January Without Sugar - Join me?
The holidays are over. Although I did better than most years, I have to admit, I indulged. Perhaps you did too? With American Christmas cookies, French bûche de Noël, and Les 13 Desserts de Provence - no matter where you spent the holidays, there was much to savor. And I did! It was sweet, satisfying, and a bit more sugar than I needed.
Welcome January sugar detox! Last year I decided to spend a month sans sucre. I would not reduce sugar, but eliminate it. Hard core. Because my dad had late onset diabetes, as did his father, and because I know that my sugar craving is my personal demon. It starts somewhat innocently with a raw sugar cube in my morning coffee, and ends with a decadent dessert. So after seeing my fasting blood glucose level above 100, I decided it was time to either lower my score, or consider future insulin shots. So I cut out all cane sugar. I was diligent, reading labels and thinking of creative alternatives so I would not commit murder during the sugar detox phase (which really only lasts about 3 days, but feels like 3 months). And it was worth it. My body physically changed. People noticed, asking what my secret was. I felt better, had more energy, and thought with more clarity than I had in years.
Want to join me? It isn’t forever, but a nice reset before returning to France in February and giving myself free reign to truly enjoy my pastries and desserts - within reason. You have to live life after all! Rest assured that I will be indulging in a Patisserie Canet entremet for Valentine's Day in Nice! (For more inspiration on what to eat in Nice, read Taste of Nice)
Here are my survival tips so you can give it some serious consideration.
Breakfast is the hardest for me. I love cereal, pastries and, as my husband likes to remind me, not coffee but creamer! It is all loaded with sugar. I once went through an egg phase, but of course built up a temporary sensitivity to eggs. Back to square one. Over lots of trial and error, here is what I have found that works for me:
I choose a freshly baked sourdough made from scratch or from a quality local bakery, and top it with sugar-free nut butter and “fruit spread” or honey. (Honey and maple syrup are “whole” foods, that take my body time to break down, in contrast to processed sugar which hits my blood stream like an illegal drug!) I love St Dalfour fruit spreads, as they are sweetened with fruit juice (and they are a French company - bonus!). Sprouts, Whole Foods, Fresh Thyme and other local “heathy” grocers make nut butters without sugar. This has been a delicious morning staple. I also make avocado toast with sourdough bread - simply divine!
My coffee solution is made up of two parts: sugar-free almond milk and maple syrup or honey. At first glance, it may sound less than tasty, but don’t knock it until you try it! The syrup or honey adds just a touch of sweetness, and there are several brands of almond milk (lucky me, I also have a dairy allergy) that do not have sugar or added oils. I particularly like Malk, Califia Farms and Three Trees. They still froth nicely, giving me that decadent creaminess I desire.
With breakfast in the bag, the rest of the day is considerably easier! I love a bowl for lunch or dinner, filled with grains, veggies and protein. Sauces can be tricky, so my go to is Big Tree Farms Coco Aminos, which I think pairs well with a variety of things. I also depend heavily on infused olive oils (merci, Moulin Castelas) for adding guilt-free flavor. Do be careful of pasta sauces and soups, even “healthy” ones, as they almost always contain some sugar. There are exceptions if you look hard enough!
Beverages are also tricky. You have to decide if sugar substitutes are okay for you or not. I simply drink water, plain sparkling water or tea all day long so I don’t have to worry about artificial sweeteners and what they may contain.
For those days when I really needed a little chocolate, I found that a square of a Lily’s sugar-free chocolate bar satisfied my most unrelenting craving.
These little tricks got me through last January and give me the courage and determination to give it another go! If you plan to join me, or have other great tips, please let me know! I can’t wait to compliment you on your stunning figure and brilliantly clear mind on January 31st!
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