I’m over the withdrawal symptoms. Hurray! Just like last time, the worst of it passed on day four. On Sunday night I passed on my own birthday cake with nary a wince. Last night didn’t go as well. The boys were eating Christmas candy from friends at school, and I wanted some even though I don’t like candy. There they were, making all sorts of noise working chocolate covered caramels and lollipops while I tried to focus on my book. After a few minutes I decided they didn’t need me to sit at the table and watch them eat. I didn’t need to sit at the table and watch them eat. I turned to the Mister and the boys and told them I was going to my reading chair. And that was that.
I know why I wanted candy. I wasn’t satisfied with my dinner. It was a haphazard affair constructed from leftovers and quickly sauteed vegetables that left me wanting more.
After a few minutes of reading/stewing in bitterness and resentment, I went to Trader Joe’s to buy ingredients for my favorite sugar free-flour free dessert. It’s nothing fancy, just a yogurt cup, but I love it more than a pile of candy. When the boys have dessert or candy from now on, I’ll be ready…and not so stabby. I’ll be sure to post the non-recipe.
I’m still feeling my way around what to eat, even though I have six months of eating this way two years ago under my belt. I’ve forgotten everything I used to eat! If I’m home, I stick to hearty salads made of kale for lunch. I love kale, cooked or raw. Some people find it too bitter, but it doesn’t bother me in the least. The best part about kale is that its composition is similar to steel or Plastic #7. It’s indestructible. I grab a big bunch of kale, enough for two salads, and dump it in a bowl after a quick rinse. Then I drizzle olive oil or my dressing of choice and a good pinch of salt over the top. Instead of tossing it, I use my hands and massage it as I go. Here’s a video of what I mean. Aarti is using my favorite Lacinato/Black kale.
The kale can stay in the refrigerator overnight fully dressed, unlike salad greens. Cook once, eat twice. I add the salad fixings as needed. The salad in the lead picture has mushrooms, tomatoes, green onions, raw pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, and Trader Joe’s Goddess Dressing.
It was delicious, not that I was surprised. Every time I resume my healthy eating habits I remember how much I love to eat this way. I feel better. I look better. I’m more satisfied. It’s a win-win. What a shame that my broken brain always tries to pull me away from something that is so good for me.
Good for you and Bravo!
On my third week without sugar or diet Mt Dew and I am so with you! For me it is not rage but depression and sadness that comes up about once every three days and lasts for an hour or so. Otherwise I feel SO CLEAN!
Here is to great trashy novels and yogurt! And kale kale kale.
Isn’t it funny how we all have our go-to emotions and trashy novels and yogurt can cure almost anything? :)
No sugar. Me too. And I love kale.
Have you tried this soup? http://www.susiedavis.org/2010/12/zuppa-toscana-soup/
I made it this week. It’s delish!
PS. I’ve made kale salad but never got instructions about massaging it. Thanks for the video.
No, but it looks delicious! I’ll have to try it.
Thanks for sharing your no flour/no sugar journey with us. It is an inspiration to eat better!
Thanks, Deb. :)
Have you tried this Kale and White Bean Soup recipe? It’s one of my absolute favorites and I make it about once a week. It might be even better the next day: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/bean-soup-with-kale/
It looks delicious, and I have all the ingredients! I’ll have to make it.
Jules,
Can I say that you’re my hero? No flour and no sugar? Seriously wow. Looking forward to keeping up with your accomplishments. You’ve totally inspired me.
Also, I’ve been hunting down kale recipes and didn’t know wth it meant to massage it. Thanks for the video!
No problem, Elle. I LOVE your profile pic!
My sister’s girlfriend made a massaged kale salad for Thanksgiving a few years ago. It didn’t look or taste nearly as appetizing as yours sounds!
Do you use alternative sweetners during your sugar-free times (i.e.: honey, agave, maple syrup, etc.) or pass on sweets all together?
Sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. I’ve been more successful (six months) when I don’t. Knowing that about myself, I’ve not used any sweeteners so far. I’m going to try brown rice syrup soon because there is a recipe for sugar free ketchup that I want to try. Actually, strike that. The recipe calls for brown rice syrup, but I’m going to check the glycemic index for it first. I’ve heard from other compulsive eaters/sugar addicts that agave is a safe sweetener, so I might sub the syrup with that.
I love Kale. I had never had it before, but Paul puts it in the pan with olive oil and spices and it is super yummy.
I do that, too. Nicholas and I think it’s delicious. My husband tolerates it. Mikey thinks it’s vulgar unless I put dressing over it.
I have been wondering how the no sugar/wheat diet is going for you. Glad to read that you have made it through withdrawal! Starting this in the middle of the holiday season must be extra tough. Cheering you own from here “Woot! Woot!” :) (that is from Sam)
I’m getting some kale!! Wondering if the TJ Goddess dressing is special too? Might have to make a special trip for that. Please tell me about the TJ yogurt you get for dessert. You are an inspiration!!
You are tuff stuff. I think my kale salad should be free of forbidden ingredients, and I think you’ll like the taste. Good luck on your clean eating journey!