With the exception of honey, I have continued to abstain from sugars since June 10th. I can already observe several differences, and it is making it very difficult to even want to go back to eating it.
1. Hunger levels are easier to manage. For me, there's something about sugar that messes with my body's signals and I literally don't feel full after eating. I always want more, or feel that there is room for more despite whether or not there comfortably is.
Again, my mission is to lead a healthy lifestyle, so I trust my own body language and adjust accordingly. Not being able to tell what is going on in my stomach is kind of freaky. Especially now that I feel much more connected with my body since the absence of my sugar addiction. The past 3 weeks have been another big eye-opener for me as I realize I don't need to eat a whole lot of food (comparatively) to feel truly satisfied.
2. My skin looks better and better. I don't breakout as much when I don't eat sugar. I like having clear skin as it's one less thing for me to fret over. I hated how my skin looked before and used to wear a lot of makeup to hide every imperfection. It was definitely a source of stress for me, so this is another one of those added bonuses of ditching processed foods in general. At this point I only wear makeup when I feel like it and only around my eyes, because they're the windows to the soul and all! Seriously, though, it's nice to feel good about the condition of my skin and to look younger in my 30's than I did in my 20's.
3. Less joint pain. I'm not sure if it's coincidental at this point, but I've noticed I'm not as sore and 'creaky' as I usually feel. Again, it could be other factors that play into this, but I have not been any more or less active than usual, and yet I don't seem to feel so... old.
4. Scale victory. The last time I was comfortably sub 150lbs I had a firm exercise routine in place. The fact that I can reach this weight by my one action to cease sugar consumption is still rather shocking to me. Further incentive for me to continue on this path!
1. Hunger levels are easier to manage. For me, there's something about sugar that messes with my body's signals and I literally don't feel full after eating. I always want more, or feel that there is room for more despite whether or not there comfortably is.
Again, my mission is to lead a healthy lifestyle, so I trust my own body language and adjust accordingly. Not being able to tell what is going on in my stomach is kind of freaky. Especially now that I feel much more connected with my body since the absence of my sugar addiction. The past 3 weeks have been another big eye-opener for me as I realize I don't need to eat a whole lot of food (comparatively) to feel truly satisfied.
2. My skin looks better and better. I don't breakout as much when I don't eat sugar. I like having clear skin as it's one less thing for me to fret over. I hated how my skin looked before and used to wear a lot of makeup to hide every imperfection. It was definitely a source of stress for me, so this is another one of those added bonuses of ditching processed foods in general. At this point I only wear makeup when I feel like it and only around my eyes, because they're the windows to the soul and all! Seriously, though, it's nice to feel good about the condition of my skin and to look younger in my 30's than I did in my 20's.
3. Less joint pain. I'm not sure if it's coincidental at this point, but I've noticed I'm not as sore and 'creaky' as I usually feel. Again, it could be other factors that play into this, but I have not been any more or less active than usual, and yet I don't seem to feel so... old.
4. Scale victory. The last time I was comfortably sub 150lbs I had a firm exercise routine in place. The fact that I can reach this weight by my one action to cease sugar consumption is still rather shocking to me. Further incentive for me to continue on this path!
5. My body image is starting to line up with reality. I've talked about dealing with some body dysmorphia through my journey and seeing a fat person in the mirror even when I was comfortably resting at my goal weight. I don't know 100% if sugar is to blame for this, but I'm going to say yes, yes it is. If it messes with my hunger signals then I have no doubt that it messes with my self-image. For 3 weeks I've had the honor of enjoying the skin I'm in. I feel super tiny, my clothing style rests in a way that I love seeing, and most importantly there is... I SEE it. I can see this person I am with unclouded judgement. I love this body so much, stretch marks and extra skin included! It's like a battle scar to me, reminding me of my own brand of warrior. I refuse to waste any more precious time loathing my flaws. I love myself, and no industry is going to sell me something that can beat that.
All in all, I am still an advocate for cutting out sugar and processed foods, as it has easily been the most effective tool in weight loss, and disease prevention. I was on the fast-track for diabetes and I will never stop regretting my decision to cut this terribly addictive substance. It gives me a mental clarity to enjoy my life rather than always judging myself and projecting it onto others.
When I don't eat sugar so many mental battles are won.
As I said above, I don't worry about my face/complexion anymore because it's so clear and even toned. It used to be so red and blotchy and I would get these HUUUUGE zits that hurt like hell. I still get an occasional zit from sweat or wearing concealer for too many hours, but they're small and more like a little reminder that it needed to be washed. I love that I can just shower, dress and go run errands/live my life without feeling like I have to doll myself up. This is a big unanticipated perk for me, as I didn't realize how much it stressed me out until it was corrected.
I don't fret about what to wear every day. Like, it used to be a shitshow of trying things on to see what I wasn't muffintoppin' out of. I was even getting a little chunky when we moved last fall, and I could tell because I wasn't able to comfortably wear my jeans anymore. I wore a lot of leggings/skirts/dresses. Basically anything with an elastic waist. It was such a treat when I saw the scale go back down to the 140's and when I tried on my jeans they fit comfortably again.
I feel more confident because I am proud of myself. I like me now, and so despite whether or not I have the approval of others (which I spent all of my 20's fretting over) I really like what I am. I approve of myself and that gives me the peace of mind I apparently needed. I have so much more energy to give to others when I'm not constantly worried over whether or not I'm good enough or smart enough or what have you. I am not the smartest person in the world, but I'm smart enough to reach my own goals. That is enough for me.
Hope everyone has a splendid week, Happy 4th, and remember to eat some vegetables!
All in all, I am still an advocate for cutting out sugar and processed foods, as it has easily been the most effective tool in weight loss, and disease prevention. I was on the fast-track for diabetes and I will never stop regretting my decision to cut this terribly addictive substance. It gives me a mental clarity to enjoy my life rather than always judging myself and projecting it onto others.
When I don't eat sugar so many mental battles are won.
As I said above, I don't worry about my face/complexion anymore because it's so clear and even toned. It used to be so red and blotchy and I would get these HUUUUGE zits that hurt like hell. I still get an occasional zit from sweat or wearing concealer for too many hours, but they're small and more like a little reminder that it needed to be washed. I love that I can just shower, dress and go run errands/live my life without feeling like I have to doll myself up. This is a big unanticipated perk for me, as I didn't realize how much it stressed me out until it was corrected.
I don't fret about what to wear every day. Like, it used to be a shitshow of trying things on to see what I wasn't muffintoppin' out of. I was even getting a little chunky when we moved last fall, and I could tell because I wasn't able to comfortably wear my jeans anymore. I wore a lot of leggings/skirts/dresses. Basically anything with an elastic waist. It was such a treat when I saw the scale go back down to the 140's and when I tried on my jeans they fit comfortably again.
I feel more confident because I am proud of myself. I like me now, and so despite whether or not I have the approval of others (which I spent all of my 20's fretting over) I really like what I am. I approve of myself and that gives me the peace of mind I apparently needed. I have so much more energy to give to others when I'm not constantly worried over whether or not I'm good enough or smart enough or what have you. I am not the smartest person in the world, but I'm smart enough to reach my own goals. That is enough for me.
Hope everyone has a splendid week, Happy 4th, and remember to eat some vegetables!