Sugar...Not so Sweet!

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it!!  My mom asked if we (family & friends) wanted to join her going sugar free for 6 months... First thing my sister and I ask is 'Is this just refined sugar free or no-fruit-no-honey-etc. sugar free?'  Only my mom could be so intense that we would have to distinguish that!  Anyway, when she clarified it was just refined sugars I said 'OF COURSE!'  I'm not eating this stuff anyway might as well join!  However, this isn't the best part.... wait for it... my husband joined!!!  Yep, that's right... can you believe it!?!  I hardly could!

I know going sugar free is not easy.  Each person's journey is different and it depends on how much sugar and how often you usually eat it that determines your journey.  My first time was rough and I mean rough!  This time it took a week to a week and a half and I no longer had cravings and didn't even want to eat it if offered.  I know that going off wheat/flour also helps, as it is processed in the body just like sugar is.  I can tell when I eat wheat while sugar free I crave sugar more!  So if you struggle try taking out wheat and see if it makes a difference!

Would eat this many sugar cubes?  NO! Then why do we sit there and eat/drink this stuff?!?

So if you need a reason to go sugar free here is a small list of good reasons and there are many more out there!  Trust me you will feel much better if you try it!  Start out small and when you notice the difference it will encourage you to go longer and be more diligent about it!  So here is to 6 full months with no sugar! 

1. Sugar can suppress the immune system.
2. Sugar upsets the minerals in the body.
3. Sugar can cause hyperactivity, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and crankiness in children.
4. Sugar produces a significant rise in triglycerides, a leading cause of heart disease.
5. Sugar contributes to the reduction in defense against bacterial infection.
6. Sugar can cause kidney damage.
7. Sugar reduces high density lipoproteins.
8. Sugar leads to chromium deficiency.
9. Sugar leads to cancer of the breast, ovaries, intestines, prostate and rectum.
10. Sugar consumption is the top cause of type II diabetes, as it increases levels of glucose and insulin.
11. Sugar causes copper deficiency.
12. Sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium.
13. Sugar raises the level of neurotransmitters called serotonin
14. Sugar weakens eyesight.
15. Sugar can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).
16. Sugar can produce an acidic stomach.
17. Sugar can raise adrenalin levels in children.
18. Sugar malabsorption is frequent in patients with functional bowel disease.
19. Sugar consumption can cause aging.
20. Sugar consumption can lead to alcoholism.
21. Sugar consumption is the top cause of tooth decay.
22. Sugar use contributes to obesity.
23. High intake of sugar increases the risk of Crohn's Disease, and ulcerative colitis.
24. Sugar can cause changes associated with gastric or duodenal ulcers.
25. Sugar can cause arthritis.
26. Sugar can cause asthma.
27. Sugar can cause candida albicans (yeast infections).
28. Sugar can cause gallstones to form.
29. Sugar can cause heart disease.
30. Sugar can cause appendicitis.
31. Sugar can cause multiple sclerosis.
32. Sugar can cause hemorrhoids.
33. Sugar can cause varicose veins.
34. Sugar can elevate glucose and insulin responses in oral contraceptive users.
35. Sugar can lead to periodontal disease.
36. Sugar can contribute to osteoporosis.
37. Sugar contributes to saliva acidity.
38. Sugar can cause a decrease in insulin sensitivity.
39. Sugar leads to decreased glucose tolerance.
40. Sugar can decrease growth hormone.
41. Sugar can increase cholesterol.
42. Sugar can increase the systolic blood pressure.
43. Sugar can cause drowsiness and decreased activity in children.
44. Sugar can cause migraine headaches.
45. Sugar can interfere with the absorption of protein.
46. Sugar causes food allergies.
47. Sugar can contribute to diabetes.
48. Sugar can cause toxemia during pregnancy.
49. Sugar can contribute to eczema in children.
50. Sugar can cause cardiovascular disease.
51. Sugar can impair the structure of DNA.
52. Sugar can change the structure of protein.
53. Sugar can make our skin age by changing the structure of collagen.
54. Sugar can cause cataracts.
55. Sugar can cause emphysema.
56. Sugar can cause atherosclerosis.
57. Sugar can promote an elevation of low density proteins (LDL).
58. Sugar can increase free radicals in the blood stream.
59. Sugar can cause overeating

      List taken from The Diet Cure

Good luck to anyone and everyone going sugar free!!  It's a fabulous way to start your trek to wellness!

Happy Trekking!

daneesha