I am reading a book at the moment called ‘I Quit Sugar‘ by Sarah Wilson. The Australian best selling book is effectively a recipe book designed to help you detox and reduce your sugar intake.
The book suggests that all sugar should be limited, including so called ‘healthy’ sugars like fruit and honey. It recommends a lot of alternative foods and a lot of savoury recipes. Many of these recipes include whole milk, eggs and cheese. I personally don’t usually eat a lot of dairy, so following this detox programme would be a huge change to my diet.
I am not someone that usually ‘diets’ however, after an Easter weekend, in which I consumed an incredible amount of sugar, I was beginning to feel ill. I went out for a run and after three miles, I felt light headed and really hot. I had to stop and sit on the side of the road before walking home. As I was walking, I was thinking about a conversation I’d had last week with my friend about sugar and how much it affects our bodies, in particular my skin. I like to think that I have a healthy balanced diet. I eat most things including, meat, bread, fruit, vegetables and . . . lots of sugar! I have always had a sweet tooth but I am starting to worry that soon I will have no teeth left!
Nothing is too sweet for me, I ask for extra caramel sauce on my Starbucks triple caramel frappuccino, I always have honey in my tea and I have Haribo sweets in my handbag. I am, in the words of Sarah Wilson, addicted! I think most people are addicted to one food or another, chocolate, biscuits, wine, coffee. For me, it’s sugar. I am under no illusion that this sweet habit is good for me but I always tell myself that you can eat everything in moderation. Also I am very active, I run twice a week, I teach dance classes and not to mention the hours spent chasing Jude through the forest on his bike. So surely I’m burning it all off, right? Regardless of the calorie count, I know that all of that sugar is bad for my teeth and skin, disrupts sleep and I have a family history of diabetes.
Since I started reading Sarah’s book last week, I am becoming more aware of the amount of sugar I eat each day. Obviously, I couldn’t possibly start a sugar detox until I have finished eating all of my Easter treats. I think the more I contemplate quitting sugar, the more it confirms my love for the stuff. Can I really live with out it? Do I even want to? The books dessert recipes suggest ‘avocado and coconut lollies’, that does not sound half as good as my beloved Ben & Jerrys!
In the interests of research I am going to attempt to quit sugar. All those who know me well, will probably laugh and roll there eyes at this bold statement. Rob has watched me read this book whist eating a huge hollow chocolate bunny, perhaps my last sugary supper? The detox programme is 8 weeks and I have been told I can expect a number of health benefits.
I guess only time will tell, I think that I have reasonably good will power. How hard can it be?
So long sweet friend, it was nice knowing you.
. . . to be continued.
