Let’s talk about SUGAR (I would love your thoughts) + a vlog + our night!

We were pretty happy with the World Series game last night!  Andrew watched the whole thing but the rest of us caught the good parts;)  I was especially excited because my Mer (grandma) is a big Cub’s fan.  She grew up in Chicago going to games as a little girl so I wanted them to win for her.

I couldn’t believe how much people were paying for tickets… up to 23k!!!

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Knox and Brooke remembered (because I sure didn’t ha) that they got special Halloween shirts while we were at the St. George Marathon expo.  They gave us two of these shirts for the kids and they were so excited to wear them.

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It was a very interesting evening.

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My evening consisted of brinner.  Round one included cheesy eggs, turkey bacon and a pancake.

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PS I know I have shown you this syrup before but it just is too good not to share.  I can barely eat a pancake with anything different.

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The second part of brinner included cereal (x2) later on.  Turns out I was really in the mood for breakfast.

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The kids had some park time in the afternoon.

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And played for hours on end.  Some days they fight a bunch just like normal siblings but yesterday was not one of those days in the slightest which was really nice.

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Andrew started his run after the game.  I really do not understand how he runs so late at night, I can barely walk up the stairs once 9 pm hits.

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So I read on the bed while he ran.

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Oh and I got caught up with This Is Us.  I look forward to this show every. single. week.

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We have a short vlog for you today!  The kids are the stars of this vlog today and they are answering just a few questions.  Their giggles get me every time!

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Andrew and I watched Sugar Coated (well the first half… until I fell asleep because I have a hard time staying awake while watching tv late at night) on Netflix a few weeks ago.  Has anyone else seen these?  Every now and then I’m in the mood to watch a new documentary and of course this one caught my attention.  It talked all about the science behind sugar and what it does to our body.

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The thing is, I have always had a thing for sugar.   I absolutely love it and while I definitely agree that it isn’t the best thing for us… I have a hard time cutting it out?  I guess I just hate the idea of being super strict about food after years of obsessing over every morsel I ate.  I think finding moderation is key (easier said than done) but I was wondering what your thoughts were in regards to sugar.

So what do you think about sugar?  Do you pay close attention to how much sugar is in the food you eat?  How does sugar make you feel… notice a big difference without it in your life?

Who else is loving This Is Us?  What are your thoughts on the show?

Watch the game last night?  What sports games do you like watching on TV?

Go to cereal these days?

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66 comments

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I’m really interested to watch the sugar documentary as well. Thank you for sharing!

I’m the same way and honestly have to get my run in the morning, otherwise it doesn’t happen.

I honestly don’t watch a whole lot of baseball but I’ve heard a ton about the game.

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I’m not a baseball fan, but wow what an intense game!

When it comes to cereal is there anything better than honey nut cheerios? I don’t buy them often because when i do the whole box is gone in one day after I eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

I’m an evening runner but running after that game? That’s super late! Dang!

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Oh.my.cuteness. That vlog is adorable!!

I really love sugar–probably more than I should. By the way, where do you find that syrup?? I don’t know if I’ve ever seen that brand in the grocery stores where I shop.

I definitely watched the World Series and watch sports pretty much all the time. But I also really like This Is Us. I’m kind of far behind on the show and need to get caught up!

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When I did a Whole30, I had to cut out all sugar (minus natural sugars like in fruit). I realized after doing that how addicted I can get to sugar, and ever since then I can’t eat much candy. Everything just tasted overly fake and sweet since my tastebuds got rid of that taste. Apparently the more sugar you eat, the more your body and taste buds get used to the taste, so you need more to get the same effect.

I LOVE This is Us! Milo is one of my favorite actors, and it takes place in Pittsburgh which always excites me :) The episode about the Steelers was like a flashback to my childhood! I also watched the game last night (kind of struggled to wake up this morning) and it was AMAZING!

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TOTALLY agree with you on the sugar thing! Its really like an addicting drug! Ever since I switched to eating “organic” candy – Justins, Newmans Own, Unreal, Yumearth, etc…I can’t stand “regular” reese cups or any other type of “regular” candy. Its too much for me. Your taste buds really do change!
I’ve heard that cereal companies are gradually cutting back on the amounts of sugar in the cereal, but they have to do it extremely gradual (like, cut back every 6 months), so that people’s taste buds adjust and they don’t really notice less sugar – because we are so addicted to it!

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I am totally addicted to sugar and think that my sinus and stomach pains as of late are directly related. But I have never been successful at cutting it out. I can take it down a notch when fresh fruit is around but that’s still sugar. Lol.

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I am anti-cutting out any entire food groups or obsessing over food period. Been there, done that and don’t want to go back. We run enough to be able to eat anything that we want (not that you have to run to be allowed to eat something). I think listening to your body and eating what it wants is key. If you don’t, it will feel deprived. I love This Is Us! I haven’t seen this week’s episode yet though. We watched bits and pieces of the game. My husband stayed up late and watched the end, but I was in bed by 9 :)

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I have been Paleo for 3 years now. There are alot of guidelines to the lifestyle but I haven’t had sugar in that amount of time except for some ‘oops’ cases at restaurants. I absolutely love it! I understand where it could be considered restrictive but I actually LOVE the freedom it gives me and that is why I do it. I was spending hours in the grocery store reading labels trying to get the lowest sugar item (I have been gluten/dairy free for over 10 years already) and it was exhausting. Now I don’t have to read a label, I know what I can eat, I get in and get out. I just find it is the easiest way of eating I have found. I have gotten into sugar a couple times over the years and the day after detox was horrid! Nope, I’ll gladly stay away from sugar after I felt like I was coming off of drugs. My mother also has Crohn’s disease and I would like to prevent it for myself so that is also another reason that I changed my diet.
I actually became a runner after I started Paleo so I do not know how it affects my running because now it is just second nature for me. Your tastebuds eventually change, it took about a year for me, and now there are no ‘sugar cravings’. Grains/dairy/sugar have no appeal to me because I know how sick I will get.
Go Cubs! I live in Illinois and currently reside in the hometown of the World Series MVP player so it will be a big day at work today with many tired co-workers!

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I actually don’t pay close attention to my sugar intake most of the time. However, I did for a week and it is so hard because sugar is in everything. I also lost 3 pounds the week I was trying to cut out sugar so that is a testament to what it does to our body.

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I am so looking forward to seeing that documentary! Sounds somewhat similar to Fed Up (another doc worth watching if you haven’t:))

RE: Sugar, I definitely get where you’re coming from with not wanting to restrict your foods after a history of disordered eating, and I can completely relate. I thought I’d offer my experience in case it helps! I used to have a HUGE sweet tooth, but it has 100% transformed into a savory tooth (I may have made that term up) since I unintentionally stopped having sweets while living abroad. Since that shift, it’s become painfully obvious how crappy sugary foods make me feel. I don’t restrict myself at all with what I eat, but I now instinctively want to indulge in savory foods (i.e. cheese:)) instead of dessert. I still have dessert when it’s something that I really like, but I’ve just gotten a lot pickier with my sweets and I tend to want much smaller quantities of them. This has made a HUGE difference in my health with regard to chronic conditions and overall well-being, both mental and physical. That said, I still eat pasta and bread (mostly, but not exclusively whole wheat) all the time, which I understand is kind of the same thing as sugar on a chemical level, but it affects me in a totally different way and actually makes me feel great. I’ve also been vegetarian for the last 10 years, so I tend to eat more carbs than most omnivores! Everyone has a unique lifestyle and body, with its own metabolic and hormonal predispositions, so I really truly believe that what works for one person may not work for another (and vice versa). Good health, diet and exercise included, is just one big practice of listening to your body.

p.s. Apologies for the world’s longest comment!!! :)

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Definitely going to check out the documentary. I don’t eat a lot of sugar usually, but the past few days have been non-stop. Honestly, I feel like crap. I’m tired but I’m not sleeping well, my runs feel sluggish, and I’m cranky. I think it’s time to step back. Right after I eat this bite-size Snickers.

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i will never give up dessert or sugar! that said, a majority of my diet and my meals are nutrient dense so I really think it’s a nice balance. a life without dessert and eating what I want would be a terrible life for me. I think there’s room for everything we like.

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I think sugar is the same as anything -it’s fine in moderation. It’s only a problem if you’re eating all (or mostly) sugary foods and not getting the nutrients you need. Personally, if you tried to take my sugar, I’d tackle you and steal your cupcake.

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I started This Is Us last night actually. IN LOVE with it.

I use sugar for training because I believe it has a place, just like BRINNER ALL THE TIME. :)

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I have a major sweet tooth and used to eat candy like crazy in high school. Not like a whole bag of fun size candy, but still more than what I should’ve have. Thankfully, I’ve never had a health complication due to my sugar intake, other than a few extra pounds. Sometime in college, I looked at my diet and modified what I ate (added fruits and veggies, cut back on sugar, exercised more, shrunk my portions, etc). I’ve never actually dieted, I hate it and if it’s nothing I can maintain for the long haul, then I won’t do it. Hence, why I haven’t cut sugar out of my life. I did reduce my “need” for it, so instead of a whole bowl of ice-cream with sprinkles and add ons, about a half cup portion will satisfy me. Instead of a whole candy bar, I might have half. I try to keep my sugar intake to once a day. When I notice that it’s going out of control, I can cut it out without much fight and I do feel like I stop craving it. Eating candy to me is as much of a craving as it is a habit. If I have a craving, I cave in because if not it will bug me forever and even just a bit will take care of it. Additionally to mindfully eating candy, I do try to cut back on added sugar. So, I buy unsweetened almond milk and no sugar added products. All to a limit though because I’m not about to shell out $6 for a jar of pasta sauce, that’s just not affordable to me. So I guess I control my sugar intake, but I do not eliminate it.
Sorry for the essay! haha

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You definitely eat way too much sugar.

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Can’t wait to check out that documentary…I love watching stuff like that.

3 years ago when I was pretty strict on an Atkins form of diet I watched all sugar and carbs….NEVER.FELT.BETTER!!! I lost weight had the most energy in my lifetime and no stomach/head aches at all. Then Christmas rolled around and I had a few “Christmas cookies”….I swear my body went into addict mode…I was like a caged monkey just letting loose…I could not get enough sugar thus, a super downward spiral. ;-((((

Now, being 3 almost 4 years older since then I kind of feel my body has changed and its harder to be so restrictive. I am slowly trying to keep it mostly protein, veggies and fruits….but, dang Halloween and all this sweetness around me is making it harder.

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Had so much fun watching the game here in Chicago. The city went absolutely nuts last night and it was such an exciting event!! So proud to call Chicago my home!

Re: sugar … I can’t stop. Since I was two, my mom would give me milk and Oreos before bed because I couldn’t sleep. I still need to have something sweet before bedtime but know I need to be better about moderation!

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I want to watch Sugar Coated. I do know sugar causes inflammation – the root of all disease :( I have a big-time sweet tooth, but I find the more veggies I eat, the less I crave sugar. When I was younger I ate A TON of sweets, but as I get older, I just crave savory stuff more. I myself can’t quite believe this!

PS The kidlets are so adorbs.

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I’m not a baseball fan – kinda glad it is over ;-)

I’ve been watching This is Us and enjoying the show. So far, it is fairly well done. Not sure how long the show will last – not sure if the writers have the whole plot line already figured out. Should be interesting!

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I don’t eat a lot of sugar but I don’t cut it out either. I love THIS IS US! It reminds me of Parenthood and has become my new favorite show! Watched the end of the CUBS game. It will probably be a series that is talked about for all time.

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The vlog was so cute. My youngest is the same age as your kids (I think his birthday falls between Knox and Brooke’s). He just made me show their vlog twice. I imagine he’ll ask again soon. I think he likes seeing kids his age in videos.

I almost always night run. Sometimes starting as late as 10pm but that just works in my schedule best. Thankfully I’m a night owl.

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Those kids are so cute :) Loved this edition of the vlog!
I should watch that sugar documentary. I have a really hard time cutting it out completely, although lately I’ve been craving it less, which I appreciate. Thanks body!
I’m loving a This is Us. But it breaks my heart already knowing that at some point the dad dies relatively young. I feel like I’m always waiting for it to happen and it adds some extra sadness to everything because he works so hard for his family and then he doesn’t get to be there anymore. But overall I love the show. So great!

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I’ve cut off sugar completely in the past and I can only say I’ve been very unhappy.
The best way for me to find moderation is by listening to my body. I know in the morning I’m craving sweet breakfasts and that’s what I normally get. But if somebody offers me dessert after lunch or dinner, I won’t necessarily have it if I don’t want it.

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My husband and I watched a documentary on sugar a couple years ago and it’s completely changed the way we eat. I am very conscious of the amounts of sugar in our food and try to avoid processed sugars in favor of maple syrup, coconut sugar, honey and agave. I’ve 100% felt a difference and SEEN a difference–in my steady weight (I don’t have a problem with my weight, but I don’t really fluctuate that much anymore), my skin and my energy. It took us probably about 3 months to really stop missing sugary things, and now, those same things taste disgustingly sweet. That being said, there is a balance. I’m not opposed to having a donut or a cookie or a piece of cake if I really want one. The difference is I don’t crave those things as much as I used to and I don’t have all of the added sugars in the rest of the foods I eat. I definitely understand your thoughts on sugar after so many years struggling with food–and it’s all about finding the right balance for you, like looking at the food you eat that’s not sweet (bread, cereal, yogurt) and finding low sugar options, while still being able to have a bowl of ice cream at night. :)

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I try to cut sugar out of my diet whenever possible because I do believe that disease feeds off of it – that being said I’ve been eating halloween candy like crazy these past few days and I do need to cut back again. (but I’m also training for a half sooooo) But when I buy food I try to avoid things that have “added sugar”, such as jarred pasta sauce, salad dressings, etc. (I put added sugar in quotes because I think natural sugars are okay). I will definitely try and watch this documentary though!

LOVE This is Us! Look forward to it every week!

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I’m a registered dietitian and really focus with my patients and clients on decreasing added sugar. There is so much research that supports the negative health effects of added sugar, what it does to our brains, the tie to chronic disease, etc. The world health organization and dietary guidelines for Americans are really focusing on it as well. I do agree that everything should be in moderation, but to me that means from time to time for some items. I love some candy or desserts every now and then but have personally tried to increase other things in my diet and consume those most.

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I haven’t been eating cereal recently – got kind of sick of it after having it EVERY morning for about 15 years :) But I saw a commercial for honey nut cheerios the other day and now seeing your bowl (are those honey nut or regular??) I’m thinking cheerios might have to make an appearance sometime soon.

I am watching This Is Us. I feel like it’s a tiny bit overdone but I do like it and will probably continue to watch. Still missing Parenthood :)

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As much as I have a sweet tooth, I think added sugar is horrible for us, and while I like the “moderation” idea, the fact that it is hidden in so many foods (basically anything in a box) is very disturbing to me. I don’t know how as a country you break a sugar addiction that is making millions, maybe billions for corporations in America. I think it’s great that people are able to eat paleo, and do whole30, but the childhood obesity rates in the U.S. point to a major problem that I think has a lot to do with the fact that sugar isn’t as easy for everyone to avoid, whether its due to addiction, or ease, availability and affordability of food with added/hidden sugar. I think a small but great step would be to require a break out of added sugar v. natural sugar on nutrition labels, so as Americans we are armed with the info we need to make the healthiest choices possible.

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I’m loving This is Us too, its so, so good.
I’ve currently cut out sugar (i’m doing Whole30 right now) and honestly, I’m feeling so much better. I was never a huge candy person in the first place but I would put a heaping spoonful in my tea twice a day, not to mention, how much sugar is in everything I ate (bbq sauces, etc.). My husband and I are both noticing that we have more energy, we don’t hit the “afternoon wall”, and I’m noticing positive changes in how my skin and body look as well. I think once you get over the first 2-4 days without it, it gets a lot easier.

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I love sugar way too much!

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I read an article in the NY Times about how the sugar industry paid researchers to focus on fat being bad for us, rather than sugar. Sugar is addictive in my point of view, the more I have the more I want. So while I’m not super restrictive I do check the amounts of sugar in food and where it comes from. (there is no reason for one bowl of cereal or granola to have 3 – 4 sugar sources, and many do). My focus and sleep tend to be better when I have less sugar.

My go to cereal is still oatmeal. I will make a bowl when I can’t figure out what I want to eat. I like that I can make it savory if I’m in the mood to.

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My friend and I tried to give up sugar for a month and I gave up about two weeks in. Maybe I just am truly addicted, but the entire time I felt like I was depriving myself, which certainly isn’t a good feeling. I don’t think I eat too much sugar, but having a little bit everyday makes me a happy camper. I am a fan of cutting out sugar in things that shouldn’t have sugar though (i.e. bread, tomato sauce, etc). I’m scared to start This is Us because I’m sure I’ll get addicted and I haven’t watched a show in real time in so long! How does that even work? You have to wait a whole week for a new episode?! How do people do that?? I’m so used to Netflix now where I can just immediately watch the next episode! :) :) I was super freaked out that Andrew ran after the game because it didn’t end until like 12:45…but then I realized you guys are much earlier than us! I was falling asleep in bed following the game, but I needed to see who won!

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I have a similar background with disordered eating and I have always loovveeedd sugar! For me, I didn’t want food/patterns to control me at all so a few nights a week, I would choose a dessert lower in sugar and snacks lower in sugar. To make sure I wouldn’t let disordered thoughts come up, I would make sure I wasn’t looking at the calorie content and was just going for nourishment (aka full plain yogurt with nuts and fruit amd dark chocolate=Wayyyy more calories than a candy bar). Kinda like pushing in a run-I used to do it to punish myself/proove something, but now I do it because I believe in myself and think I am worthy no matter what (I just know something amazing is on the othef side of that wall). Same with watching the sugar-I am worthy whether or not I eat that ice cream and once in a while, if I dont, I am doing it to protect my body. And when I do, it’s because ice cream is magic. Magic.
That’s my long winded answer!
Also, as a Chicago woman all I can say is…. GO CUBS!!

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I really want to get into This is Us but I always forget when it’s on.

Frosted Flakes are the go to cereal right now

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Knox and Brooke are too much!!

I notice a huge difference if I limit my sugar. And I notice a huge difference when I splurge and have more than normal (huge tummy ache!!)

My go to cereal right now is pumpkin spice shredded wheat ;) Though I don’t eat much cereal (boo!)

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I have been sugar free now for three years and it’s balanced my hormones, I have tons of energy without it and my skin looks ten years younger but the best part is that any aches and pains I used to have are gone! We just lost a family member to cancer and that persons diet was mainly sugar and simple carbs and their oncologist had them stop eating all sugar as chemo started because sugar feeds cancer cells :( I never miss it bc there are sooo many ways now to eat sweets without sugar so we make our own ice cream and pies and cookies and use things like monk fruit and fruits to sweeten things. Every now and then I’ll have a cookie or scone from a friends house and I actually get the worst headache and feel poisoned after eating white sugar since it’s no longer in my system, my body now responds to sugar the correct way lol. We eat a Whole Foods way with every food group but white sugar and everyone is healthy and hormone issue free and I’d say it’s worth doing bc you’ll live longer and healthier.

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I totally watched that documentary a few months back — and it made me reconsider how much sugar I put in my body and what forms it takes. Our main take away was that the more refined and process the food, the worse it probably is for you.

BUT — we not huge “all or nothing” fans at our house. We like moderation, compromise, and small changes that stick. So we eat more fruit and less full blown junk — or try to.

As a teacher (who used to work in the poorest of high schools and middle schools in the country — Detroit, NC public schools, etc…) I’ve seen first had what loads of junk food can do to kiddos. Students that are served up processed pizza, candy, and a slush puppy all for lunch tend to come back to class completely wired and unfocused for the rest of the afternoon. Some school wide data diving with behavior analysis by period, showed overwhelming bursts of problem behaviors after lunch. These realizations came with some changes to schools and how they approached lunch.

If you really want to see more about this — watch Fed Up…

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Thanks for the tip on that documentary, I’m definitely interested. I have a huge sweet tooth. About a year ago I did a challenge to give up processed sugar for a month (fruit was still OK ). The first week was insanely rough, but the rest of the month wasn’t that hard and I really did feel better, had more energy and better sleep. I’m with you though on net setting a bunch of fixed restrictions on my diet, so after the month I just tried to be more conscious of sugar (make my own sauces and salad dressings, and when I do want desserts, make them at home so I know what is in them). I also find that I’m not so fixated on sugar if I take the time to make really yummy healthy meals that are more on the savory end. I love Oh She Glows and Heidi Swanson for recipe ideas, and most recently Run Fast Eat Slow.

And what a game! What a Series!

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I think sugar is the new fat. For years we tried to blame everything on fat but the reality is that we need fat. However we need to find moderation and be concerned where our fat comes from and in what forms. I think the same is true for sugar.

My go to cereal is and always will be honey nut Cheerios.

I’ve been trying to read instead of watch but I’m a big Mandy Moore fan so I’ll have to check out this one!

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I 100% agree with what you said Elizabeth. I always wonder what will be the next ‘really bad for us thing’ that will get all of the attention.

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I don’t pay close attention to sugar but I do pay some attention to it. I think glycemic index is much more important though. I try to go for unsweetened drinks – like black coffee/tea and water. I rarely drink soda and maybe have 1-2 beers each week if even. I don’t do sugar replacements although I really like the kombucha by KeVita which I know uses Stevia. Maybe I will make an exception. I try to not go crazy on sweets but once in awhile I do binge and I’m okay with that. Also I don’t eat cereal and huge part of that is because I think it’s just sugar.

I’m not a huge baseball fan but one of my best friends is from Chicago and a fan so I was thrilled to see them win. I am, however, a huge hockey fan, although this season my fanaticism is taking a hit because of grad school. =[

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My thoughts on sugar is that I don’t ban it from my diet but are very intentional about it… like, I make sure there is no added sugar in things that really don’t NEEd added sugar (like pasta sauce, granola, etc.) – if I eat sugar, I want it to be something intentionally sweet (like a pastry or chocolate bar).
Having said that, I did a sugar ‘detox’ a while back and lesson learned was that I don’t have much “added sugar” in my diet in the first place (which I guess is a good thing)…. but it also doesn’t mean that I avoid sugar at all cost. I love something sweet every once in a while. I didn’t feel a big difference by cutting it out completely, so I don’t think it affects me much (like other people).

I watched the baseball game… what a thriller. I just wish the Red Sox had made it to the World Series ;)

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Yes, I watched the game. I was indifferent on who I preferred to see win. My boyfriend was going for the Indians and my son was going for the Cubs…

My thoughts on sugar….I am similar to you….everything in moderation. I do not read every single label for food I put into my mouth (anymore….I did a few years back). My feeling is that I am pretty well educated on the matter and therefore I try to be conscious of how much sugar I eat, but I am probably more strict when it comes to what my son eats. Trying to teach proper nutrition and eating habits to a 10 y.o. boy has its challenges. For myself, I have found that the more processed something is, the worse it makes me feel. I kind of use that as my internal guide. So, I guess I loosely pay attention but I am not overly crazy about monitoring the intake…..

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Last summer I did an eight-week challenge where I only ate sugary treats one day a week. I lost 9 lbs and my running was phenomenal!! Of course, when the eight weeks ended I totally backslid. :-( I’m starting it again next week as s challenge with all my running buddies so I have accountability! I reach for sugar most when I’m tired, and with a newborn, I’m always tired, so that’s my struggle right now.

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I have a really hard time with sugar. I can eat sugary treats over almost anything else! When I was in college there would be days when all I would eat would be candy. Terrible! I try to limit it for the most part but don’t always succeed!

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Funny because last night I started watching fed up and want to lower my sugar intake! Between working and family and everything I tend to grab quick yet sugary foods…bread, cookie, etc. I stayed up last night sitting next to my husband while he did homework. haha Something about just being next to your spouse shows support! Glad you read while he ran!
I notice I gain weight awkwardly and bloat when I eat sugar. :(

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Diet is sort of a swinging pendulum. As we get wiser the swings are less dramatic as we land in that all things in moderation place in the middle.
I swung to the restricted place, and felt such freedom when I got out of that place. Problem was I kind of just started eating whatever I wanted. Although my weight was fine, I felt like a lot of it was junk just because I finally could. I reminded myself I was not the same person who restricted, and making an adjustment to my diet did not make me have a problem again.

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Excellent post and I really loved reading all of the girls reply to it…so interesting!

My grandmother lived to be 100 and I was fascinated about what she ate and did to live that long, and have also looked into other stories of centenarians. My grandma said she ate everything…meat, chicken, fish, vegetables, fruits, pastries, muffins, candies, cookies etc…but all in moderation. She was also very active her entire life, running and walking several miles a day until she died. I think her advice is the key to longevity.

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When trying to figure out what to eat instead of sugar – if there is too much sugar happening – I read what the body really wants is protein. This could make sense for active people. It prompts me to revisit post-workout intake.

As much as you talk about sugar on the blog, I always noticed how much salad and veggies there are also. The salads, especially the way you build them, are inspiring. I’m also learning about the benefits of kale, Swiss chard and spinach. They are distinct! Actually, spinach is “high” in sugar! Stampede to spinach!!

There are some who say the least worst sweetener is honey. As the Whole 30 group is finding, it is tricky to take out sugar. One bottom line: prepare it myself or know there’s going to be at least one thing in the item not beneficial to my cells.

I was talking with some Korean women yesterday and learned soy is fermented in Asian countries, not in the U.S. (The SAD diet is sooo SAD.) Tofu, everything is fermented. (FYI, I am not a soy person.) One of the women said she broke out from having unfermented edamame. Break outs and noticeable inflammation are on the extreme end of the continuum. There are all levels of reactions along the continuum and we do not see a lot of them because they are on the inside – think microbiome.

I’m loving the YouTubes on meal prep.

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Janae, first off, go Cubs. My mom is a lifelong, diehard Cubs fan. I will always fondly remember hearing Cubs games on in the background as a child. She watched the almost every game (and usually ironed while doing so), and she names all our dogs after the Cubs – Wrigley, Ivy, Cubbie, etc. She and one of my brothers were sobbing last night. What a game! I’m wiped though because I had to stay up until almost 2 am to watch and the get kids up for school, I’m a preggo in my third trimester. But it was wor H it!

Second, ignore any of the less than helpful comments (e.g. You eat too much sugar.). You look radiantly healthy and people who don’t understand eating disorders or are gen unknowingly suffering from one just can’t relate to those of us who know the pain of controlling every single bite that passes through our lips. I suffered from anorexia and then later bulimia. Not too long ago I jumped on the clean eating train, thinking it was the healthy thing to do after reading so much about the dangers of sugar and processed food. I physically felt great, but I mentally became a wreck. It’s just not the right path for me. I eat healthy, whole, real foods 90 percent of the time (and I do give up most sugar processed junk while I’m pregnant), but it is not healthy for me to ban any food – even ice cream or candy – completely from my lifelong diet. I don’t do cleanses or diets or anything. All my health numbers are perfect. I’m 30 weeks pregnant, and I feel fit and healthy and have no swelling. Today I treated myself to a cinnamon scone, and I refused to serve it with a side of guilt. I have friends who do programs like Whole 30, etc., and it works for them. It won’t work for me, and I have decided to not let others’ comments, choices, etc. influence my own. I should also note that when I was clean eating, I was eating tons of greens and drinking a lot of green smoothies, which I love. Lo and behold, I ended up with 4 kidney stones, and my urologist’s testing revealed my body was absorbing way too much oxalate. I cut back on greens, passed three out of four kidney stones, had to have surgery to remove one that got stuck, and had a follo-up appointment about 6 months later and since eating, yes, healthy, leafy greens in MODERATION, I have no more stones! We are all different! You also run and exercise so much more than the average person who consumes tons of sugar. That makes a difference!

Keep on being healthy, beautiful you! (Please forgive any typos or mental gaffes above. Tired, preggo brain at work here! ?)

Oh, and if you’re interested, I wrote about why I don’t diet or give up entire food groups because of my eating disorder history here: http://katewicker.com/2011/11/why-youll-never-find-me-on-a-diet/

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Just like the scriptures say…moderation in all things :)

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I watched the second episode of This is Us today while I was on the stepmill. Currently scheming ways to watch the third episode. But at the same time, I want to space them out cause I don’t want to burn through the episodes. You know, real life problems I have going on over here.

Can we all just agree that is super cool right now to ‘be off sugar/not eat sugar’ and what not? And that sugar is, right now, played out to be the devil. I swear. Yes. It can be addicting. Pretty much everything can be. There is no sugar in my PB and you better believe I am addicted to PB. People are addicted to their coffee. Once again, no sugar. But no one is making a documentary about how evil those are. But I am so tired of people giving sugar a moral value. I.E.: I am trying to be ‘good’ so I am not eating sugar. So eating sugar makes you bad? No. It doesn’t. It has no moral value. No food makes you good or bad. No food is ‘good or bad’. Food is food. I hate the term ‘clean eating’ too because it implies that if you aren’t eating ‘clean’ you are eating dirty and, well, dirty is bad. Right? Food fuels your body. So in that sense we want to feed our body more of the things that make it feel and run better. That probably means eating ‘less sugar/treats’ and more nutrient dense foods. But that ratio can be different for each person because every BODY is different. Find what works for you. I am not giving up sugar anytime soon because, for me, when I say I won’t have it for X amount of days, that is all I think about for X amount of days. Then I binge. That isn’t a healthy mindset. I know that not everyone is that way. But that is how it is for me. So there is my long winded rant for the day. Ha!

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I wish this had a “like” button because I would push it a million times for this comment!

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Me as well!

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DIE. HARD. CUBBIES. FAN. I’m the 4th generation of Cubs fans in my family, my great grandma used to go with “her girls group” every Tuesday. My Grandpa was at the 1945 World Series. My Dad & I have been going to games together since I was literally less than 24 hours old (eh, we watched in the hospital, first night game at Wrigley!) Today has been so emotional, it’s hard to explain, but it’s SO much more than just baseball to us! It’s a big part of our family! On cloud 9 <3

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I agree that too much sugar is not a good thing–but I believe in all things in moderation. I truly love chocolate chip cookies, cake, mini candy bars (to name a few), and I see no reason for me personally to give up these delicious treats, when eaten as part of my balanced lifestyle along with nutritious meals and regular exercise. My 98 year old grandma has eaten sweets her entire life and she has maintained her weight, has beautiful skin, and has barely had any major illnesses–she still lives alone, cooks, cleans, and drives! Sugar is meant to be eaten and enjoyed in my opinion!

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Another one to watch is “Fed Up”. It’s a good one!

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I try to be picky about the sugar that I eat. If I want something sweet, I try to go for dark chocolate, chocolate covered nuts, or even ice-cream over gummy candy or too sweet cereal. At least the chocolate and ice-cream have some protein/fat/antioxidants in them so they’re not completely void of nutritional value and they fill you up a little. I try to keep it out of the house too. That means ice-cream is only a once a week treat while I’m out with my husband. Also, at work, if people bring in sweets, I only have the ones that are homemade. I don’t want to “waste” my calories/sugar intake on stale store bought cookies or donuts!

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Sugar is like alcohol. Some people can have one beer or a glass of wine with no problems, and then there are alcoholics who have to avoid it entirely. Sugar is an addictive drug, but if you are able to handle it in moderation and enjoy it, then you’re fine. If (like me) you’re a “sugarholic” then you should avoid it entirely. I quit sugar about a year and a half ago (and that includes organic sugar, cane juice, even maple syrup etc.) and I feel better than I’ve ever felt in my life. My digestive issues cleared up, I have tons of energy, no more cravings, done with the constant battle of trying (and failing) to restrict my sugar intake. Quitting was not easy (I couldn’t stop sweating for an entire week, weirdly) but so worth it.

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I will watch that documentary! Love stuff like that. I do try to watch sugar…unless it is the weekend then I have a problem…

This is Us has my heart. It has been a great replacement for Parenthood. Have you watched Parenthood?

Go to cereal – Pumpkin Spice Cheerios.

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First of all – I LOVE your blog. As a beginner/intermediate runner, I love reading about your struggles/running plans.

Second – I really like that you posted this documentary about sugar. I will have to watch it. As someone who is really sensitive to processed sugar I think I do have a pretty biased opinion of it. After detoxing off of processed sugar over the course of 3 months a few years ago, I can’t really eat it anymore without getting a headache, fever, or a sore throat. Now, that doesn’t mean that I don’t eat a cookie or ice cream from time to time because moderation is important so you don’t go crazy and obsess over food. However, I do avoid it actively and if I want to indulge in something sweet I have to check in with my body to see if I think I can handle it. Processed sugars are not for me, however some people can eat them and not feel bad and that is their body. Overall, I’m against eating sugar in the amounts that are typically found in processed food but there are a lot of healthy processed foods coming out which have stevia, honey, or maple syrup as a sweetener which I support. It’s all about balance :)

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I’ve been trying to find that syrup ever since you shared it but they don’t carry it at our Costco! :( Its hard not to root for the Cubs with the whole 108 years in the making thing. ;) Sugar-wise, I do watch myself and especially my kids. I feel like sugar effects me a lot worse than other junk food. I don’t feel very good afterwards. It may be because diabetes runs in my family so I’m trying to be careful, too. Have a great weekend, Janae!

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This vlog was so cute! I”ve always had a thing with sugar too. I know it’s not good for our bodies, but it tastes soooo goooood.

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that documentary is quite interesting! i’ve always LOVED sugar, too, and never really thought much of it until, like many, i got into a deep dark place of food and health obsession. everything had to be sugar free or i’d allow myself like one treat at night (if i worked out of course)…now looking back, so dumb. but we live and learn and thank God i had the strength to get out of that mindset and get to a moderation lifestyle. then i got a kick of TOO much, treating myself daily. but since i love it so much, every year for Lent i give up sugar, my true vice. after a few weeks, i really do feel better, less bloated, and my skin and sleep improve a bit, too. this past year, i kinda kept it up, and eat a lot less and can tell a difference. i won’t pass up something amazing, but i’ve cut back a lot and just plain feel better all around. i still really really wish i could subside on chocolate and frosting (no joke, could easily polish off an entire cake’s frosting. easily.) long-winded!
this is us–A.MA.ZING!!! favorite show right now.
i live in chicago and the night they won was bananas! pretty awesome, though.

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Thanks for getting the sugar conversation going, I love reading everyone’s comments! I find it so interesting how everyone has different views and I’m sure you’ll have plenty to think about after watching the documentary & reading all the feedback ;) I’ve also been in an unhappy place where I was so concerned about everything I ate (sugar, fat, enough vegetables etc.) that I’m totally with you on having no more food rules. Personally I try to eat what I feel like and try and avoid things that I don’t really feel like and are unhealthy (ie being lazy and having to buy a muffin for breakfast that isn’t that tasty when I could’ve just made some oats, or not taking a snack with me and buying a chocolate bar just because I’m hungry and not because I feel like chocolate). For me this works perfectly, it takes some more planning and preparing things in advance (I always make breakfast for a couple of days ahead and often make a big salad of some sort to take for lunch and bring some yoghurt and a piece of fruit to work for snacking) and because I enjoy cooking we eat something home cooked most nights. For me, that leaves enough room to then eat what I feel like at other moments, whether that is a donut with my coffee and/or a piece of chocolate after dinner etc. Sometimes I might bring my healthy food and not feel like it and get something else, and I’m totally fine with that, but I hate not having the option to choose and being ‘forced’ to eat something unhealthy. Also, regarding the added sugar in so many processed food, I do study the labels and choose the option that I think is healthiest when it matters for me (muesli bars that aren’t loaded with sugar, natural yoghurt instead of flavoured yoghurt, wholegrain bread, spice mixes or pastes that contain actual spices and not 50% sugar and 50% salt etc), but I also choose the food that I think will taste best, especially when I choose food that I don’t eat to be ‘healthy’, I would never get the ‘light’ ice cream or low fat/sugar treats, because it really is about moderation and about enjoying what you eat to maintain a healthy body and a healthy mind! Haha sorry for the ramble ;)

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