7 Day Challenge 2 - No Sugar

Before I get into this week's challenge, an update on last week's - 30 minutes walking. I was able to do this 5 out of 7 days and at least twice I got on the treadmill around midnight, just to get it done. Even though I told myself I'd take it slow and do this challenge with no expectations of distance or speed, I refused to let myself go slower or less distance than the first day. This made the challenge difficult since my plantar fasciitis (and a little bit of shin splints) made each session painful. By the end of the week, I'd had enough. I did several sets of squats for a total of 100 squats. That felt good, so I'm going to continue with those instead of the walking.

For this week's challenge, I had a hard time choosing just one; I'm resisting the urge to pile them on as I usually do. So, of course, I pick a really hard one, but a necessary one. I was able to completely cut sugar out, including artificial sweeteners for a couple of months last summer and I felt so good. Reduced inflammation, almost no cravings for junk food, and able to run up the stairs without gasping at the top. I want to feel that way again.

I let the holidays, from Diwali to New Year's, get me out of the habit. I've been trying to cut sugar again, but I haven't been able to move past day one. I believe I was successful over the summer because I started with a fast. For me, like most addicts, it's easier to go cold turkey, and that means no food at all. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to do more than 20 hours without the help of a doctor-prescribed appetite suppressant. Since I don't recommend that for anyone unless they've talked to their own doctor, I'll skip the extended fast and "just" cut out all carbs. Even fruit carbs can be a trigger that leads to more carb cravings, so my only carbs will come from vegetables, seeds, and nuts. I will try to still do intermittent fasting of at least 16 hours-20 hours each day.

If you'd like more information on the health benefits of intermittent fasting, check out the podcasts or YouTube videos of Dr. Jason Fung, Dr. Becky Gillespie, and Dr. Mindy Pelz. There are many others who promote fasting, but I feel these three provide research to back up what they say.

I can't wait to see what a difference the next 7 days will make! Let me know if you decide to join the challenge...