We are all different…

For those of you who are considering a change in your eating habits, let me introduce myself.

I am a mother, grandmother, partner, friend, sister, aunt, chef and I am proud of all I have accomplished in 60 plus years. I am also surrounded by amazing people. I love to learn, help others and take care of me. Yes, we all have to take care of ourselves. I started this journey 5 years ago and have no desire to return to eating foods that contain sugar. In saying all of this, let me explain the steps I took to create a sugar-free life style that has worked for me.

Frist of all, you will need to take the time to go inside your head and figure out if you are ready.

Second, do some research. What I am including in this post is strictly from my experience and research only.

Six top ways to get started.

1. Read labels! The ingredient list is what you want to look at. See Enjoying Food Without Sugar for a list of sugar types to avoid.
2. Stay away from processed foods.
3. Do your own cooking at home.
4. Don’t worry about the natural sugar found in vegetables and fruit, most are high in fiber which is a good thing.
5. At first stay away from honey and maple syrup. Personally I love both but have yet to start using these again.
6. Keep it simple.

The following will give you a place to start. 

For me breakfast will consist of a smoothie, muffin and coffee, or a bowl of oatmeal and coffee. Smoothie and muffin recipes in the links below, oatmeal is made as per instructions on bag plus I add raisins, apple, cinnamon, and finish with a spoonful of natural peanut butter.

Prepare Ahead Shopping List to get Started Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie or Smoothies For Breakfast & Bran and Fruit Muffins             

• 1 lb. dates (to make Date Puree for muffins)
• frozen blueberries (or another fruit that you may like in a smoothie)
• bananas
• almond milk (or any kind you like as long as it is unsweetened)
• natural peanut butter
• chia seeds (optional)
• flour (unbleached or whole wheat)
• wheat bran
• baking soda
• baking powder
• eggs
• raisins (optional)
• orange or unsweetened orange juice
• coffee (optional)
• canola, vegetable or coconut oil

Equipment that I find most useful to have :

• blender (I have a Kitchen Aid immersion hand blender)
• 8 cup glass mixing bowl with cover (I use this to mix and store muffin batter)
• Magic Bullet (for smoothies, a blender or immersion hand blender work just as well)
• measuring spoons and cups
• muffin tin and/or silicone cups
• Ice cream scoop (not necessary but a great way to measure out ingredients etc.) I have 2 : 1/4 cup and 1/8 cup (2 Tbsp.)

Hopefully you will find this information useful in getting started on you sugar-free journey.

“sweeten only with dates packed with fiber”

Enjoy☺