I'm Going Sugar-Free!

Many of you who read this blog know how passionate I am about the Canadian Cancer Society.  As I witness more family and friends have their own experience with cancer, it just heightens my resolve to do what I can for this cause.

This month, the Canadian Cancer Society launched its "Sugar-Free September" campaign.  I had a quick read about the campaign, and decided to sign up.  Now, let me begin by saying, I am a true sugar addict.  I would eat and drink copious amounts of sugar every day.  It was even bad enough that I would hide some of my sugary treats from my family.  I knew this wasn't good for me, but I did it anyway.

Sugar-Free September has some basic rules - no items with added sugar, fruits and veggies are permitted.

Me and my favourite sugar-free smoothie!

Now, don't get me wrong, I won't say I'm "completely" sugar free.  I'm still eating pasta and bread, but in reduced amounts.

The first week of any change in your habits is typically the hardest, or at least it is in my experience, and this challenge was no exception.   In the first week, not only did I give up sugar, but, without intending to, I gave up coffee.  Why?  I am a "sugar in my coffee" kind of girl.  I've never been keen on sweeteners (I just don't like the taste), and I was never able to drink black.  So, 3 days in to the challenge, I started having headaches.  My head and body were sore for the entire first weekend of the challenge.  I felt tired as well.   It was like having a bad cold.

Once I made it through the first weekend, I started to notice several changes in how I felt.  I'm someone who always had trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, and I sleep much better now.  As someone who relied on caffeine to get me through the day, energy wise, I was surprised at how much more energy I felt throughout the day.  And I've also experienced some weight loss.

This is not about total deprivation.  There are plenty of yummy things to eat without sugar (or at least reduced sugar), so I have found this totally doable!  My breakfast smoothies are my favourite part of the day!  And so much better than having no breakfast.

I now have very few cravings, and hope to continue beyond September.

Have you ever gone sugar-free?  Would you consider it?  Feel free to share in the comments!

Why Do You Love Disney?

I get asked this question regularly.  I didn't take my first trip to Disney until I was 31 years old.  I used to think I wouldn't enjoy it - children's characters everywhere, so many people, etc.  I had visions of our local yearly carnival, but on a bigger scale.

Boy was I wrong.

We have traveled to Disney for each of the last 4 years.   I put a lot of work in to saving and bargain hunting.  Some people may think that sounds like a nightmare, but I actually love travel bargain shopping.

From the first time I stepped in to a Disney Park, I knew I loved it.  Cheesy, right?  But it's true.

Why do I love Disney?  I love the excitement leading up to the trip.  I love seeing all of my favourite childhood characters.  I love seeing the look on my daughter's face when she meets the princesses.  If I can be cheesy again for a moment, I would describe it as a truly magical experience.

A few of my favourite things:

1 - Breakfast with Winnie the Pooh and Friends at Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom) - A delicious breakfast, as well as meeting your favourite characters.  They come to each table, sign autographs, and you can take pictures with them.


2 - Princess Fairytale Hall (Magic Kingdom) - I am a princess at heart, so I love meeting all of the Disney princesses, and this is a great place to meet some of them.

3 - Splash Mountain (Magic Kingdom) - I have ridden this ride in the cold and on a drizzly day, and I've waited on a hot day over an hour.  That's how much I love this ride.  It's a good long ride too.

4 - Tower of Terror (Hollywood Studios) - A good jolt to the heart in this ride.  But the queue is equally as cool.  Lots to see.

5 - Expedition Everest - Such an awesome coaster.  You get some pretty good views from the top of the coaster too!

I'm going to cut my list off there, but believe me, I could go on and on.

Check out some of my previous posts for tips on how to save money on your Disney trip.

What are your favourite things about Disney?  Feel free to share in the comments!