. But only a little- can't handle that much anymore.
That is another difference. I don't feel guilty with what I do eat because I am in control. Before I would just eat and eat and eat. Now I eat slowly and I enjoy it. When I am done there is no after thought like "you shouldn't have eaten that" or "well you better go on the biggest loser" or "that's it, now you've done it, you have to run an extra mile!" Okay those may be exaggerations of what it was like for me before...but sometimes....that really was what I felt. You get the idea.
Q: What did you learn about yourself?
A: I was surprised to find that the hardest part in the first three months wasn't necessarily that I wanted what everyone else was having, but that I felt in a way I was withholding love by not eating what was made for me. I quickly learned however that there are more meaningful ways to show my love than by what was at the end of my fork.
I also was amazed that I didn't need those things. I really thought I needed them before. I learned that I could go without it. That is awesome. Seriously.
The last thing that has been so good is being willing to give those things I do receive to others. I found that I am really possessive...so if I got cookies from someone they were MY COOKIES! I am not sharing MY cookies with ANYONE! Now I don't feel that way. I am happy to share and actually often times I am grateful to share because I can't eat it all by myself.
Q: Are you coming back to the sugar world?
A: No. I will be eating sugar, but I am changing what I eat for good. If I am at a party where you are, don't feel bad if I don't reach for the store bought cookies or the box made cakes that you brought. My tastes have changed- but don't worry, I still love you! I am trying to only eat ingredients that I know what they are. Perhaps there are a few things I will still enjoy though....like dairy queen ice cream cake. We will see.
Q: What is your big goal next year?
A: Well Justin and I are not going out to eat for the whole year. I KNOW! It's crazy, but I am excited for a new challenge. (the only exception to this rule is if someone gives us a gift card or takes us out which does happen maybe once or twice a year.) We also are going to both set two more goals since we want to up our game. And the reward????? There just might be a long anticipated trip is in store if we meet the goals. *big smile*
I know that New Years Resolutions get a bad wrap which is why I try not to call them that. I am calling them year changers. It does change your year to make goals that cause you to stretch and look outside yourself. Year changers don't even have to last a year because you might get a hang of something sooner that a year. If after three months you have mastered your goal, evaluate and set new goals or additional parts to a goal so you can keep challenging yourself. I know that God is pleased with goal setting because it makes me grow. So what are your year changers?
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