If you follow me on Twitter you will already know that I’m giving up Refined Sugar for lent. Or at least trying to. I challenge myself each and every year and have done for as long as I remember. Giving up biting my nails at the age of 4, or chocolate at the age of 6 or Facebook in my teenage years. My Mum can probably tell me some other strange things I’ve given up over the years too. I always set myself a good challenge. And most of the time I succeed.
A couple of years ago I managed to give up refined sugars, and my gosh did I feel good for it. I lost weight, my skin cleared and I had so much more energy. I curse myself every day that I let myself slip back into my old ways, as I really did feel fantastic. I’m hoping this time I can make some more long-term lifestyle changes.
We have our own house this year which will hopefully make things a little easier. I did a big food shop on Sunday morning, filling the cupboards with ingredients to cook from scratch. And filling my snack basket with mainly savoury snacks and fruits. I’ve been planning meals for the duration, mostly ones that I can make ahead of time, meaning I’m not slaving away in the kitchen for hours when I get home from work.
To quickly define what I mean by “refined sugars”. I mean any sugars that have been added to foods and not naturally occurring. And those “no added sugar” claims on drinks/snacks don’t mean a thing. They’re filled with artificial sweeteners which in the case of Aspartame in particular, do more harm than eating the sugar in the first place. I will not be eating anything that has any form of sugars or artificial sweeteners on the label. Whether that’s sugar itself, dextrose, fructose syrup, maltose, caramel syrup and everything else that sugar is disguised as in foods.
I’m hoping giving up refined sugar makes me aware of what goes into our foods. Whilst looking for sugar content I’m sure to notice the other rubbish that is put into processed foods, making me more likely to cook from scratch. Although I’ll still be eating a few “convenience foods” I’m sure these will be limited considerably. I’ve planned lots of hearty meals, from lentil hotpots, to smokey bean enchiladas and creamy tomato gnocchi. And many many more.
Over the 6 weeks you’ll be getting lots of “sugar free” content from me.
- Sugar Free Snacks
- Healthy Lunch Ideas
- Quick Evening Meals
- Health/Body Updates
- Sugar Free Baking
- Eating Out Sugar Free
- Skin/Acne Updates
- Sugar Free Meals “on-the-go”
And much much more so please make sure you subscribe or follow me on Social Media if you’re interested in this content. Of course I’ll still have my regular content and have Easter Baking posts scheduled throughout March so you won’t be missing out on those.
I’d love to hear from anyone who’s tried giving up refined sugar before, or managed to give it up completely. It would be good to share tips/recipes/ideas.
Have you ever considered Giving Up Refined Sugar? I’d love for you to join me on this challenge.
Until next time,
Zena's Suitcase says
I’m really interested to see how this goes. I would love to tackle giving up refined sugar as I think it’s the root of a lot of my problems with weight and mood
Ami says
I’ve got a few update posts planned so keep and eye out for those. I am/was experiencing the same.
Ami xxx
Chloe Ciliberto says
Good luck! I’ve done this before and you’re right, the difference it makes to your skin and your mood is amazing. I only have sugar in dark chocolate now. I have the occasional cake or something with sugar in, but after I always feel awful. I’m definitely going to be following your journey. I’m also keen to see new snack and recipe ideas. x
Ami says
I’m glad that you’ve tried it and you stuck to it. It’s amazing the difference it’s made already and I’m only on Day 6. I’m hoping I follow your footsteps and only have the occasional cake after this. We’ll see.
Ami xxx
Katy Stevens says
I’ve seen someone doing this recently for charity and she’s done well. Good luck but I’m sure you’ll achieve your goal! I bet your body will thank you for it too.
Ami says
Thank you, I’m hoping it does!
Ami xxx
Emma says
I always vow to give up sugar for lent, but have never gotten around to it yet! Good luck on your journey… You’ve inspired me to give it a try next year!
Ami says
I hope you try it next year, I felt so good for it last time and I hope it sticks this time.
Ami xxx
Kate says
This sounds really interesting, I’ll definitely be following along. I live in the US and I swear, we have some of the oddest things in our food over here – the second ingredient in most breads is high fructose corn syrup! I’ve been toying with the idea of giving up added sugars for a while now, so you might have just pushed me into that! Can’t wait to hear how you do!
Ami says
It’s crazy what’s hidden in food isn’t it? I’ve found a few breads that have no sugars so I’m sure I’ll be eating lots of that. I hope you have a go at giving it up, I’m on Day 6 now and no crazy cravings yet.
Ami xxx
fashionandstylepolice says
I like the sound of sugar free content. Looking forward to them.
Ami says
I’m glad lovely. I have a Sugar Free Banana Loaf coming on Wednesday.
Ami xxx
Becca Talbot says
Oooh I have quite problematic skin, so maybe this is something I should try too? I’ll be looking out for your skin updates – are you going to be doing before and after pics? x
Ami says
Yes I’ve taken my before photos and I’m hoping my after photos are much much different. I have broken out a little bit but hoping it’s the bad stuff leaving. I’ll keep telling myself that anyway.
Ami xxx
Clare says
Good luck, you can definitely do this! I haven’t actually given anything up for lent – oops!
Ami says
Thank you! You’ve given up giving up hehe! I’ve always given something up. I’m hoping this time it sticks and I don’t go straight back to my old ways.
Ami xxx
Ana De- Jesus says
Oh lord you are brave for giving up refined sugar as you are right that there are so many foods that are super high in sugar content, But I have every faith that you will smash it out of the park!
Ami says
Oh tell me about it! Thank you! I’m hoping so. I’m not struggling yet but I know I will be after a few days.
Ami xxx
Laura Dove says
Oh dammit! I planned on giving up sugar for lent too but forgot it started today!! AgghH! Maybe tomorrow!
Ami says
Oww no! You can always start a day late and just do an extra day at the end? I’m not struggling YET.
Ami xxx
Hazel Newhouse says
Baking from scratch is definitely the easiest way to kick sugar in the butt. It’s crazy how addictive sugar is, without us even realising it. Good luck with your challenge! xx
Ami says
Oh yes definitly. I’m going to learn so much more about cooking and baking during this time, I’m sure of it.
Ami xxx
Helen says
This sounds like such a good challenge! I have a few refined sugar free recipes on my blog (aimed at babies, but perfectly tasty for adults too!), including gingerbread men, a birthday cake and granola if you’re in need of some ideas 🙂
Ami says
I like a good challenge. Thank you! I’ll have a look at them. The Birthday Cake sounds especially interesting!
Ami xxx