As I've mentioned before, I'm going to do a post on my IQS journey, where I will be going into detail on the transformation of my diet, lifestyle and habits.
For me personally, it's about completely cleansing the system, returning to a baseline condition where I can work with a 'blank' canvas. There are small tweaks to my diet which I still want to achieve. My focus during the 8 weeks is to be more aware of hidden sugars in condiments. A weakness for me are condiments, more specifically tomato sauce hehe. No really. As I've been thinking about doing the program for a few weeks, I've cut out tomato sauce, BBQ and in general, sauces from meals for the past three weeks or so. I have also cut out Rice Malt Syrup and fruit in preparation for the program. Sarah advises to completely get rid of all sweeteners or sources of fructose during the eight weeks, so you are able to achieve a baseline state then start introducing what you want back into your diet after the program. As I have mostly cut fructose out, I'll just be fine tuning my diet to rid the system completely or as close to a fructose free system.
You are able to sign up to the 8 week program through the IQS website for $150 where you will have access to weekly recipes, shopping lists and experts who can help you throughout the program. I however, will be doing this independently for a number of reasons. My main reason is that I'm just fine tuning my diet to reach a blank canvas as I've mentioned, I won't be starting from scratch. I believe that the transition into quitting sugar is not only a physical transformation from how your body will react to changes and what you're eating every day but mostly a psychological transformation. Signing up to the IQS programs enables you to have access to experts who are able to assist you with your psychological and emotional transition.That is not to say that you can't do the program on your own as there are many people including myself who have done it, but there is assistance if you need it.
However, I will be using Sarah Wilson's books and blog for guidance. From tips, reminders, recipes or any questions I might have, I'll be referring to them to help me along the way. There have been countless occasions where I've had a question about something that I thought was a silly question or said "I don't think IQS would have covered that" and low and behold, I quick search on Google or quick whiz through her book has landed me on her blog or page answering that exact question.
If you are new to quitting sugar, want guidance and have the budget to sign up to the program, I think you should consider it. As I've mentioned, its not essential but if you're the type of person that needs structure and that extra push, by all means I encourage you to sign up. The registration has closed for this round which starts this October, however there will be one soon. I'll keep you posted!
Week 1:
The program mentions that for people who are new to removing sugar, should do so over the course of eight weeks, gradually substituting elements of your diet with healthier alternatives until you remove it completely e.g. replacing sugar with honey then a fructose free substitute like Rice Malt Syrup. As the three weeks are focused on changing and cutting elements of your diet, aimed at people who are new to the program, I'll be skipping over the first three weeks will be starting from Week 4 but doing it for the complete eight weeks.
I must say I'm quite excited about this. I think the challenge for me will be eating out and cutting out fruit and being more aware of sauces, marinades, condiments and fruit including tomatoes which can be found in burgers, salads etc. I will be referring to the the 'I Quit Sugar' books quite often and will be using some recipes (photos and prices down below) so grab a copy if you're interested to try the program with me!
Sorry for the lengthy entry. I'll try to post every week or fortnight, giving tips, tricks, recipes I used and my personal experience during the 8 weeks. Even if you aren't interested in doing the program, cutting out some of your sugar intake is a great start!
You can get Sarah Wilson's I Quit Sugar books from major book stores, health food stores, department stores, online book suppliers and even some retail stores like Lorna Jane. Prices vary between stores.Prices below are according to Dymocks. I bought her new book today (middle) which came out two days ago, I can't wait to try it out!
Left: 8 Week Program $34.99 (This book contains the program, out of the three buy this one)
Middle: Simplicious $27.99
Right: Recipes $34.99
Yours Truly,
Julialala
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