Day 4. I thought it would be harder.
I decided to give up sugar, alcohol, grains and dairy for a month.
Why? That’s what everyone asks. I can’t really give one answer, it’s been something I’ve been thinking about for over a year and finally I committed to August. I almost backed out on the morning of the first day – thinking it was all a silly idea and I should just go ahead and get my usual latte at Picolo on my way to work. But since I had opened my big mouth and told too many people that I was starting this last friday, I was stuck. That pride of mine, she’ll keep me on track.
I love sugar, and salty treats, and cheese and pasta, and, and, and. I consider myself a healthy person. I don’t keep unhealthy or processed foods in my home – unless you count the occasional oversized bag of liquorice. Or the chocolate chips that never make it long enough to end up in the baked good they were intended for. My vices are insubstantial compared to many other people – and that is a great excuse when you are in line and the pharmacy and the rows of chocolate bars are calling your name. I am that impulsive buyer who gets trapped at the cash register by all the shiny things.
When I grew up in the country, the closest corner store was SO FAR that when my dad had to go get gas, it was a treat for us to tag along and get [I am having a revelation here] a piece of liquorice or a bag of those one cent candies. We had to beg daddy to get us candy – I think he probably gave in 9 times out of 10. When I was older, living in the big city and had a part time job in college, I could just WALK THREE MINUTES AND BUY ANY CHOCOLATE BAR I WANTED. That novelty hasn’t worn off in the past 13 years.
Now don’t get me wrong, I eat very healthy. I wasn’t always this way – and I often revert back to stuffing my face with little debbie cakes whenever I visit my parents – but I’ve gotten better over the years and being a vegetarian and health conscious, I naturally steer clear of instant meals. This excludes KD of course. I don’t keep pasta at home – or I’d eat that every day. I buy my bread from local bakeries and try to pick up organic produce whenever it’s available or not too pricey.
So maybe that why this doesn’t feel as hard as I expected. Because it’s not that far off from my normal habits. But I do feel like I’m snacking less (because it’s just not as easy anymore) and I don’t feel hungry as often. I’ve had a few headaches and have been pooped by 9pm, though I think that’s normal for the first little while.
I am really hoping this challenge will help my skin, my energy levels and I won’t mind if I lose a little weight in the process. I also hope to kick some of those bad eating habits – like snacking for the sake of snacking, needing sugar to enjoy my coffee, and my general sweet tooth.
Good for you Em !!