Hi Katie: In case my name on the E-mail does not ring a bell, I am one of the “Traveling Locusts” from TTT. I just wanted to jot off a note to you to tell you how much I appreciate you and your column. Your insight is remarkable and your ability to express yourself clearly makes your column a “must read” every week. I have encouraged some of my friends to read your work, as well. Thank you for the time you spend and your willingness to share your experiences with the rest of us.
Hi Katie,
I really enjoyed your article on the battle with sugar. I can relate to so mayn points in your story and would really like to give up sugar and get healthier.
You mention cutting out carbohydrates,sugar and grains, so I was wondering if you could give me a sample of what you eat over a few days?
Thanks and regards,
Kathy
Kathy,
Good luck with your plan!
A typical day for me would be as follows:
Morning – protein shake or a banana
Lunch- baked chicken and vegetables (steamed or just cut up raw veggies)
Dinner- Steak with vegetables and a salad with dressing (be careful of the dressing – check for carbs and sugar)
I limit the red meat each week so dinner could be chicken or pork or shrimp. There are good recipes in the Paleo cookbooks out there. I eat cheese so I’m not 100% Paleo but close.
I make sure my portions fill me up. If you need to snack, pick vegetables or a fruit. Your body will adjust to this and not crave anything else within a month if you really stick to it. I don’t want any of the junk foods that I used to eat. They don’t taste good to me.
I hope this helps get you started. Reach out anytime.
Well Katie….with a few supportive words, your columns, books/articles on No Sugar lifestyle changes, and a bit of soul searching as to why I’m putting junk/poison in my body, I’m on my way to transforming my eating habits/health. I’ve always been very healthy as to how I treat my body especially the last few years, so this is the last, most crucial part. Plus my birthday’s on Monday…what could be a better bday gift?!?!?
I had my first colonoscopy this morn and decided that since it’s all cleaned out and pristine (I know TMI), 🙂 I’ll keep it healthy from now on. I cleaned out cupboards, fridge, and freezer and purged and resupplied with good healthy foods.
I’m keeping a small journal on highs and lows of the journey. Being a teacher and on Fall Break is helpful stress-wise so I can just work through this this week. I started a few days ago in terms of reading and wondering about it all so I’ve done lots already. Yesterday I really started due to the fact that I couldn’t eat anything. They said I could have jello and Gatorade but those are just full of sugar and that’s not part of the plan right??
Anyway thanks for your words of support. Looking forward to reading more columns. Plus since I’ve read you’re a financial adviser, that’s the next area of my life to improve (it’s not bad mind you, but certainly could use some tweaking!!)
Thanks again
Julie 🙂
Julie,
Post a colonoscopy seems like a good place to start! I did something similar.
The first few weeks are the hardest and then I was just pumped up to keep going. I so rarely think about the foods that used to draw me in. I just know they were killing me. Glad you have the week off so you can really take the time to eat clean.
Keep me updated on how it goes. Would enjoy meeting you if you ever need help with your financial plan.
As I’m writing this I just ate a hard boiled egg to hold me over until after my 1:00 appointment! I didn’t use to like them but really enjoy them now.
Take care!
Hello,
I just finished reading your article about turning 40, aches and pains then deciding to cut out sugar.
I have been told by my doctor recently to go Paleo. Not really for weight but due to my liver. I also have Celiac disease so grains are out anyway.
I just wanted to say that your article was inspiring. I still crave some sugar but I do not have soda anymore, not that I was a real big soda drinker anyway. I have yogurt almost every day so I haven’t cut out sugar completely but that is all I have…I’m trying. Paleo lifestyle, the full commitment, takes work. I’m not much of a baker so it’s a bit hard.
I agree that the kids (or parents) now a days have a problem. Sugar snacks, video games…not good. I’m happy to see there are more vending machines supplying apples and trail mix vs candy bars around schools though.
Anyway, just wanted to say…thanks for the inspirational article. I know I’m not alone in this battle but it’s good to read from other people’s perspective.
Michelle
41 yrs
Reno, NV
Michelle,
Thanks for reaching out. My liver actually had the most dramatic changes. It probably improved my life the most having all of those levels return to normal. I think most people view the liver only in terms of how alcohol will impact it, however, I found out that eating clean changes the entire function of your liver.
I was eating a hard boiled egg and yogurt in the morning and then switched over to a protein shake. I still got the cold flavor I was looking for in the morning and it keeps me full until lunch. That helped me get rid of the sugar in the morning.
There are so many people struggling and trying this approach. I have posted reader comments and questions on my website under conversations if you want to feel even more support www.katiecoombsuncommonsense.com
Hi Katie,
I just read your article about your life change. I live in Portland Or. I have many of the same “symptoms” as you said you had and my A1C this month was at 7.4. I am only 34 and pregnant with my first. My fiance and I are both morbidly over weight according to BMI.
I am wondering what you did for your mornings. I love carby sugary stuff in the morning with sugary coffee creamer. I believe starting the day out steong can help. I just don’t know how to add variety and satisfaction.
Also, How did you begin and stick with it with others in the house? I would need to be 100 in charge of all food and cooking if I wanted us both to do it and I dont want to deal with that.
Do you have any literature to recommend.
Thanks for sharing
Katharine, Portland Or. But Reno native.
Katharine,
The mornings also were why I had to make my biggest adjustment. I started by walking or running for 30 minutes before eating and then would do a protein shake. That was filling and kept me full until lunch. If that isn’t enough at first, I would add a banana and some scrambled eggs. You have to make sure you get enough calories to keep that baby fed! Once you get the sugars out, you will be amazed at how great coffee tastes plain. I always used to add cream (lots of it)!
In my house it is impossible to get all of the kids on this diet. You have to commit to this being your own journey and just avoid the foods that you know are poison for you. It took me some time and I slipped a few times but I got there. You will have to resist these temptations everywhere so if you can count on yourself at home then you can succeed anywhere. Keep chopped up veggies ready to eat always!! I use those as a substitute for chips, cookies, or anything I might grab just to be eating something.
All of the Paleo literature is helpful. I read articles on the Internet all of the time. I have a Paleo cookbook but I still eat a little bit of dairy (but not much). Be patient on healing your body. My stomach upset took 9 months to resolve but it is cured from this. That was very exciting after that long wait.
Good luck! Make sure to get permission from your obstetrician before making any a rule decisions.
Please reach out anytime if you need extra motivation!
Hi Katie,
Thanks for another great article this week. I did very well Monday through Saturday and I’ve found that my stomach feels so much better – almost no gas, bloating or pain. I’ve cut out sweets, bread, pasta and rice. I’m still eating quite a bit of fruit but will work on that later.
I had to laugh when you wrote about friends & colleagues trying to sabotage us. My boss yesterday gave me a big fat cookie.
I’m so glad I saw your initial article last week as I feel I might be able to really stick with this.
Have a great week and, again, thank you.
Carole
Carole,
I’m so happy that you have had a good week and are feeling motivated. Please reach out anytime you want or if you are having a weak moment.
It can be a hard journey – especially when others really don’t want to watch you eat healthy! It’s all worth it when you start feeling great.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Hi Katie,
When you say cut out all sugar, what exactly does that mean?
– Do you only eat naturally sweet things like fruit?
– Do you also avoid artificial sweeteners?
When you decided to cut out sugar and almost all carbohydrates, did you basically just stop eating sweet things, white bread, rice, and pasta? Or did you get into more complicated meal planning, counting, etc?
Thank you for any input.
PS I wouldn’t mind being copied on others’ questions and your answers. I’m sure it would all be helpful.
Carole,
I will be working on getting questions and answers up on the website this week so everyone can see it.
I don’t eat anything with artificial sweeteners. I did use lots of fruit in the beginning (mostly apples) to get me through withdrawals. I don’t want those sweet fruits anymore. I usually have bananas if I have fruit.
I don’t have time for complicated cooking but I did get two Paleo cookbooks. There are quick recipes (mostly the chicken ones) that are delicious. A typical dinner for me would be a chicken dish and the sides are broccoli and cauliflower and a salad with a dressing without sugar. I eat until I’m full so I really don’t skimp on portions at all. I stay clear of pasta for many reasons. The pasta itself but also the sauces which are typically loaded with sugar.
It’s really simple what I do each day as it is just eating to live instead of living to eat. Once you adjust to that mindset, your life changes completely.
Hope you have a great Monday.
Thanks Katie! Cauliflower should be a piece of cake…at least for me. I like it. My wife doesn’t care for it, but is willing to try. We are both around 50, and used to he able to eat anything. The last few years, on went a few pounds, and both of us feel “blah”, most of the time.
Yep, Chris is Katie’s husband and they will be discussing their blended family. They both brought three children from previous marriages to their family.