At I Quit Sugar, we get asked ALL the time for the inside scoop on the 8-Week Program.
So, to give you a sweet little look into life at IQS and an insight into how we swerve the sweet stuff, our new content team has jumped on the latest cycle.
Every fortnight, we’ll give you a play-by-play rundown of all our favourite bits (as well as the elements we found most challenging – hello cravings!) so you have all the tools, tips and tricks to transform your health too!
Sound sweet? See you on the other side…
Week 1 – AKA cutting back.
During the first week of the 8-Week Program, you’re encouraged to cut back on the sweet stuff. The aim? To ease you in gently so the cravings (that will inevitably hit in week two) don’t derail you.
Ash says: “Before starting the 8WP, I was your typical grazer, nibbling on nuts and fruit to get me through the day. So the first thing I noticed was how satisfied I felt after each meal. Within a couple of days I was sailing through my afternoon without giving my snack stash a second thought. In the weekend however, I was faced with my first test – a dinner invitation from a friend, for burgers no less! The 8-Week Program encourages flexibility so keeping that in mind, I said yes to dinner, but chose a pork belly burger with homemade slaw and sweet potato chips. Crisis averted. Knowing I could jump straight back on the Program for my next meal banished that all-too-familiar food guilt feeling too!”
Phoebe says: “First things first, I’m a dedicated meat eater. For me, a meal isn’t complete without a serving of protein because I don’t think I’ll be full without it. So, it’s safe to say I was shocked when I saw a few vegetarian meals on the omnivore meal plan. But, after giving them a go I was happily surprised that these meals left me full and satisfied! Admittedly, one lunchtime I added a serving of pulled pork because I was super starving, but one of the drawcards of the plan is that it’s customisable to whatever’s happening in your life.”
Best bits: Without a doubt, our dish of the week was the miso steak with winter slaw! Mouth-wateringly good.
Sugar-free struggles: As luck would have it, Phoebe moved house midweek so her first grocery shop was a little on the pricey side as she set up her pantry with the staples she’d need for the rest of the program.
Week 2 – see ya later sugar!
Things suddenly get very real during week two as sugar, in all its many forms, is cut completely! Having a buddy to lean on was invaluable and when the chocolate cravings struck, a spoonful of nut butter hit the spot.
Ash says: “I’m not gonna lie, I was nervous about week two – mainly because I absolutely love fruit and ditching my daily banana was a shock to the system! Let’s just say I knocked back a few cups of camomile tea to get me through. There were a few days when I craved something sweet after dinner too, so when these cravings struck, I whipped up a batch of hot cacao for me and my husband. Delish!”
Phoebe says: “I was really impressed this week with how quick the meals were to cook. Even the Sunday Cook-Up dishes were simple to whip up and I’m loving getting my hands dirty in the kitchen. Like Ash though, one thing I did struggle with this week was having to say goodbye to my pre-workout banana. Instead, I opted for a boiled egg or peanut butter to keep me full of energy and ready to train. This weekend will be interesting as I have a few social gatherings to go to (which are always based around food and wine) but after reading the background info you get in addition to the meal plan, I feel equipped with my do’s and don’ts to eating out while on the Program.”
Best bits: Savoury granola for breakfast was a hit – and oh so Insta-worthy! I also managed to do all my shopping at the local farmers market too, nabbing a fair few bargains. Win!
Sugar-free struggles: While the meal plans ensure you always have enough food for dinner and lunch the following day, cooking for two (as in me and my hungry husband, Nath) has tested my maths skills! To combat this however, bulking out meals with extra quinoa, buckwheat or veg has been the key to success.
Keep track of our progress by following the blog and let us know if you have any questions about the Program in the comments below!
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