How Sweet It Is (and Isn't!)

4 weeks ago a friend challenged me to join her.

One Month.

No sweets.

A month ago I did not think I could go 4 weeks without sweets...

I'm here to say, a month later, that it IS possible!  I really did do it!  :)

I was warned that it would be hard.  However, no one told me that I would actually have almost 4 weeks of MANY longings for something sweet (especially chocolate).  I even had two dreams -- vivid dreams -- about holding my favorite treats only to have someone remind me that they weren't for me.

Several years ago, when I did Jenny Craig, my diet was restricted.  However, sweets were always there (even if it was a small portion).

For the first time in my life, I recognize that I really am an emotional eater...craving sweets to remove some of the sting of challenging circumstances.

This past month I had several changes and hurdles thrown at me, almost baiting me to grab hold and plunge into the strong temptation.  Simply giving into the lie "it would only be a little".

I actually GAINED 2 pounds the first week and was really discouraged.  However, I was burning a ton less calories since no longer breastfeeding.  But now, I'm down 4 pounds total.  (I've always gained weight quickly after ending nursing since I don't usually adjust my regular higher calorie diet.)

It's not that I have stopped thinking about eating something sweet, but after the thought I am able to move onto something else without being consumed by it.  (My sweet friend, Stephanie, gave me the idea of grabbing a bowl of apple sauce when there's a craving to lift the "sweet need" a bit.)

Call me crazy, but now, my challenge is to see if I can do it through the Christmas season.

I don't want to go extreme for extreme sake, however, I have proved to myself that I can make it through my 35th b-day with no cake, Thanksgiving with no pumpkin pie, why not Christmas and all the trimmings?!

It could be wonderful to look back on this month a few pounds lighter and healthier too!  :)

If anyone would like to join me in this challenge, it would be awesome to know that I'm not going it alone on this new mountain to climb!  Jump in, I'm here to say that you can do it!