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.
Started 2 weeks ago and I feel SO good!
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 – 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.
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.
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!
Bunny – Me either. But we can do it!
Haley – Fantastic!
Paula – Well said!
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.
Arlene – If it’s just you drinking them, I would cut them in half. Freshly made smoothies do not generally keep well.
Starlight – Fantastic! Sounds like a good plan!
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.
Sbroverman – Yes!! Sugar is in EVERYTHING!!! Good to find out now though, before the challenge starts!
Cswalla – Wonderful! You can totally do this!
Ekonersmann – Don’t guess, DECIDE to do it!
I’m in for the challenge! Sweets are my weak spot and nemesis.
Erin – Me too lately. We can do this!
Raindancer – That’s wonderful!!! I’m impressed!
Fabulous!
Erin – Sorry, but no xylitol on this challenge.
Sally – You can do anything you set your mind to. You are stronger than sugar!
CJ – Fantastic!
Mimi – Just jump in and do it! It works on the honor system.