Sugar free August

Every now and then I give up sugar for some period of time (a week, 10 days, or sometimes more). When I say that, I don't mean every single form of sugar. I mean sugary, dessertty foods. (Think: ice cream, cheesecake, cookies, candy, etc, etc.) For example, even though I'm not Catholic, I've given up sugar for Lent the last 2 years. (I've only given up something for Lent those two times. I like the principle of it.) In the couple of times that I have given up sugar for some period of time, it's usually for two main reasons: (1) to make sure that I can still do it (I have an insatiable sweet tooth); and (2) to "detox" (for lack of a better word) my system and feel like my eating habits are back under my control, turning things more towards a healthier way when I feel they've veered off a bit.

With the triathlon coming up in just over 4 weeks, I want my body to be operating at its peak. I'll be stepping up my training in the coming weeks as well, so I need it to be functioning well in the time leading up to the race as well. So for the entire month of August, I will be avoiding those deliciously sugary pitfalls. Avoiding sugar also helps me focus more on eating well, which will also help me be at my best.

However, I've made two exceptions to this already. The first is the weekend of August 9. I'll be in Utah for my high school reunion and who knows what sorts of great treats they'll have that I'll want to partake in. The second exception is August 14, which is Joseph's birthday. I'm setting that one aside just to be safe. :)

In the meantime, here's to the sugar free month of August!