This blog post is sponsored by Sweet Defeat. All opinions are 100% honest & completely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!
It’s no secret that here on Hungry Blonde I adhere to a balanced approach to nutrition and healthy living, focusing primarily on how to discover what Food Freedom looks like in your own life. Since we all have different backgrounds, goals, genetics & mindsets – I will never suggest a “one size fits all” approach to living your best, healthiest life! That’s why I love sharing a wide variety of recipes and experiences with you, and I’m a big believer that a proper, balanced reset is what can actually propel you into your own version of Food Freedom.
That’s why I was excited to take part in a Sugar Free Challenge for one week, and I’m here to bring you my honest feedback. I’ll be frank – as someone who does not pay attention to my sugar intake, I was a bit wary to do this challenge. Since I’m such a big proponent of Food Freedom I was nervous that I would feel restricted and held back from living my normal life. But the truth is that I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was so cut back on sugar with just some simple changes/swaps to my typical diet. These are the guidelines of the challenge that I followed for the past week.
1. No added sugars
2. No artificial sugars (i.e. Splenda, Stevia, Aspartame)
3. Cut out hidden sugars (like in salad dressings and condiments)
4. Look out for unexpected sugar (sushi rice, green juice, yogurt)
5. Read the labels (if it has more sugar than fiber, avoid it)
6. Natural fruit is OK
7. No sugary drinks (go for water, seltzer, and unsweetened coffee/tea)
8. Include healthy fats
9. Include lean proteins
10. Have a daily intentional treat
As you can see, the guidelines weren’t super strict and actually pretty close to how I normally eat anyway (especially the daily intentional treat…yes please!). And I think it’s really important to note that eating low sugar does NOT mean having to cut out carbs! I enjoyed plenty of ’em, as you’ll see more in the recipes below.
I Get By With A Little Help From Sweet Defeat
Along with those guidelines, I integrated Sweet Defeat into my routine about twice a day. Sweet Defeat is a mint-flavored lozenge made from all natural ingredients that is clinically proven to help suppress sugar cravings within seconds. You can dissolve one Sweet Defeat lozenge on your tongue immediately after any meal or snack, or when you feel a craving coming on.
You might be thinking – but Gracie – aren’t you a proponent of giving in to your cravings?! My short answer is YES – I believe that eating what your body craves is a great way to avoid overeating in the long run and ultimately discover your own version own Food Freedom. But once again – everyone is different! For some people, that sugar dragon is particularly stronger due to various reasons, and I’m all for sneaking in ways to help us along our journey. In the same way I take certain vitamins and supplements to better my health, Sweet Defeat can be used as a great TOOL to help you manage your sugar intake.
I think it’s also important to note that Sweet Defeat is made with high quality, plant-based ingredients: gymnema leaf extract, zinc, sorbitol, mint and spirulina extract. The active ingredient, gymnema, binds to sweet taste receptors on your tongue, suppressing sweet taste and reducing sugar cravings in seconds.
Personally speaking, by the end of the week I definitely noticed myself feeling better from the Sugar Free Challenge. My cravings seemed to lessen, my skin was looking brighter, and I had more long lasting energy throughout the day.
Last but not least, here are a couple of my favorite meals/recipes that I enjoyed during my Sugar Free Challenge. They’re both super easy to make, filling, and (most importantly) delicious.
Harvest Chicken Salad
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup shredded greens (kale, romaine or spring mix)
- 1 grilled chicken breast, sliced
- ¼ cup of cooked wild rice
- ¼ cup diced apple
- ¼ of an avocado, diced
- ¼ cup diced roasted sweet potato
- 2 Tbsp. goat cheese
- 1 Tbsp. almonds, toasted and chopped
Directions:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. On a bed of greens, arrange chicken, rice, apples, sweet potatoes, goat cheese, and almonds. Dress with balsamic vinaigrette.
Vegan Chocolate Pudding
- 1 box (14oz) silken tofu
- 8 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder, preferably Dutch-processed
- ¼ tsp. vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 4 fresh dates
- 1 banana
Directions:
Blend all ingredients together in a blender or food processor. Divide into four ramekins. Cover and chill until firm. Top with fresh berries.
To learn more you can visit the Sweet Defeat website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or hashtag #SugarFreeChallenge. You can also enter their sweepstakes (running through March 18) to win some Sweet Defeat to try for yourself.
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Please note that I am NOT a health/fitness expert, and this is just my own experience/opinions. Please seek a professional before making any changes to your health routine.
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You might also like:
Dear Body
10 Healthy Habits That Have Changed My Life
My Story Of Discovering Healthy Living
My Experience With Acupuncture
Can Food Freedom and Health/Fitness Goals Coexist?
What I Learned When I Stopped Dieting
