Goals for next week........

I have made it a week and 2 days without sugar!! Whoohooo! The sugar cravings are getting less frequent and my energy has increased. I have avoided the foods that my body is sensitive to so that might also explain the increased energy. I am working out every day and my muscles are sore! The Wii Fit Biggest Loser game is relentless, but I did set high goals and I plan to meet them. My first weigh in is Tuesday, January 12th, and I cannot wait to post the results.

Here are my goals for the coming week:
1. DRINK more water 48oz or more.
2. Portion control-be attentive to EVERYTHING I eat. (My biggest struggle)
3. Try making gluten free bread. (wheat gluten is one of the foods I am sensitive to)
4. Exercise every day.

Portion Control!

Today, I tried to be mindful of my caloric intake. I want to learn the size of "normal" portions. This is challenging for me-maybe more challenging than giving up sugar. Speaking of sugar, I am still sugar and fruit free! I also worked out today!!! I am sore from the workouts but I still have more energy. And for the super good news- drum roll please- I have lost 5lbs in 1 week!

I need to blog!!!

Day 6 and still no sugar. I even made cookies and did not eat any of them. Cookie dough is my all time favorite, so it was not easy. I have been "indulging" on sugar free chai smoothies. I received a magic bullet blender for Christmas and am putting it to good use!

Chai smoothie
1/2 cup organic skim milk
1/2 cup chai
1/2 cup ice
stevia/truvia to taste
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
Blend and enjoy at only 45 calories.

I have not consumed sugar, honey, aguave nectar, fruit (except the one time I forgot and had a few bites) and I have not experienced a tremendous weight loss. It is very gradual-just a few pounds. I am also working out using my Biggest Looser game on the Wii Fit. I just started a game today and am on a 12 week course to lose weight. I hope to loose 30+ lbs in 12 weeks. According to the Biggest Loser game, I should consume 1560 calories a day and work out every other day. Shouldn't be to hard considering I am not eating sugar and I have quite a list of foods I avoid because I am sensitive to them. BTW-The workouts are pretty intense-they make me sweat and leave me sore. I am slightly addicted.

I am very thankful for this blog. It is making me accountable. So many times I have good intentions and do not follow through because I do not see immediate results. Well, I am committed this time..... now, only 359 more days to go!!!

I have energy!!!

Yesterday, I started my Biggest Lose Wii Fit game! I was a little sore this morning, but I felt great. This afternoon while the kids napped, I snuck in another workout. When the kids got up, I was so full of energy. Usually, I crash in the afternoon and am running to cram some food (usually sugar or some kind of carb) into my system to energize me. On my 5th day no sugar- I am energetic! I guess sugar isn't as energizing as I thought.

On a side note, I have been reading and researching the benefits of ORGANIC coconut oil I have been cooking with coconut oil for several months. I even add it to my tea or hot cocoa. =) It tastes so yummy. Today, while visiting my very holistic chiropractor, he noticed I had a cough. He tested me using kinesiology and found that coconut oil pills would help my cough/cold. I am amazed at all the natural remedies. God must of thought of everything when He created the world! =)

Sugar's effect on your health!

I am aware sugar is not good for you. I am trying to strip sugar from my diet for a variety of reasons. I did not realize how toxic sugar is for our bodies. I am even more determined to finish this year without refined sugars!!! Here is part of an article I read today:





Sugar's effect on your health
The average American consumes an astounding 2-3 pounds of sugar each week, which is not surprising considering that highly refined sugars in the forms of sucrose (table sugar), dextrose (corn sugar), and high-fructose corn syrup are being processed into so many foods such as bread, breakfast cereal, mayonnaise, peanut butter, ketchup, spaghetti sauce, and a plethora of microwave meals.
In the last 20 years, we have increased sugar consumption in the U.S. 26 pounds to 135 lbs. of sugar per person per year! Prior to the turn of this century (1887-1890), the average consumption was only 5 lbs. per person per year! Cardiovascular disease and cancer was virtually unknown in the early 1900's.


Sugar can suppress the immune system.
Sugar can upset the body's mineral balance.
Sugar can contribute to hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, concentration difficulties, and crankiness in children.
Sugar can produce a significant rise in triglycerides.
Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.
Sugar can reduce helpful high density cholesterol (HDLs).
Sugar can promote an elevation of harmful cholesterol (LDLs).
Sugar can cause hypoglycemia.
Sugar contributes to a weakened defense against bacterial infection.
Sugar can cause kidney damage.
Sugar can increase the risk of coronary heart disease.
Sugar may lead to chromium deficiency.
Sugar can cause copper deficiency.
Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
Sugar can increase fasting levels of blood glucose.
Sugar can promote tooth decay.
Sugar can produce an acidic stomach.
Sugar can raise adrenaline levels in children.
Sugar can lead to periodontal disease.
Sugar can speed the aging process, causing wrinkles and grey hair.
Sugar can increase total cholesterol.
Sugar can contribute to weight gain and obesity.
High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Sugar can contribute to diabetes.
Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.
Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
Sugar leads to decreased glucose tolerance.
Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease.
Sugar can increase systolic blood pressure.
Sugar causes food allergies.
Sugar can cause free radical formation in the bloodstream.
Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.
Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.
Sugar can overstress the pancreas, causing damage.
Sugar can cause atherosclerosis.
Sugar can compromise the lining of the capillaries.
Sugar can cause liver cells to divide, increasing the size of the liver.
Sugar can increase the amount of fat in the liver.
Sugar can increase kidney size and produce pathological changes in the kidney.
Sugar can cause depression.
Sugar can increase the body's fluid retention.
Sugar can cause hormonal imbalance.
Sugar can cause hypertension.
Sugar can cause headaches, including migraines.
Sugar can cause an increase in delta, alpha and theta brain waves, which can alter the mind's ability to think clearly.
Sugar can increase blood platelet adhesiveness which increases risk of blood clots and strokes.
Sugar can increase insulin responses in those consuming high-sugar diets compared to low sugar diets.
Sugar increases bacterial fermentation in the colon.


http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/sugar.htm

Still resisting!

Day 3!! Whoo hooo! I am happy to report I have resisted sugar. =) I did eat some pomegranates without even thinking. Oops. It is hard for me to remember to cut fruit out of my diet! I am still planning on going a full 30 days with out fruit, so now I will wait until February 3rd to have fruit. I currently have a mild cold but it is getting better-thanks to vitamins and herbs. I have been taking elderberry syrup, vitamin d3, and herbal tea and they worked their magic. I did hop on the treadmill yesterday and managed to get in a workout. Tomorrow, I will workout again.

Day 1

It is New Year's Day and I have gone almost an entire 24 hours without sugar! =) A few months ago, I was having issues with stomach pain/nausea and I had my food sensitivities tested using kinesiology. I am sensitive to: wheat gluten, oats, almonds, peanuts, grapes, apples, mushrooms, splenda and coffee. In addition to sugar, I am also trying to eliminate those items from my diet. Oh, and I generally do not eat pork. I am not going to pretend it is easy to eliminate those items from my diet. I did attend a party today with several very yummy looking deserts and I did not consume! =) I held strong even in the presence of chocolate. I can do this! 364 more days to go.

Now, to my next goals! Spend time with God every day in 2010. I want to become less of who I am through God so that he can become more in my life. Hence the blog name, becoming less. =)
I also need to exercise 3-5 times a week. Sadly, I did not achieve a workout today but I am sure I will hop on the treadmill tomorrow! =)