A homemade delicious treat for me to celebrate making it through the 31 days of January without processed sugars or sweeteners. Yes, I did it!
The cake batter was made using oats (for flour), bananas, pecans and glorious chunks of pineapples. The frosting is made with tofu, lemon juice, dates and vanilla.
I am not going to sit here and tell you that going a month without sugar was an easy thing to do. It was not! Especially when I often enjoy eating something sweet with hot tea first thing in the mornings, especially during the winter months. I felt it was the right thing for me to do for my health.
The average American adult intake of sugar is about 60 pounds per year. A few sources of sugar in our diets can be found in desserts, sweet snacks, sweet coffee drinks and candy. Sugar is associated with several preventable diseases and can absolutely harm your health.
Eating too much sugar causes:
Obesity
Heart Disease
Inflammation in the body
High Blood Pressure
Cutting out sugar over time has the following effects:
Weight Loss
Clarity/Improved Mental State
Increased Energy
Healthy Looking Skin
Balanced Blood Sugar
Improved Immunity
Which of the above are you most interested in experiencing? To be successful in reducing or living without processed sugars you must start with a plan. Do your research. You must be thoughtful and intentional with your shopping and meal preparations. You should empty your kitchen of any temptations. Fill your refrigerator with lots of vegetables and fruit. Protein and fiber help you to feel full. Plan to keep whole, nutritious food available so you make the right choice when you get hungry.
The first couple of days will be the hardest. Depending on the amount of sugar you eat, you very well could experience withdrawal symptoms. Expect it, prepare for it and don’t give up! Drink lots of water. Exercise. Real change starts with first changing your mindset when it comes to making better food choices.
My goal was 31 days. I have now decided to see how long I can go without processed sugar. I am contemplating adding maple syrup back into my diet. My fear is that adding it back in will cause me to crave sugar. I will keep you posted on my progress. If you are interested in giving being sugar-free a try, would like the cake recipe or would just like some support as you eat better to live, email me at earringsoff@gmail.com. Remember as you make changes to give yourself grace; you got this.
Teresa
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