Welcome to the world of Sugar-Free Sizzle where our motto is: Sometimes it’s got to get ugly before it gets pretty.
Yes folks, you’re looking at week two of no refined sugar. I did this before two years ago with good results though back then it was for emotional reasons that I quit the white stuff. During the months I was off sugar I had great results- being better able to tell when I was hungry/full, less mood swings, and more energy. So for the next two weeks I am focusing on no booze, no sugars, no starches. I’m resetting my body and mind. I hesitate in sharing my “diet” (I hate that word and really what I am doing is just focusing on eating more of the things that are better for me and pretending that celery tastes just like french fries (stating the obvious: it does not) and sugar-free pudding cups are delicious (overstatement)) because so often this is where people start to chime in. Well meaning people who start to pick apart my plan and then I start to feel confused and guarded and frustrated. Let’s just avoid that and skip the part where you give me tips and I promise this will not become a body image obsessive blog.
Deal? Deal.
I have started setting some goals for myself. It’s important to keep your eyes on the prize. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:
- To wear a tank top in public. (I have never done this because I am embarrassed about the size of my arms.)
- To fit comfortably in an airplane seat. (Might seem simple but they keep making the damn seats smaller and smaller. And as paranoid as this may sound, I am desperately afraid of being pulled aside and told I need to buy another seat even though I realize I am not actually that big.)
- To not get winded climbing the stairs of my apartment building.
- To be able to keep up with my nephew who is apparently the second coming of the Energizer Bunny or the next Beckham.
- To take a dance class without fear of ridicule.
- To not feel my stomach touching the tops of my thighs when I sit.
- To walk into a “regular” store and buy clothes off the rack. (Not be forced to shop in basement sections of department stores, specialty stores or “exclusively on line.”)
- To not cringe at the thought of a full length photo being taken of me or to hide behind other people when said photo is taken or to delete any evidence that I have a body past my torso. (Ahem!)
- To have less pain in my knees.
- To walk into a room of strangers without being consumed by thoughts of rejection based on my size.
- To change in the locker room without using the private dressing rooms.
- To match who I feel like I am inside with who I am on the outside. (Inside I am: fierce, fashionable, sexy, confident and powerful. Watch out!)
My first weight loss goal is to lose 20 lbs before my friend’s wedding in August. I’ll keep you posted on my progress because, well, that’s what I do. I share.
Sizzle Says 
Good luck! I tried the no sugar thing a few years ago and I failed miserably, then I ended up with Gestational Diabetes and had to do it for Lucy’s health and I agree with all the positive things you said. I felt better, more energy, less moody and just an overall sense of being healthier. Of course once the pregnancy was over I was back on the stuff, but I am much more aware of sugar and starch and like to think I’ve cut way back.
I like your list of goals, you can do it!
Good job, Siz! I know you can do it!
I have done my best to eliminate sugar, especially high fructose corn syrup, from my diet, but still have a few weaknesses. Good luck, sounds like you are making some major life changes here and when you do that, everything shifts. It’s like connecting to a different vibration of the Universe.
Sugar Free pudding cups are delicious. So are the sugar free rice pudding cups (particularly cinnamon flavor). And Kozy Cafe makes sugar free dark chocolate pudding with probiotics and sugar free tapioca pudding that taste pretty good.
A few things that save me when I try to do cut sugar & starch from my life (which I will probably do in the next few weeks) are shakes. Take frozen strawberries (or pick your fav frozen fruit) & milk (or half -n- half) with a touch of vanilla and it’s pretty yummy. You can also take frozen fruit and blend with zero calorie lemon lime soda for a lovely slushy refreshment.
Good luck. Remember that it is less about a number and more about being healthy and feeling good about yourself and your body.
hey…I like the sugar free jello. Better than nothing.
Good luck. I should do the same.
Better to make healthier food choices than just starve on carrots. Portion control is my problem.
The knee pain would suck bad, and be a great motivator. No one wants their knees giving out until after the mid-life crisis – otherwise you can’t push the clutch in on your sports car. 🙂
This is fun! I am not deliberately cutting out sugars and starches but with the surgery and the focus on protein my carb intake will be drastically reduced sort of by default. That should be very interesting.
Also, I am so with you on number 2. I do fit into an airplane seat (barely) and yet I live in fear that they’re going to pull me aside and make me buy another seat. Ugh.
Best of luck! These are all good goals and I notice not all of them directly imply losing weight. My step mother has been off refined sugar for a few years now and it was pretty much a life-changing thing. She says it’s hard at first, but once your body overcomes it’s dependency, it’s actually quite easy to stick with it. I’ve never been able to go more than 2 weeks so this is all heresay on my part…
You know what I love best about this post? It’s not until the very, VERY end that you even mention a number in poundage. Yeah!
Something tells me you are going to be my new inspiration. That and summer weather. 🙂
Also? Highly recommend the Hungry Girl Cookbook and the South Beach Diet Taste of Summer Cookbook. Two I go back to over and over again when I need some recipe-overhaul inspiration.
Good luck on this. My advice: Get a sponsor. Someone you can call to talk you out of a sugar craving.
Hey Sizzle –
Good luck, stay strong and enjoy the benefits of your new attitude! Just wanted to give you some ATTA GIRL today.
Cheers – Shan
I’m cheering for you. See ya 20lbs.
Remember: It doesn’t taste as good as skinny feels. (I tell myself that sometimes when I am tempted by desserty goodness).
yr my hero. I love you and the way you help me too. Please give us some sample menus without sugar? I need some! xo I am rooting with ya!
Pingback: Not Obsessed, I Swear « Wafelenbak!
Personally, I think it’s awesome to write down goals, whether privately or publicly, because I think it helps in staying focused. Awesome that you want to change your life around, that takes balls. I wish you nothing but the best of luck and you can totally do this. 🙂
if i could kick the carb munch issues at work i have, i’d be great. sadly, i am having one of those many downswings, that just scream for me to eat an entire box of cheez-its. in one sitting. *sigh*
good luck! i’m rooting for you. 🙂
NO BOOZE? Positively barbaric, that one.
The tank top thing? I hear you. SO very totally. This is why I’m doing the 100 push-ups challenge (anda few other crazy-ass health-related items). It’s not about being fit, it’s about not having wobbly arms, dammit!
You got this, easy. Keep a pen handy to start checking things off that list!
Way to go girl!
I am also on the diet fitness taking better care of me band wagon. I gave up soda and that was huge for me. Ironically, I find that I do not miss it at all. I have added an extra gym day and while waiting for my class, I run/walk on the treadmill.
Good luck girl, keep us updated on the progress.
Good luck! I struggle with the same issues! I will be rooting for you.
You are so beautiful, Sizz.
And inspiring, too. Here’s to healthier versions of ourselves in the days and weeks to come.
xo
You freakin’ rock. I can’t imagine going sugar-free and anyone who has ever done it is my hero.
Also, LOVED the last point in the list!
From what I can tell, you’re doing exactly the right thing! No tips here 🙂
(Except that vodka and diet tonic with lime is perfectly acceptable if you get desperate…speaking from experience, and all.)
Good luck!
Here’s my one and only diet tip: lots and lots of beer.
It is always difficult for me to imagine that you aren’t 100% completely confident at every moment. Good luck with all your goals.
Those are GREAT goals!
Cheering you every step of the way!!!
I love it that you told people – no advice. I hate advice at the wrong time. And it usually is the wrong time.
Your list is basically my list, except for the one about changing in a private area. I strip naked in the locker room, at the beach showers, in the parking lot if I need to. I’ll throw this rollly-polly body just about anywhere. I love the feeling of being naked. What can I say? 🙂
Sizzle,
I have also decided to improve my exercise and eating habits with a goal to lose weight. I want to lose 25 lbs, but I’m a wimp so I set a goal of 15 lbs by July 20th. In any case, when you give an update then I’ll give an update.
What I’ve done so far?
– Started the 30 day shred (I’m on day 10 for working out)
– Not modified my diet
– Lost 0 pounds
You can see I must need to modify the diet, so I’m going to start that soon. (hopefully by the time you give an update!)
Jenn
I’ll have what she’s having! ha. I kid. Sizz, I think these goals are amazing. I love that not once do you talk about size or measurements. You focus on real, tangible things. Things you know will make you feel better about yourself. You’re tackling the symptoms that bother you, one at a time. And I am going to cheer hard for you to lose those 20 pounds by August. Maybe we need to sneak away at BlogHer to eat our healthy meals. =)
I love the name Sugar Free Sizzle! It sounds like a product. 🙂 I think your goals are great and I send you lots of strength and willpower to make it happen. Taking care of our bodies is so very important both physically and emotionally. Go Sizz!
What a great list!
Might I state for the record that I ALWAYS change in a stall? I don’t get nekked for strangers 😉
#12- Awesome! Best of luck with it.
I’ve been changing some of my habits lately too, and it feels pretty damn good.
You go Sizz! I too have been trying to change bad habits. One step at a time!
I felt bad when I mentioned Molly Moon the other day. I am glad that you got to try it before this…
Great job. Two weeks is amazing. I read somewhere that you can develop new habits in 21 days. One more week and that last week will be easy. You are inspiring me to get off my ass for many of those same reasons. What I would do to wear a tank!!!!!!
I’m lucky in that I’m not a big fan of sugar anyways, but I have a husband who does (and diabetes runs in his family), so I sneak in a lot of sugar-free stuff. I LOVE the dulce de Leche pudding cups, and (though I’m not sure that they’re sugar FREE) the 10-calorie vitamin waters are awesome. I always hated how many calories were in the regular ones anyways.
I have been seriously limiting things like- all white flour products, too many potatoes, sugary cookies & baked goods, too much white rice- and I have to say that I really don’t like eating those sort of “empty calorie” things as much anymore. I prefer brown rice (really good with shelled edamame, cooked chicken and a “light on the oil” balsamic-lemon vinaigrette), whole grains, beans, and don’t have cravings for things like fried potatoes very often.
I used to use not working out and eating bad as an excuse to wallow in my own stuff. I don’t like feeling like that anymore, and I generally feel like a million bucks when I’m staying on track. Do your best, don’t beat yourself up if you have a setback, and remember to praise yourself for the little accomplishments: pants are a little looser, you start seeing muscle definition, etc…
If you only allow yourself the “big” milestones/accomplishments, you’re selling yourself short and missing out on lots of opportunities to feel good about what you’ve done.
Sorry to be so long-winded…
😉
oh! good luck and I can’t wait to hear the updates! I love that you printed your goals out for the internet to see. you will have an already there cheering section for you when you reach them!
:)!!!
I look at this list and have to admit I thought, “yes, please”.
Way to go with the goals! I like your tank top goal…I drive my hubby crazy because I refuse to buy sleeveless tops because I, too, am incredibly self-conscious about the size of my arms. We’re on week two of South Beach, and I’m already feeling so much better. I hope you will, as well.
Giving up sugar? You are my hero.
Airliners are butt munches. They are making the seats so teeny that an ant can barely fit in one. It’s just so they can add more seats and think they can make more money. NO ONE IS WANTING TO FLY ANYMORE YOU EVIL PEOPLE!
Sorry, I have issues. But once again, you are my hero. 🙂
I am totally freaked by airplane seats too.
All of those sound great. Except number 4. Kids have a certain kind of energy that adults can never match no matter how much they try. I sure can’t keep up with any of my kids!
But seriously, your list sounds awesome and I will think good thoughts for you to accomplish it all.
As someone who has (and currently is) struggling with weight and body image issues, the dance class resolution really hits home with me. I would take the classes when I was thin, but when I got fat I was too ashamed to take them.
So, this is not a “tip,” but a statement of recent personal experience–take it for what you will. I made a resolution early this year to overcome my shame and fear and take a dance class at the size I’m at–because I love dancing, AND it’s good cardio (way more fun than a treadmill), which can only *help* in my weight loss goals.
So after thinking for a bit about where I’d feel the least discomfort, I decided on taking a swing dance class to start with. I can tell you that at least where I live, the swing community comes in a VAST variety of sizes and ages, so I don’t feel like a complete loser/freak/what-the-hell-is-SHE-doing-here target. Plus, to make things even better on myself, I got a young, good lookin’ guy friend (non-romantic) to take the class with me. I feel like at it’s less likely anyone’s gonna look at me and think I’m some lonely pathetic fat girl when I’ve got a cool guy hanging around with me. Plus, having a good male friend there means that if I’m having a bad body image day and I start to feel no one would want to dance with me because of how I look, I always have someone there who *will* dance with me, and will prove me wrong.
I am going to be honest and not say all my insecurities have disappeared since facing my fear. Some days in the class are really easy and fun and some I feel less ease and am self-conscious, but I’m in my second round of classes now, and ultimately the fun days outweigh the self-conscious days by a whole lot, so to me it’s worth it.
I hope you get to take a class. It’s sad we’ve missed out on the pleasure of something we love to do just because we’ve created this mental pain for ourselves.
BTW, I also know another full-figured woman who did the same thing with belly dancing and was quite happy with her experience with that. I’ve never tried it myself. Yet.
Good luck with your goals. I find it helps so much to write them down and put them out there. I can’t wait to see proud tank top photos of you here!
Awesome! I read this and just felt really.. proud- of you for lack of a better word?! I know you can do this and like everyone else before me has said, I look forward to hearing all about your amazing progress. Keep it up lady!
…let me know when you are ready for #5 To take a dance class without fear of ridicule …i’d love to help you accomplish that! …i’ve heard of some really cool swing dance classes
Good luck!!!! 🙂
I love that you set some goals, as well, not just “I want to lose x amount of weight”. Because quite often the scales do not reflect the body. A change of attitude towards food and meals and eating is much more healthier than a diet. You go, girl! 😉
I won’t preach, offer advise or even recommend anything, but am I allowed to cheer? I so want to cheer you on. I think this is great, you’ll benefit tremendously from your effort and I know you can do this. Yay for you!
Sizzle, good luck gal. I think you should go to the dance class anyway!!! Lifes too short to not do things … but then, I’m sure that 99% of the people out there in the world totally understand this and guess what, they’re probably not going to the dance class or swim class for the exact same reason 🙂
Sounds like you are a woman on a mission! Love it!
I also quit sugar-on Jan. 2008. I’m still off of it and I, too, feel better. I’m actually afraid of eating sugar again because I worry that I’ll overdo it like I used to. It’s easier for me to just cut it out completely. Can I ask why you started eating sugar again when you did? I vacillate with the idea….
It’s amazing how much of our food has sugar in it–so going sugar-free sort of forces us to eat healthier, more fresh foods which I love!
Good luck to you fierce, fashionable, sexy, powerful woman!
First off is it bad that I equated the title with oral sex? Maybe it is just me?
Second, I personally think that you are the same inside and out as you are now. I’m glad that you have clear and reasonable goals. Your determination is obvious so I know that you will have little trouble attaining your goals. Rock it girl!!
I have recently recommitted to a more healthy lifestyle (to help my back and to sleep better), so I’m with ya!!!
This is a great post! with realistic goals. I know you can do all these things!! remember to treat yourself (not with food, but with some sort of small giftie) to incent your progress….it makes a world of difference to celebrate small accomplishments as you go, and you feel less deprived and have something to look forward to instead of feeling like you are giving up the food that makes you happy. A couple of years ago, I did this, and gave myself a little gift when I lost every 5 lbs. (a new shirt, book, etc) It really made me want to lose 5 more!!! and eventually I looked back and realized I lost 42 lbs, 5 at a time, and it wasn’t so bad!
I hear you on a lot of these…you go for it! You can do it–and don’t worry about what someone else thinks you should (or shouldn’t) do. You’re a smart woman–do what feels right! I struggle with going back & forth b/t trying to just accept myself as I am (no more ‘diets’; no more ‘plans’) and wanting to try to take care of myself & be the healthiest I can be (and if skinny happens to come up too, woohoo!) I don’t know what the right thing is…good luck though, I look forward to reading about your journey!
This is awesome! I’m so excited and proud of all the positive steps you’re taking and can’t wait for you to reach these goals and more!
all right sizzle, if you can do it, I can do it. Starting sugar-free today. Started an exercise class 3 weeks ago, to posive results, and really, really sore knees… I think I overdid, and need to slow down a bit….
Keep us posted, and and I’ll try to stay honest…
Making a list like this is a terrific idea and I really like the things you put on there.
One of mine was finding an exercise routine I liked and that has been the best thing that ever happened to me!
Good luck! Those sound like some excellent goals to work forward towards, and much more concrete about when you’ve reached a place you’re happy with beyond “lose weight”. I hope it all goes well!
Good luck… I’m trying to be good as well…
I miss cookies. Just saying.
I can say i feel the same way about everyone of your items listed. i’m scared they are going to make me pay for another seat tomorrow. i’ve learned the art of crossing my legs while sitting on a plane. it helps with the hip issues.
You are an inspiration! I felt so good sugar free, I need to get back on it!
All of these goals are reasonable AND attainable! You can do it 🙂
Pingback: When Planning Comes In Handy « Sizzle Says
Great post and inspiring.
Puts into words what I’ve been vaguely thinking about recently.
Sugar & white flour – they’re the things I crave more than anything.
They are so addictive, aren’t they and yet we don’t really acknowledge it, like we do with cigarettes and alcohol.
I think your recipes sound lovely and I will definitely be making the peanut butter crepes with cream cheese cinamon filling.
I went to watch The Hangover tonight and so wanted 3 scoops of ben and jerry’s with choc topping, but managed not to. Once the craving has passed and you’ve overcome it, it feels good.