Monthly Archives: October 2012

I was so happy when my spouse said he only wanted one of my no sugar options for his birthday. He never needed the changes as much as I did/do, but he feels so much better, and lost about 30lbs so he’s his college weight again, that he far prefers our no-sugar/starch way of eating.  He is also aware that most of the truly critical changes come from the cells, the inside, out, and in all mean more to longevity, health, and fitness than just the weight.

When the changes that are sometimes very hard enact do stick, and they will with enough time and patience, you cease to feel put-upon, or in some way deprived, for you know what you are doing is the best thing you could be doing for your brain and body.

I now have so many great recipes, and tons are out there online, that it is easy to find a delicious alternative to the old sugar-starch options. We feel like we could not have made better changes, and can never envisage going back to the old habits. Further, many in our wider family have gotten on board with, in some case, dramatic benefits. So the message is, never give up, keep on trying, and you will eventually get where you want to be.

Yours in learning and growing,

Nan aka Sugarbaby

October is the beginning of the sugar insanity starting with Halloween, growing stronger with Thanksgiving, and exploding during the December holidays. I live out in the country now and don’t have to deal with Halloween, but when I did, I only bought things I hated, like Smarties.  Then I actually got through  relatively well, in fact very well, with Thanksgiving at my daughter’s by making a couple low carb options that were really good, so I didn’t feel deprived. Christmas was a bigger challenge, for we left that day for a vacation, and I did have a few slips during that week.

On top of the holiday madness, the days are growing shorter, and many people develop Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, that is usually a mild form of depression caused by lack of sunlight.  And that often leads to cravings for comfort foods. If you get outside for even 10-15 minute walk, this will abate the worst of SAD.

Lastly, there is the biological drive to do less, stay in the cave, as it were, and stoke up on carbs for the winter.  I remember feeling this very strongly in my 20s-30s, and for years it mattered little, for in my younger days I would put on 5-7 pounds then drop it quickly in the spring and summer.  I still have the urge to go in my cave with a good book and roaring fire, but I go lower carb during this time to control cravings, which I find very helpful.

Awareness is the biggest key to making sure we don’t find ourselves eating things we will regret before the day is out, or giving in to the abundance we have to see through this season.  You know that old saying: Forewarned is forearmed.

This is my favorite season in all other ways, so I take heart that now I’ve also got the keys to a happier holiday season which will allow me to enjoy the family feast and celebration times without being miserable after the fact.

Yours in never giving up,

Nan aka Sugarbaby

My new  companion blog is highfatlowcarbrecipes aka:

http://highfatlowcarbrecipes.wordpress.com/

I have lots of recipes that will eventually make their way here, in the meantime please check out the blogs I follow for great recipes. I am especially a fan of  Haley and Bill at http://beta.primal-palate.com/; they have some elegant recipes and can be made higher fat with little trouble.

I hope people visiting will also share their recipes, which I  happily will credit and link, or simply post if that’s what you want.

Yours in good eating,

Nan aka Sugarbaby