I have been so busy with new projects that I have neglected my Sugar-Free Challenge (SFC).  Well, not any longer.  I keep getting emails and FaceBook messages asking me when I am going to start up another challenge.  I am happy to say “very soon!”  Please stay tuned.  And if you don’t want to miss the next challenge, (which is going to be more interactive, so no matter where you live in the world you can join in, too), please send me a message at info@sugarfreechallenge.com and I will make sure that you are the first to know about the new SFC.

Hasta entonces,

Ana Cabán

This week I had the pleasure of tasting Talking Rain Twist natural, certified organic juice water. A natural blend with a twist of juice. I love the combination of flavors in this non-carbonated, lightly sweetened water, made from artesian well water.* I just finished a bottle of the Pomegranate Blueberry flavor, which was delicious! It only had a hint of natural sweetness, produced by agave nectar. It’s the perfect drink for the person that thinks water is boring. I like that it’s refreshing but not overly sweet, as most flavored waters tend to be. And the best part is that it has only 9 calories per serving. So drink up! Organic flavors include: Mango Açaí, West Indies Lime, Mandarin White Tea, Pomegranate Blueberry, Wild Strawberry and Lemon. As I type I am enjoying the Mango Açaí flavor. (I think that I like this one even more than the Pomegranate Blueberry. The best part? A portion of the proceeds go to find a cure for breast cancer). *Artesian well water comes from a confined “artesian” aquifier whose water is pressurized and therefore flows out of the well, without pumping.

Isn’t this interesting?  Agave may not be as good for you as we all thought.  Check out what this story says about it. I have to say that I am still having my teaspoon of agave in my morning coffee, but why don’t you decide if it’s the best sweetener for you.

I just wanted to share some wise words from Erin McKenna, founder of Baby Cakes NYC (and now L.A. and La Crescenta, California) and author of the book Baby Cakes, (which I featured on LBL’s Tentación Thursday, a few months back.) I am so psyched because I can finally have my Baby Cakes cake! I am celebrating my 40th birthday (yes, you read that right-FORTY!) this Sunday. Baby Cakes is making me a vegan chocolate cake with vanilla icing. I can’t wait to share it with my friends and family.

Here’s to having your cake and eating it, too!

Stay tuned for more on my birthday party, including my yummy (and healthy) cake!

Well, I hired a personal trainer, to help whip me into “rock star” shape. Why, you ask? Yes, I know. I am a Fitness Expert. I know how to work myself out. However, everyone needs a little motivation and accountability. Not to mention that any great athlete has a coach (or team of coaches) to help them stay in top form. What does any of this have to do with my son, Vincent? My new trainer, (we’ll call her Morgan, as that’s her name), is making me write down everything that I eat. She is going to check my food journal at our next meeting. She has basically told me that she can get me into “rock star” shape one of two ways.

1. I can continue to eat as I have been, increase my cardio dramatically AND train super hard with her.
2. I can cut out sugar and dairy completely, and carbs late in the day and have to only increase my cardio slightly and do less of the dreaded super hard (”Ugh, I think that I am going to be sick”) strength training exercises with her.

Ultimately, it’s up to me. Hmm…

I have already been mostly off refined sugar, since I started this Sugar-Free Challenge back in June. However, who doesn’t enjoy yogurt or even a bowl of cereal with milk late in the day? Well, Vincent is now one year old and wants to try everything that I am eating. That, and the fact that Morgan is holding me accountable for “clean eating” (as she calls it) is making it so much easier to “eat clean”. What Vincent sees me eat he will request (and not always so subtly) and since we spend all of our time together I find that I am shopping better and actually cooking myself (pretty unbelievable, if you know me at all). I recently found some great, EASY, 20-minute recipes in a magazine. Click here to learn more about that…

So, here’s to Vincent! Thanks for keeping me honest. Thanks to you, there will by no fudging on my food journal.

On the go and need a quick healthy fix? This is a great product for busy bodies always on the run.

* 2x the antioxidants of blueberries
* Rich in heart healthy omegas 3-6-9, fiber and protein
* Perfect for making traditional Brazilian Açaí bowls and smoothies
* Sugar-free option for those sensitive to sugar

Click here for more nutritional information.

Looking for the perfect healthy summer treat? Luna and Larry’s Coconut Bliss Frozen dessert has the following benefits:

*Soy, Dairy and Gluten Free
*Certified Fair Trade Ingredients
*Agave Sweetened
*Low Glycemic
*Vegan

Click here for more information on The Evolution of Ice Cream.

Now if I could just lay off the over use of exclamation points.

I’ve also noticed that I don’t have the typical midday slump as much as I used to. Sure, I still feel a little groggy around 3pm - 4pm, but before going sugarfree I couldn’t help but HAVE to nap. It was definately a big interruption in my day. Now I just keep going along.

I will admit — it was pretty difficult to keep it sugar-free over my fourth of july vacation. My family LOVES to eat out and, unfortunately, seems to always make a few stops at McDonald’s. You know the ONLY sugar free thing they have is a side salad? The bigger salads are full of sugar in the chicken and the cheese :(. But, I brought some almonds and apples to add…. it really wasn’t so bad, and in the long run I’m so glad I didn’t break down. It’s hard to know when you’re at a restaurant what exactly is in your food, but I tried to choose the least sugary-sounding options.

To anyone debating upon going sugar free…. I recommend.

See what Melissa’s up to by clicking here.

I have been able to down on dessert after meals. I only have a fresh
fruit cup instead. Although I have been trying to sweeten my morning
mug of coffee with Splenda, I still don’t enjoy coffee as much as I
did when I used granulated sugar. I shall try to sweeten it with maple
syrup tomorrow and I will let you know whether or not I like it.

I look forward to tasting the ice cream “treats” Ana recommends in her blog.

Keep up the good work, Ana!

Your faithful follower,

Barbara
Amherst, MA

I have more energy now than I have in a long time! I can honestly say that I feel great today.

The first few days, as you can read from previous posts, were challenging, but now I am starting to see and feel benefits from the sugar free challenge. All I can say is if you aren’t staying away from refined sugar I highly suggest at least attempting the 30 day challenge. you will benefit I promise.

Something else - my Pilates workout. I have noticed that the better I get at doing them, the more I can control the intensity of my workout if that makes any sense to anyone. . . I can have a really intense tiring workout, or I can have a light energizing workout depending on how much I control my movements. (If you are a Pilates fan, then you know exactly what I”m talking about. If anyone knows a better way of putting it, please leave a comment!)

For example, on Sunday I worked out really hard and controlled my movements moreso than usual and tightened my muscles a lot. Well, I was a little sore from it Monday, so I made it a little easier by tighting my muscles less, so it was not as intense as Sunday.

The benefits of Pilates are numerous and honestly, I often forget that I’m “working out” while doing them.

Until next time. . .

Katie

To follow more of Katie’s progress, click here.