Stop SUGAR Support Thread

XmasDx

Inspired by the Stop Smoking Support Thread ~

As of today I am trying to greatly reduce or eliminate sugar and high fructose corn syrup from my diet to the greatest extent I can, and wondering if anyone out there who struggles with this would like to join me?  And I mean to say I struggle!!!  

Although there are many "things to eat/things to avoid" lists regarding breast cancer (and some are hotly debated, such as soy), sugar seems to be on everyone's No No list whether it is regarding heart disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes... even acne according to the book Anticancer: A New Way of Life!   

If you have suggestions for combatting sugar cravings, baking with natural sweeteners, or you just sympathize, please join me!  

JoanDavies

I'm curious too! I have an insatiable sweet tooth and find it impossible to give up sugar, even though I don't eat a TON of sweet foods.This is a great thread, because it's my biggest challenge in combatting recurrence of cancer (and just living healthy in general). I do use Truvia and Purevia sweeteners, rather than sugar, in my tea and homemade desserts. I'm trying to eat more fruits rather than my beloved ice cream, but even fruit poses risks with its natural sugars. I would love to see some recipes that exchange bad sugars for good without totally eliminating all the sweetness we crave sometimes. Thanks for starting this!

Kindergarten

Yes, yes, yes, I  have been waiting for a thread like this!!! I am a sugar addict and I need to get it under control because I am prediabetic. Any suggestions would be great. I have given up sweets during Lent, but I am struggling. Thanks so much for starting this thread. I will help in any way. God bless you, Kathy

AmyIsStrong

I can say that if you stay away TOTALLY from sugar for a week or so,  the cravings GREATLY reduce. I know that I have a huge sweet tooth, but I can stay away from sugar for months on end, if I don't have any, and I stop missing it. But then, once I'm back 'on' it, I crave it all the time.  Seems like none is worse than a little - for me, anyway.

I also take Chromium picolinate sometimes, and now am taking this: gymnema sylvestre (can find at health food stores or by googling it) - it seems to make sugar cravings (and the sugar high you get if you do eat sweets) MUCH less.  Might work for somebody else out there too.

Good luck to all.

Amy

Kindergarten

Yes, Amy, that is so true about the cravings diminishing after about a week, I just hope that after Lent, I don't go back to my bad habits. Thanks also for the info about gymnema. I will definitely check it out. Kathy

Basia

I have a sugar dependancy and can't shake it! I try my best to low-carb as much as possible and I'm fine until the cake comes out! I have 4 year old children around all day long and they are constantly asking for cookies, cakes, candy and fruit....all of which I am trying to avoid, not easy. I would love to hear some ideas on how to combat this problem. 

Thanks!

Basia 

changes

Great idea for a thread! I was a total sugar junkie and cut WAYYYY back after my diagnosis. Like Amy said, I find that it's almost easier to eliminate it entirely. If I have a little, I want a LOT. I've done fairly good at eliminating things I KNOW have sugar in them (like desserts), but find that a lot of processed food has sugar in it, even when I'm not that aware of it.

Karen

AmyIsStrong

Tricks I've found - BRUSH YOUR TEETH. You are less likely to pop something in your mouth if it is nice/clean/minty fresh.  Chew gum. (I don't like gum, but I've heard this works.)  If I am baking or working with sweets, I can keep a little stash of almonds (natural, not sweet) or maybe baby carrots or something nearby to snack on. It's the FIRST bite that is my downfall. If I stay away from that, I'm fine.

Also, I've read that if you are around the smell of baked goods a lot, it tricks the mind into thinking it has eaten them and it feels satisfied.  I used to burn a strongly flavored cinnamon, ginger, vanilla or chocolate candle for an hour or so in the evening before bed. It seemed to help.

Exercise. Hard. Raises endorphins (feel good hormones) and is generally energy-boosting and empowering.

Don't buy what you don't want to eat. You can't eat it if it isn't in the house. Harder to accomplish when you have kids. But maybe buy them treats that you don't like. For instance, I CANT STAND peanut butter. So i would make peanut butter cookies, knowing I would not be tempted by them. My husband keeps ice cream in the house  all the time. But I'm not that crazy about ice cream, it doesn't tempt me.  

Also - I sort of lost my chocolate taste after chemo.  It took me a wihle to notice. But now I am much more drawn to either apple/cinnamon type tastes or lemon/lime.  Chocolate, not so much. Anyone else find a taste change like that?

Amy

Kindergarten

Wow, great tricks, Amy!!! I also read to eat your carbs early in the day, so that they burn off. Since, I am very carb sensitive, I have been doing that and I immediately lost a few pounds. Carbs and sugar are my downfall. Have a great day, Kathy

AmyIsStrong

Kathy - good idea. BUT isn't it in the evening that the sweets/carbs call out to us???

 Actually, I am weightlifting now, and when I come home (around 2pm), I take some whey protein mixed in applesauce, which is like a sweet treat (to the taste), and I have found that it seems to satisfy that craving and I haven't been wanting sweets in the evening.  I wonder why. But hey - I'll take it!

thegood5

Couldn't agree more about the smelly candles!  My neighbor brought me a cinnamon bun candle after my surgery and I had it sitting beside me for a few days...didn't crave sweets at all, and I am a sweetoholic!

elmcity69

this is the thread for me- I've been trying (and miserably failing) a no-flour, no-sugar diet. i'm going to try the scented candles!

i did find that cravings reduce once the sugar ingestion does - but whew! getting there.

a quick snack that often helps: applesauce (no sugar added) with lots of cinnamon. hits the spot every time!going to try the whey protein in it, thanks for the tip.

i also found a great bread at Stop and Shop that is flour and sugar free: Alvarado Street bakery. organic sprouted grains. very tasty - unlike the usual cardboard alternatives.

j

whippetmom

This is an excellent topic and very timely for me! I have been off refined sugar for a week now and I am feeling ever so much better.  I have lost two pounds as well.  The only SEs I have been aware of:  Tendency to sleep later than usual and a little afternoon sluggishness.  But the latter SE is better this week.  Fortunately, my hungry whippet is my alarm clock.   

Kindergarten

Dear Amy, yes, night time is so hard, the sweets and carbs call to me. I am getting better though. Have a great night!!!

XmasDx

Well yeah!  I see I am not alone!  I'm so glad!    What great suggestions and ideas on here already!

Today marks Day #2 of reduced/no sugar for me.  I say reduced because I did serve baked beans with dinner and I had about 1/3 cup (but did not eat any of the syrup) and also had some homemade blueberry sauce in my greek yogurt this morning and it also has sugar.  And a square of dark chocolate.  I realize to many people this would NOT be considered "a day without sugar" LOL!!! 

But what I did NOT have today:  mini-pastries sitting on the kitchen counter that my DH bought at Costco, a candy bar at the store (Twix is my favorite), or a sugar drink at Starbucks (got Tazo decaf "Refresh" iced tea instead).  And did I mention that my office-mate keeps a jar of Reese's miniatures and mini-Snickers on her desk that I walk by 50 times/day and I did not have ANY this week?

For me right now, "no sugar" means no pastries, cookies, cake, milk chocolate, candy bars, donuts, Cadbury Creme eggs, etc.  

I agree that avoiding sugar completely makes it easier to avoid. It's hard that it is in salad dressings, soups, peanut butter, granola bars, etc... so many things that don't need to have it!

One tip for me that I forget to do:  When the urge for sweets strikes, tell yourself to just have something else first (crackers, nuts, an orange, an apple, cheese...) and give yourself 20 minutes to see if the urge passes.  It usually does for me, or at least buys me hours and hours of time before I remember that I wanted sugar. 

Kindergarten

Dear XmasDX, You are too funny!!!! I think that you are doing great with your sugar abstinence!!!! Your ideas are great, too.

Whippetmom: My husband and I are retiring to Southern CA in the fall, to be near our sons, so I am hoping that the good weather will also encourgage more exercise for us and healthier eating.

Elmcity: I am going to try to find that bread here in IN, thanks!!!!!

KellyMaryland

Thank you everyone...yesterday I read through this thread but didn't post because I was CERTAIN that I was going to buy an excessive amount of chocolate when I did the shopping last night.  But...I came home without it! Thanks for the inspiration.

I am a gluttonous sugar consumer- can easily eat quadruple sized portions of anything sweet- but have at times over the years gone for weeks without it.  I'm trying to kick it permanently.  In the past one thing that helped was chewing gum (as noted above) and also drinking 'Sweet and Spicy" Tea- Good Earth brand which is sweetish without sugar. 

I'm really looking forward to the support here!

Kelly

3monstmama

Interesting thread.  has anyone hear read the article in the New York Times magazine called "Is Sugar Toxic?"  I read it this morning and found it very interesting. . .   I would post a link but I can never get those to work....

Basia

I caved and baked cookies this afternoon with the girls. They asked to do this all day yesterday and all morning, I finally agreed to bake thinking I could hand it, but I was wrong. Nothing tastes as good as a fresh baked chocolate chip cookie on a yucky gray day. But I only had one (so far). Since I've gone a few days without any carbs, the glass of milk I had with the cookie tasted almost as good as the cookie.

I guess I will start again tomorrow.

elmcity69

3monstmama: i was just discussing that article with my husband! compelling but bit depressing. what struck me was the statement that research on sugar consumption isn't even done at the actual levels Americans are eating.

i'm pitching the flour free in favor of sugar free. just can't do both. i won't do artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or Splenda.

i did just order a fabulous cookbook from "The Pink Kitchen" - she is on the boards here. It showcases scones and some beverages. the recipes look delicious - she uses barley flour and Nutrivia in place of white flour and sugar. search for "Pink Kitchen" on here and you'll find her. her website is great for healthy recipes.

XmasDx

Ooh, thanks elmcity69 - I'll have to check that cookbook out!  Thanks for the info - the blog looks AWESOME!  Blog and free recipes here:  http://pinkkitchen.info/

For me, flour will have to be the next thing to go... but I needed to start with sugar because white flour is going to make lunch time really difficult (I normally go out)... but I think white flour has about the same glycemic affect on the body as sugar.  

I am also avoiding artificial sweeteners, and NOT replacing sugar with them.  I have always been suspect of artifical sweeteners.  It just seems like the evidence against them continues to grow.  I have purchased zylitol (a natural sweetener from birch bark) but have not done anything with it yet, as I don't know what to do with it!  I'm a little scared of it - how much to use, what it tastes like, can I cook with it, etc...I use agave nectar in oatmeal, tea... have also used stevia sometimes.  

Twinmom - calories from cookie dough do not count.  Only baked cookies count.

 Oh, wait.  That was the old me.  Sorry, new me says cookie dough DOES count, but starting over tomorrow is a great idea!  And good for you for stopping at one (or two!)  Chocolate chip cookie dough rocks, we all know that!!! 

 How did everyone else do today?  I made it through Day #3... went for lunch and did NOT get a sweetened tea or juice (unsweetened iced tea instead)... and did not get ice cream even though it was so warm and nice outside driving back to work from the doctor's office... it is interesting to notice how quick and easy and available sugary treats are, and how I eat them unconsciously.  

I have not read the article yet but the NYT link is here http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/17/magazine/mag-17Sugar-t.html

TonLee

I've been following this thread.

And my hat is off to you ladies.

I budget enough calories everyday for something sweet.

I'm not willing to give up sugar.  Even though when I do (and have for months on end) I can get the flattest 6 pack ever! lol 

I will continue reading you guys.   But imo, I didn't survive to give up livin'.  (And yes I know that is a sad sad state of affairs when I consider a chocolate banana livin!!)

My best to you all.

Tonya

Kindergarten

Hi, everyone!!!! I did pretty will today, not one piece of candy. I actually picked up a case of glucerna shakes and a case of glucerna bars. A friend told me they help to regulate blood sugar levels and they can  be used as a snack instead of my usual candy bar. They are packed with vitamins and minerals. I just love all the information on this thread, thank you so much!!! You are all making me want to be healthier. hey, those of you who still have kids at home, don't be too hard on yourselves, I miss those times of baking cookies with my children. Have fun!!!! Please enjoy your evening, Kathy

Basia

Replacing sugar is hard, even natural products like aguave nectar aren't good for you, aguave actually has a higher glycimic index than sugar.  

In addition to no sugar I am doing no flour or anything "white".  Outside of my cookie incident I have been pretty good with no sugar or processed flour.  I have been eating "think thin" bars when the sugar cravings get really bad, these bars taste like a candy bar but have more protein than carbs and have been making this transition not so bad.  As long as I am not baking, I am good

debbie6122

I gave up my pepsi and that was hard the first 2 weeks, i drank it first thing in the morning it was my coffee, I started feeling so much better, I also am a chocoholic, now what I do is buy the dark chocolate about 70% put it in the freezer and when I get a craving I just take a little square and then Im satisfied. Since I gave up almost most sweets and pepsi I feel more energetic.

AmyIsStrong

I just read the 10 page NY TImes Magazine article about sugar.  BOY OH BOY did that drive home how important it is to stay away from it.  I encourage all of you to read it. It is very scientific (I admit I skimmed some parts) but it is very helpful.

The last few nights after dinner, I've thought about getting something sweet and then I think of you ladies and it is so much easier to just stay in solidarity with you and let the urge pass (which it always does, most times very quickly).

And you know what's interesting - some people, like TonLee and others, can enjoy sweets in moderation and that is great. But this thread has seemed to attract those of us who CAN'T just have one piece. 

Keep on, sisters!

mumito

I have been off sugar since my DX and no longer crave sweets at all.I have no problem skipping deserts even if the person next  to me is devouring theirs.I used to love icecream but now I don't even  want to taste it.

barbe1958

I've been lurking, but now am diving in!

I haven't had alcohol since the night before the night before my surgery (that 24 hour window where you can't drink). Since then I have made up for the alcohol by eating sweets. Shouldn't be a surprise as I have a license plate from years ago for my car SWT 2TH.....sigh.

My DH loves a deal so he'll pick up treats. I also believe we have to live and enjoy, so I figure I gave up alcohol which is so FULL of sugar so I was doing good. But now I'm making up for it too much.

Hello, my name is Barbara and I am a sugar addict!!!! Not really, but you know, it's admitting it that is the first step. ehehhehehehehe

So, I'll coast along with y'all as I try to not indulge. We do like to have the pre-made icecream cones for a desert before bed time. It's not a lot of calories....or am I in denial???

mumito

Red wine is still my guilty pleasure.

whippetmom

Barbe,  I gave up alcohol completely with my bc diagnosis.  I made up for it immediately by consuming one full cup of M&Ms nightly for a year.  My vice at night now is to freshly squeeze orange juice, freeze it in little ramekins, and this is my night time treat.  I sit in front of the TV with hubby at night, slowly scraping little spoonfulls of the frozen concoction.  It takes about 45 minutes to go through an 8 ounce ramekin of frozen juice.  My husband HATES this habit.  He glares at me as I am scraping away.  But it keeps the weight off and I feel sated.  I do not know if I am changing the chemistry of juice by freezing it though.  I don't think I want to know.  I have also used other pure juices, but my sister's orange trees produce the most amazing fruit, and so I am kept in constant supply.  

barbe1958

If you're going to "do" it Mumyan...at least don't add GUILT to it!! Enjoy it!!

I do shop just the outside aisles of the grocery store. That's where the healthier stuff is at least. Some of those aisles when you walk down, you can SMELL the sugar!!!!