Hey there! It’s amazing to me that it’s almost been a year since I started eating food that contained sugar again. It was my birthday last year that I had 3 bites of apple pie at a restaurant.  A whole year has gone by and here I am still struggling to let it go. Here is the truth.

I don’t want to let it go. I like it. Hell, I love it. Here is another truth.

Successful people do things they don’t want to do. They do it anyway. They push through. They create their lives and get what they want by doing things they don’t want to do.

When I decided to give up drugs and alcohol, I knew it was the right thing to do. I knew that I was not going to live the type of life I wanted to live if I didn’t quit. I had wanted to quit for a long time. It was easy to stop. The hard part came 3 months later when I was regretting my decision and questioning whether or not I was in trouble with it. It, being addiction. I was so stubborn, I have never went back to that lifestyle. I was not happy that I made the decision to quit, but I stuck with it.

My conundrum is different with sugar and processed foods. I am pretty sure that I can do moderation. I have tried. Here is the truth. TRYING isn’t going to cut it. Doing is going to work. Now, the question is, what constitutes moderation? Once a day? Once a week? Bi-weekly? Once a month? I have a problem doing the gym in moderation as well! Not sure if that’s a bad thing, unless I hurt myself. How do you define moderation?

I love the dictionary (who is in charge of the dictionary definitions and how do they know, by the way?) and here is what it states about moderation.

“the avoidance of excess or extremes, especially in one’s behavior”

Here is the definition of excess:

“Going beyond the usual, necessary or proper limit or degree.” More than is necessary.

So, what is more than is necessary with regards to sugar? The FDA recommends no more than 6 teaspoons a day or 25 grams. 100 calories of sugar a day. It can be done. Do you agree?

Six teaspoons a day. That is my moderation. Here is the truth.

My mind says, great, 6 teaspoons a day. What if I just have 42 teaspoons once a week? What if I had 180 teaspoons once a month? Doesn’t that sound crazy? 180 teaspoons of sugar in one day! It’s all about spreading it out and maybe slowly decreasing to 5 teaspoons a day or none. Perhaps anytime I want to indulge in sweets, it’s just 6 teaspoons. Yes, that sounds like moderation to me.

What is your definition of moderation? What feels right to you? What sounds right to you? What looks right to you? Your input is greatly appreciated!

I will check back in and let you know how I am doing! In the meantime, let me know how you’re doing!