My husband kept me busy with new hobbies of gardening and canning, and I have joined the wonderful world of endurance sports such as cycling. I can't believe that I have actually cycled 55 miles and survived but I did it, and I had my Power Balls along with me as a healthier option other than the cookies that were served on the ride. Essentially these Power Balls are my Date Truffles that I suped up with blueberries and chia seeds. The idea came to me as I was tasting another company's product and I read the ingredient list and realized I already had many of the ingredients in my home. I realize now I'll probably have to enter the recipe here, but that means I'd have to come up with a standard recipe. That's always the hard part, as I make up these meals, and adjust for flavor I always forget to measure!
Anyhow, I recently had a reader post a very good question:
This is from Tony,
"So what are lets say 3 guide lines, for someone who like myself. Needs a sugar fix now and then (Now reasonably controlled) but after say scoffing a full pack of custard creams, which I used to do frequently, has a thick fuzzy head for almost 3 day's wants to do nothing but sleep. Blood tests show my blood sugar is normal doctors are no help."
Tony,
This is the story of my life. I went through the lethargy too and no amount of caffeine could fix it when I did not address the initial cause of it.
First off, I had to prepare myself. I am not one of those quit cold-turkey people. I wish I was, but I really had to psych myself up, get myself ready. Find out how I was going to explain to people what my goals were. I also set a start date and end date. Initially it was 30 days of sugar free. if that went well then it turned into 90 days. It went so well that in that time it progressed to phasing out gluten as well.
Second I had to start cleaning out my pantry and fill it with healthier options. This also took an adventurous mind to start exploring other sweeteners and gluten free products.
I also made an effort to stock myself up with foods that would satisfy my cravings. So far my favorite sweeteners are honey, maple syrup, dates. My favorite gluten free product is quinoa pasta by Ancient Quinoa Harvest.
And Third, I learned to forgive myself if I ever backslid. Without that, then whatever food that you are trying to avoid becomes a forbidden food and you lose sight that you are not trying to avoid it because it tastes good, you are trying to avoid it because of the way it makes you feel. The grogginess, the upset stomach, the itchy skin, the gas, or whatever it is that you get, you realize it's just not worth it.
Besides I'd rather not think "I can't eat that"
That is a negative sentence.
Instead I say "I choose not to eat that"
It's much more empowering.
So Tony, my fridge is always stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables. I always keep gluten free crackers around. If I go over a friend's house I try to bring something that I made so I know there is something that I can eat and enjoy when I socialize. When at work, I try to make smart choices or bring my own food. I have told all my friends and my family that I have changed my eating habits. I have even asked my friends "Do you think you can have something gluten free for me?" if someone is having a dinner party and I am unable to bring food ahead of time.