Amy Hendrix

As the challenge wraps up today, I must say it has been pretty tough to avoid refined sugar! But I definitely feel better for it and hope that I can keep it up. My second challenge was one that I created. It was to stop purchasing products sold in plastic clam shells. I used to recycle those at New Seasons, but that option came to an end on 10/1 due to China's ban on those recyclables from the U.S.  As the challenge progressed, the amount of food in grocery stores packaged in plastic clam shells really stood out like never before. It has increased my resolve to avoid these items and look for ways to lobby for packaging alternatives, even if the market for these recyclables opens up again. So I'd say the EcoChallenge was a big success for me!

Well I was 50% successful on Saturday. I was grocery shopping at Freddy's and a woman was rolling a cart around the store with chocolate cake samples. When she asked if I wanted to try one, without even thinking I said "yes!" and enjoyed that piece of cake! About half way through eating it I remembered the challenge. Oops. Cake was so good though...

Three days in and my sugar cravings have improved. Now comes the real test - the weekend. Yikes!

Added cherry tomatoes to my baby carrot snack selection today. Neither are as enticing as sugary treats, but I can certainly eat cherry tomatoes like they were candy! Made sure to purchase them in a recyclable container. No more plastic!

Okay here we go! I brought in baby carrots to replace my pretzel chips. Sigh.

I am really worried about my avoiding refined sugar challenge. This is going to be so tough!! I usually have some chips or pretzel chips with lunch at work and ginger snaps too. And I'm not one to pass up treats wherever they may be around the 2nd floor. Ugh! Maybe writing about my struggles each day will help.