| Cut sugars out of my life (and lost 6 pounds so far) | Hot Conversation |
to the degree that anyone can given that they are “secretly” added to everything. I’ve lost the weight mainly from my belly.
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I gave up both a university position and a teaching position to move due to a short-term career opportunity for my husband, having been told that finding something comparable to what I had would be no problem where we moved Well, I've been applying
I love listening to French Radio on Pandora. I feel like I am strolling down the Champs-Elysees. The music is happy and takes me right back to Paris. Enjoy it!Raw coconut oil. I use it for everything--cleansing, to add to my Renovage for a night cream, moisturizing, soothing. Just everything. And my Burt's Bee's lip balm. But, coconut oil is the main reason I'm hooked on RMSBeauty makeup.
Perhaps you are thinking about a generation or ago. You would be retiring and "winding" down at 59, but times are different. You are probably much more "with it" than in those days, your health is better but due to economics going to work longeI gave up wheat and sugar in my early twenties and except for social occasions where pizza or pasta or birthday cake are served, or the long hike that earns me a piece of chocolate, I've stuck with that plan. I'm not a naturally lean person, which 
I just cut out sugar a week ago. Im also avoiding anything White potatos, bread etc. I hope it is going to help me!!
Thank you Magnolia. I’m pretty happy about it too. And good for you Isrblue. As the obesity specialist, Dr Lustig, says: A high sugar diet is a high FAT diet.
Check out The BellyFat Cure by Jorge Cruise. It is a very practical diet.
And women after 40 or 45 tend to gain weight on their bellies if they aren’t sleeping well, whether perimenopause, menopause, or stress, because sleep provides us with the hormone Leptin which tells our brain that we are full. If we don’t sleep well, then we don’t get enough Leptin and we overeat.
Rock on ladies!
Kathleen
Thanks!! I am at 10 days now! i have trouble sleeping as well. I need some Leptin! lol
It really is amazing. Go to youtube and google Dr Oz to see some videos about how Leptin works in our bodies. Who woulda thought.
Ive lost 54 lbs by controling sugar in my diet also. Cancer also feeds on Sugar.
I cut out sugar and carbs 102 days ago and have lost 15 lbs, so far. I keep a journal and weight myself everyday and keep a chart. Lot’s of work every day, I know, but I find it helps keep me on track. After all, after I made this beautifl Excel chart and journal, how can I quit now? Honestly, South Beach is a life saver. After an emergency health scare a year ago, my friend has now lost 70 lbs and have leveled out her blood sugar. That’s what intrigued me to start the diet. I was terribly insulin resistant, but now can wear a smaller top without my “belly” bulging through. I have traced my resistant to my anti-depressant use 10 years ago. I was only on them for 5 years, and before that I was at normal weight. I then “blossomed” in 5 years with a 30-lb weight gain, which I am still battling. This time I will make it! thank you for your story. P.S. Jorge Cruise’s 8-minutes in the Morning is great, I do the wieghts in the morning, but follow the South Beach diet.
I’m interested in your comment about antidepressants causing insulin resistance. I have lately become insulin resistant and immediately started on the diabetes diet. I’m also walking about four times a week. I’ve been on Paxil for about 20 years. Weight loss is so difficult for me but I’m still working on it. I can’t give up at this stage of my life. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts. Keep up the good work. Rose
I will be 62 in January and I realized, too, that it was now or never when it came to my weight. I tried walking, which I still do, but I found when I stopped eating bread, potatoes and sugar, that I was losing about 1 lb a week, but it is still hard. At least now I am seeing some steady progress, but it is still one day at a time.
The book I read was the “Insulin Resistant Diet. I don’t remember the author, but it has some great insights into insulin resistance, and the one thing it talked about was insulin resistance resulting from anti depressants and (of all things) stool softeners, plus antacids. I had only taken the anti-depressants, so that is what I honed in on. I heard about the book and found it on Amazon. It is great at explaining insulin resistance, but the author favors “balancing” carbs. I have to go cold turkey, like South Beach. South Beach doesn’t explain why we are insulin resistant, though.
Best of luck to you, Rose. As I always say, “It’s hard work, but somebody has to do it!”
I have been following the Fat Belly Cure by Jorge Cruise since June and I have lost 25 pounds and feel great. Just cut the sugar and read the content on every thing you eat. Allowed on the diet is 15grams of sugar a day and 6 servings of carb { 21grams of carb in each serving}
Isn’t it amazing!! Good work on losing that weight. We’d love to hear more so keep us in the loop.
When you say (sugar) does it also pertain to natural sugars in fruits?
All processed sugars are bad, and natural sugars from fruits and veggies are ok, but in moderation.
In the Bellyfat Cure, they suggest 15 grams of sugar per day (including natural sugars) when you are trying to lose weight. That is about 3 teaspoons so it can add up quickly. Once you’ve lost the weight, you can slowly add more fruit.
Wow !! great job ! I am going to look him up online now….you are inspiring me to begin the ‘losing’ game again. Thanks for sharing.
in how much time? you lost 6 pounds weight
I was 150 and lost 20 lbs by following Weight Watchers and going to water arobics. Weight watchers is a very sensible diet to follow . Over the years they have fine tuned WW. they give support, and healthy alternatives to things we still want to eat. You don’t have to be perfect, just about 80% good to loose weight. Since I reached my goal quite early which was set HIGH. I am a lifetime member, keep under my goal and I do not have to pay to attend the meetings. Works for me. They have meetings in a lot of locations, and times. Plus the internet has e-tools to track you food.
Be careful with WW. They say margerine is better than butter which is totally false. They allow processed food and diet colas (Aspartame is poison and is known to cause sugar cravings). Also, a study was done and the people who consumed diet sodas were 65% more likely to gain weight, at a future date, than those who drank regular sodas. The support and accountability is what works with WW. You will lose weight but you may not be healthy.
I believe in food from the farmer’s stand and my garden -no pesticides. I haven’t had a soda in years. I agree with you aspartame is poison. My neighbor has an organic apple orchard which is a blessing. Although I stick with points on weight watchers i don’t buy processed food. Healthy is the goal.
First, congratulations to all of you who have found your path to a healthy eating program. I hope to find the motivation to do the same. But frankly, I love sugar! I eat too much because, as has been mentioned, it’s in so many products we purchase. I steer way clear of HFCS; I’m one of those who believes our nation’s diet is “fruc’ed up” by high fructose corn syrup. I’m not a picky eater; I love vegetables and fruits. I’m not much of a carnivore. I understand the dangers, so perhaps I’m addicted, otherwise why wouldn’t I simply resist them? In truth, I’m leary of trying to give up sweets because I’m afraid I’ll fail. I want to be healthy, but I’m going to need to find a plan which offers little victories all along the way.
Your last sentence is your answer. Find a way to reward yourself for not indulging in sugar. And remember, you can use Stevia for sweetening your drinks and foods.
And on the bellyfat diet, (well not really a diet, it’s more of a lifestyle) you are allowed 15 grams of sugar per day. It’s not much, but if you really want health you’ll find alternatives to sugar.
Good for you for avoiding HFCS. This is the absolute reason for the obesity crisis. It is in almost EVERYTHING.
Remember, when a food says “Low in Fat” it will be HIGH in sugar or HFCS. And as Dr. Lustig (the endocrinologist from the University of San Fran) says: A high sugar diet IS a high fat diet”.
By the way, Dr Lustig runs a childhood obesity clinic at the university.
Good luck with your sugar reduction. (Sugar will make you crave even more sugar).
Back in the 80′s I cut out refined sugar, too. If it wasn’t in the top five on the ingredients list, I could eat it. Natural sugar like fruit and honey and real maple syrup was ok. Artificial sugar only came in packets, and I had it in my iced tea or over oatmeal, probably once or twice a week. It took me 3 weeks to stop wanting sweets, and after a few months, I didn’t even care. I found out, though, that I couldn’t even have one small bite or I’d set up the cravings. Being out of control was so loathsome, I didn’t find it hard to abstain. I also followed a plan of three moderate meals and one small snack per day. I lost all of my excess weight (25 pounds) and kept it off for 7 years without ever thinking about dieting again. Then I moved cities, got married, started a new career and the pounds started creeping back. I wasn’t following my plan but I still didn’t eat sugar. There were, however, many more artificially sweentened products to choose from, and the food industry started adding sugar (corn syrup, high fructose, maltodextrin, etc) in the name of ‘low-fat’ which I mistakenly thought would be better for me. Anyway, it’s now the 20-teens and I’m 30 pounds overweight. I followed a well-advertised weight plan which had great recipes and treats. I lost weight, but I started binging, something I hadn’t done in years, on those low point treats. I counted the hours every day until I could have my ‘treat’ (sugar or fake sugar). Then I stopped counting, stopped going to meetings and gained. ACK! A nutritionist doctor I know said that artificial sugar can set up the same cravings as refined sugar. I immediately stopped drinking diet soda, and started eliminating artifical sugar treats. Two weeks ago I decided to start reading labels and I was shocked! Almost everything has some kind of sugar in the top three. Now I am following the original healthy plan of 3 moderate meals and one small snack again and I’m trying for five veggies a day. I’ve already lost 2 pounds and feel so much better I’ve started exercising.. Without sugar in my system, I’m in control of my eating. HOORAY for the healthy eating bunch!
Fantastic!
Funny how sometimes we drift away from what we know works and makes us happy. I agree about it taking a few weeks to get rid of the craving for sugar (and similar carbs). I’ve gotta get back on track.
I have been considering giving up sugar and white foods. Did any of you go through sugar withdrawal?
I found a wonderful free website called sparkpeople.com which provides tools for motivation, record keeping for food and activity, and teams of every nature.
I am an insomniac. To find this info about Leptin was helpful – thank you!
Leptin is so important, and this was a profound bit of knowledge for me. I am sleeping so much better now and the weight is still dropping off, slowly.
But more than that, I feel very happy and optimistic. I know this is due to getting the right amount of sleep and not consuming junk.
Regarding the sugar withdrawal, I use a sweetening product called Stevia. It is a herb from South America and it is quite sweet. Took care of my sugar cravings. (Best deal is at Walmart in the vitamin section).
But don’t use artificail sweeteners. They are part of the obesity crisis and there is a lot of information out there that says these sweeteners actually overexcite and kill off our brain cells.
Thanks for your questions and comments and the website you’ve suggested.
Good luck and keep us posted.
I found a sweetener called” Ideal” in Albertsons and its made with xylitol which is a natural sweetener from fruit and its great. Im from the south and I need my sweet tea and this helps alot. Also really good in coffee. I think stevia has a bitter taste.
Thanks for this tip.
In my research of xylitol products I’ve found that sometimes the manufacturers sneak in other sugars as well. Just watch for that.
But xylitol has been proven to prevent cavities! I think we’ll be hearing a lot more about xylitol in the near future.
I know of others who find Stevia to be bitter or leave an aftertaste. Maybe I am weird, but I LOVE the stuff lol!
Thanks again.
I love sparkspeople I have been using it for about two years. It is free, they have good recipes to share everyday and suggest exercise routines. it’s great
… this is another vote for the folks on SPARKPEOPLE It is a fantastic community and unbelieveably it is still FREE You can learn so much there … and have a bit of FUN doing it
I cut out sugar, chemicals and proicessed food so I know exactly how much fructose/glucose/sucrose is going in my body. I am losing weight (slowly) but the best and most amazing thing is that I no longer need an antiperspirant. My armpits DO NOT smell. From what I have read about this… bacteria feeds on sugar and if you are not consuming any there is nothing for the bacteria to live off. It’s the same principal for cancer cells. Feed your immune system with real unprocessed food and the only glucose in your body is that which was made by your body.
That is so great, but words are easy. How did you manage your cravings? I am so addicted, all I can think about is sweet. This is worse that cigarette withdrawal. Do you have a good tip for me? Thank you. Carole C, threebead@gmail.com
I watched a lot of experts talking about what sugar really is and what it does to our bodies. I remind myself that I want to live healthily for the rest of my life.
Believe it or not, the cravings subside rather quickly, and as you’ve already noticed, soda will eventually taste horrible.
Some experts I’ve listened to:
Dr. Oz
Jorge Cruise
Dr. Perricone
You can search for Dr. Oz and Jorge Cruise & watch their videos on YouTube. Well worth the 3 or 4 minutes.
Stay strong and remember that you deserve health. Keep me posted.
Years ago, I realized that I was addicted to sugar. I had all the symptoms: cravings, mood changes, excuses, used it as a reward, etc. So…knowing some people who were in a 12 Step program, I tried doing a 12 step on sugar. Weight loss was a benefit for sure, but an unexpected benefit was my moods evened out. And wonder of wonders, and I don’t know exactly why, I stopped having nightmares!
I was “clean” for 9 1/2 years. Then had the opportunity to go to Italy for a few days. I convinced myself that the trip wouldn’t/couldn’t be fully appreciated without gelato and tera misu. It took 4 years to “get back on the wagon.” I think you’re right. It IS a struggle, and the struggle is worse than cigarette withdrawal. But the benefits are worth the effort. Really!
S&rah
Wow, very interesting! Looking back, I thnk my moods have also started to even out I feel happier, more optimistic, can think clearly, and never wake up feeling hung over anymore.
I thought it was jus that I’ve been sleeping better.
Thanks for posting this. It really prompted me to reflect on how I’ve been feeling since cutting sugars out!
Years ago, I realized that I was addicted to sugar. I had all the symptoms: cravings, mood changes, excuses, used it as a reward, etc. So…knowing some people who were in a 12 Step program, I tried doing a 12 step on sugar. Weight loss was a benefit for sure, but an unexpected benefit was my moods evened out. And wonder of wonders, and I don’t know exactly why, I stopped having nightmares!
I was “clean” for 9 1/2 years. Then had the opportunity to go to Italy for a few days. I convinced myself that the trip wouldn’t/couldn’t be fully appreciated without gelato and tera misu. It took 4 years to “get back on the wagon.” I think you’re right. It IS a struggle, and the struggle is worse than cigarette withdrawal. But the benefits are worth the effort. Really!
S&rah
Congratulations! I (and my 11 year-old son) are working on a “change one thing” idea. He’s autistic and obese or bordering on it and I’ve packed on about 20 extra pounds I know I don’t need. So the first thing I did was quit drinking diet (or any) soda. The first three days were sooo hard. I just had to keep playing ‘bad cop’ in my head – NO… you can’t have it! Don’t make me get out the Justin Bieber…
I had half a bottle of soda on the fourth day and it tasted terrible to me. I think I’ve had about 20 oz of soda total in the past three weeks. I’m ready to take another step. I’m not good at changing everything all at once. With my son’s issues and my disabled/bedridden husband’s issues, it’s just one more thing that I can’t manage. So we’re going one step at a time. I applaud your perseverance and dedication!
And I applaud YOUR perseverance and dedication!
You are awesome and it sounds like you’ve got a lot on your plate. What a great role model you are for your son. You both deserve health.
Keep us posted about how it’s going.
Thank you, Kathleen. I think everyone has plenty going on these days. I appreciate your inspirational story. Sometimes we get so bogged down with ‘stuff’ that we forget to take care of ourselves. Reading your post reminded me of its importance. Here’s hoping I can share some similar good news some time! Now I just need to figure out my next “one thing” to change
You are so welcome. And you’re right — these are stressful and busy times. We all need comfort and sleep or we’ll turn to carbs and sugars.
Have you looked at the Jorge Cruise and Dr Oz videos on Youtube? That might be the “one thing” to start with.
All the best
Kathleen
I saw this and decided to give it a try my self. today is day one with out sugar…. on to tomorrow!!!
You will not regret it. The first two weeks are the worst. Once you get over the craving, it is quite “freeing” and I can say with some certainty that you will not go return to sugar. Except, of course, on your birthday cake, and the many, many more birthday cakes to come!
Here is a quick video by Jorge Cruise where he shows the dangers of sugar.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aH47sGmJZaQ
I am now using Splenda in my baking rather than sugar as I heard it was a far healthier sweetener than Aspartame. Apparently, it’s made from sugar. It’s quite expensive but worth it if it’s better for us.
I started baking again as we would often buy grocery store sweets (choc-covered cake snacks, etc…very bad I know), but at least when I bake a cake I know exactly what’s in it. (And it’s easy to do.)
Hi Pam
Actually Splenda is listed among one of the worst artificial sweeteners. Sorry.
Here’s some info about Splenda (sucralose).
The invention of Splenda as found listed in Wikipedia. Here’s the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sucralose
It’s a good article about the history and so on, but there are many scientists and specialists who have now determined ALL artificial sugars to be dangerous because they over-excite brain cells and destroy them. They are actually called excito-toxins. Here is a quick definition of what this means: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excitotoxicity
I think we will hear a lot more about this in the near future.
I am now using Splenda in my baking rather than sugar as I heard it was a far healthier sweetener than Aspartame. Apparently, it’s made from sugar. It’s quite expensive but worth it if it’s better for us.
I started baking again as we would often buy grocery store sweets (choc-covered cake snacks, etc…very bad I know), but at least when I bake a cake I know exactly what’s in it. (And it’s easy to do.)
Splend is made from chlorine ! Not to mention that 2 college guys invented it trying to make rat poison and the FDA approved it !
The sugar companys even had a law suit on splenda for claiming it was sugar.
Well, Damn, there goes my Splenda!!! I’m with all of you knowing that eliminating sugar from our diet is key not only to weight loss but good health and strong bodies, but REALLY??? Sugar is so good!! That means no more Blue Bell ice cream, marshmallow fluff, pastries, pies, cakes… oh my!!
A coworker told me that artificial sweetners all increase her depression….so I gave up my nightly diet soda…..and am amazed at how the depression has banished !!! I’m amazed that she discovered this. Seltzer water with a little lemon or lime is satsifying that urge now.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ecocentrism.org%2F2010%2F08%2F03%2Fcancer-cells-slurp-up-fructose-us-study-finds%2F&h=ada9d Interesting article !
so glad you ladies are sharing….I was about to give up on ever losing another pound…..2 yrs ago kmart/slimfast joined forces for a weight loss challenge, 23000 signed up nationwide, and after 12 wks, there were 2300 left, all losing approximately 24-36 lbs apiece….it was awesome !!! I lost 34….it was the incentives that kept us going….huge prizes, clothes, trip to NYC, photo shoot….everyone was so motivated and competitive, but we helped one another along the way online, so that everyone’s questions got answered and advice was shared…..I know we could do that here if others are interested and we just start a thread called weight loss challenge….anyone interested ???
Lets do it !