I thought you needed to know exactly what my mouth, body, and brain have been feeling in this one week without sugar. And I’m not going to sugar coat it (pun intended); it hasn’t been so pretty.
First things first. I haven’t cheated. I have been sugar free for almost a week now despite the temptation and the cravings and the hunger (and I’m hungry all the effing time). But I haven’t faltered or stepped off my sugar free path. The cravings sometimes have been brutal. I want chocolate, peanut butter, coffee that tastes like dessert, juice, toast with apple butter, peaches, sweet tea vodka, and a mint chocolate chip milkshake. But I’m holding strong. And I can feel good about that.
What doesn’t feel so good? Day 3 and Day 4. I was miserable. I woke up with a headache that lasted pretty much for the two days. My body didn’t feel natural, it felt sluggish, heavy, and achey. I had no energy, no focus. I was underwater. The super highlight was when I rushed to pick up my daughter from her preschool classroom only to remember that she goes to dance on Thursday. I then broke all land-speed records to race home, find her ballet and tap shoes, and race back to class where I interrupted to dress my daughter (who had been crying because she didn’t have her dance clothes). Yes. Total #momfail.
By Thursday night, my husband was asking me if I was okay. The simple process of making dinner took me eons, and all I wanted to do was crawl into bed. I didn’t look well either according to Jason who said I was pale and had dark circles under my eyes. He kept offering me sugar, promising not to tell you, dear readers. (I’m telling you, temptation.)
I’ve gotten the color back in my cheeks and the dark circles have dissipated to their natural not-quite-so-dark. But the has hunger hung around like a bad cold. It’s not even just a simple gnawing hunger but a total roaring hunger that is impossible to ignore. The difference now is that I’m reaching for hard boiled eggs or cheese instead of peanut butter or chocolate.
There is a bright side. I am starting to feel better. I have a little more energy, and it’s been a couple of days since I stared into the pantry dreaming of what I can’t eat. The headaches still come and go, but I’m also trying to drink more water, and that can only help. And the sometimes swelling I had in my ankles seams to have disappeared, along with 6 or so pounds. (Look out Fit for Fall group.)
It hasn’t been an easy week, and I don’t know that week number 2 will be any better. (How many days are left?) But I keep telling myself it will be worth it. It will be worth it. It will be worth it. It has to be, right?
IT WILL BE WORTH IT.
At some point all the aches and pains (and insane hunger) will go away.
Keep up the great work!
Jacki recently posted..Nutrition Challenge - 1 Month Down
I think you’re right, Jacki. And I kind of feel like I’ve come so far, how could I stop now. But what I wouldn’t give for a spoonful a spoonful of peach cobbler.
The “detox” process is h-e-double-hocky-sticks…times ten! Hang tough. It will be SO worth it! P.S. Pat yourself on the back for not giving into temptation. You deserve it!
Lisa Howard recently posted..Monday Morning Blue & Green Smoothie
Yes! No wonder people never stop smoking, and I wouldn’t stand a chance against cocaine, I’m sure. Thanks for your support, Lisa! It means so much.
You, my friend, are awesome. Have you tried upping your fat intake to offset the hunger? That helped for me.
Jessica recently posted..Adventures in Pinterest Monthly Challenge
Good idea Jess! I think the hunger is starting to fade. I think. And you are just as awesome as I am, plus some. Thanks for being my go-to no-sugar resource!
Amazing job, Anna! I’m so impressed by your perseverance in the face of feeling so terrible (and your husband’s attempts to spoon feed you sugar, LOL). I’m hoping this coming week brings a whole new feeling of health and energy. ~ Bobbi
Bobbi Parish-Logie recently posted..Music Monday: Brave by Sara Bareilles
Thank you Bobbi. I am feeling better in week to. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and that always makes things a little easier.
You can do it girl! As my dad would say, “Keep on trucking”. A little bit of an inside joke, but the sentiment is there. I believe in you. Can’t wait to hear more about your no sugar journey. wow!
Pauline Molinari recently posted..Shadow Box TV Craft Idea with PomTree Kids
Keep on Trucking. I like it!
You can do it! The first week is rough for sure….. it’s like detoxing. Eat lots of fresh veggies, protein, and most importantly water!
Jackie recently posted..Monday Menu ~ Baked pasta with béchamel & tomato sauce
Yes. The Water makes a huge difference in the hunger and the headaches. Plus, it’s just so good for me. Thanks for the support, Jackie. It means so much!