As health experts at Santé magazine, our editorial team is tackling the National Sugar Challenge: seven days without added sugars in food or drinks. Here's Editor-in-Chief Annalot's (44) honest Day 1 experience.
“Breakfast is low-fat Skyr (plain), fresh strawberries, and the plainest sugar-free muesli available—no dried fruit either. The berries add just enough natural sweetness, so I feel satisfied through the morning without missing sugar. Nearly gave in to chocolate chip cookies brought by a visitor, but grabbed a kiwi instead. Victory!
“Lunch was rushed: whole-grain crackers topped with sugar-free hummus, cucumber cottage cheese, and additive-free veggie spread from Mister Kitchen. The cookies tempted me from the jar, but I powered through with raw bell pepper slices.
“A plain apple mid-afternoon, then dinner of stir-fried veggies, shrimp, and a whole-wheat wrap. This is my typical day, and surprisingly, no major sugar cravings or energy dips. The cookies remain my biggest test—I know from experience one leads to more. Keeping them out of the house helps. Can I hold out all week?
Read also: Santé Editors on the Sugar Challenge: 'Almost Everything Contains Sugar'
Read also: 5 Tips to Reduce Sugar Intake
