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Four Steps, One Month to Quit Sugar

in Blog, My Favorites on 06/02/17

 

Sugar. is. so. darn. yummy.

We cannot help it. Like moths drawn to light, our taste buds are drawn to sweetness. We have evolved to become sugar lovers. It is now ingrained in our beings. Check out this great piece on how this has come to be: HERE

Sugar is so integrated into our lifestyles that it is used as a way to express love. Happy Birthday, here is a cake coated in sugary icing. Happy Valentine’s Day, I love you, enjoy this box of chocolates with over 500 grams of sugar. Great job at work today, here is a plate of cookies and donuts.

my love hearts

Unfortunately, sugar in high doses (more than 25-30grams a day) can cause some serious health concerns. Even more, unfortunately, sugar is HIGHLY addictive. Quitting sugar has, on many occasions, been compared to quitting cocaine. Check out this piece comparing sugar addiction to cocaine addiction: HERE

Going cold turkey is a miserable experience. Not only are you faced with 3-5 days of a relentless headache, you can expect the shakes, sleepless nights and flu-like symptoms. It is not fun and it is not easy. It is also not necessary for as long as you are consuming less than an average of 30 grams of sugar a day, you are in good shape.

sugar w needle

When I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis I realized it was time to make some serious lifestyle changes. I thought I was healthy. Little did I know, I was consuming TONS of sugar. A vegetarian and exercise fanatic, I was convinced I was doing everything right. Well, I was wrong. Sugar was creeping in all over my diet. From honey in my tea (or I should say tea with my honey) to apples in my green juice to an overdose of fruit in my smoothies. Little did I know, I was a sugar addict.

After my own trials and tribulations, I was finally able to make the change. My Rheumatoid Arthritis has been in remission and I have never felt better. I never took ANY of the medications prescribed to me, I just quit sugar. Now consume around 25 grams of sugar a day. From blueberries in my morning smoothie to 90% dark chocolate at the end of the day, I have just enough to satiate my sweet tooth while maintaining a healthy balance in my system.

I saw the tremendous impact this made on my own health, I made it one of my life’s callings to help women make the same change. My “Four Steps, One Month to Quitting Sugar” program WORKS. It is totally manageable, easy to maintain and lasts forever. I hope you enjoy the program. If you have any questions or would like support while embarking on the program, please do not hesitate to reach out!

Good Luck and LET’S DO THIS!!!

Week One
Start Simple

Take an honest look at where sugar is creeping into your diet. Have you been putting sugar in your coffee? How about cutting that in half? Do you add jam to your toast? Consider skipping the jam. Just as adding these ‘hidden’ sugars became a habit, removing them can just as quickly become a habit.

By the end of week one you will have:

  • Cut your added sugars in HALF

Week Two
Start reading labels
As I mentioned, I was in SHOCK when I realized my ‘green’ juice was mostly apple and contained over 40 grams of sugar. For Week Two, try telling yourself you will not eat anything with a label that shows more than 10 grams of sugar per serving. Check out that ‘protein’ bar…how is the sugar content? Perhaps instead of a protein bar you can grab a yogurt or a hard boiled egg. How about the ice tea drink you mindlessly reach for from the beverage cooler at work? Some “organic”, “healthy” ice teas have more than 30 grams of sugar per serving! Try replacing this with water or a fruit enhanced seltzer water.

By the end of week two you will have:

  • Cut your added sugars in HALF
  • Learned a ton about packaged foods
  • Reduced the overall grams of sugar per day by 50%-75%

Week Three
Healthy Snacks
Pick one snack a day and replace it with a healthy option. For instance – do you grab a handful of sugary sweets at the office? Try nuts, seeds or crunchy veggies with hummus instead. You may suffer a headache the first day or two but by day three you will notice the healthy snack will give you sustainable energy as opposed to a sugar high and then crash.

By the end of week three, you will have

  • Cut your added sugars in HALFlearned a ton about packaged foods
  • learned a ton about packaged foods reduced the overall grams of sugar per day by 50%-75%
  • reduced the overall grams of sugar per day by 50%-75%added healthy alternatives as replacements to sugary snacks (NICE WORK!!!)
  • added healthy alternatives as replacements to sugary snacks (NICE WORK!!!)

Week Four
Evaluate Your Carbs
By this point, you have made a tremendous dent in your sugar intake. You are ready for the final phase! Simple carbs have the same effect on your system as refined sugar. Make a list of the refined foods you tend to eat (e.g., crackers, white breads, white pasta). Use this week to replace these simple carbs with healthier alternatives. For instance, instead of white pasta, try a brown rice pasta or skip the pasta all together and try for soup and salad. As opposed to grabbing the white dinner roll, order a small salad instead.

By the end of week, two four will have: Cut your added sugars in HALF

  • Cut your added sugars in HALFlearned a ton about packaged foods
  • learned a ton about packaged foods reduced the overall grams of sugar per day by 50%-75%
  • reduced the overall grams of sugar per day by 50%-75%added healthy alternatives as replacements to sugary snacks
  • added healthy alternatives as replacements to sugary snacks started to reevaluate carbs and make informed decisions around your meal choices
  • started to reevaluate carbs and make informed decisions around your meal choices

Warning: some side effects of completing the program may include: better sleep, more energy, weight loss, clear complexion and a stronger immune system. But don’t say I didn’t warn you!!!

Written by:
Marion Roaman – Former Sugar Addict
Virtual Lifestyle Coach

Take the time to visit her site @ www.marionroaman.com


Ready for your next step?

Living your life sugar-free is always a better way to be.

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Ready for a devilish dessert?!?!? Bon Devil send m Ready for a devilish dessert?!?!? Bon Devil send me their ganache desserts which are perfect for non-dairy eaters like me! It is so hard to find a great tasting treat without allergens. The cups of goodness are made with no dairy, no gluten, no lactose, no GMOs, nothing to upset the body. Bon Devil has four tempting ganache’s Chocolate (my favorite), Vanilla (my favorite), Salted Caramel Choc (my favorite), & Caramelized Banana (omg!!!! my favorite). I just couldn’t decide which one is the best, buy some today and make your own decision!!  Find it at a store near you. Thank you @thebondevil 
#BonDévil #BonDevil #ad
We are celebrating #RandomActofKindnessDay (2/17) We are celebrating #RandomActofKindnessDay (2/17) with some of our favorite friends ! These 14 fabulous #womenownedbusinesses have come together to show you their act of kindness through a collection of goodies that could be yours. It only takes just 15 seconds! 
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F O L L O W these steps:
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3️⃣ Tag your besties (one bestie per comment). Every friend gives you a chance at this amazing package of goodies. 
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Ends 2/8 @ 5pm with announcement on our stories on 2/9. 
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Must be located in the USA. ONE lucky person will receive all 14 gifts from each business individually. All gifts are non-refundable / not exchangeable. This  G A is not affiliated, sponsored, administered or associated with Instagram. No purchase necessary, VOID where prohibited. By registering you are confirming you are 18 years of age or older. #Cocktails #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailparty #cocktails🍹 #cocktailgram #cocktailculture #cocktailrecipes #cocktailmaking #cocktailathome #cocktailrecipe #cocktails🍸 #cocktailsforyou #cocktailinspiration #cocktailspecial #cocktailgarnish #cocktaillove #cocktailgown #cocktailblogger #cocktailstyle #cocktaillife #cocktailshaker #cocktailoftheweek #cocktailsathome #cocktailtime #cocktailtime
DON’T ASK! Sometimes you must take what you want DON’T ASK! Sometimes you must take what you want and even hide it from your husband. 
NO! I don't mean anything sinister; I mean... your @topochicohardseltzerusa

I have tasted a ton of these but this one was created using MINERAL WATER. Yes, minerals in your cocktails. What else can we ask for? 
 
Well.... it comes in FOUR great flavors that I just adore. It's the only hard seltzer inspired by Topo Chico Mineral Water's legendary taste. Tangy Lemon Lime is my choice. What flavor is your favorite?
 
Find your Topo Chico Hard Seltzer wherever you buy beer!

#topochicohardseltzer #ad  
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There’s no doubt publicity is a super powerful marketing tactic for your coaching business.

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Serves 1
Recommended Barware: Mason jar
2 ounces gin
2 ounces vodka
2 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ ounce Honey Syrup
1 teaspoon organic berry preserves
Ice
Seltzer water for topping
Garnish: Fresh berries and fresh mint sprig
1. Combine the gin, vodka, lemon juice, Honey Syrup, and berry preserves in an 8-ounce Mason jar. Add the ice and tightly cover with the lid.
2. Shake the jar until the jam is thoroughly incorporated into the liquid. Remove the lid and top off with the seltzer. Garnish with the berries and mint sprig and serve.
 
For a pitcher (serves 6): 1½ cups freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons organic berry preserves, 1½ cups gin, 1½ cups vodka, 3 ounces Honey Syrup, ice, seltzer water for topping, and 6 to 12 fresh berries and 6 fresh mint sprigs for garnish. Combine the lemon juice and preserves in a pitcher and stir until well combined. Add the gin, vodka, Honey Syrup, and ice and stir again. Strain the contents of the blender into six 8-ounce Mason jars and top off each with the seltzer. Garnish each with the berries and mint sprigs and serve. #Cocktails #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailparty #cocktails🍹 #cocktailgram #cocktailculture #cocktailrecipes #cocktailmaking #cocktailathome #cocktailrecipe #cocktails🍸 #cocktailsforyou #cocktailinspiration #cocktailspecial #cocktailgarnish #cocktaillove #cocktailgown #cocktailblogger #cocktailstyle #cocktaillife #cocktailshaker #cocktailoftheweek #cocktailsathome #cocktailtime #cocktailtime
I forgot how much I love LIVE TV, especially when I forgot how much I love LIVE TV, especially when I get to share Clean Cocktails.  Thanks to the crew at nbcnews4sa for having me on. CHEERS! #Selfmade #goaldigger#businessladylife  #bossmomma#brandstrategists #motivationminute#makersgonnamake#communityovercompetition #etsyshop#entrepreneurmindset #bossbabe#bloggerlife #femaleentrepreneurs#publicitytips #womenwholead#instagramforbusiness#ceoofmyownlife #calledtobecreative#savvybusinessowner #goalgetter#womenwhohustle #workingmom#momboss #mompreneur #wahm #reelsofnstagram#smallbusinessowners #peptalk
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Yes a parsley cocktail. Use your favorite herb or Yes a parsley cocktail. Use your favorite herb or spice in a cocktail! Experiment and try different flavors. Get more in link in bio: #cocktails #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailparty #cocktails🍹 #cocktailgram #cocktailculture #cocktailrecipes #cocktailmaking #cocktailathome #cocktailrecipe #cocktails🍸 #cocktailsforyou #cocktailinspiration #cocktailspecial #cocktailgarnish #cocktaillove #cocktailgown #cocktailblogger #cocktailstyle #cocktaillife #cocktailshaker #cocktailoftheweek #cocktailsathome #cocktailtime #cocktailtime
Join me as we unbox the spring box from @fabfitfun Join me as we unbox the spring box from @fabfitfun. What did we receive? A @shortstoriesshop led indoor planter. A pair of @splendidla  faux fur slippers on crustal pink. A @grownalchemist Body Cream in Mandarin & Rosemary leaf. A set of aloe infused gel lined socks & Punic stone from @halston. @earthharbor Marine Biome Brightening Ampoule. A body wash by @caliluxecosmetics . Nail polish in Mayfair lane by @nailsinc!! I also love that FFF is now having a standard to what products they will accept into their boxes, they have to have the right ingredients! As someone that’s allergic to minerals, I appreciate it.❤️ plus all the health advice in the magazine. Can’t wait for my next box already!! Thanks FFF!
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