Inspired by Dan of Tropical MBA‘s commitment to quitting carbs and sugars, and further advocated by Dr. Dukan and Dr. Atkins, I’m undertaking this challenge. To be clear, it is not all carbs, as explained below, but rather the starchy, sugary, processed ones that must go.
Why?
Like Dan mentions,
- to avoid the highs and lows of the blood sugar roller coaster
- for clean, pure, stable energy throughout the day
- to increase clarity and concentration, thereby generating a more productive workday
- to feel better and more empowered
- to curb the addiction
- to refresh the taste buds
- to lose weight.
Plus I’d like to add:
- to minimize predisposition to that nasty metabolic syndrome, including heart disease, diabetes, etc
- to reduce exposure to chemicals, additives, preservatives, and processing of foods typical of most carbs, which by the way, contribute to cancer
- for curing insomnia
- to clean out the digestive tract that gets really gummy and cruded-up with processed foods and starches, and
- to detox.
So, my rules (for me):
- No grains: As Dan said, this is really what people mean when they say ‘no carbs.’ Cut all the processed stuff, including brown rice, pasta, etc. Exception: Oat bran and wheat ban are allowed because Dr. Dukan allows them on his pure protein diet and they are super high in fiber and protein.
- Starches=caution: Basically, no starches allowed, i.e. no potatoes. Exception: I’m allowing some because they are allowed, even required on Tracy Anderson‘s diet, including parsnips, corn, sweet potato, etc and because they are slow-digesting carbs and are high in nutrients and fiber.
- No added sugars: No sugar substitutes, no adding sugar to anything, no eating anything with sugar as a known ingredient. The hidden sugars or cleverly named sugars are always the tricky part. But yes, this does mean fruit (in limited quantities!) is allowed.
- No sweetened drinks: See #3, no added sugars. So no juice, no soda, nor any other sweetened drinks. And this includes most cocktails because of the sweetening element=not allowed. Exception: Orenda Oki juice which is pressed from mega superfruits and doesn’t contain added sweetener. Wine, of the drier variety, is allowed (up to 4 glasses/week.)
- Limit the fat: Oftentimes we try to substitute and satisfy the body’s craving for the sugars, starches, and grains with fats, hence this rule. No nuts (for me it’s just too easy to overeat on nuts). Limit the cheese, oils, and other added fats.
- No cheat day: Unlike Dan, I’m not going to allow a cheat day. For me one cheat day slides into a cheat here or there and pretty soon the whole plan has bit the dust.
- Post results: I’ll let you keep me accountable by posting slip-ups and other failings. Or successes and weight loss.
So what does this mean? It is a test, a challenge, an experiment in connecting with the body, listening to it, and beefing up the willpower. But if it goes well, the results should be pretty dang awesome!!!!!!!
Anyone want to join the 30-Day Challenge with me? Post a comment below!
P.S. By the way, I’m on Day 2. And my 30 days will be complete just in time for my trip to NYC. Big smile!
P.P.S. And I’m on Day 13 of Tracy Anderson Metamorphosis. Surprisingly, my knees and ankles are holding up much better this time than the last time around. Rockin 2012 straight to the health bank!
Good luck! Curious to hear how it goes.
Dan,
Why don’t you start again and join with us?
ill join. i dont want to limit on nuts though.
what about dried fruit, i am guessing thats is sugar too? what about fresh fruit?
Anna,
That’s great! Glad to have you joining in!
Check the packaging on the dried fruit–if it says any form of sugar is added, usually 白糖 or 果糖, then its a no. For no-sugar added dried fruit and fresh fruit, the only way to really know how much you can tolerate is by testing: how do you feel afterward? Super-energized for 1-3 hours then tired and sleepy? Or bloated? If anything like that, minimize the fruit. Otherwise, it’s fine for you.
Keep me updated!
Yes am in
I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THE 30 DAY NO CARB CHALLENGE. CARBS ARE MY MAIN FOOD. BUT I AM READY FOR A CHANGE.
I highly encourage you to start your own low/no carb challenge, eliminating all sugars, starches, white and processed foods. I have confidence in you!
If you need further help, please check out our customized plans on the 2nd page of our Shop. Good luck!
I would like to join the 30 day challenge…I’m a diabetic n my health n weight loss is at risk
I’m starting my 30 days no carbs today is my second day. I fell my diet and food choices needed a more healthier diet.
Me
Am on day 5 and pretty weak
I want to start
Oh my No cheat day…hmmm… By the ways thanks for sharing.. This inspire me! I will try this is in a month. Keep sharing blog like this. It is very helpful!