At the beginning of 2022, I decided to build new healthy and productive habits by making tiny changes. I came up with an idea to do the new task for at least 30 days and if I enjoyed it, then make it a part of my life.
I started my 30-day challenge journey with the most common task to drink 3–4 liters of water daily. It was hard initially, but now it’s pretty much a part of life. You can read a detailed journey here.
After completing the water intake challenge, I also successfully completed the 30-day plank, reading, pushups, and no-coffee challenges.
No-sugar challenge
I always wanted to quit refined sugar completely but failed every time. This time I started my challenge on the last week of February 21st.
Many studies show that consuming sugar (white or raw) harms your overall health. It is unfortunate that many North Americans consume too much sugar daily: pop soda, candies, baked goods (sweeten), high sugar cereals, and much more.
To cut off sugar is super important to promote a healthy life. The research shows that excessive sugar consumption can increase the risk of many health conditions, especially fatty liver, diabetes, and heart disease.
Why did I fail the no-sugar challenge?
As I mentioned in the title, the no-sugar challenge is on the number 6th of my 30-day challenge list. I have compiled 50+ challenges to complete this year.
Despite the great success of completing five 30 days challenges, I underestimated my weakness for sugar.
Growing up in the South Asian culture, I have had a sweet tooth. I was raised in Punjabi culture, and sweets are a huge part of every occasion.
Punjabi cuisine includes different types of desserts — super delicious but unhealthy. Giving up all those colorful sweets for even a week was like giving up oxygen.
SkipTheDishes
SkipTheDishes was the main reason I could not reach my 30-day challenge. You may be aware that the company provides several types of promotions to encourage you to order more meals.
Then there are so many affordable dishes at the restaurants that you may buy more from the comfort of your couch. After completing a survey, I received a gift card from the company (current work firm).
It was a Sunday, and I was watching the new Vikings episode on Netflix when the notification popped up on my cell phone, SkipTheDishes offering free delivery. I also want to mention that my phone alerts are mostly turned off during the week except for Sundays. On Sundays, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, both in-person and virtually.
I ordered a Punjabi food thali (platter), and the restaurant added a free gulab jamun with the thali. OMG, since I was a child, Gulab Jamun has been one of my favorite sweets.
What is Gulab Jamun?
Gulab jamun is a beloved Indian dessert consisting of fried balls of a dough made from milk solids and semolina, soaked with an aromatic syrup spiced with green cardamom, rose water, saffron, and more.
Now What?
It’s hard to accept that I love sugary stuff: candies, chocolates, gulab jamun, jalebi, cupcakes, apple pie, ice, cream, etc. However, I would not recommend to anyone to eat sweets, but it is great to enjoy once in a while. It’s like a cheat day at the gym.
I know there are many sugar-free or “healthy sugar” options but believe me, it feels like fake sugar. You don’t enjoy it, but you still consume some kind of sugar. Punjabi sugar-free desserts suck.
In the end, I love challenges. After completing a challenge, it gives me a sense of achievement. Even If I could not remove the sugar 100% from my diet, I would gradually reduce it.
Question: Will I try the no-sugar challenge for 30 days?
Short Answer: 100%, yes
But I’ll wait for a couple of months as I am traveling a lot in the next few months; despite quitting the sugar, I will add an extra mile into running. I know it’s not an alternative, but mentally helpful to stay in peace.
Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try.
