Welcome to My Year Without

On January 1, 2008, I made a New Year's resolution to cut out refined sugar for one year. I cut out white refined sugar and corn syrups. My quest to be sugar-free evolved into political interest, public health, and letter writing to food manufacturers. Join me in sugar sleuthing, and learn more about the psychological aspects of sugar addiction, and those who push sugar on us.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Still Sugar-Free, But Moving On....

Dear Readers,

I apologize for my absence lately. It has been a difficult decision, but I have decided to freeze my blog in order to pursue some other interests. I am still passionate about living a sugar-free life, and had no idea that a New Year's Resolution would last this long.

As an overview, especially if you are new to the site, I quit sugar in order to see if it could be done and what it would be like. I was seriously addicted to sugar before I quit cold turkey.

I determined that sugar does not have a place in my life, ever, including life's celebrations and "indulgences". There are so many wonderful alternatives to sugar (my favorite being fresh, organic fruit, and honey-sweetened tea) that I don't feel like I am missing out. In fact, my taste buds are more sensitive to sweet now that they are not saturated and dulled by mass quantities of sugar, which I could never seem to get enough of. I used to plow through the vegetables on my plate in anticipation of dessert afterward. Vegetables satisfy my sweet tooth, now, and have never tasted more flavorful as they do these days.

Just from quitting sugar I have realized important physical benefits including: less tired, no sugar crashes, eating healthier foods in general, feeling better about myself, substantially stronger immune system, no itchy yeast symptoms, no more craving white sugar products, etc.

By quitting sugar and writing a blog, my interest in overall nutrition has exploded. Rather than stay focused on sugar (it offers no nutrients--don't eat it!) I am exploring the world of whole foods and how both healthy and unhealthy foods relate to healing and disease. In other words, I am considering going back to school to get my Master's degree in Nutrition. (A few years at a community college part-time, to get the pre-reqs out of the way, first!)

I am passionate about nutrition but also the relationship between food manufacturers and the general public. I have been duped most of my life into believing that a candy bar or cookie or piece of pie will make me happier and help me celebrate life's precious moments. Instead, eating those things made me feel lethargic, guilty and yet, somehow hungry for more. Now that I know how incredible it is to be free of sugar, I want to spread the word. By going back to school I hope to learn in more depth, what I have brought to the table in the last few years.

Thank you for all your feedback, great questions, support and interest in the information I've provided. It's been one of the most fun experiences I've had. I've really enjoyed getting to know many of you through your blogs, or by your great questions and feedback along the way.

I hate goodbyes, so instead, I hope the best for each one of you, whether you commit to giving up sugar or not!

THANK YOU EVERYONE!!