The Clean Eater’s No Sugar Challenge

by The Gracious Pantry on April 21, 2012

It seems like everywhere you look, there is new information out about how bad sugar really is for you. And yet it’s in EVERYTHING these days. Even clean eaters must watch their intake of natural sugars. Something I personally struggle with all the time. *Blasted sweet tooth!*

Sugar really is incredible stuff when you think about it. Few things can addict us in such a way and still allow us to function for years on end before showing any real, ill health effects. It’s sweet, it’s comforting, and it’s widely accepted as a normal part of life. Even for clean eaters, it’s easy to slide down that slippery slope sometimes. An extra bit of honey in your coffee, a little extra maple syrup on your protein waffles or just one extra clean cookie because they taste sooo yummy, can really put you in just as bad a place as if you were eating the refined garbage. I know, it’s happened to me numerous times and I don’t even realize it’s happened until I notice I’m seeking out something sweet because I’m craving it. Not good.

So in an effort to clean up my clean eating plan, I’m hosting another No Sugar Challenge. Will you join me?

THE CHALLENGE

This round, I will be upping the time frame to 1 full month and begins on Monday, 4/23/12. *Come on… don’t wimp out on me now…. keep reading!*

A PEP TALK TO GET YOU IN DA MOOD

HERE’S ALL THE INFO YOU NEED
This is everything you will need to participate in the No Sugar Challenge.

Guidelines and rules for the challenge (how it works)
Meal plans
Smoothie recipes

PLEASE NOTE: While stevia is not sugar, it is also not allowed on this challenge as is the case with any sugar substitutes, including things like Xylitol. The idea here is to get you past the NEED for something sweet.

WANT SUPPORT?
If you feel like you’ll be needed a little support and encouragement through this process, you are not alone! I am here to help you through the entire process. You can leave comments and get answers here on my blog, AND you can join me on Facebook. I have a very active community there and you will find lots of help, ideas, and most importantly, support. Join me!

Join The Gracious Pantry on Facebook!

BrandyS.

Is this just on the honor system or is there somewhere to sign up?
Tracy

I’m in! I’ve slipped down that slope lately too so this is just what I need to get back on track
Melanie

Wow, you and Gale are amazing!! Is there a way that I can subscribe to Gale’s Blog and have it send to my email the way I can with your blog? I am new to this whole blogging thing!! I absolutely love what you are doing here!
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Elle

I’ve started today the first two weeks of the South Beach diet that are intended just for that purpose – breaking the sugar addiction. In the first 2 weeks of the SBD one is not allowed grains or fruits of any kinds nor root and some oter vegetables. One mainly eats non starchy vegetables, legumes and lower fat meat, poultry and dairy products.
It is very hard but does the job! I myself of course make sure to eat only “clean eating” foods during these two weeks as well.
Good luck with kicking the sugar habit for all of us!
Anonymous

BrandyS – It’s the honor system. I think most people realize that if they say they will do it and don’t, they are the only ones losing out.
Anonymous

Tracy – Fantastic! Happy to have you on board!
Anonymous

Melanie – I’m not sure, but I just emailed her to find out.
Anonymous

Elle – Yes!! I actually do love the South Beach diet. The only thing I don’t care for is the use of artificial stuff. But outside of that, it’s a great way to eat and actually pretty close to clean eating in many ways. Let’s do this!
Anonymous

Debbie – Fantastic! You’ve definitely got the right attitude about it! Go girl!
Anonymous

Just heard back, as of right now, you can subscribe to her RSS feed. Hope that helps!
Anonymous

Stacey – Fabulous!!! Just keep thinking about how much better you’ll feel when it’s done. You can do it!
Christanqk

Wouldn’t you know, I was just thinking this morning that I needed to do a no sugar challenge before the holidays, and then I came upon this post just now. I’ll definitely join in. Thanks for breaking it all down and making it so easy!
Debbie Mathes-Fehr

I am totally on board with this idea!! I started this morning. It is a great idea- it’s so easy to fall of the wagon with cleaning eating. A great way to get back on. Thanks for all the yummy recipes. I’m looking forward to trying all the different smoothies
Elizabeth McCammon

What a great idea
Elizabeth McCammon

What a great idea! I am totally in. I had just been thinking that I needed to get to a healthy place before the feasting starts. It’s easier to really enjoy a “once in a while” treat when I know that it is actually once in a while…not every day! Also, love all the yummy smoothie ideas! I may keep doing that once the challenge is over!
Stacey Kinnick

I’m IN! This is really going to be hard for me, and I already know it. But I just feel SO much better eating WHOLE foods and the less sugar, the better!
Anonymous

Christanqk – Wonderful! Happy to have you along for the ride!
Anonymous

Elizabeth – I hope you’ll join us!
Anonymous

Elizabeth – Fabulous!! You’ll be all the healthier for it! Go girl!
Anonymous

Tori – Wow! Nothing like testing your willpower!! But I know you can do it. Go girl!
BrandyS

Well I am in!!!
http://twitter.com/Book_Faery Tori N

Right? It’s even harder when my boss insists we taste test something for her. Usually, if I can avoid that sampler in the morning, I’m good for the rest of the day.

Thanks for the support, can’t wait to start this sugar detox!
Anonymous

BrandyS – Yay!!!
Anonymous

Tori – Now you have a good excuse to avoid that!
Tameka Daymon-Cathey

I just started following your blog and love it. This challenge is definitely what I need.
Stephanie

I am in! I have been eating wayyyyy too much sugar lately. I will have trouble giving up my coffee for two weeks (I use fat free half and half and flavored liquid stevia), especially since my son broke my pot about 2 weeks ago and I had to order a new one. Drinking warm lemon water right now. I can do this. I need to lose the 10-15 pounds I have gained this year so far, not exactly on my to do list!
Anonymous

Tameka – Wonderful! Happy to have you join us!
Anonymous

Stephanie – Yes! You CAN do this! And lemon water is a fantastic way to start the day!
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Anonymous

Lori – Not for this challenge, sorry. Part of the challenge is weaning yourself off the sweet flavors, not just the cravings. It’s amazing how sweet fruit tastes when you do that!
Sabrina

I’m in! Day one done…and easy….let’s keep it rolling!
Lori S

That is what I was thinking. Thanks for clarifying!
Anonymous

Sabrina – Fantastic!!
Anonymous

Lori – You bet!
Anonymous

Tori – Yay! I’m glad it’s working so well for you. That’s fantastic! Be careful with the Truvia. Stevia is the real stuff and is made from the Stevia plant. Truvia is made by the Coca Cola company and is not good for you. Definitely not clean, and probably the reason for your tummy ache. I will host these challenges about 4 times per year, give or take. So feel free to join in again as a refresher!
landmsmommy

I am excited, and a little scared about this no sugar challenge!
http://www.facebook.com/jennifer.boggs Jennifer A Boggs

I am in. I can do it!! It may be hard but I can try
Ruby Slippers

Count me in, I’m addictied to sugar so I imagine it will be very difficult
Dnl

When is this challenge starting?
Anonymous

You can do it! You are stronger than you know.
Anonymous

Yes you can!!! yay!!
Anonymous

Ruby – You can do anything you set your mind to!
Anonymous

Dnl – Jan 1.
Anonymous

Yay!
Anonymous

Sophie – Good for you! You can do this!
Anonymous

Happy to have you on board!
Anonymous

Yay!
Anonymous

Fantastic!
Anonymous

Wonderful!
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Anonymous

Jackie – Thank you so much! Happy to have you on board!
Anonymous

Deanna – Wonderful!
Anonymous

Bri – Happy to have you on board!
Anonymous

C2 – It’s very high in fat, so it’s not included in a clean eating diet. But I do know people following this challenge who are not clean eaters, and that is what they us. Also try my recipe for condensed milk. Makes a yummy creamer!
Anonymous

Andrea – Hahha! Ya, I get that feeling too sometimes. But if enough of us “crazies” come out of the wood works, people won’t think we’re so crazy anymore. Stay strong!
Diana Albright

I need to do this! I’ve already cut out so much sugar due to diabetes, but I still fall face first into the temptation trap… Maybe having some virtual support would helpp get me over those rough spots.
Fosterk8

Im in! Sugar is my weakness. I go to it for all the wrong reasons, and when I do, I cant stop! I keep trying to go without for a week or so, but then once I give in and have a little, I dont stop. Especially during my cycle seems to be the hardest time to not give in!
graciouspantry

Fosterk8 – You’ll do great!
graciouspantry

Diana – You can do this!!
graciouspantry

Haylz – Your best bet is to talk to your doctor or registered dietitian. I can’t advise you on that. Sorry.
graciouspantry

Shaila – Fantastic!
http://www.facebook.com/4smartmonkeys Rebecca Anne

I’m in!!! I’ve started Pilates and have so much more energy, I can’t imagine how much more I’ll have with no sugar
graciouspantry

Rebecca – Fantastic!!!
Pingback: Clean Eating Recipes | Clean Eating Green Tea Mango Smoothie
graciouspantry

Momsworld – Try my recipe for condensed milk. I really like it in coffee.
graciouspantry

EE – It is, but we can do it!!
graciouspantry

Vibeke – Fabulous! Let’s do it!
graciouspantry

Hollyc – I’m sorry, I really don’t know anything about that.
melanie higgins

I’m on board. I so need this and my body feels so much better without the sugar!
Deb Kelley

Looking forward to joining you on this ride. I am rather new to the whole Clean Eating diet. This will be an interesting challenge. I also need to watch my carb intake…I love bread more than dessert ! Question for you…if I were to have a glass of wine, how does that count towards my sugar count ? Thank you.
Bigcluff

I am in…my first healthy challenge ever!
graciouspantry

Bigcluff – You can do it!
graciouspantry

Deb – While I don’t really address it in this challenge, I encourage people to avoid alcohol during this challenge. It will only prolong the cravings.
graciouspantry

Melanie – I agree. Mine does too. Let’s do this!!
Phummel09

I’m in!!
graciouspantry

Phumme – Fantastic!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002342072434 Becky Senn

I’m all for joining the challenge. However, I have one problem. No sugar OR sweetener in my coffee? That’s like almost unthinkable. Is Stevia okay? (Even though I don’t like it.)
graciouspantry

Becky – It’s called a Challenge for a reason! But I do have a recipe for condensed milk on here in the beverage section that you might enjoy.
eila @ full plate/swellmom

I got to go hear Dr. Robert Lustig speak up at Yale a few week back, and wow. The 60 Minutes piece was eye-opening, but his lengthy discussion really hit home. I am starting a whole foods detox this Monday, which is vegan, and gluten and sugar-free. Looking forward to seeing how I feel afterwards….
graciouspantry

Eila – That’s wonderful! Let me know how it turns out for you!
graciouspantry

Darla – I have several oatmeal options for this challenge. But fruit is always a good option sweetening without sugar.
graciouspantry

Annalise – Fantastic!
graciouspantry

Gary – Why thank you!
Rachel

I’m in. Chocolate is my downfall and I really need to give it up. It’s going to be hard but I think the challenge will be great! Your timing is perfect!!
Debby

I love a challenge … and I can’t think of a better challenge to improve my overall health!
Tammy

I decided to commit to the sugar free challenge. My cravings for sugar are out of control at this point. Overall I am a fit person, exercising regularly and getting in most of my food groups each day…except for sugar. It is time for a change for the better. So looking forward to Monday and starting this new chapter in my eating habits. I even have my best friend joining me. Thanks Tiffany for starting the ball rolling on this for me!
graciouspantry

Tammy – My pleasure! You can do this!
graciouspantry

Debby – Fantastic! Welcome!
graciouspantry

Rachel – Fabulous! You are stronger than that bar of chocolate!
graciouspantry

Cec – Definitely!
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Amy Jeannette

Started 2 weeks ago and I feel SO good!
Amy Jeannette

Started 2 weeks ago and I feel SO good!
Kathy

Do you ever look at the chemistry of sugars? I read an article with scientific explanations and all of the one kind (glucose, lactose and something else) were bad but you could have a little maple syrup or molasses. Then I read another article with scientific reasons saying no maple syrup or molasses only a little honey.
One says no sweeteners with -tol at the end. One says aspartame is okay now.
It is all so confusing!
Kathy

Do you ever look at the chemistry of sugars? I read an article with scientific explanations and all of the one kind (glucose, lactose and something else) were bad but you could have a little maple syrup or molasses. Then I read another article with scientific reasons saying no maple syrup or molasses only a little honey.
One says no sweeteners with -tol at the end. One says aspartame is okay now.
It is all so confusing!
graciouspantry

Kathy – While I’m no scientist, I will say that I seriously doubt that aspartame is okay. There are too many studies linking it to cancer. Nice PR on the company’s parts though. They like to create this sort of confusion. But this is how I break it down for myself:

Fake sugar = Bad for you
Refined sugar = Bad for you
Natural sugar = Okay in small amounts, but the body will treat all sugars the same. So moderation is key.
graciouspantry

Kathy – While I’m no scientist, I will say that I seriously doubt that aspartame is okay. There are too many studies linking it to cancer. Nice PR on the company’s parts though. They like to create this sort of confusion. But this is how I break it down for myself:

Fake sugar = Bad for you
Refined sugar = Bad for you
Natural sugar = Okay in small amounts, but the body will treat all sugars the same. So moderation is key.
graciouspantry

Amy – Fantastic!
graciouspantry

Amy – Fantastic!
graciouspantry

Bunny – Me either. But we can do it!
graciouspantry

Haley – Fantastic!
graciouspantry

Paula – Well said!
graciouspantry

Sophie – I find that motivation comes when we ask ourselves, “why?”. Ask yourself why you want to do this. Write down those reasons and tape them up where you can see them every day. It does help. Motivation doesn’t just happen spontaneously, we have to find it and/or create it.
graciouspantry

Arlene – If it’s just you drinking them, I would cut them in half. Freshly made smoothies do not generally keep well.
graciouspantry

Starlight – Fantastic! Sounds like a good plan!
Sbroverman

I went to Whole Foods today to stock up on fruits and veggies for the challenge. I must say that I was very surprised and disappointed when I realized that nearly every item (expect for perishables) has sugar in it…ham, BBQ sauce, tortillas, etc. When I gave up sugar a few months ago, I didn’t even think to exclude those items or see if they had sugar in them. It was a very eye opening experience for me. I’m hoping that this will be a lifestyle change.
graciouspantry

Sbroverman – Yes!! Sugar is in EVERYTHING!!! Good to find out now though, before the challenge starts!
graciouspantry

Cswalla – Wonderful! You can totally do this!
graciouspantry

Ekonersmann – Don’t guess, DECIDE to do it!
Erin

I’m in for the challenge! Sweets are my weak spot and nemesis.
graciouspantry

Erin – Me too lately. We can do this!
graciouspantry

Raindancer – That’s wonderful!!! I’m impressed!
graciouspantry

Fabulous!
graciouspantry

Erin – Sorry, but no xylitol on this challenge.
graciouspantry

Sally – You can do anything you set your mind to. You are stronger than sugar!
graciouspantry

CJ – Fantastic!
graciouspantry

Mimi – Just jump in and do it! It works on the honor system.
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Hiotte

I have gained 25 pounds in one year and it has been discouraging for me. I used to be on a yeast-free diet and felt so great! Not thirsty all the time, not hungry constantly, my health issues went away… but now I am eating carbs and sugars again and I feel awful! Definitely not comfortable in my own skin and tired all the time. I want to feel good again!! I am going to do this!!
graciouspantry

Hiotte – Wonderful!! You deserve to feel good again!
graciouspantry

Kim – I know the feeling. Let’s do this!
graciouspantry

Sally – Proud of you!!
Beth Tuecke

I know I am a few days late, but I am taking the challenge and am extremely excited about it!!!
graciouspantry

Beth – Fantastic! Jump right in!
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graciouspantry

Audrey – You can do it!
Darcy

So, I actually started doing this with a friend on March 25th with a plan to do it for 40 days. We had to put money down on it or I would have cheated by the second day (I am such a sugar addict!) This Saturday is our last day and now we are working out a plan to maintain! I had to give up carbs too so I could cut the cravings-but all the pain from the arthritis in my hand has totally gone away!
graciouspantry

Darcy – That’s amazing! You should be very proud of yourself! Good for you!
graciouspantry

Tammy – That’s fantastic!! Keep up the great work!
graciouspantry

Erin – Fantastic! Any time you decide to cut sugar is a good time. You’ll do great!