Okay, the current situation is challenging everywhere – and we are not only stuck at home, with kids and chaos – or by ourselves and lonely, have trouble getting enough movement in as we can’t go to yoga class or to the gym, the fridge is always there and the snack drawer, too… and it is easy to get into a rut and not be…. let’s say in the best mood either.

SO – let’s get started with the first week of the

Optimum You At-Home Midlife Training Camp

We are getting started with a challenging one – and trust me – it will be rough for me as I am deep in a chocolate in the afternoon or evening and/or glass of wine in the evening habit that started creeping in again:
NO SUGAR OR ALCOHOL FOR THE NEXT 2 WEEKS.

Yes, you heard me right. Nothing.

Now – if you are really hooked, you can simply try to reduce and do your best to get down – but if at all possible: CUT IT OUT.

Benefits of cutting out sugar and alcohol?

• YOUNGER YOU. To put it simple, sugar and alcohol speed up aging. Minimizing consumption is directly linked to aging well because it is linked to insulin resistance as well as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and even depression.
• BETTER MOOD. Blood Sugar Stability is one of the biggest factors of healthy nutrition and keeping you in a stable, happy mood. One of the easiest ways to maintain a stable blood sugar is to eat natural, fresh, unprocessed foods in a healthy balance of protein, healthy fat and veggies/fruit. Sugar and alcohol only mess with that.
• GREAT ENERGY. Once you achieve this blood sugar stability, you will never want to miss it again – you feel balanced, have a normal hunger response, and…great energy ALL day…
• SUPER SLEEP. What is more and more relevant the older we get, is that sugar, alcohol and blood sugar stability impacts your sleep – try it out – and after the first few rough days, your sleep will be amazing! This is especially true for alcohol – contrary to the belief that alcohol makes us sleep better, it actually totally messes with our sleep (especially over 40). Try it out and see for yourself!
• FEELING IN BETTER SHAPE. Once you cut out sugar and alcohol and start eating more balanced, it will be much easier to feel and be in better shape and take control of midlife – so get ready and DO IT.
• LOSING WEIGHT. Okay, I don’t think I have to explain to anybody how this will contribute to weight loss – if that is something you are looking for, right?
• BALANCE. Last thing I will mention – getting rid off sugar and alcohol from time to time is important to make sure you keep control, you clean up and show your body what it feels like to be in balance – and not dictated by cravings. POWERFUL.

Does anybody need more convincing????

How to best support yourself through it:

It is not easy to go cold turkey – but in my experience it works best for most people.

If you have a super hard time, start by reducing and weaning you off step by step – no problem.

Here are a few tips to keep you sane:

• GET OVER THE FIRST DAYS. Yes, the first few days can be rough. Depending on how much you rely on sugar and alcohol currently, getting it out of your day can be hard and leave you tired, distracted and simply craving it! Be ready for that, expect it – and roll with it.
• BE PREPARED. Rely on alternative strategies when cravings hit – like taking deep breaths, going for a walk, taking a bath, reading a book – chocolate or that glass of wine is not the only thing that can make us happy in the moment.
• BETTER SNACKING. When you are actually hungry for something, find a snack that is rich in protein and hits the spot. If you need something sweet – try some fruit with almond butter, peanut butter or some nuts. My favourite is apple and almond butter!
• MORE COLOURS AND PROTEIN. In general, keeping your blood sugar stable will reduce hunger and cravings – and that is best achieved by eating fresh, unprocessed, colourful foods, healthy fat and plenty of clean protein! Stick to that and you are good.
• DRINK LOTS OF YUMMY TEA. Make sure to fill up on water and find some yummy tea with sweet flavours – my current treat is a tea with vanilla and cinnamon flavours that is delicious.
• FIND COMMUNITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY. Firstly, know that we are all doing this with you – that feeling of join suffering 🙂 and strength does help! And: assign a friend as your accountability partner and support each other through the tough times.

Yes, friends, this is the first week of my At-Home Midlife Training Camp – and it is starting off with a bang!
This will be so good and we will come out feeling our best!

ARE YOU IN?

Be well,

Barbara

P.S: If you would like more support on this one – download my CRUSH SWEET CRAVINGS e-book (including a few helpful yummy recipes) right here. Hope it helps!