Denise and I are in the third week of a 5-week sugar buster boot camp to tame our cravings for sugar and refined carbs, get off the sugar roller coaster, and develop healthy eating habits for life. The 13 members of our team have joined forces with more than 50 people around the country to learn, share ideas, and support one another through this process.
I have to admit, this is not the first time I’ve tried to “reform” my eating habits. I have always been a health nut, and I’ve followed just about every new diet discovery that comes out. The one thing I have learned is that they all lead to nowhere unless you actually change the way you think about eating and nutrition. You may feel great, lose weight, and think you have arrived at your destination…but if you haven’t changed your consciousness, you will go back to the same old eating habits with the same old results.
This time, I am determined that it will be different. As I prepare to celebrate the 30th anniversary of my 29th year on this planet 
, I am aware that my body needs to be treated well if I want to stay healthy and active.
, I am aware that my body needs to be treated well if I want to stay healthy and active. Eating the low-glycemic way has incredible health benefits. Lots of scientists now think that inflammation is the cause of many (if not most) chronic diseases. According to Dr. Ray Strand, eating a healthy low-glycemic diet can help you lower your blood pressure, decrease your cholesterol levels and decrease your risk of both heart disease and diabetes. And if you are worried about your weight, it has the added benefit of permanent fat loss!
The first 5 days, called the RESET phase, was a bit difficult because I abruptly cut out caffeine and my glass of wine in the evening. But now we are in the transform phase and I am loving it. I feel lighter, healthier and more energetic as I prepare for the longest walk of my life (a total of 26 miles over two days to raise money for breast cancer research). I find that the shakes keep my energy level, and the bars give me a nice little boost right before my training walk.
The best part is, we have been experimenting with some great new recipes that taste more like gourmet meals than any “diet” I have ever been on. Our favorite new cookbook is called The Healthiest Meals on Earth by Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. It is based on a theory called “polymeals”…the perfect combination of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, flavonoids, polyphenols, and other healthy ingredients. Polymeals are naturally low-glycemic and filled with colorful fruits and veggies.
Here is just one of the many polymeals that we absolutely love:
- Thai-spiced mango and prawns (antioxidants from the sea)
- Crunchy coconut fruit salad (antiviral agents for the immune system)
- Roasted rutabaga chips (fabulously crunchy fiber)
- Tropical frosties (healthy, exotic and enzyme-rich)
Yes, you get all of that for one meal, and it is all good for you!!
If this sounds like something you would like to try, it is not too late to join the 5 Week Sugar Buster Boot Camp. All of the teleconference calls have been recorded, and there are lots of informative handouts to help you through the program. There is even a yahoo group where people trade tips and recipes. If you’re ready to get off the sugar roller coaster, sign up now! We will send you one “lesson” each week, along with lots of love and support.
