"Natural Sugar Alternatives: Raw honey & Stevia. Stevia is an herb native to South America, is now grown and cultivated throughout the world. Stevia is much sweeter than sugar but does not affect blood sugar levels, can be used for sweetening beve...rages and for baking. Stevia is easily digested, dissolves quickly and it is safe for diabetics. It has no calories or carbohydrates.
95% of people are addicted to sugar to some degree! Refined sugar is a pure chemical. In my opinion, it is like heroin, and even more of a threat because it’s legal and cheap. It’s a chemical that has been stripped through the refining process of all... the natural food nutrition that originally resided in the plant. Heroin and sugar are produced by very similar processes.
Refined sugar has absolutely no nutritional value whatsoever. It also robs the body of enzymes, minerals and vitamins, especially B-vitamins. Symptoms of B-vitamin deficiency include: fatigue, depression, anxiety, inability to concentrate, poor memory, insomnia and irregular heart beat."
So far so good! Although I’ve tried this before, I’ve never really stuck to it. I think it’s because I really didn’t want to accept that I would have to or need to do such a thing. My occasional weekend wine sipping somehow turned into a nightly ritual. I would have anywhere from 2 to 4 glasses. Weekends I could spend the whole afternoon sipping on a glass.
Why did I not think this was a big deal at first? Because everybody does that, right? What else is there to do when you’re home doing chores, preparing meals and coordinating this, that and the other? Besides, a glass of wine (or 3) would relieve my headache/boredom/nerves.
So this time, I’m all about right now. Right now, I’m 2 days sober, working on 3. My dog has helped me understand the zen-inspired philosophy of being in the now. It’s amazing the difference. And yes, I recognize it after just 2 days.
I feel physical discomfort from not drinking daily. My stomach is in knots, I can’t eat anything and I still have a headache. But that will go away (please God) after a while. I take comfort in knowing that my kids don’t see Mom with yet another glass of wine in her hand, I have some stamina to exercise in the form or twice daily walks with my dog, and I go to bed much earlier.
To sum it all up, if you want to slow up or stop drinking altogether, I can share with you 4 things that have worked for me. One, tell someone. It doesn’t have to be someone close to you. Even better. Tell someone who is not dependent on you for anything. That way, they are totally objective about it. Me…well, I’m telling you. Second, turn off the tv, or whatever it is that keeps you from getting off the couch or out of the bed. This leads to the third activity; exercise. Don’t waste money on a gym if that’s your excuse. Just walk. You don’t even have to walk quickly. Just get outside and walk somewhere. Can’t go to far from home? Walk a short distance twice, three times in a row. Just move your body. You’ve got to replace your drinking time with something to keep your body occupied.
Finally, the last best thing you can do for yourself is to get a pet. I happen to think dogs are awesome as a sobriety tool because you have to take the dog out, you have to wake up in the morning, you have to train your dog to behave in the house. However, if you’re not a pet person, don’t bother. You either are one or not. Don’t suffer the pet for your cures.
Peggy Lewis Page December 29, 1942 - April 25, 2014 My loving mother I'm at work typing this now. I can't be sad, at least...
