Better Than Yesterday | #3

Have you ever been berry picking? You cannot claim to be a true West Virginian if you’ve never been berry picking! You can spot blackberries growing in the wild near just about any campground. If you prefer a little more cultivated experience head down to Shady Oaks Farm in Poca - raspberries are ready starting in August. Whether you pick them or buy them at the grocery, you know what’s so awesome about berries? You can eat them during the no-sugar-for-a-week challenge!

So here it is for this week (or month): Say NO to sugar!

One of the biggest health sabotagers is inflammation, and sugar is one of the worst triggers of inflammation in our bodies. Inflammation leads to all those metabolic disorders that are so prevalent in society such as arthritis, autoimmune diseases, cancer, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and dementia. Especially in times of a worldwide pandemic, your greatest weapon is your good health. So why not do everything you can to attain it?!

This week (or month) try to stick to WHOLE FOODS. Berries, vegetables, nuts, seafood and meats. Keep in mind, sugar is not just found in the obvious donut, candy bars and cookies. It is hiding out where you least expect it - in everything from dressings and sauces to whole grain bread. Look for ingredients that end in “ose” - if you see it, avoid it! If you stick to whole foods and completely avoid processed ones, the work will be done for you. What about complex carbs? Well even those turn to sugar unfortunately. More slowly than simple carbs, but if you are trying to severely limit your sugar intake, then stay away from those, too. If you must have some carbs, try to stay with those on the low glycemic index such as quinoa, steel cut oats and lentils. As for drinks, clearly no soft drinks or McDonalds sweet tea!

Be prepared! Giving up sugar is no easy task. Sugar has an addictive quality and you will likely feel withdrawal symptoms for several days. Going cold turkey is the best way to get through it quickly. Once you get through the withdrawal phase you will feel FANTASTIC! Two things that are recommended for combating sugar withdrawal symptoms are exercising and drinking more water. So keep up those 64 daily ounces and we’ll see you at the box!