So, here we are at the end of June. How did everyone do? I’ve been feeling a little lonely over here on this thread.

The last couple of days were good and bad for me. I found ways to avoid my usual morning muffins/donuts, but then at night I got busy and grabbed candy, soda, bread, etc.

But I’m glad I tried this challenge because it really made me aware of the reasons for my sugar splurges: lack of planning, and stress. But mostly lack of planning.

There are two times when I almost always reach for sugar: In the morning when I haven’t eaten breakfast, and in the afternoon about 2 hours after lunch.

So last night I sat down and planned a really easy breakfast that I can prepare and eat quickly every morning (no cooking utensils or appliances required). And also a very portable lunch and snack for the afternoons. Because one reason I tend to eat out and buy sweets is because I hate to carry a bulky lunch bag to work.

Here’s my work-day meal plan:

Breakfast:
High-fiber cereal with almond milk
raisins/berries for the cereal
Fruit

Lunch:
Healthy frozen dinner
Bottled water

Snack:
Apple
Individually-wrapped cheese

I know this isn’t perfect, but it’s something I know I can do, and it’s better than muffins and candy!

I will try this next week and report back back if it helps my sugar cravings.

totallyfit - 30 June 2007 10:19 AM

I know this isn’t perfect, but it’s something I know I can do, and it’s better than muffins and candy!

I will try this next week and report back back if it helps my sugar cravings.

It sounds good to me and you’re right it is a lot better than muffins and candy.

I said I would report back about my new meal plan, so if anyone is curious, here’s the result:

Breakfast:
The 2 servings of fruit was too much “sweet” for one meal, and I was also getting hungry afterward. I substituted a hard-boiled egg for the piece of fruit, and it worked much better.

Lunch:
It was all good, but I found myself eating my “snack” with my lunch because I was more hungry than usual. So I’ll have to think of a second healthy snack for the late afternoon.

I cheated a little almost every day, with sweets or restaurant food. But I managed to maintain my weight and felt so much better than usual. I’m sure I would have lost weight if I’d stuck with the plan more consistently.

The key is planning ahead so I’m not tempted to eat out.

So Ella,
I was wondering how you did on the sugar challenge? I noticed that you hadn’t posted in a while so i wanted to know how you did and if your going to keep up with your challenge? I know how addicted i am to sugar and I’m working on that also.  I’m new the MTM . Chris

Ella - Great work keeping up with the no sugar challenge. 

I think that protein is the key to getting breakfast to stay with you a little longer.  You’re right, planning your meals makes a world of difference.  When I know what I’m having for breakfast and lunch it makes it much easier to keep my diet under control.  Even when eating out, you can still follow a fairly simple plan.  If you feel hungry between meals, plan for a snack,.  Snacks work best if they include some protein.  My personal favorite is apple slices with a bit of chunky style peanut butter. 

If you are eating in restaurants, just plan a little more.  I travel for work and may go for weeks at a time eating every meal in a restaurant.  I always order salads with dressing on the side.  (ignore the snide looks from waiters).  A dinner for me might be just an appetizer and salad.  It’s fun to sample some of the appetizers in fancy restaurants without the calorie impact of a full meal.  When I order diners, it’s usually grilled chicken or fish with any sauce on the side I can sample and appreciate the taste, but I don’t need to eat it all.  (again ignore the snide looks from waiters).  Remember in a restaurant - no matter what the restaurant, you are paying for the meal (with huge markups over the cost of the food) so they should serve it the way you want it. 

Overall, it sounds like you are doing great with your diet.  You are aware of what is good and when it could be better.  Keep it up and you will have the results you want very soon.

I’ve been pretty liberal for the last few days, so tomorrow I’m going to go strict and jump into the challenge for another week. See ya then!

Okay it didn’t happen on the 18th but I’ve accomplished what I wanted today, and I plan to continue on through the week. So I’m in the challenge again!