I started using the MyFitnessPal app on my phone after it was recommended by a friend. I'm not always consistent about using it, but it's interesting to look at my nutrition data. I've learned that I have no problem reaching my protein quota (despite being mostly vegetarian), and if I average over the course of a week, I generally get enough calcium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. But oh the sugar. Everyday, two times my recommended daily allowance of added sugar.
I vented to Michael, "I don't feel like I eat too much sugar. I have sugar at breakfast, a mint after lunch, and then a small dessert after dinner. How can that be too much?"
Then the next day: "I don't understand how I'm supposed to eat so little sugar. That's just crazy!"
And the next day: "The recommended daily allowance of sugar is only two tablespoons. Two! Who only eats two tablespoons of sugar a day?"
Until finally, Michael was like, "Quit talking about sugar!!!"
So mostly out of curiosity, I decided to see what it would be like to eat less sugar for one month. Would my sweet tooth reset itself? Would I feel healthier? Would I go insane?
Michael said, "You're going to be really grumpy."
It has been one week since I started, and Michael is right. It didn't help that last week was the week from hell, and sugar (chocolate specifically) resets my emotional level back to neutral on days when I feel stressed, tired, or overwhelmed (or on days when I want to knock a couple child-sized heads together).
But the worst, THE WORST, has been breakfast. Thinking about eating a savory breakfast first thing in the morning kind of makes me want to throw up a little, and that's not a good way to start the day. But without oatmeal (sweetened) or granola (made with honey) or toast (topped with jam), WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO EAT?
So dear friends of the internet, I need ideas for breakfasts without added sugar, and that includes granulated, brown, powdered, honey, syrup, jam, jelly, and juice (which is apparently so refined and concentrated that it counts as sugar rather than fruit).
Suggestions, anyone?
Try eggs over easy on top of a plate of Luck's Southern Style Pinto Beans. It's one of my favorites when I have time to cook the eggs.
ReplyDeleteStephan here. TWO TABLESPOONS?!! I think I breathe in that much sugar. Are you adverse to stevia? It could make things a little more tolerable for you. But I'm the total opposite of you. I enjoy a savory breakfast.
ReplyDeleteStephan - I think men get three tablespoons, if that helps any.
DeleteI went basically sugar free for 3 months. Breakfast was the WORST! I did green smoothies. I also had english muffins with a little butter on top and unsweetened applesauce. Somedays I would have a string cheese and piece of fruit. I would eat toast (my homemade bread does have some honey in it, but I still ate it) with scrambled eggs on top. I'll try to remember other options. It was mega difficult though. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteGreat suggestions! Thanks!
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