Going sugar free is tough! Because, sugar is in freakin everything and it’s bloody addictive!
I’ve struggled…yeah, the struggle is vividly real!
The first couple of weeks I did well, then week three and four I stumbled (more than once) but I’m not giving up.
But, I am giving milk a rest for a while. I love milk and I don’t normally have issues but since giving up sugar my gut isn’t happy with milk in it.
Nuh uh, I’ve been craving milk and drinking milkshakes (who am I?) and lattes…and paying the price.
My belly has been swollen and tender and let’s just say we’re going through waaay more of the ‘pretty embossed sheets’ than usual.
So, giving up sugar has shown up some bigger issues, which is great because it means I can listen ‘clearer’ to what my body is telling me.
Like acknowledging that coffee was giving me heartburn. Yup! Maybe it was because I was drinking lattes loaded with milk over my regular black coffee.
I like black coffee but if I drink too many I’ve been known to get an irritated bladder and UTI…from coffee!!! So, after the indigestion and bloated belly I’ve returned to sipping herbal teas.
No coffee, no milk and no milkshakes, just peppermint, lemon, cinnamon, fennel, ginger and lots of other tummy soothing herbs.
And guess what, it’s not that bad. I’m not missing coffee, sure it took a few days to get used to because, coffee!!! After a week I’m in the swing of herbal and slowly my tummy is going down, a bit like this balloon I gave my son last week.
Oh shit alright, while we’re at it…I ate a donut from his donut cake too! Well, wouldn’t you? 🙂
I’m also eating fruit again. Not much, just the odd apple and pear because I’m middle aged and medicated and well, you know the story. Let’s just say that with no milk and fibrous fruit things are running regularly ?
But, wouldn’t you know it, it’s bloody Easter! Of course I’ve had those mini chocolate eggs floating around my house all week, pretending they’re decorations.
Decorations that disappear!!
And then get replaced! You too??
Anyway, today I picked up some Easter gifts for my boys and Mister and didn’t go overboard. I can’t wait to see the back of the chocolate eggs, and Easter buns. Although we don’t go for the buns full of crap, we buy these spelt or organic sourdough Easter buns.
Their kinder on the tummy although at $7.95 a packet not so kind on the hip pocket. I normally buy plain but today I relented and bought the ones with cranberry…sugar! See, it’s everywhere!!
It’s been an up and down fortnight, I’ve also got some health issues and testing going on too which has been stressful, the kinda time where I would normally dive into sugar. Instead, it’s been herbal teas, lots of eggs, Avo and green vegetables.
Do I feel better? I do, but not ridiculously better. Not yet anyway.
Lisa mckenzie says
March 23, 2016 at 6:53 pmJenni maybe you’re lactose intolerant ? I am and it sounds familiar the feeling sick ,bloated and going to the toilet a LOT,anyway if you’re doing well on the herbal teas good on you.Yep sugar is everywhere as is salt,but well done you are going so well,as I said before I don’t think I could do it.I agree on the pears I have one a day for the same reason and I’ve only eaten 1 tiny Easter egg this week.
Good luck with your tests and medical issues Xx
Jenni says
March 23, 2016 at 7:38 pmLisa, my huz actually suggested I may be intolerant of lactose…I think he (and you)may be right. The pears have been a game changer the last few days 🙂
Haley says
March 23, 2016 at 6:58 pmGot the all clear from gestational diabetes this week, celebrated with cake. Probably need to take a leaf out of your book!!
Jenni says
March 23, 2016 at 7:39 pmHa ha Haley, I like your style 🙂
Sally says
March 23, 2016 at 7:09 pmGood on you for sticking with it. It seems like you’ve got a lot going on so you have done an awesome job not to just throw it all in. I’m intrigued by the milk issue as I have two lattes a day and often wonder if that’s why I bloat. Good luck!
Jenni says
March 23, 2016 at 7:40 pmLife has been hectic over the past month but I’m making small steps to better options. The milk thing is an issue, but weird I was craving it.
Darlene says
March 23, 2016 at 7:36 pmI love your honesty. It makes me feel as though I can get my health on track too, even with the odd setback. xx
Jenni says
March 23, 2016 at 7:42 pmIt’s never an easy road Darlene and I want to be as truthful with you all about what is ‘really’ going on. Baby steps hun xx
shannon @my2morrows says
March 23, 2016 at 8:10 pmAwesome update Jen. Interesting that you are able to tune in to your body better as a result. Keep on keeping on. Xx
Jenni says
March 24, 2016 at 8:40 amSince cancer I’m very conscious of any change in my body Shannon, when I’m eating well it makes it easier to feel that change ?
Lucy says
March 23, 2016 at 11:11 pmYou’re dealing with a lot of stuff here, Jen, especially tests and waiting for results. You are very sensitive to your body and really looking after yourself. Sending a hug for great test results and good sleeps, ??
Jenni says
March 24, 2016 at 8:41 amThanks Lucy, I’m crossing everything for good results ?
Jo @ You had us at hello says
March 24, 2016 at 1:38 amKeep at it Jen – after 6 weeks I felt amazing!!! I’ve slipped a bit lately and Easter is not helping, or the cold weather. Looking forward to getting back on track ASAP!! Go hard lovely xx
Jenni says
March 24, 2016 at 8:42 amEaster is tough Jo! I guess as long as the indulgence ends at Easter it’s not too bad.
JaNe mAgor says
March 24, 2016 at 5:30 amKeep going Jen. It’s bloody hard let me tell you. I have good days and bad days of food. I struggle at night time. I’m so good all week at work during the day but once I sit down to relax at home bam I’m looking In the cupboard. I have to just keep trying Im already seeing results with my weight loss . As for Easter eggs I have cut back for the boys as the oldest is very conscious about his skin and his acne. The youngest is a sweets lover so he is only getting a little too as he doesn’t know when to stop!! Happy Easter Jenni, Craig and Boys. Stay safe X.
Jenni says
March 24, 2016 at 8:43 amYou are looking fabulous Jane!! Whatever you’re doing its working ? Have a lovely Easter xx
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
March 24, 2016 at 6:51 amWe haven’t had any Easter eggs and I’m not buying any either. We swapped from skim milk to full fat milk (because sugar) and I’ve found it’s so creamy, I don’t like drinking much of it which works well. You should totes get some buns in the oven, they’re so easy to make, even I can make them, and you can even bake them with mini eggs in! It’s a very delicious way to upcycle those eggs! Hope you get good news from your tests – keep on keeping on!
Jenni says
March 24, 2016 at 8:45 amWe don’t do any skim or diet products…what they take out the replace with crap. I might tackle some bun making over the weekend, I’ll let you know how I go xx
Kathryn says
March 25, 2016 at 6:40 amSounds like lactose intolerance to me too. I drink lactose free milk, and feel way better. I usually have two coffees a day, anymore and I have tummy pains too. I love peppermint tea, and recently bought peppermint and liqourice, it was nice. I know I spelt that wrong, have no idea. I am trying to up my vegetable intake, it’s slipped badly, been really tired and busy which leads to just grabbing an easy meal. You are going really well, sugar seems to be one of the hardest things to cut out when it’s hidden everywhere. x
Jenni says
March 31, 2016 at 11:28 pmI’ve been drinking liquorice and peppermint tea too…love it