by Jane Miller

As most of you know, it takes 21 days to change a habit. I decided to challenge myself and change my relationship with processed sugar. Mainly I want to cut it out of my diet as of today, September 21, 2008.

Some expert told me a while back you know you are addicted to sugar when after a full meal you are still craving sweets! Worst thing is having some too..

My rule of thumb has always been if I have a glass of wine, I'll skip my dessert and vice versa but sometimes (usually around "that time"), I have to have both as if to kill the pain.     

Well, I have researched some power foods that suppousedly help with maintaining the sugar level in the bloodstream. So for the next 21 days I will cut out "junk" and processed sugar and focus on these power foods. Here is a list of some:

Avocado (despite the high content of monounsaturated fats, it is very good for you!)

Yogurt (will keep your blood sugar levels stable and you'll feel full for hours, I look for the Greek Yogurt 2% sometime I cheat a little and add a bit of honey or buy the honey version)

Kale (cook it in a pan with balsamic vinegarette and olive oil, add a bit of garlic and lemon, delicious!), high in iron and calcium

Oatmeal (love the irish steel cut for breakfast, sometimes I have it for lunch too keeps me full all morning or afternoon)

Apples (my Czech grandma used to say: "an apple a day, keeps the Dr's away)...well I guess she was right, as I stay healthy plus I love to much on apple slices with my 3-year old...fun thing to watch them chew as we both pack antioxidants into our bodies!)

Wild Salmon (something about the Omega 3's keeping your muscles healthy) I buy wild alaskan salmon from Amy's Organic in Stuart www.amysorganicgourmet.com      

Grapefruit (my father in law eats this every single day and is strong and healthy, at 76 living at 8,000 feet in CO building houses)

Kombucha drink (some of you have seen me drinking these around the studio) well, there is something about polyphenols, antioxidants, amino acids, viable probiotics, right?...just reading it makes me feel good, so the promise of this drink is to immediately work with the body to restore balance and vitality...sounds good..try it...I get it at PSL Herbs and More up in Port Saint Lucie www.pslherbs.com and/or Amy's in Stuart www.amysorganicgourmet.com

There is more but I have to run....Next time, I will post a simple menu for those of you who want to join me on this quest.  Go Sugar-free! See you in the class!

PS: if you want to share your thoughts, suggestions and ideas, please email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it