No Sugar Challenge Guidelines

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No Sugar Challenge

NO SUGAR CHALLENGE 

Here’s how it’s done…

GUIDELINES

  1. No foods that have added sugar of any kind.
    No added natural sugars (honey, molasses, agave, etc.) Basically, if it has added sugar of any kind (natural or otherwise), don’t eat it. This includes any and all artificial sweeteners which are not considered part of a clean eating diet anyway. Note: When I say no sugar, I mean no added sugar. There will be naturally occurring sugars in milk and yogurt as well as in fruit. That’s okay. The idea is to give up ADDED sugars. So when you read a nutrition label, look at the actual list of ingredients. NOT the % of sugar per serving.
  2. Drink 1 nutrient dense smoothie per day.
    You can find all my smoothie recipes here

FRUIT

You are allowed up to 3 pieces of fruit per day. Why? Because while fruit does contain plenty of natural sugars, it is also an important part of any healthy eating plan. So this means, you can have 1 small to medium apple/orange/ banana/handful of berries/grapes/etc., three times each day. The possibilities are only as limited as your local grocery store. But you must limit yourself to no more than 3 pieces per day. Keep in mind that the fruit from your daily smoothie DOES count towards that 3 pieces of daily fruit.

MEAL PLANS AND RECIPES

  • Find all the links here (Please note that you do NOT have to follow these meal plans to participate in the challenge. These are only suggestions for those who want them).

What happens after one month?

The idea here is to help break the sugar addiction that even clean eaters can fall into from time to time. Even I am guilty, and I only eat honey and maple syrup. The problem is, I’ve caught myself eating more and more of it recently, and that needs to stop if my weight loss goals are to remain achievable.

So after the one month, I personally will most likely allow myself only 1 clean, sweet treat per week, just to keep things in control.

What you do after the 1 month is really up to you. You have to decide if this 1 month will get you ahead, or just be a hiccup in your regular routine. It all comes down to your current health goals.

So what do you say? Will you join me?

Get extra support from me and others taking this challenge!

Join me on Facebook by clicking here.

Beat the sugar addiction now!

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  • http://riascollection.blogspot.com/ Ria

    I’m in Tiffany!!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Ria – Yay!!!! Happy to have you on board!

  • Gina

    With you!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Gina – Whoooo Hooooo!!! Welcome aboard!

  • Kelly Cain

    I’m in….gonna try my darndest!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Kelly – Good for you! You can do it!

  • http://www.airforcewifeslife.blogspot.com Ruthanne

    You may find yourself falling into a sugar addiction because of the agave. Even though it’s natural, raw, organic, or whatever, several health professionals now are saying it affects your body almost exactly the way high fructose corn syrup does. That is the WORST, and I would humbly suggest that if you want to break your sugar addiction for good, throw out the agave and stick to other natural sugars like raw honey, etc.

  • Anna

    I don’t usually eat a lot of sugar anyways. The only 2 pieces of fruit thing are what’s going to kill me, but I’m in.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Rthanne – That is the idea of this challenge. To give up ALL forms of sugar.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Anna – FABULOUS!! You can do it!!

  • elisha

    id love to try it out..can you give us some ideas of meals with no sugars?

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Elisha – Most of the recipes here on my blog do not have sugar. If you search by category and avoid the dessert, beverage and fruit categories, you should find plenty of them. Hope that helps!

  • Melanie McMichael

    Thank you for this site! I have Fibromyalgia and am always looking for ways to improve my disease. I found clean eatng a few weeks ago and was craving fudge today and googled clean eating fudge and….there your site was! Thank you! Thank you!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Melanie – You’re welcome! ( Love that you posted this on the No Sugar Challenge page! LOL) Happy to have you as a reader!

  • ghalya

    I forgot to mention that I joined you on you No Sugar challenge! It has not been that rough… first few days – headaches… however, now, I feel much better! :)

    I am In!

    ~dee

  • Donna

    Just stumbled on this part of the site today, 18 days into your challenge. Good Luck and would love to hear how its going for everyone. I really enjoy your site, is there a way to share recipes with you that are clean!! Thanks.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Donna – You can always email me through my blog here. (Hover your mouse over the “about” button. You’ll see the Contact” link) Thanks!

  • Katherine

    How timely of you! Having hypoglycemia, my Dr JUST told me to go on a two-week no-sugar diet. So… how, exactly, am I gonna get support from others through this?? :) E-mails or what?

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Katherine – Eating clean is GREAT for Hypoglycemia. And cutting out sugar will do wonders as well. Join me on Facebook. I have a very active community there and the people there will be very supportive. Feel free to ask questions here in comments as well. Good luck! You’ll love it!

  • CAROLINE

    If I’m going to commit, I want to COMMIT to this ya know? So I understand that nothing with “added sugar” would work … but what about something natural (like skim milk) that has sugar in it, but hasn’t been added? Would skim milk be acceptable?

  • http://fitfabulousforever.com Gale Compton

    Tiffany, I’m so excited we decided to have two more weeks of the challenge. During the last challenge you broke through your plateau, I lost some lbs and lots of others reported doing so as well. I think so many people would like to break the sugar habit but at first thought it seems so overwhelming. By making the challenge a community/Facebook effort, I think there will be a lot of success with round 2. Gale

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Caroline – Yes, milk is acceptable and allowed on the challenge. But that said, don’t go overboard either. You don’t want much more than 2-3 cups of milk per day anyway.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Gale – Agreed!! I’m so excited to do it again! In addition, I’ll be able to start running in the evenings starting tomorrow. So the 2 things together should really help me blast through this stubborn weight!

  • Tiffany Meinhardt

    I need this badly…. I’m in!!!!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Tiffany – Fabulous!! Glad to have you on board!

  • Holly

    What about sugar alcohols…are they just as bad??

  • HeidiJ

    This sounds like just what I need to do!! I’m in!

  • Nan

    I am SO low sugar now….other than some Greek yogurt once in a while and a once a week muffin (made with sucanat)…but SURE I can do this! It will be fun!

  • Tammy

    Can you please post a example of a days worth of food?

    Just so I can get an idea of what you will be eating at all meals etc?

    Thanks! :)

  • http://www.losingitwithjess.com Jessica

    I love this! I need to get back on track with my clean eating.. and having a network of friends to have the accountability with is awesome! I am hypoglycemic and have hypothyroidism.. My body craves sugar and when it get’s sugar.. it loves it until my body crashes again.. Thank you for your commitment to health!

  • maryann

    I will try it. Starting April 1st.

  • Tracy

    I’m joining you girls! I gave up all sugar for Lent & I’m still holding strong :-) It’s AMAZING how good I feel!

  • Stacy Yates

    Ok… going to try it. I could use a good challenge!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Holly – Sugar alcohols should be avoided as well. A food tem that has sugar alcohols as apposed to sugar or sugar substitute will still have a certain amount of sugar, even though it’s low enough for the food product to be called “sugar free”. Plus, sugar alcohols are typically paired with sugar substitutes which are definitely not clean.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    HeidiJ – FANTASTIC!!! Glad to have you along for the ride!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Nan – Sugar is sugar! But if you’re always very low in sugar, this should make the challenge really easy for you! Happy to have you on board!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Tammy – If you click the link at the top that says “Menus”, you’ll see several menus that will qualify for this challenge. I’m afraid, with my blog, my son and school, I won’t have time to photograph every meal. So I don’t want to commit to that. But I will try to post a few on facebook if I get the time.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Jessica – I was hypoglycemic for many years before I became pre-diabetic. It’s hard to describe the power that sugar has over you when you are dealing with those issues. Good for you for taking the challenge! You’re not alone!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Maryann – Wonderful! Happy to have you!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Tracy – It really is amazing, isn’t it?? I don’t know why I’m so surprised. lol

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Stacy – Fantastic!!! You’ll love it.

  • Kammeron

    I’m all about it tiff, been reading your daily e-mails for awhile. They’re genius. I thank you kindly. And april 1st I will be starting the No sugar challenge.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Kammeron – Yay!!! So happy to have you along for the ride!

  • QueenBee

    You can count me in…..should be fun/interesting!
    :-)

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    QueenBee – That’s great! Enjoy the challenge!

  • Ali

    Count me in!! I am all about this. Sugar does really bad things to my hips. It is such an addiction. If I eat it I want more! This will be a great challenge for me!!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Ali – I’m the same way! The more I eat, the more I want. Even with natural sugars. Good for you for joining in! Welcome!

  • Amanda

    I’m in. I got some blood work back this week and the numbers were NOT good. I need to get back on track and this is just what I need.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Amanda – Good for you! I know what you mean about scary blood work. I’ve had my share of that. But the good news is, you know about it. So now you can do something about it. You’ll do great!

  • Christine

    Just found out my daughter has a fructose intolerance so I think this will be good for the whole family count me in!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Christine – Happy to have you! Join me on Facebook too. You’ll get lots of support there!

  • Kristi stephens

    Ok you talked me into it! I’m going to do the challenge!!! I posted this on my facebook page hopefully some of my friends will join me!!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Kristi – That’s fabulous!!! You’ll do great!

  • http://bostongirlontheverge.blogspot.com/2011/03/5-fun-things-link-love.html Jeanne

    As I was sitting here thinking about what I could have for a sweet treat after dinner I came across this post. I’m going to give it a try!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Jeanne – That’s wonderful!! Happy to have you on board!

  • annie

    I’m in. I’ve done this before and lost 20 pounds over an 8 week timeframe. I’ve fallen off the wagon somewhat and need to begin again. Thanks for the challenge. I love your recipes.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Annie – Good for you!! And you’ll feel so much better!

  • Ro

    Hi!!! I’ve done this on my own. I never felt so energetic and clear-headed and my stomach was flatter than it has been in a long, long time. I had no headaches, slept better, and didn’t crave the sugar, which was really nice.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Ro – That’s wonderful!! I had a similar experience. It’s only day 2 and I’m already feeling far more energetic. Such a great feeling!

  • Clarisse

    I’m thinking of trying it…my sugar addiction is FIERCE…but I need fruit, i really like it, and cooking is much more of a neccesity than a joy so fruit a big part of my meals…why did you decide to limit it to two pieces?

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Clarisse – Because even natural sugars can be overdone. 2 pieces is just about right. It allows you healthy fruits, but not so much that you can’t detox from the sugar. You can do this! The first few days are the worst. If you can get through them, it’ll be smooth sailing from there. Go girl!

  • Kelly

    I threw this challenge out to my family for any takers, and my 14-year old son stepped up! We will be done this Sunday and although I’ve been eating clean for over a year, I was getting a little lax with my sugar intake. This has really helped me tighten up my plan, and my son has learned so much. About himself and reading labels, and exploring new alternatives to a sugary snack. Thank you for the challenge. We’re almost done and I don’t think either of us will give in at this point. It has gotten a lot easier in the second half. You have a great website!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Kelly – That’s wonderful! I love that your son got involved. What a great experience for him!

  • Sarah

    I will join you in this next round! I’ve watched you all take this challenge and didn’t give it much thought until I watched the video you posted about sugar. I tried on my own for a few days and it was hard! Didn’t realize how much sugar I get, a little here, a little there. My migraines started coming back, no sure if there is a connection there or not. Drinking coffee with milk tastes great to me but I did learn it must be quality coffee or eww… Amazing how sugar can mask the taste of so many things! If it is this challenging, the results must be worth the effort and my body must be addicted to the sugar. Challenge here I come! :)

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Sarah – If you get headaches at first, be sure to drink plenty of water. It will help flush all those toxins out a little faster!

  • Lesley

    Ok, Tiffany, I’m joining you and the rest of the gang! I’ve been off track for a loooong time now, and this is just what I need to get “Clean” again!!

    I’m ready for this!! :)

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Lesley – Fantastic!!! Happy to have you along for the ride!

  • Kim

    I am so in this time!!! Let’s get it started!!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Kim – Yay!! It starts on the 25th, but feel free to start sooner if you like!

  • Debbie

    I am ready for my first challenge. Sugar is a huge issue for me so I know this won’t be easy but Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes! Ready for the 25th!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Debbie – FANTASTIC! Go girl!! You can do this!

  • http://superstickysweetstuff.blogspot.com/ Lisa Mosier

    I started eating clean three weeks ago and have found your website so helpful! The only thing is…. I’m in LOVE with your clean eating no bake cookies (that you put in the freezer). They are my go-to snack when I’m craving something sweet. I look forward to this treat daily. I’m now wondering if I am addicted to this type of sweet stuff?? Meaning, I went from refined sugar addiction to clean eating sugar addiction. My plan is to begin April 25th with the No Sugar Challenge, but I can tell you already that I’m missing those no bake cookies! HELP!! :-)

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Lisa – LOL!!! I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to cause that kind of problem for you!

    Actually, yes. It’s entirely possible to switch to a natural sugar addiction simply because sugar is sugar. It might come in different forms, and some may be healthier than others, but it’s still sugar. We can still get addicted to it.

    It will be tough, but you’ll have to go “cold-turkey” on this one. Have a piece of fruit or a smoothie instead. The first few days are the hardest, and then your cravings go away completely. So hang in there!!

  • Clarisse

    I’m completely in for the new challenge well, not 100% because I’m not sure I can stick to fruit 2x a day. We get organic fruits and veggies delivered and I can’t let the fruit get wasted. I’ve trained myself to drink unsweetened almond milk in my coffee only but am thinking ‘yuck’ to unsweetened oatmeal! are there some foods that you can’t deal with without sugar? how did you ‘make yourself’ like them without sugar?

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Clarisse – I’ve never had to “make” myself eat something. I just prepare it differently. Try my recipe for savory oatmeal. It’s just like risotto. Very good! Typically, the only thing I have to stay away from are baked goods because I bake with honey or agave. Most of my meals do not contain sugars anyway. So I just cook without it. If you need some help with specific things, let me know and I’ll do my best to help.

  • Teresa

    I’d like to join in as well. I had several weeks off sugar earlier this year when I had to do a food allergy elimination diet. I did feel better and didn’t really have any cravings for sweets, but once I started having added sugars again I found myself wanting more and more. I do have a question – my protein powder is sweetened with stevia, plus I always have stevia in my coffee every morning. Is that considered off limits as well? I may have to give my dh prior warning if I’m going to be off my coffee-lol;)

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Teresa – We are not allowing stevia in this challenge. We may revisit that rule for future challenges, but for the moment, sorry. No stevia.

  • Annie

    I have never bought Tofu in my life,can you give any details what to look for when buying it. I desperately need a grocery store tour…lol :) Is there something else I can substitute it with?

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Annie – Just look for the square packages. lol. I don’t go out of my way to buy a special kinds (Like “firm”), I just pick up the box that says “Tofu” and call it a day. When you are ready to use it, just cut open the box, drain the water, rinse off the tofu and cut to use. It’s pretty simple, you’ll see. Hope that helps!

  • Sue Keller

    Tiffany:

    I have been trying your recipes and loving them! I am a trainer for BFit Now and we offer a program called Biggest Loser in Reading, PA. I have been sharing your website and recipes with the participants to get them on the road to a healthy lifestyle. Love that you have started this website from your passion with food and learning a healthy way of life. I have lost almost 80 lbs in two years and have become a runner. My big challenge for 2011 is the Marine Corp Marathon in October. So keep bringing on the new recipes, ideas and challenges!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Sue – You are amazing!! 80 pounds is a HUGE accomplishment! Go girl!! And thank you so much for sharing my site with your participants. I’m honored!

  • Lyzette T.

    I’m in…but i’m scared, lol. :D

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Lyzette – FANTASTIC! Don’t be scared. You’ll do great! Remember, its only two weeks. I promise, if you really MUST have sugar, it will be there waiting when the 2 weeks is up. You can do this!!

  • Lydia

    Okay, I’m going to do it. I eat pretty clean now. For a sweetener, I use raw honey and occasionally organic cane sugar. I’ve been working out a lot at higher intensities (love, love, love spin class). I feel myself getting stronger and my endurance is building, but the fat around my waist seems to be the same. I think the no sugar challenge will help me with that problem. My birthday is Wednesday so I will not be having any cake this year. :-)

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Lydia – Wow! That’s commitment! But then, there is always next year for that cake. A girl has to have her priorities! Good for you and welcome aboard!

  • desiree

    im in for this round, i fell off my plan really hard this week. i think this will reset my body again ?;)
    is there an example shopping list i can go buy sun night???

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Desiree – I avoided the shopping list just because I put sooooo many recipes on the No Sugar Menus. There’s no way anybody could cook (or eat) all of what I put on there, but I wanted people to have choices. So it really depends on the recipes you use.

  • Janet

    Tiffany – my husband and I are in! Thanks for the challenge!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Janet – FANTASTIC!!! I always love it when the guys join in. So wonderful!

  • Shawnita

    I’m in…wish me luck!!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Shawnita – No luck needed! You CAN do this! I promise!!

  • Bridget

    I love a good challenge, but I just found you guys!! Where do I start?? Are the recipes for the first two weeks listed somewhere??
    thanks

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Bridget – We start today, but feel free to start tomorrow if you need to. Just follow the links for the meal plans and info.

  • Noreen Gallo

    I am not on facebook, busy mom of 4 and no time for social networking. I really want to participate – how do I do this without facebook? Thanks

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Noreen – You don’t need Facebook at all! We just do that as a supplement. Simply follow the guidelines and if you have any questions or need support, simply leave a comment here and I’m happy to answer!

  • Suzanne

    I’m in. Just started it today. So far, so good. No sweetener of any kind in my coffee. That was a miracle! If I can make it through today, I can make it through the next 2 weeks. Thanks Tiffany and Gale.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Suzanne – Go girl!!! I believe in you!

  • Cheryl

    In looking at the recipe meal plan, it looks like bread and pasta is allowed. Which just has me a little confused, I guess because I tried the South Beach Plan before and no added sugar meant no added sugar. Boy, that was hard to sustain. Please confirm.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Cheryl – There is no added sugar in pasta (providing it’s JUST pasta). And bread can go either way. You can make your own or buy some without sugar if you can find it. They are out there. I think you may be confusing the sugar with carbs. South Beach cut the sugar AND carbs the first two weeks.

  • Cheryl

    Okay, thanks!

  • steph

    Tiffany… is the fruit smoothie in addition to the 2 fruits per day or in place of them?

    Thanks!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Steph – It would be in place of them. (Not sure we really thought that one through when we created these recipes.) You can always drink a smaller amount and have some fruit later in the day if you need to.

  • http://www.mariposagirl.wordpress.com Cindy

    Hi Tiffany~!
    I just found you via a link from Fit Knit Chick and I love your blog.

    I am TOTALLY up for a no sugar challenge. I basically can’t say no to a challenge but I am on a “get rid of the middle” challenge myself and I KNOW sugar is a big BIG culprit so…

    I’m IN.

    I’m off to check your links and peruse your blog some more!
    I am really glad I found your blog.
    Cindy

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Cindy – Thank you, and welcome! So happy to have you join in on the challenge! :)

  • lph

    I’m in. I’ve needed a little more incentive and this is it!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Iph – Fabulous!!! Happy to have you!

  • Dawn Williams

    OMG…. I’m in to the max but how to sweeten coffee? Is the caffiene out too? Still can do ….but let me know please. Concerned about withdrawals since I’m a coffee and splenda fanatic.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Dawn – No splenda. No artificial sweeteners at all. No added sugars of any kind. You can still have your coffee, just have it with plain, non-fat milk and no sweetener. It’ll take a little getting used to, but you will.

    You may experience some headaches from not having the splenda or from the sugar withdrawals. Just drink lots of water and know that it will pass in a day or two. So will the cravings. You may have to just grit your teeth and get through the first few days. But if you are really craving something sweet, I do have No Sugar dessert recipes listed. So use those if you get really desperate.

    Hope that helps!

  • Jaini

    I REALLY want to do this, but EVERY time I try eating clean and getting off sugar I FAIL!!! My addiction is HUGE!!! I really want to succeed in getting off sugar for good, but I fail every time so, I do not know if I can do it.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Jaini – Oh boy. You sound a lot like some other people who have taken this challenge. The word “scared” seems to come up a lot for some people with this challenge. But here’s the thing. Every time you “try”, you are, at the very least, reducing your sugar intake. There’s no failure in that! Just keep trying!

    Also, look at what situations make you “fail”, and see if you can either avoid them or accommodate for them. There are so many people doing this that can help you through the tough times. Don’t give up. Try, try again!

  • Kellie

    Where can we find the video???
    k

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Kellie – Which video?

  • Crystal

    I’m so ridiculously addicted to sugary foods, and I have been desperately trying to break the habit for months. I am going to jump right into this challenge and hope for the best!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Crystal – Good for you!!! You CAN do this! Go girl!!!!!

  • Kathy

    The above video is 1-1/2 hours long. But soooo worth the time. Get yourself a nice glass of ice water, sit back, and learn!

    I can’t seem to find the video referred to here? Could you direct me?
    By the way I am in! Starting right now. What a great site!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Kathy – You can’t see the video? Hmmm… when I get home tonight I’ll change the video to a link. You should be able to view it on youtube then.

  • Hannah

    Hello!!!!
    I LOVE your website! I eat organically and try to limit any “dirty” foods but I am definitely interested in the clean eating lifestyle change and the no-sugar challenge! I think I’m a bit late…but I guess I’ll do it on my own. Thanks so much for your information and ideas :)

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Hannah – No matter when you start, you will always find support here! Join me on Facebook if you can, you’ll find a ton of support there too! Enjoy!

  • Corrin

    It’s just me again, sorry to be a pain lol. I really am going to give this “NO SUGAR” challenge a try and hope I can stick to it. I just wanted to know if after the four weeks are up for you and the others that may have started along with you, if u were keeping up the guidelines for all four weeks?!?! Sugar is ONE of my Biggest problems and I Need/Want to cut back but I would LOVE to just GIVE IT UP!!!!

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Corrin – That’s a personal choice. People are doing it for many different reasons, so what they do after will vary. Personally, I try to avoid it all the time now. But that’s me.

  • Jessica

    Thank you for posting this challenge. I know I’m a little late for the official challenge, but I have been doing it for a week now and have managed to lose 5 lbs and feel better.
    At my last dr. check up we had discussed switching to a low glycemic lifestyle and the need to lose about 70 lbs. I have to say, that I’m not craving the sugar, and I love proving to my husband how easy it is!
    When I told him that I was going to give up sugar, he rolled his eyes, and said, “You promised no more ‘gimmicks’!” And he’s convinced after a week, that I can make this stick.

  • http://www.thegraciouspantry.com The Gracious Pantry

    Jessica – FABULOUS!!! Keep up the great work! You can TOTALLY do this!! :)

  • nellab

    I’m sorry, but I don’t see the link for the video on sugar addiction that is 1 1/2hours long… could you possibly send me the link? thank you so much… I am definitely a sugar addict, but am ready for the headache and withdrawals to feel better and not so sluggish… thanks for your site… love it. Nella

  • Anonymous

    Sorry, here you go: http://youtu.be/dBnniua6-oM

  • graciouspantry

    Annette – Just start! You’ll feel so much better for it. It’s amazing what happens when we get sugar out of our bodies. All good things!

  • graciouspantry

    Nancy – Yup! Here we go!!

  • graciouspantry

    Trish – Fantastic!

  • graciouspantry

    Mary – If you count it as one of your fruit allowances, it’s fine.

  • graciouspantry

    Tonya – Yes, that would be 3 servings.

  • graciouspantry

    Tonya – Ya, it’s amazing what kind of impact sugar has!

  • graciouspantry

    Annie – Happy to have you on board!

  • graciouspantry

    Kim – Let’s do it!

  • kerri

    I’m in! Would love to break my sugar addiction!!

  • Cmuehl

    You just have to jump right in. The first few weeks you will be dealing with old habits and old cravings. Just keep thinking that sugar is addictive! No different than cocaine is addictive. That may sound radical but read the studies. Sugar can damage your body. I have been sugar free for 8 months. I don’t miss it at all. Stevia is an ok patch, but it must be real – whole stevia. Not the junk in the supermarket. Truvia isolates just part of the stevia and still contains sugar molecules. Whole stevia does not. Your body will soon loose it’s craving to sugar. Good luck I am there for all of you!

  • Victoria

    so no bread?

  • graciouspantry

    Victoria – If you can find bread without added sugar, you are free to have it. I could be wrong, but I believe Alvarado Street Bakery bread and Ezekiel bread has a few in their lines that don’t have added sugar.

  • graciouspantry

    Cmuehl – So true! I always put it this way… Stevia comes from a plant. Truvia comes from the Coca Cola company. Nuff’ said.

  • graciouspantry

    Kerri – Fantastic!! Welcome aboard!

  • Brbird

    Can you explain why have a smoothie a day? I’m not sure I understand why smoothies. I’ve been off sugar and all its kin for 7 years, but I use Splenda, so I will try to be completely off Splenda for a month. I cannot have honey or any sweetener (it triggers my fibromyalgia), so I will have to use Splenda occasionally. But I’m hoping that being off of it for a month will get me to use it only very occasionally.

  • graciouspantry

    Br – It’s been my experience that having the daily smoothie does 2 things.

    1. It allows you a sweet treat to look forward to every day.
    2. It gives your body plenty of nutrients which, in my experience, helps get past the cravings.

  • Brbird

    You can have oatmeal, though! So you still get lots of good carbs. Personally, I have always preferred plain oatmeal anyway–no salt, no sugar. I just like really bland foods. :)

  • Julia

    Never heard of whole stevia. Is it a leaf you crumble??? I can’t stand the powdered form (aftertaste) and don’t really care for Truvia either. Where do you get whole stevia? Hopefully I won’t need to know if I get off this sugar kick. :)

  • graciouspantry

    Julia – Stevia is not allowed on this challenge. When I say “whole”, I’m referring to 100% stevia with nothing added. It comes in either liquid or powder form. I don’t use it either because of the aftertaste.

  • Birmingham4

    I am very excited to try this. I know a few days or a week is easy, but the long haul for 30 days would be a great victory! This challenge is timely, I can’t wait to hear what people experience through the process.(especially those with husbands and children who don’t eat clean yet!)

  • KimH

    Count me IN!! I desperately need this… My sweet tooth has gotten completely out of control. I wrote this quote on my dry-erase board on my refrigerator this morning,

    “To achieve success, we must master our desires”. Eknath Easwaran.

    Thank you for hosting this challenge and allowing me to join in the combined energy of each & every one of us together for added strength!

    Blessings!

  • graciouspantry

    KimH – Happy to have you on board! Welcome!

  • graciouspantry

    Birmingham – Haha!!! It’s called a challenge for a reason!

  • graciouspantry

    PR – Wonderful! Let’s do this!

  • graciouspantry

    Mackrango – That’s why it’s called a challenge! But you can do it!
    You do not have to follow the menus at all. They are only suggestions for people that want them.

  • graciouspantry

    Marti – That’s wonderful! It really does make SUCH a difference! I’m hoping to make it a permanent thing. We shall see!

  • graciouspantry

    Tracey – You bet! You can do this!!!

  • graciouspantry

    Linda – Wonderful!! I need to re-read that book myself…

  • graciouspantry

    Whitney – Whatever works for you. I have several people starting on different dates.

  • graciouspantry

    Birmingham – You can do this!!!

  • http://sarahkoller.com/ Sarah

    I’m in! I’ve been trying to do something similar on my own but haven’t been successful. I’m really looking forward to the accountability. I’m making tomorrow’s meal plan right now!

  • graciouspantry

    Sarah – Fantastic! Glad you have you join in!

  • graciouspantry

    Melissa – Of course! Start now!

  • graciouspantry

    Tarney – You can do that, just know that the cravings will be much worse and take much longer to subside.

  • graciouspantry

    Dawn – Awesome!! You’ll do great!

  • graciouspantry

    Sally – Wonderful! Happy to have you in on this!

  • graciouspantry

    Susanne – Join me on Facebook if you do that. It’s a very supportive community there. And please, please throw out the Truvia. It’s nasty stuff!

  • Deleddy

    Slowly working into the challenge. It is a struggle when work requires meals over meetings and choices are limited. Meals I can control will not have added sugar.

  • graciouspantry

    Deleddy – Just do the best you can.

  • graciouspantry

    Nicole – You’ll do great! It’s a wonderful gift to give your kids. Good for you!