The No Sugar Challenge
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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 typically healthy eaters have to watch their intake of natural sugars. (Something I often struggle with myself). *Blasted sweet tooth!* But I have found that this no sugar challenge helps me in ways I never imagined.
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 healthy 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 healthy 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 healthy eating plan, I’m hosting this No Sugar Challenge. Will you join me?
No Sugar Challenge For Healthy Eaters
NOTE: If you want to join the challenge, bookmark THIS page now!
When Should You Start?
This challenge starts now! (Or on whatever day you want to start.)
You can choose to do this challenge for either 2 weeks or a full month. Just keep in mind that anything less than 2 weeks won’t do you much good. So you really need to commit to at least 2 weeks.
No Sugar Challenge Guidelines
Guidelines and rules for the challenge (how it works)
No Sugar Challenge Recipes And Meal Plans
View more recipes by searching for recipes by category.
Remember: The guidelines include 1 nutrient-dense smoothie per day. You don’t have to have it for breakfast, but it should be one of your 5-6 meals of the day (or a snack if you eat three meals per day). When you have it is entirely up to you. It’s just important to get all those fabulous nutrients that are going to help you feel better than ever.
No Sugar Added Smoothie Recipes
And remember, if you have any questions or need support, leave a comment here or join us all on Facebook! There, you will find a VERY active community to help support you through the process.
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. Even if the craving isn’t there.
First challenge originally posted on 4/21/12.
Is this just on the honor system or is there somewhere to sign up?
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.
Well I am in!!!
BrandyS – Yay!!!
This is Bridgett I am going to start Monday, I am IN:)
Bridgett – Yay!! Welcome aboard!! 😀
I’m in! I’ve slipped down that slope lately too so this is just what I need to get back on track 🙂
Tracy – Fantastic! Happy to have you on board!
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!
Melanie – I’m not sure, but I just emailed her to find out.
Just heard back, as of right now, you can subscribe to her RSS feed. Hope that helps!
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!
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!
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!
Christanqk – Wonderful! Happy to have you along for the ride!
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 🙂
Debbie – Fantastic! You’ve definitely got the right attitude about it! Go girl!
What a great idea
Elizabeth – I hope you’ll join us!
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!
Elizabeth – Fabulous!! You’ll be all the healthier for it! Go girl!
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!
Stacey – Fabulous!!! Just keep thinking about how much better you’ll feel when it’s done. You can do it!
Tori – Wow! Nothing like testing your willpower!! But I know you can do it. Go girl!
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!
Tori – Now you have a good excuse to avoid that!
I just started following your blog and love it. This challenge is definitely what I need.
Tameka – Wonderful! Happy to have you join us!
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!
Stephanie – Yes! You CAN do this! And lemon water is a fantastic way to start the day!
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!
That is what I was thinking. Thanks for clarifying!
Lori – You bet!
I’m in! Day one done…and easy….let’s keep it rolling!
Sabrina – Fantastic!!
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!
I am excited, and a little scared about this no sugar challenge!
You can do it! You are stronger than you know.
I am in. I can do it!! It may be hard but I can try
Yes you can!!! yay!!
Count me in, I’m addictied to sugar so I imagine it will be very difficult
Ruby – You can do anything you set your mind to!