First of all, just another shout-out to Mary who, at her tender young age, has managed to be an amazing mentor for me in so many ways. First, she introduced me to foodblogging which has proved to be nothing short of miraculous. It stopped two binges in their tracks yesterday. Amazing.
Another thing that Mary does, which I observed during her visit with me, but did NOT PARTICIPATE in, is her practice of only eating sugar (processed sugar) on weekends. I was like, hmm. Okay.
Now, as a diabetic person, I probably could benefit from not eating sugar at ALL. And I know plenty of people who do not eat sugar AT ALL. But cutting any food out of my repertoire completely just freaks me out. And it is important to me to feel like I can 1. maintain my weight loss, and 2. maintain good diabetic health, while continuing to enjoy certain sugar experiences once in a while. (cupcakes, anyone?)
I never eat large amounts of sugar. Mostly they are very small amounts of things- a teaspoon of ice cream, a sugar-free candy, (I’m going to count that as “sugar” for now because it does contain a certain type of sugar), some low-carb chocolate or a Skinny Cow. I do not go all out and have a hot fudge sundae.
Anyway, this week, after the big wedding weekend, I decided to come back to “basics.” And I noticed that I didn’t eat sugar on Monday or Tuesday. (today is Wednesday) I noticed it didn’t kill me. Or upset me. Or make me feel deprived.
So I’ve decided to gently see how this feels. I’m not doing it as a Challenge, or a Vow, or anything like that. I’m just doing it out of curiousity, for as long as it lasts. I’m not putting a time limit on it or anything. It’s just…. an experiment.
By the way, I don’t notice any difference (after 2 days) in how I feel. It’s not like I feel lighter and happier and free from the Evil Substance. I’m more noticing how I don’t feel like I’m suffering. Which is fine.
foodfoodbodybody 
July 21, 2010 at 2:38 pm
This is one thing I always THINK about doing, but never really put forth effort. I drink coffee in the morning. I usually have two BIG cups–and that is it. But I like my sugar in it.
I don’t drink soda or juice or eat sweets so I am pretty much sugar free from what I think of as “blantant” sugar — except for my morning coffee.
Sometimes I put in less. 🙂
I think the “I don’t feel like I’m suffering” is a HUGE key in eating healthy. If suffering is what is felt then that leads to things like “I’ve been good, I DESERVE a (insert unhealthy food item here).” And that is where trouble begins. So . . . . good for you. Can’t wait to hear more on how it goes!!!
July 21, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Give it two weeks. Really. I did it first out of curiousity… Can I do it? I was eating sugar everyday! Turns out I can do it and it makes me feel a lot better. I allow sugar the weekends but sometimes find I don’t even want it, which is awesome and completely different for me. It’s also nice because another thing I go by is generally I share it or it sweets in a social setting, not by myself. This way I manage to plan fun weekend outings and enjoy it a bit extra with some sugar loving.
Glad you are trying things out. I’m no genius, I just like to test things and see what works for me. It’s a good way to do it!
July 21, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Two weeks of none-at-all, or two weeks of weekends only?
July 22, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Your first go around no sugar at all, prolly. It’s good to completely break from it just so you know how you really feel without it. Then you could try sugar on weekends. It’s just whatever you want to try, really!
July 21, 2010 at 3:35 pm
Love the exploration you are doing. That’s so important to finding out what works for us as individuals. You go!
July 21, 2010 at 8:10 pm
Cool! I know *exactly* what you mean. I haven’t completely eliminated sugar (or any other food) for the same reason, although there are many that I’ve just gotten out of the habit of consuming (like soda-diet or regular) or eat less and way more selectively now than I used to do (sugar). Even now, I wouldn’t say, “I’m never going to have another Diet Coke!” It’s just too loaded for me to do that.
July 21, 2010 at 8:34 pm
We all have to find our own way…but I’d say you should give it a shot. As of 2 or so weeks ago, I went all-out-Atkins (though fudging on the induction phase because that feels like torture) so my sugar consumption is wayyyy down. Though, sugar is everywhere. I’m always shocked when I log my food to see grams of sugar in there where I don’t think there should be any!
That said, I’ve decided to really avoid it as a rule. I have a retirement party next week for a good friend and will have a pc of cake, and my birthday is in 3 weeks and I’ll have whatever I want. Other than that, I am going to give this new WOE (way of eating) a shot.
What have you got to lose? I agree with a previous commenter – give it a couple weeks just to see. You might be surprised!
July 22, 2010 at 2:43 pm
Ya..i know a lot of people are doing that and its great for them…its never appealed to me. Good luck on your experiment 🙂
July 22, 2010 at 6:24 pm
I’m on 2.5 weeks of no desert. I don’t normally have a sweet tooth, but I noticed lately I had been having a desert EVERY DAY. Nothing big, a chocolate kiss or a 60 calorie cup of sorbet, but something. I decided to go without it and give up everything sweet but fruit, and oddly enough, my appetite is much more…stable.
I plan to allow sweets again after a month, but not on a daily basis. Only when it’s really worth it.