Holidays: Day Twelve

Ben and I started the day with breakfast at our favourite cafe the 'Golden Orb'. An almost hidden path squeezed between the butcher and jewellery shop leads to the cafe, which sits snugly, practically incognito, amongst a thick rainforest-like garden.  It's really a very pleasant place to eat and more importantly, the food is quite delicious!

Harry and Till spent the day at the Montessori Kinderhaus.  Till attended three days a week last year and loved it.  They were both keen to have a day at the Kinderhaus these holidays, which might sound odd, but here's the reason why.... the setting is glorious, the playground equipment challenging and the indoor Montessori materials fascinating. Harry has been raving about something he played with for hours called the Roman Arch. Till spent her time getting re-acquainted with friends who didn't start school this year.

Ben and I are up to Day Four of our sugar-free diet.  There have been a few hidden traps however.  Last night we had oyster sauce in our stir-fry and low and behold, it contained sugar.  Today we spread Aioli on our chicken sandwiches and once again, were dismayed to read on the jar label that it also contained a small amount of sugar.  Even the plain sea-weed crackers we buy on a weekly basis have sugar in them.  So strictly speaking, we haven't been totally sugar free, but  are certainly trying. I am craving sweet food, that's for certain. I mostly feel the urge for a little sugar hit in the late afternoon, and immediately after dinner.  I did buy some sugar-free jam but I'm holding out, saving it as a treat.  I did have a small amount of manuka honey on my toast yesterday, but I've stopped adding it to my morning herbal tea! 

I can't say I feel healthier yet, or happier.  I've actually had a slight headache for the past 24 hours (hmm....I wonder if it's related somehow?).  Ben and I aren't sure how far we'll go with this. For now though, we are both enjoying the challenge and it's worthwhile in the sense that when you start looking at what you eat, you become so much more aware of what's actually in the foods we consume on a regular basis. We have always avoided eating foods containing preservatives, additives, soy lecithin, artificial flavours etc, but I've never really paid much attention to sugar, mostly because I just assumed the products we were buying didn't contain it.

I suppose you are wondering if Harry and Till are taking part in this sugar-free experiment of ours? Well the kids aren't really participating but they do enjoy being part of the process and are learning important life lessons too. And ultimately, they will end up eating less sugar. Till is particularly affected by a feast of sugary foods. There has been many a breakdown in the aftermarth of a birthday party.  She herself, has come to learn just how sugar makes her feel and she doesn't approve one bit.  It's difficult for her though, as she has a real sweet tooth.  We often joke about how she can smell sugar a mile off. 

It's funny how people react when I explain what we are trying to do; they either become hugely defensive about their own diet or they tell me I'm crazy and what I'm doing is impossible!! But to be fair, some family and friends have been hugely supportive. I even have a friend here on Norfolk attempting the same diet, in fact she's doing it tougher - giving up sugar and wheat!!!!!!!! 

If you feel compelled to join our journey, I suggest you check out this website. Once you start looking, you'll find there are so many great websites with ideas and explanations for why sugar is indeed, so bad for us! 

PS I don't think you can go past this book. We have owned it for several years now and it's definitely the most used recipe book in our kitchen.