"Can I eat sugar yet?" That was the pressing question that kept flying through my mind a few weeks ago. But now I am rethinking the wording of that question. I'm not sure if I want to eat sugar even if I could eat it without getting a migraine. Studies after studies are coming out with negatives about sugar. The studies show that sugar can cause depression, memory loss, aging, immune system disorders, high blood pressure not to mention weight issues or diabetes. I don't know how valid all of these studies are, but I am living proof that cutting out sugar/high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has a positive impact on health. I have kept my portions the same, but only cut out sugar/HFCS/sweeteners and have lost 25 pounds over the past 6 months. I've just started to get a consistant exercise routine down in the last six weeks and am able to add exercise into the equation now. I am overwhelmed at the difference cutting out sugar has made on my body. I don't think everyone needs to cut it out completely, but keeping it at a minimum could definitely make a positive impact on health.
Now that I am feeling healthier, I want to keep it up. As you know, I am part of the "lose a marathon" challenge created by my fellow Sole Sister, Jess. Losing 26 more pounds would put me at an ideal and healthy weight. So I have been stepping up my healthy eating by trying to make my meals 50% fruits and veggies, 25% protein and 25% carbs. It's a good start :) I am also trying to be more consistant with my exercise. I don't see the scale moving very quickly, but it didn't come on quickly either.
I am petrified of getting diabetes and heart disease from being overweight. I am still getting the weight off from when I broke my foot 3 years ago. I was teaching from a wheelchair and gained almost 40 pounds. I got 15 of it off before my wedding and then gained 5 back. Since January I have lost 25, so I am 5 pounds away from where I was 3 years ago. It's been a long journey, but I am going to get there. I want to be healthy and be healthy for my future children.
Don't get me wrong, it is HARD to cut out sugar. SO HARD! But I'm doing it with the hope of it diminishing my migraines. So when I am aching to eat ice cream I think about the debilitating pain of migraines. Also, my grandma says that eating sugar is just 30 seconds of pleasure and it's over. She's right. I am constantly asked the question, "How do you do it? How have you been able to go without sugar for so long?" I never know how to answer this, because I was completely addicted to eating sweets. I never ever dreamed that I would be able to go without sugar for so long. It has definitely been a result of divine intervention. Lots of prayer and faith that God is in control. Also, God has blessed me with an amazing support system. Between Tom, my mom and the rest of my family and friends, I have been able to pass up cake, cookies, Blizzards...I am going to stop typing all these goodies cause it's making me crave them. But anyway, when I tell Tom I want Dairy Queen soooo bad he says "Well, are you sure?" Then I say, no I'm not sure and then I eventually convince myself that I don't need it.
Realistically, I'm sure I will eat sugar here and there in the future, but with the knowledge and experience I have with cutting it out I will definitely be VERY selective in how much and what kinds of sugar I will be eating.
No comments:
Post a Comment