No Sugar Challenge!

If it doesn't include fruit, I'm in!

I'd love to join this challenge! I think reducing sugar will also help lower my cholesterol. At least I hope it will!

Are you talking no processed sugar (i.e. cookies, cakes, candy, etc.)? or no sugar whatsoever? Fruits are very high in sugar and veggies have some as well. Almost everything has some sugar in it. I'm with TLC1975, if it doesn't include natural sugars, I'm in too.

I'm in:) This is a great way to help and motivate a friend in need as well as friends who don't want to admit that they are in need to reevaluate themselves.:flowerforyou:

this is amazing topic if you look at food lables close enough you will see sugars in alot of thing you wouldn't exspect it in like ketchup. i no longer use it. i totaly agree sugar is hard to quiet because you can't walk into a store with out seeing candy. i'm in on this journey of no sugar

So healthy sugars are a go? or no honey ..extra! Iam down been thinking about doing this kind of challenge for a cuple weeks, but knew I had no susport on it.. right know Iam on a no cheese challenge! but would love to add the no sugar! sounds like fun!

ok sweet! thanks. that all makes perfect sence! so glad to finally start this challenge! I already had to cut out one thing. the peanut butter my roommates have i usually bought real peanut butter but latley just using there and found they have sugar in it wow! lol they sneak that stuff in every thing lol! and Thanks so much for posting this challenge up! ^^ i greatly greatly enjoy this challenge!:happy:

I'm wondering if you all have been successful in staying within the MFP sugar guidelines? That's my goal but it's tough-just eating fruit adds a lot of sugar!
Someone said the scale will go down with eating less sugar and I have to believe that's true. I'm excited about this challenge!

This has proved more difficult than I imagined. I've been down this road before (to an extreme [Atkin's Diet]) in support of my husband's health concerns). Now-a-days we are focusing on a more middle-of-the-road approach -- everything in moderation.

My personal sugar addiction is Pepsi. I swear I was weaned on the stuff, LOL! I did slip up once this week when I split a can with my husband, but thanks to you Halie for this challenge, and to everyone who has joined in support, I believe I will make it through :-)

Regarding Agave, you may be interrested in the following c/p from Mercola.com:

"Is Organic Raw Agave Syrup a Healthy Sweetener?"

Agave syrup is a sweetener derived from agave, a desert plant found in the western and southern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. Agave is more popularly known as the plant used to make tequila but agave syrup (also known as agave nectar) has actually been used for thousands of years as a food ingredient. Mexicans call it aguamiel or “honey water” because it is about 40 percent sweeter than sugar.
Because of the increasing awareness of the dangers of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), people have turned to “healthier” sugar alternatives, which is what food manufacturers are marketing agave syrup to be. But don’t be fooled, Dr. Joseph Mercola warns, because agave syrup is actually WORSE than HFCS!

Before anything else, why is fructose so unhealthy for you? First, your body metabolizes fructose very differently from glucose, the form of sugar every cell in your body uses for energy. Fructose is broken down in your liver in the same way as alcohol and is directly converted into dangerous fats, making you, well, fat. Consuming too much fructose is a major risk factor for obesity and weight gain, spikes your uric acid levels and impairs your appetite control mechanism, among other things, Mercola explains.
Here are the reasons why Dr. Mercola believes you should avoid agave syrup like the plague:

Agave syrup contains the highest amount of fructose – anywhere between 70 to 97 percent, depending on the brand – among all commercial sweetener s, which is FAR HIGHER than HFCS (55 percent on average).
Agave syrup is a highly-processed sweetener. Food manufacturers would like you to believe that agave nectar flows from the agave plant to the jar when in reality, the syrup is produced similarly to how cornstarch turns to HFCS. A natural agave syrup is available in Mexico but it is too expensive to produce. What you gets to the States is either the light or dark syrup – due to poor quality control, some of the product gets burnt and turns dark amber in color.
Agave syrup is highly addictive because it’s basically a sweeter and highly-concentrated form of sugar.
Agave syrup may be a highly sprayed crop. The FDA has rejected shipments of the product due to excessive pesticide residues.
Agave syrup has no nutritional value. It is not whole food or a live one. Processing has stripped it of the nutrients contained in the agave plant, and of natural enzymes to prevent it from fermenting into tequila.
Agave syrup contains large amounts of toxic steroid derivatives called saponins, which are associated with diarrhea, disruption of red blood cells and vomiting. Saponins also stimulate blood flow to the uterus, which is why pregnant women should avoid agave products due to the possible risk of miscarriage.
Agave syrup may contain an organic, heat-formed contaminant called hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which has suspected toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic effects.
Dr. Mercola advises a severely reduced consumption of sugar if you want to improve your health. But if you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, there are healthier alternatives to HFCS and agave. Pure glucose will set you back about a dollar per pound and does not have the harmful effects of fructose when used in moderation. You can also try other health products and natural sweeteners like Lo Han and stevia. Again, the keywords are use in moderation.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/03/30/beware-of-the-agave-nectar-health-food.aspx

http://search.mercola.com/search/Pages/results.aspx?k=agave

http://www.drmercola.com/agave-syrup/7-reasons-why-you-should-avoid-agave-syrup/