Life Sans Sugar

It has been just over two weeks since I have had enjoyed a meal with sugar as an added ingredient. In an experiment designed to wean me off of my favorite sweet treats (ice cream, cookies, pastries, pie, etc.), Jenn has agreed to join me in steering clear of added sugar for 30 consecutive days. Ironically, this has coincided with us participating in two programs which deliver fresh, local sea food and vegetables each week. Furthermore, we have planted a small set of garden boxes to grow some of our own produce. We did not plan to overlap all of these changes, it just sort of happened as a result of us wanting to feel more healthy (whatever that means). I find that I nap more than perhaps I would like and I have always attributed that to a) being a man (for some reason we burn out mid afternoon) and/or b) a diet which lends itself to peaks and valleys in energy level. Furthermore, I have thus far fully enjoyed a diet with essentially no restrictions based upon perceived health benefits. I am fortunate that sodas candy (for example) hold little or no appeal for me. It is worth mentioning that this is likely due in part to our upbringing. Although it wasn't until my teenage years that I first learned of terms like organic, partially hydrogenate oils, free-range, saturated fats, high fructose corn syrup, it didn't mean that I went out of my way to modify my diet now that I was armed with this new knowledge. I literally eat whatever I want in the quantities I desire. Unfortunately for my mother growing up, and now Jennifer living together, this can at times lead to high expenses in the food department. Still, I felt great and have always been very active so why change anything? The reason, it occurred to me a couple of years back, why I might want to take a closer look at what I eat is because maybe I could feel even better and do even more if I focused on certain types of foods and avoided others which I understood to be less than healthy for me. Thus, I came up with the no-sugar-for-a-month plan. And although 16 days is probably not long enough to fully see and feel the results of this strategy, I actually think that something is happening. I wish that I had kept a log book of food consumed, daily activities, and energy because it seems to me that my energy levels have been somewhat more sustained. Jenn and I went rock climbing for 5 hours this past weekend and it didn't occur to me to get tired until we had gotten all the way back to the car. That may be the fear-induced adrenaline talking, but then again maybe not. Anecdotally, I feel a little different. A little better. A little healthier. The funny thing is that although I still have mild cravings for sweets, this results in me snacking more on fresh fruit, berries, homemade smoothies etc. in order to get my sugar fix. Case in point: after a dinner of fresh sanddab fish, steamed greens, and baked squash, I just rewarded myself with a banana. Nevertheless, in 14 days I think I will bake a plate of cookies to celebrate the milestone achievement. Because if there is one thing I believe in, it is moderation in moderation!