3.25.2011

Seriously?? "If you pay taxes at all, even one penny, then you paid more to Uncle Sam than a multi-billion company...General Electric, what the Times calls America's largest corporation, paid no taxes at all in 2010 despite global pre-tax income of more than $14 billion...This is the second year in a row they've managed to completely avoid taxes. But get this, not only did GE pay absolutely no taxes in 2010, but they actually pocketed more than $3 billion in government tax credits."

The no-sugar thing is going well. I think it's been almost a month since I had any candy, cookies, cake, or muffins etc. I do occasionally have something with honey in it (these tahini-sunflower seed balls from the local co-op) but they don't trigger me like other sugary foods (i.e. I can stop at one a day). While it's an ongoing process, I think it's safe to say that it has helped my skin and also today I realized that I no longer have the 3pm slump I used to have. Sure, I still get tired, but I used to have these times when I would literally almost nod-off at my desk (which I would "fix" by going to get very sugary sweets). Not having those is awesome and I hope to see the no-sugar benefits continue! I might even cut out the honey as well, just to maximize the benefits....at least for a month or so.

Image: source.


"All revolutions are the sheerest fantasy until they happen; then they become historical inevitabilities" - David Mitchell

6 comments:

Dorian said...

A life without some form of sugar might not be worth living....but moderation, I am all for :)

Have you tried agave as an alternative sweetener? I've seen recipes for muffins/cupcakes/etc. that are sweetened with either agave, honey or maple syrup.

Allira said...

A month?! Good work!
I'm trying the no sugar thing at the moment, actually, it could be attempt no. 5 (or more). It is so hard going cold turkey, if I have a teeny tiny bit of sugar it's all over, red rover. But, I have to admit, when you do have a good few days without any sugar, you feel soooo much better!

Shorty said...

@Dori, yeah but part of the purpose (at least for me) is to change my relationship with sugar and lessen sugar cravings, so using sugar alternatives doesn't really work (ie then I would just binge on those, instead of real sugar, etc, plus they trigger a lot of the same addictive feelings in the brain). But I dont plan on being sugar free forever :)

@Allira do you cut out fruit as well? That's been an issue for me. I know some plans say no fruit but it's hard for me to think of fruit as anything other than good for me...

Allira said...

Same! I decided I wouldn't cut out fruit, I love fruit too much and I can't put it in the category of anything other than 'healthy' so I'm just trying to cut out all sugary treats and things like fruit juice, muesli bars etc. I find yoghurt hard to cut out as well. I have no self control so if I eat anything that's a sugar alternative I'll finish it and then start binging on all the other bad stuff. I'm hoping it'll get easier as time goes on :) But you've done so well to get through a month!

Shorty said...

@Allira, one of my favorite "sweet" things I have now is plain yogurt with frozen (and sometimes fresh) berries mixed in, and some grape nuts. I like the crunchy, smooth combo, and if you crush up the frozen berries really well it gives it a gorgeous color and a great taste.. (I like raspberries and boysenberries) - and sugar free!

Allira said...

YUM! That sounds so delicious, I'm definitely going to have to give it a try. Thanks for the tip!

You might find Sarah Wilson's blog interesting, she has a whole section on her blog dedicated to sugar free diets (although she's avoiding fruits) it's quite an interesting read: http://www.sarahwilson.com.au/category/i-quit-sugar/

I can't wait to try the oats/porridge with coconut milk and cinnamon! :)