I've been back on the sugar for a week. It's pretty rad stuff. Things I appreciate now:
the taste of real sugar (or, even better, raw sugar) in my coffee
cake
caramel slice
orange juice with added sugar
being able to eat whatever I want.
I haven't really come back with a vengeance. I've probably still had a lot more than the average person because I could but I feel a bit like I'm out of the habit. Having chosen to alter a non-food-related behaviour this month has been a bit strange as I'm so used to having some form of restricted eating that I act as if the sugar fatwa was still on. I wouldnt' say I've lost my sweet tooth, but I don't need as much to give me that lovin' feeling as before and, I don't find myself seeking it out like I did out of habit before.
This is potentially a good thing. Only time will tell how long it lasts, though.
Now, without further ado, I would like to introduce Coyote Shivers who will be helping me celebrate the return of glucose to my life with their little ditty, 'Sugarhigh'.
The deal To go without watching any TV for the month of June. No TV shows on DVD, on the TV or on my computer via the internets.
Any exceptions? I'm allowed to turn the TV on to play my Wii - feel this is justified as is an active activity - Mario doesn't run across the screen by himself, you know. Will be leaving on a jet plane later this month (yes, poor me) and am allowing myself to watch the tv on the plane but am only allowed to watch movies I haven't seen or play the Nintendo thingy I hear they have these days. No TV shows or movie repeats. And no TV at the airport. I am a harsh mistress to myself.
My hypothesis If my mother is to be believed I will be far more productive once I give up the teev. I am not so sure, given that if I were a super hero my name would be The Procrastinator. I'm the one that made the costume but never quite got around to the fighting crime part. Did I mention I forgot to set my DVR to tape Dr Who and Glee?
I've been a bit lax with the ol' posting, haven't I? Had best make up for this turn of events.
To sum up caffeine-free April: caffeine is in a surprising number of things which only made me want them more. The week I got back on the Diet Coke was my most productive at work in some time. Seriously, I did 42 reports in ONE DAY. That is huge, just so you know.
Then I moved on to Sugar for May. I enforced a personal bann on all added sugar. I was allowed back on the beers but cakes, chocolate and all their partners in deliciousness were out of bounds. I slipped up once, on which I blame alcohol. Industry awards show + winning (twice - yes, we are that good!) + celebratory drinks + more drinking = accepting vodka, lemon lime because the boss bought it. So, in short, alcohol does not contribute to a winning formula.
I think I served some serious pennance by baking the world's largest overcatering spread for Australia's Biggest Morning Tea and not getting to eat any of it. Though, I admit I did save some white chocolate and macadamia caramel slice for the first day of June. We raised $570 for the Cancer Council too so I think I made up for it.
Was sugar worth it? Well, given my family's history of diabetes combined with my sweet tooth it could be a very real possibility. It did give me a new appreciation for savouries but I like my choccy, what can I say? It has been slightly overwhelming being able to eat it again, but I'll cover that in another post.
