Monday, November 17, 2014

Four Benefits to a Low Sugar Diet

Over the last 4 months or so, we have altered our way of eating which involves decreasing the amount of sugar (and refined carbohydrates) from our diets.  The kids have reduced theirs by about 40%, Gary and I by about 70%.  This is: refined sugar, most flours, potatoes, corn, regular bread, wheat & corn pastas, and white rice.  If you are looking for a larger list of high glycemic foods, they are here. 

Why did we do it? The reason for me is that I wanted to lose my tummy fat.  However, there were so many more benefits that came from it.  

Here are four benefits that I noticed:

1.  I lost 16 lbs (so did Gary) so far.

2.  I have way more energy.  I am up until 11:30 pm each night (and up for the day by 7 am) no problem.  I don't hit that `low' each day that I used to around 4 pm. 

3.  My hormonal headaches have really decreased in strength and length.  I'm still waiting to see if this continues but if so, it's totally worth it!

4.  I used to have to take a melatonin to go to sleep about 3 times a week.  I haven't taken one in probably 3 months!

If you try this, the first month of detoxing from sugar is not fun.  I'm just warning you :)  I still allow myself some cheats.  Just yesterday, I had my first ice cream cone in months and it was worth it even though my stomach got a little upset.  Gary has always had digestive issues but has noticed things have improved dramatically.  We're not sure if it's the low sugar or gluten but it's definitely welcomed.



Above is my breakfast about 75% of the time (although I don't use a green Menchies spoon).  Did you know that 3/4 of a cup of plain Greek yogurt has 16 grams of protein?! I use the Kirkland brand from Costco.  Another great source of protein would be to have eggs for breakfast. 

I know that with Christmas just around the corner, the amount of sugar is rampant (and soooo tempting!), so it might be difficult to start now.  Let me know if you have implemented any changes, I'd love to hear about it.  

I promise not to be all `Get rid of sugar!' ish all the time, I'm just excited about it right now :)

Love,
Louise



9 comments:

  1. Anonymous1:50 PM

    I removed sugar, and have been following the THM plan as best I can since your last post. I like to be more planned and organized, so I am trying really hard to get through the book to do better meal planning. Right now I'm kinda flying by the seat of my pants and using their recipes. I have lost 4lbs already, but need to watch as I'm still breastfeeding.

    Thank you so much for your posts on this. It's really encouraging and inspiring! Keep up the great work!

    Amber

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  2. Amber, so awesome. I bet it's tricky when breastfeeding, hopefully you have a lot of nutritious snacks ready to go! Way to go on the 4 lbs, that's awesome!

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  3. That is pretty amazing! My husband has had to change his diet quite bit because of new allergies. I try to do it along with him but you're right, it's really hard! Right now I'm cutting out wheat and then I'll see from there. You are doing so awesome!

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  4. Oh man - plain yogurt?! Wow. That's dedication! Only Isaac eats yogurt plain in our household ;). Also, what happened to "frugal friday" blogs? :)

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  5. Jackie-have you tried Greek yogurt? Do you like cinnamon? The blueberries make it nice and sweet!
    PS I'll do more frugal friday if you comment!! I have one ready to go :)

    Salma-I think that cutting out wheat alone will make a big difference in how you feel. YOu can do it!

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  6. Well! I love these posts. Im trying...haha Theres just SO much sugar everywhere!! So I've cut out muffins for breakfast and have eggs with veggies instead. In my coffee I now have milk (cant cut that out!!) and maple syrup. Im slowing cutting that out. - very slowly :) And Ive cut back on my snacking. Not 100%, but Im more conscious that's for sure. (but let me tell you, I sure look at the clock for when I can 'snack' next....haha!) I just love carbs. :)

    Do you have a special 'recipe' website you use? Theres a ton...and some decent, but yet some of the 'healthy' recipes they have still add 1 cup brown, 1 cup white sugar!) :)

    I also love the frugal Fridays :) I don't always comment, but I do love your posts!

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  7. This morning I tried your Greek yogurt with blueberries and cinnamon. I'm afraid I had trouble downing it. I eventually had to add a little orange juice to it.

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    1. Carol, I remember I felt like that too but now since Ive been off sugar so long the blueberries make it seem sweet :)

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  8. Me and Tyler eat practically no sugar these days. Other than fruits and stuff. Lots of protein, clean carbs at the right time during the day and lots of veggies. You gotta be creative but you definitely feel better for doing so and there are lots of great recipes out there these days too. But like you say it's a process for sure. :)

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