Ok, I have a bunch of annoying issues that I've read can be helped immensely by cutting out sugar (depression, pmdd, rosacea, stress, yeast issues, health in general, etc.). So, anyone have an practical ideas of what I CAN eat?? Need suggestions for snacks, breakfast, lunch, dinner. I have horrible eating habits.:banghead: Need help with practical ideas. Thanks!
babydirtybike
07-12-2006, 02:04 PM
Hey, just my :2cents: for what worked for me:
-Eating regularly. Don't let your blood sugar get low or you will crave sugar every time.
-Bring snacks for yourself when you go out the same way you would bring snacks for your kids. I don't leave the house without a water, carrots or an apple, nuts and a protein shake (if I'll be gone for 2 hr or more)
-Clean out your cupboards. Chuck or give away processed, sugary foods. If you have a dinner party send the leftover dessert home with people.
-Don't even venture down the junk isles of the grocery store. Head to the produce and be willing to spend your newly accquired junk food money on fruits and vegs. Buy a big bag of apples and oranges to save $. Buy big bags of frozen veggies. They only take 10-15 minutes to steam and they won't go bad in the fridge.
-Go out once a week with the fam or DH for a treat. Do not bring home a big container of ice cream or something like that. A treat is not a meal. Eat something real first.
-Do not eat carbohydrates by themselves. Result is blood sugar up then crashing down with another round of sugar cravings.
-Try adding more protein to your diet, lean meats, fish, nuts, eggs, cottage cheese, legumes etc. It lowers the blood sugar impact on other starchy foods.
-Have fibre as often as you can. Helps slow release of sugar in the blood resulting in you staying fuller longer and less insulin demands (not to mention your colon will love you).
-Meal times= find a plate that is a couple inches smaller than your normal "dinner" plate. Fill it half with vegeatables and the other 2 1/4s with a starch and a protein
-Avoid artificial sweetners. They are just a poisonous tease that is never as satisfying.
-Switch all your white starches to whole grains.
-Always have a variety of fruits and veg on hand and if you have a sweet dessert only have one variety. People will always take one of each kind of something.
-If you are worried about insulin resistance try using Alpha Lipoic Acid (you can get it at the grocery store here) when you have a sweet. You can google it, but it is an antioxident that mimics insulin.
Sorry these are kind of general things, but they have helped me out lots. Gotta plan ahead sometimes, but don't forget to enjoy yourself and treat yourself sometimes. good luck.:thumbsup:
babydirtybike
07-12-2006, 02:53 PM
Sorry just wanted to add a couple more things.
-Elimate pop/soda even diet and fruit juices. Just because it's from fruit doesn't make it good for you. It is still pure sugar and does the same thing to your blood sugar.
-If you are going cold turkey on sugar then be prepared to go through some withdrawl (not kidding) symptoms including cravings, irritability, fluctuating energy levels and a few other fun things. It is best to avoid all sugars even fruits for the first week while your body (esp. pancreas) adapts to this new regime. Then slowly add fruit back (it will taste really sweet) and the odd treat here and there.
mom2hancj
07-21-2006, 08:58 PM
I am a sugar a holic here!! I am now doing weight watchers and have drastically cut back my sugar. Once you cut back or stop for a few days you won't miss it. It will take a few days to where you want but if you keep resisting it gets easier. I just eat lots of fruits and veggies. I occasionally will let myself have a Skinny Cow...diet ice cream bar or strawberries and lite cool whip. Nowhere near the amount of sugar I used to eat. You can do it!
