Guiltless Pleasures: Sugar-Free May

I decided to go sugar free for the month of May….

By now, you may have an idea that I enjoy a good challenge.  Last May, I (along with my family), conquered 30 days out on the road. This May, I would have to keep my endeavors local and more simple. I resolved to go sugar free for the month of May; giving up pastries, candies, and sugary drinks, etc.

With the exception of Mother’s Day (I am not in the business of completely torturing myself), I set out to go sugar free (no added sugar) for 30 days. Why you ask? Two reasons: 1) simply to see if I could do it,  and 2)I have plans to be outside, on the beach, and in somebody’s water, all summer!

All things in moderation…..

I consider myself a foodie.  It is no secret, I take delight in a good meal.  I know I talk about eating and living healthy, as I believe we should. But like most people, I enjoy a sweet treat from time to time.

Growing up my mother would say, “…all things in moderation.”  She had/has what I consider a healthy relationship with food. I never knew her to be on a fad diet, nor did I ever see her avoid desserts. She enjoyed an occasional Dr. Pepper, like any dignified and civilized Texan. Whenever on sale, the freezer had the best ice cream in the country, Butter Pecan (she’s a southern black mom raising me in the 80s/ 90s, so of course this is her favorite flavor). But I never saw her overindulge.  She provided a well balanced example and model for my own relationship with food that I try to pass down to my children.

I solicited Frick, who is always up for a challenge, to join me.

Having an accountability partner is always a good idea, and my uncle was willing and able to join me on this 30 day effort.  I do not consider myself a junk food junkie; I prefer meals to snacks.

Nonetheless, sugar free May would require small changes: applying honey or garlic butter, instead of jellies and preserves.  Making sure I had flavor packets for those times when I may find euphoria in a Coke bottle.  I was mindful to stay away from places that would surely have me off the wagon, especially in the beginning. I haven’t been by Aunt Marilyn’s (my number one tea supplier), since baby girl’s birthday party.

My Five Guiltless Pleasures – Food/Drink

Not one to deprive myself nor to be intemperate, hence, why I refer to them as guiltless pleasures.  I do a decent job not succumbing to my gluttonous urges…. too often. However, I do have a weakness for these 5 sweet sensations, which made sugar free May quite the challenge.

1. Glazed Doughnut– I know.  Simple. Boring, even.
   I am constantly on the hunt for the best glazed donut. I remember as a young girl, my dad would often stop (don’t tell mom) on the way to grandma’s.  Somehow my high school  P.A.L class often found ourselves at the donut shop enroute to our partner school.
   For me, there is something nostalgic about a golden, soft, fluffy, donut.  I want a hint of yeastiness ,no flour taste. It needs to be sweet but not cloying.  The oil used and the aftertaste can make or break that perfect bite.
   I have tried many shops and there is a one in Waxahachie, Tx that holds my top spot thus far.
2. Honey bun w/ a dollop of salted butter – Easy and kicked up a notch
   When I want a quick, warm, dessert, this is what I want.  If I am not able to heat it up, I’ll pass.  But, give me some parchment paper, 350° oven, and 5 minutes….¡Voila!
   Trying not to eat more than one is the ultimate challenge.
3. Coke/Soda/Pop – Demographically speaking
   Growing up we were not allowed to drink a lot of soda. My mother would call herself hiding her stash, but she would have to do better than under the bed or in her closet to keep them from me.  These days, I do not allow my children to drink soda, and I try not to bring them in the house because I know I become hooked. Coca-Cola, Royal Crown, Dr. Pepper!
   My one and only mishap on this 30 day quest, came when I mindlessly reached in the refrigerator and downed a soda that had been brought in the house by someone else (damn you! But it sure was good.)
   There are few things better to wash my burger and fries down, than a soda pop.
4. Sweet Tea (Aunt Marilyn’s) – I like my hot tea herbal, and my cold tea sweet.
   If I did not know any better, I would drink sweet tea with every meal, and there in between, especially in the summer. I do not care for these prepackaged sweet teas.  I’m talking about some fresh brewed tea, with a hint of peach like my Aunt Marilyn makes it. The sweet needs to hold up to the ice as it melts.  Want to piss me off, offer me some cold unsweetened tea that I have to sweeten myself (like who does that).
   Asking for a friend: Tea has water in it…so does that count toward my daily water intake?
5. Braum’s brownie fudge sundae – Local favorite
   Found only in northern Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas, this was, and is, a reason to get out the house for a family treat.  There are only a handful of Braum’s in the metroplex and every one of them keeps a crowd.  When the summer heat hits, this is the cold treat I desire.  I stick with the single because it is so rich, and to control my intolerance. But this satisfies every single time.
   My standing order: Single brownie fudge sundae with cookies n’ cream…and Yes! I want everything on it (hot fudge, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry on top)!

With just a couple more days to go, I am proud of myself/us for having the discipline (minus soda gate on Day 2..let me be great) to accomplish this goal.  I will not say it has been easy. Having an accountability partner, being prepared, and knowing my weaknesses has helped.

I do not protest to be a health guru. I just try to live an overall healthy lifestyle.  Making sure I partake in my share of fruits and vegetables, exercising, and keeping my body and mind active.

I try to live by my mother’s moderation motto, succeeding more times than not, and being conscious of how I “waste” my calories. With that being said, I also enjoy the sweetness of life.  So if you see me in an ice cream parlor, with remnants of glaze on the corner of my mouth, or slurping down a coke…just mind your business and smile!

BTW: Because of my Day 2 mishap, I owe a day. I will go until June 2, just in time to enjoy a sweet treat beachside celebrating my cousin Kema’s birthday! Happy Birthday Love!…I hope there’s cake!

What is your guiltless pleasure? What sweet treat can you not pass up?

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