Quitting processed sugar

[Big_Bend]

I turned 59 y/o a few days ago and made a birthday pledge to try and quit eating all processed sugars.

I will still eat whole fruits and veggies, but no more processed foods that contain sugars.

No more Noosa yogurts, Cheerios, BBQ Sauce, fruit juices, desserts, sweeteners, and of course the biggies like cheesecake and all the cookies at the office. I'm also cutting way way back on all breads, bagels, hamburger buns.. things like that, trying to get my carbs from whole grains if possible.

I am hoping to lose around 25-30 lbs by the time I hit 60. But wow week one and so far this has not been very easy. I threw everything out of my kitchen that had sugar but still having cravings.

One day at a time.

Anyone else living a sugar free lifestyle? Was it tough to get started? How has your diet changed?

Suggestions appreciated, thanks.

 

[SuprHtr]

I'm feeling the same way about red wine. I know it has contributed to my weight gain but it's hard to give it up. My other weakness is cheese, all kinds. I wish you luck.

 

[TeleTucson]

Less food in general. Simple breakfast and small lunches, no gimmicks. You get used to it, no cravings.

 

[ChicknPickn]

I know the White Satan of which you speak. The only “secret” is that, after a week or so, it will be easy. But slip, and the evil begins again.

 

[SixStringSlinger]

Avoidance is a big one, which you've done by getting rid of it all, but you can't always control it, as evidenced by the office cookies.

Alternatives help, too. It's easier to resist the Snickers if you have something else you can munch on. Sugar can really be an addiction, but a lot of the time when we go for snacks it's just out of habit/boredom.

I personally find it's easier to avoid something I shouldn't if I drink a glass of water beforehand. I don't know if it has to do with dehydration, or the water filling you up, or just the ritual/extra time gives you to think and strengthen your resolve, but it seems to make it easier to refuse to indulge. And at the very least you're drinking more water, which is almost always good.

 

[Big_Bend]

I'm feeling the same way about red wine.

Well now that you mention it, tomorrow is my 6 month anniversary of being 100% sober, no weed or alcohol. I plan to stay this way every day the rest of my life.

So I don't have to worry about getting any sugar from alcohol, so thats good. Or getting the weed munchies...

It was tough at first doing without my daily glass of red wine, and margaritas when eating Mexican food, but I'm over that now fortunately.

One day at a time

 

[NoTeleBob]

Minimize. It's almost impossible to eliminate as it's added to food that are still relatively healthy that you'll still want to eat. But you can cut way down on the "added sugars".

 

[Killing Floor]

Ok but hear me out. What if it’s mixed into things like a cake or popsicles? Then it’s not really processed. Right?

 

[Vegetable Man]

I've been doing keto for almost a year, no more than 50 grams of carbs per day. Lost 35 lbs and my labs look better than they have in a long time.

Oroweat seaded keto bread isn't bad, lots of fiber. Good Good strawberry jam. Lots of spinach, berries, broccoli, etc. Meats and cheeses. Easier than I thought it would be.

I cheat occasionally with mini or fun sized candy once in a while. Rebel ice cream. Keeps the cravings at bay.

Best of luck! Anything that you do to improve your health is a win.

 

[VWAmTele]

Wow, that is a tough road to follow. I like the "added sugars" avoidance suggestion. One thing that will definitely help you is committing to an exercise routine. Once you start burning up calories it's amazing how your body's craving for unhealthy food diminishes.

 

[telestratosonic]

I'm feeling the same way about red wine. I know it has contributed to my weight gain but it's hard to give it up. My other weakness is cheese, all kinds. I wish you luck.

I'm 73. No cheese. Stopped drinking about 16 months ago. I was drinking 1.5 to 2 bottles of red wine a week; a glass or two every day. I get the urge sometimes but not often. It used to happen when I'd go into town, 15 minutes away. I would think: "Maybe I'll drop into the Legion for a quick beer." But I supressed the urge and no longer consider stopping in for one..

 

[Milspec]

I am right behind you in years, but I wouldn't go too drastic on this one. I also vowed to reduce my intake and intend on dropping 10-15 by June gradually, but there is no way I am going to avoid sugar altogether. I am worried more about enjoying my life than longevity, one never knows when the ride is going to end.

I actually keep a snickers bar in my glove box in case I get into a bad accident. I have died 6 times (at least one more to go) and I always remember tasting the last thing that I ate to the tenth degree before death. The last thing I want to taste is an oat bran muffin or some healthy kale.

In fact, I imagine that there will be a long line of souls standing outside the gates tasting that last meal. People who ate chocolate probably get to skip the line, high five Peter, and pass right on through. At least that is how it should be.

Moderation to stay healthy and happy is my plan.

 

[ChicknPickn]

I am right behind you in years, but I wouldn't go too drastic on this one. I also vowed to reduce my intake and intend on dropping 10-15 by June gradually, but there is no way I am going to avoid sugar altogether. I am worried more about enjoying my life than longevity, one never knows when the ride is going to end.

I actually keep a snickers bar in my glove box in case I get into a bad accident. I have died 6 times (at least one more to go) and I always remember tasting the last thing that I ate to the tenth degree before death. The last thing I want to taste is an oat bran muffin or some healthy kale.

In fact, I imagine that there will be a long line of souls standing outside the gates tasting that last meal. People who ate chocolate probably get to skip the line, high five Peter, and pass right on through. At least that is how it should be.

Moderation to stay healthy and happy is my plan.

All things in moderation. Including moderation.

 

[teleman1]

I turned 59 y/o a few days ago and made a birthday pledge to try and quit eating all processed sugars.

I will still eat whole fruits and veggies, but no more processed foods that contain sugars.

No more Noosa yogurts, Cheerios, BBQ Sauce, fruit juices, desserts, sweeteners, and of course the biggies like cheesecake and all the cookies at the office. I'm also cutting way way back on all breads, bagels, hamburger buns.. things like that, trying to get my carbs from whole grains if possible.

I am hoping to lose around 25-30 lbs by the time I hit 60. But wow week one and so far this has not been very easy. I threw everything out of my kitchen that had sugar but still having cravings.

One day at a time.

Anyone else living a sugar free lifestyle? Was it tough to get started? How has your diet changed?

Suggestions appreciated, thanks.

Find out what foods, turn to sugar. Like potatoes, rice, fried foods. If you must go through a drive through, tell them NO sauces. Do you like bagels? Gut them out before you eat them. I buy a dozen bagels, tera out 70% of the bread, then freeze them. Use a very light amount of cream cheese. Moderate everything you eat. Smaller portions. I was diagnosed with type II diabetes. I was drinking a 6 pack of soda per day most of my life. I stopped the day after my diagnosis. Find out what diabetics do. I take no insulin because I have maintained myself. Try and make your breakfast the biggest meal of the day. Find bread with 11 to 12 carbs a slice. Learn how to read labels on all packages. Sugar is our enemy and it is everywhere we eat. Get a Keto ice cream bar for a treat. And try not to eat right before you go to bed. Try walking 20 minutes a day. Learn the trick to keep you happy and satisfied without abusing yourself.

 

[57joonya]

I can appreciate what your going for. I have been really good at times , but never completely processed sugar free . It’s time for me to get back in the health game. Good luck to you .there are lots of things within the parameters of what your looking for that taste great . I’m actually at quite a disadvantage now as our local health food store permanently closed . There were some great things there and friendly, knowledgeable people to help with finding things.

 

[kbold]

You need to treat processed sugar like an addictive drug, which in a way it is.
The first 3 weeks will be the hardest: you need to be disciplined during this time.
It gets easier after this hump.

 

[Esquire Jones]

There’s so many great foods that you CAN eat. Focus on those things; not so much what you CAN’T eat.

I admit I cheat and do drink some alcohol, some sweets and some bread. But it’s a fraction of the healthier options.

Again, focus on the positives!

 

[Nogoodnamesleft]

Minimize. It's almost impossible to eliminate as it's added to food that are still relatively healthy that you'll still want to eat. But you can cut way down on the "added sugars".

I tried to give up processed sugar and found it’s very challenging to avoid. I was pretty bummed when I was snacking one day on dried cranberries and reading the ingredients sugar was listed. It taught me to read labels carefully and in a lot of ways shocked me as far as just how much of it we don’t find in the candy section.

And belated Happy Birthday @Big_Bend (and on the sobriety - that’s awesome)!

 

[Kandinskyesque]

Congratulations at reaching the 6 month milestone @Big_Bend, that's the best news I've heard all week.
I hope you're feeling the reward of making it through the festive drink and weed free, that felt like I swam the Atlantic for me back in January 2013.

I hit the sugar, coca cola and cigarettes big time for about 9 months when I stopped the substances. I was also put on meds for a misdiagnosis for epilepsy (a long story), so I ended up putting on about 30lbs.

Someone at the meetings pushed a couple of books in my direction "Finding Ultra" by Rich Roll and "Potatoes Not Prozac" by Dr Kathleen Des Maisons. One book was inspiring, the other very informative because it links sugar sensitivity with alcohol issues.

I ended up buying a juicer, a soda stream (for diy sparking water) and a Vitamix and going a bit extreme with the dietary strictness for about 6 months tapering off a bit but I'd shifted 25 of the 30lbs (I was underweight in rehab) within a year.

By mid 2015 I was keeping my weight steady and off the cigarettes and soda.
The cigarettes reappear for a week or two about every 12-18 months but I see that as the fuse in the plug. It tells me to up my game reducing the stress that led me to addiction in the first place.

I enjoy an ice cream once per month (now stopped that due to my chronic fatigue diet), and a cooked breakfast British style once per week.
However, I'm now processed food free other than anything I process myself, I add a spot of honey or maple syrup to berry and kale smoothies twice per week and that suffices the sugar needs and doesn't trigger the "MORE" demon. I'm addicted to MORE.

It's surprising what tastes sweet when not competing with processed sugar; carrots and prawns taste sweet. I have half a bar of 80% solids dark chocolate per week but they use coconut sugar.

It's heartening to hear you still on the forward push and I'm looking forward to your 1st anniversary.

 

[Toto'sDad]

I'm on the flipside heading into 80, too late to worry about it now! Besides, if I gave up sugar, that would mean my morning cup of coffee without my chocolate chip cookies!