I’ve always got something else going on besides Bramble Berry. If it’s not trying a new business idea out, it’s going back to school for something. This time, it’s both. As a side hobby, I’ve been leading food, nutrition and lifestyle challenges since 2011. (Do you remember the first one? We all vegan together. That was a “fun” one! =) I picked up several useful skills like learning how to make raw dehydrated crackers.) After leading an average of six health challenges a year for five years, I went back to school to get my nutritional therapy degree and created my own challenge to inspire myself and others. Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Or have a few extra pounds crept up with a side of sugar habit as a chaser? I’ve been there before and it’s no fun.
I’m hosting a 42 day challenge starting September 28th. This program is all about making positive changes in your daily life with an extra dose of cheerleading and support. This challenge includes small things that make a big difference, like drinking enough water and moving at least 20 minutes everyday. The challenge also includes more challenging tasks like staying away from gluten, sugar and alcohol. Are you ready to eat healthier, sleep more and increase the happiness in your life? Join the challenge.
Every day you’ll receive an email from me for encouragement and support. You’ll also receive a downloadable journal, accountability sheet, recipes, and educational information. There is a busy and thriving private Facebook page to interact with other participants as well. Click here to read more and sign up. I’d love to have the company to have the best Fall season we can have! PS – Even if you’re not ready to join, I’ve got another blog all about health, lifestyle, and nutrition and you can follow along with some of the fun and pick up some tips on living life to the fullest. This week I shared tips on how to banish burnout. Or pick up a mug to remind you every morning to choose happy. =)
Aargh, I just read that the challenge started today. Can I please join the challenge? I’m sorry I didn’t get to sign up.
Hi CJ – I’ll reach out to you privately right now! =) I’d love to have you involved.
this is an awesome challenge I do not know if I can keep up with you but I will try…or at least do the cheering!
Yay I’d love to have you join us however you feel like you can and I’ll take all the cheerleading I can get. I’ve never done 42 days without sugar and dairy and flour =)
Thank you for the support!
Looking forward to this Challenge!
Here is a book from long ago that was recommended to me. By William Duffy called Sugar Blues (https://www.amazon.com/Sugar-Blues-William-Dufty/dp/0446892882/ref=pd_sbs_14_img_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8YQFSRPHRGRSY9GR0FYZ). I hope our foods list the proper amounts of sugars in the future and don’t hide the sugar under various names.
That looks fantastic. I am going to go put that in my cart right now. =)
The past challenge, was a life changing experience, so obviously I am in this one too. 😀
YAY! I am so excited to have you! =) You add so much to the group.
From where did you earn this nutritional therapy degree? Why would the average person need to stay away from gluten? Thanks!
Hi Sarah – The Nutritional Therapy program is through the South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey, Washington. It’s a combination of 4 day in person labs and workshops, textbook studies, group phone calls and video lessons. It’s a lot of content for sure though it’s only whetted my appetite for learning more. I have my undergrad BA degree and my MBA but neither have the all the science pre-reqs for the Masters in Nutrition so I need to go back to community college (again) before I can be accepted into the Masters in Nutrition program. Fun times … fun times. =)
You’re totally on the right track to ask why in the world an average, non-celiac person would want to or even need to stay away from gluten. It’s not that gluten is inherently “bad” or “wrong” for many people that don’t have sensitivities. However, generally, the foods that contain gluten just aren’t the best nutritional choice for your body. For example, a giant bowl of pasta just isn’t as nutrient dense for you as a big vegetable salad with a side of salmon. So for this challenge, we’re really focusing on nutrition density and what chain of events the food sets off in our own bodies (the body reacts differently to spinach than white bread for example).
If you suspect you may be sensitive to gluten, your doctor can order a test for you or, there are at home tests (like https://www.everlywell.com) you can take as well (though the gold standard is to take a test and work with your doctor on the results). =)
I eliminated sugar (as well as all other sweeteners both natural and artificial) 4 weeks ago today, and for me, it is still very difficult and I crave sugar daily. I don’t think I could also eliminate grains, and dairy… I love my goats’ milk too much!
Meant to add — a great treat has been a tablespoon or two of cashews with a tablespoon of cocoa nibs.
Way to go with eliminating the sugars! Refined sugars are definitely the enemy and, are more potent than cocaine with how addicting they are (really, true … studies have proven it!). With how naturally high the delicious and nutritious goats’ milk is, I wonder if that’s triggering your sugar dragon and cravings at all?
I find that fat combats my sugar cravings. So, I’ll make a big batch of ‘Fat Bombs’ and put them in the fridge and then nibble on them if a craving hits. http://ketodietapp.com/Blog/post/2015/03/24/60-amazing-fat-bomb-recipes They’re not low calorie so if you’re counting calories, you’ll want to eat them sparingly but they’ll definitely help with that sweet tooth. =) It sounds very similar to your cashew concoction =)
Congratulations on getting off sugar. That is a HUGE accomplishment and your body, your skin, your energy, your sleep and your health will all see improvements because of it.
Do I need to be on Facebook to access everything the blog and challenge has to offer?
Hi Vicki,
There is an interaction component to the challenge to help cheer-lead and support each other. However, you do not need to be a member of Facebook to get the daily emails, the downloads, or access the private blog page. Most of the action will naturally happen on the Facebook page because of how the user interface is but you will still be able to comment on the private blog page. We’d love to have you even if you’re not a big Facebook user, or, even on Facebook at all.