The Naturally Curly No Sugar challenge is here, and if you all are anything like me, you’re probably thinking what the heck am I going to eat for the next 2 weeks?!?! No creamer in my coffee, no desserts, no substance!
The thing is, added sugars are literally hidden everywhere and in everything, and are keeping us from being our healthiest selves. Also, if you are anything like the typical American who is absorbed by busy-ness, we tend to go for the quickest, most readily available food option. Unfortunately for us these options are typically loaded with sugar. And when we have no energy once the clock strikes 3:00PM, you can blame the sugar ya’ll!
So let’s say goodbye to Starbucks, and hello to clearheadedness and more energy as we embark on this journey together! Reminder: please be patient with yourself during this process. Sugar has been classified to have just as many addictive properties as drugs, so you will experience detox symptoms when hitting this challenge cold turkey. I promise the world won’t end if you slip up one day but do try to stick to the plan as much as you can.
Here’s my take on a few recipes I will be trying out for my #nosugar challenge, and of course, because I can’t go without dessert for more than 72 hours, I included an option for that as well. Happy shopping, and here’s to better health!
Breakfast Options:
Photo Courtesy of @DaysToFitness
- Probiotic Protein Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cup kefir
1 cup water
1 instead of the banana, substitute avocado or nut butter
1 tablespoon coconut oil
½ cup oat bran
1 scoop sugar-free whey or soya protein powder
2-3 ice cubesMethod:
Place the avocado or nut butter in your blender. Add the liquid and then the oat bran, protein powder and coconut oil. Finally add the ice cubes. Blitz on low for 30 seconds and then on high for 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth.
- Avocado Ezekiel Toast w/ Sunnyside Up Egg & Red Pepper
- Egg White Breakfast Cups w/ Various Ingredients
And for those days when you just can’t find anything quick enough, here are some grab and go foods to have in your pantry & fridge, so we can avoid that annoying hangry feeling.
Grab & Go Snack Foods:
- Frozen Berries
- Roasted Cauliflower with Turmeric & Sea Salt
- Edamame
- Skinny Pop Popcorn
- Almond Butter (no added sugar”>
- Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups
- Tuna
- Whole Grain Crackers
- Avocadoes
Lunch Options:
Photo Courtesy of @NutritionistReviews
2. Peanut Broccoli & Pork Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces lean pork chops
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 large head of broccoli, chopped
- 1/2 cup diced green onions
- 1/3 cup peanuts
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
Peanut sauce
- 1/4 cup peanut butter powder
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon water
Method:
Dice pork chops. Heat sesame oil in a frying pan. Cook pork until cooked through- about 8 minutes. Add the broccoli and 2 tablespoons water and cook for about 2 minutes. Whisk together all ingredients for peanut sauce. Toss together pork, broccoli, peanut sauce and remaining ingredients. Serve immediately or stores well in the fridge for a few days.
3. Spaghetti Squash Stuffed with Mushrooms, Spinach, Olive oil
4. Crab, Avocado “Tacos” (omit the mango”>
Dinner Options:
Photo Courtesy of @Pumpkin&PeanutButter
Ingredients:
8oz spaghetti (whole wheat, brown rice, etc”>
8 asparagus spears, chopped into 2” pieces
5 artichoke hearts, halved (I use Trader Joe’s brand”>
5-6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, (divided”>
3-4 Dorot crushed garlic cubes or garlic cloves, minced
juice of half a lemon
salt and pepper, to taste
fresh thyme (optional”>
Method:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Toss asparagus pieces in a 1/2 tbsp of olive oil and salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes. Remove and set aside. While asparagus is roasting, boil a pot of water for pasta. Cook as directed on package. Drain and set aside. Drizzle 1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet. Add in halved artichoke hearts and cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside. Pour cooked pasta into this same skillet and drizzle with 2-4 tbsp of olive oil. Toss to coat. Add in 3-4 Dorot crushed garlic cubes, lemon juice, and salt and pepper, to taste. Stir to combine all the flavors. Last, add your roasted asparagus and sautéed artichoke hearts, and sprinkle with fresh thyme. Serve it up!
Dessert Option:
So you ready? You have your grocery list mapped out?
Need a list of what to/what not to eat: We got you covered! Peep our No Sugar Challenge list.
Don’t forget you can follow us on Instagram & on Facebook to see our progress with the #nosugar challenge January 5th – 19th!
Sign up to join the challenge and receive daily tips and motivation from us!
