It’s day 7 and temptation has struck in the form of a good deed.

One week ago I decided to undertake a 28 day sugar cleanse (no cookies, chocolate, cake, sugary drinks, black coffee, etc), and I’m doing really great. I thought that it would be way more challenging than it has turned out to be, and I have been enjoying so many benefits thanks to this change/omission in my diet.  I used to rush through my meals in anticipation of the 6 squares of my Rittersport hazelnut chocolate bar waiting in the fridge, but now I’m actually appreciating the meal itself – since there is nothing to look forward to after. That sounds dreary, but what I mean is: cutting out dessert has helped me to live in present. In addition, I’ve also found that I have less of a desire to snack, that my cravings are reduced, and that I have way more energy.

Walking through the grocery store, I’m not going to lie and say there haven’t moments when I looked longingly at a Hershley’s chocolate bar… only $2 – BUT I walked away. When I set a challenge for myself, I finish it. If I cheated, trust me, I wouldn’t be able to hide it.

WELL, today while working at the gym, out of the goodness of his heart, one of our regular members brought me a tall hot chocolate from Starbucks. I thanked him with a big smile, and then placed it beside the computer and stared at it longingly. I even brought it up to my face and smelled the rich aroma. Mmmm. I tried to offer it to my co-workers, but neither of them wanted it. Darn. I poured some more hot water in my tea, and pushed the coffee cup out of sight. I knew I wasn’t going to drink it, but I didn’t want to throw it out. After work, I put the hot chocolate in the microwave for 20 seconds and then left work, cup in hand, in the hopes of finding a homeless person to treat. After 20 minutes of walking, I realized that the hot chocolate was probably cold, and I threw the cup in the garbage without even taking a sip. Ugh, I feel good that I did it, but at the same time… what a waste.

There we are, I have made it through an entire week without any desserts. One of the challenges for the Artist’s Way this week was to have a treat from your childhood. I had a bit of difficulty with this one. Every favourite childhood food I thought up had sugar or wheat (I have a wheat intolerance so I generally try to avoid it) in it: pie (apple, blueberry, strawberry rhubarb), cinnamon rolls, lasagna… and then it hit me. When I was a kid my mom used to make this for me, and I haven’t had it in years. I like to call it “Mushed bananas with raisins and milk.”Super original name, I know.

Here’s what you do

1. Take a banana and much it up inside of a bowl

2. Pour some milk over it (I used sugar free almond milk)

3. Sprinkle a handful of raisins over top.

4. Mix it all together

5. Enjoy.

Mmm, I love childhood

Speaking of childhood, as promised I sat down with some pastels and  worked on a faerie today. It was so relaxing. I turned everything off, and for an hour worked on manipulating the pastels, and painting grass purple. It’s my picture, and I decided that I could do whatever I wanted with it.

Is there a hobby that used to do as a child, but not anymore? Do something related to that hobby this week. It can be a really gratifying experience. As I progress further and further into this challenge, I’m beginning to feel more and more intune with who I am.