Sugar Addict

Yes, you read it right! I can confidently say I am no longer a sugar addict. 30 days ago I embarked on a food challenge with my husband, a simple test of will power and a focus on each and everything that went into our bodies. This was no small feat to say the least. Planning ahead, increased grocery store visits, and a solid motivational structure proved to be winners. We didn't have any specific reason to make these changes; we just thought we would see what a few small radical changes would do to our lifestyle.

We followed a pretty strict regimen (no pain, no gain, right?) and maneuvered each day as it came. Cutting out all grains, 90% of dairy, and all sweets and snacks was a huge eye opener. It's amazing how a few changes can open your eyes up to the true CRAP you are eating. Left with an empty snack drawer and meals that once were staples in our diet but no longer fit into our challenge parameters, led to much research scouring for recipes and ideas. We stumbled upon a great website focused on Paleo and loved the recipes and information. If you are familiar with the Paleo Plan it is a perfect tool to add to your collection. Although we didn't follow Paleo 100%, it proved to be a good sounding board for what we were trying to accomplish.

Fast forward 30 days and it is remarkable how quickly new habits can become routine. I'm a firm believer everyone must find what works for them, so we listened to a lot of podcasts to get varying opinions. We stumbled across The Fat-Burning Man Show and really loved it. It was here that I heard a podcast that I won't forget. The following really resonated with me:

What we know is true:

-Sugar had me, I didn't have it!

-Sugar can be stronger than a heroin addiction. You may not get high and it certainly won't change your basic mental functionality but overtime it is extremely damaging. (I laughed at this one but its pretty true.)

-As a society, we have concern over drugs (heroin, etc) but no concern about sugar.

-Creating a new muscle around not allowing sugar will take time but the new muscle will also bring about positive changes in other areas of your life.

-You need to erase everything you know about food and health. In today's world, what you think you know is killing you.

-External commitments crush willpower every day! (I really connected with this one.)

-The language you assign to what you are doing is important. IT IS NOT A DIET, IT IS A LIFESTYLE CHANGE. How you phrase it will determine your success.

-Your desire for sugar will and can change.

-As a society, we are over fed and undernourished.

-Public accountability provides a psychological structure.

-Instead of saying "I can't have that," say, "I don't eat that." It is the way you frame it.

-"You don't," is a house you make, "I can't," is an external force.

-Don't let perfect be the enemy of good. If this is the case, you will quit every time.

-As a society, we endorse comfort and time, which basically boils down to laziness!

One month later, my husband and I are feeling great. My husband hit a number on the scale he hasn't seen in a long time and I lost a few hard-to-budge pounds that I thought I had adopted forever. We hope our 30 day challenge sparks an evaluation on your health. Continued self neglect is a surefire approach to trouble later on.

Because life is too short to be one dimensional!
Chelsey Washington

http://www.Paytonjade.com
Turning the Ordinary into the Extraordinary

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