Monday, October 31, 2011

Why I'm doing No Sugar in November

If you're on twitter and follow certain blogs or weight loss groups, you've probably come across the mini craze that is NoSugarVember (or #NoSugarVember as it's known in online circles). Although I still maintain that sugar is not poison, I agree that refined sugar is not something that our bodies need and certainly not something nature intended for us to eat (in fact, a lot of the things people are putting in their bodies is starting to deeply disturb me, but let's stay on topic). But, despite this belief and general nod in agreement, it may shock you to learn I too am human therefore recognise the extreme tastiness that is Lindt, Double Coated Tim Tams and Maggie Beer Ice Cream.




Taste buds aside, sugar is bad for me (and you). There is nothing good about refined sugar - no fats, no minerals, no nutrients, no protein - nothing! Just a whole heap of empty calories that give you an addictive spike-y high, followed by a low. If you don't feel the low of sugar, then you're probably already consuming too much. But that is, of course, only my opinion - it's your body.

So why did I join No Sugar Vember and not just stop eating sugar all together the second I realised sugar is terrible for you, when I was like, 2? (OK, probably more like 19). Pretty much for the same reason smokers keep smoking, drinkers keep drinking and massage receivers keep... getting massaged. Not because I am addicted! Because it feels good.

But you know what feels better than feeling good from sugar? Feeling good all the time, which is how I feel without the refined stuff and how I believe you'd feel.

So apart from my daily servings of fruit, sugar will be gone from The Natalie Diet for the next month, at least. I am excited because I know that in 30 days, like every other time I've decided to say no to sugar, I will feel amazing.




This isn't a craze, it is a choice. It is not a test, it is a task. It's not a diet, it's a healthful way of living. The No Sugar Vember title is just a gentle love-tap in the direction I've been meaning to go for the past month (dear Port Douglas, I love you and your ice cream shop).

If you are interested in reading more, have a look at Natalie Carter's Blog, or the tweets for #NoSugarVember on twitter.





Another great little read is Sarah Wilson's post on 10 Ways to Sweeten Food Without Sugar. My favourite is cinnamon - I use it on everything when I am cutting my sugar intake, and unlike sugar it does have benefits like, among others, helping to cut LDL cholesterol, helping to prevent blood clots and, ironically, regulating blood sugar.

It should be said that when I talk about sugar being bad for you, I mean the refined stuff and it's modified versions (like corn syrup, or fruit juice concentrate..). I do not believe that fruit is bad for us, nor do I believe milk or sweet vegetables, like onions or sweet potatoes are bad for us. Just the man-made stuff, it just ain't right.

As always, it's your (hopefully) informed choice. I want everyone to know what the effects of the things they put in their body are, but I will never judge you for the choices you make with the knowledge.

Will you try out No Sugar Vember? Or maybe just try not eating sugar tomorrow to see how it feels?

Stay well,
Nat x

all photos from flickr

8 comments:

  1. I have been following this movement with interest, and so far have liked yours and Mez's blog on this the most.

    I have read far too many people say they're even giving up fruit which I think is absolutely ludicrous. I am definitely going to make a significant effort to cut out excess glucose and "man-made" sugar this month. I'm not going to ban it entirely, but will try a few days without and if I like the results then will continue on.

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  2. Yayayaayayayaa I totally agree with you!!!
    It is the refined stuff and not natural sugars that are the evil...

    I must say cinnamon is literally something I couldn't live without, I put it on everything... I've even been known to put it in savoury dishes.

    Thank you for writing non extremist words that speak truth and honesty.

    I too gave up coffee/diet coke zero crap because it was making me feel so blerggggg next up I want to curb the beers a bit they make me feel so SLUGGISH (for good reason!). Yay! If I do things bit by bit then it's not a huge whack and I don't feel like an idiot because I fall off the bandwagon.

    Great words lady.

    xox

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  3. I've experimented with quitting sugar quite a few times, but usually by day 3 or 4, I get a little bit frustrated because I hate the idea of restricting anything (even if it's "white death" aka sugar) and end up craving it more. I'm all for moderation, but it's definitely a great idea to experiment with quitting sugar, just to see how your body responds. I can't wait to hear how you go with this! xx

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  4. I just LOL'd because I literally just "got" No(Sugar)Vember - cute word, I like!
    I like the idea of cutting out refined sugar, or at least drastically reducing it in favour of more natural alternatives like honey. At the moment, to keep my sugar intake low I don't restrict myself but I just try to make sure I eat all my good, nutritious food first, and then if I still feel like it, I can have a piece of chocolate. Often I don't feel like it!
    Will be following your NoSugarVember with interest - good luck! xx

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  5. Goodluck!! I infact linked that Sarah Wilson post a few days ago, it's awesome! I think I've been making a conscious decision not to consume sugar over the past month or so actually- I do feel really good! Lucky for me I don't enjoy chocolate, hehe so that temptation isn't there but I sometimes I can't say no to the odd piece of homemade cake :) x

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  6. Thanks for your support with #NoSugarVember, Nat!

    Speaking from a professional background it's important to remember that sugar is sugar and the less of it we eat the better. Fruit sugar affects our body the same as a can of coke. Limit fruits to berries, rhubarb, apples, pear and melons and try to only consume under 2 servings per day.

    Would love to have some more people joining in on this important month. You can follow here: www.twitter.com/NewOutlookPT

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  7. hey Nat. I've koing the NoSugarVember movement too! (Albeit a day late, and caving yesterday and snaking on a lollybag at work!).

    I do have to agree with you there - I find it really hard to get my mind around cutting out ALL sugar - milk, sweet potatoes, other veges and fruits! I've been limiting the 'processed' foods I eat more and more recently, sticking to protein, vegies and salads.

    I'm loving Oats and berries (and cinnamon for breakie)... thanks for the link to the post on Sarah's blog! Good luck!

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  8. Thanks for all your comments & support! I just wrote an update. Not as strict as advised, but can't imagine how great I'd feel if I did follow to a T.

    How are all of you that have tried it feeling? Very interested to hear...

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