This week I bid ado to a life long member of my family. Someone who was near and dear to my heart. He was there when I was happy or needed a pick-me-up. Consoled me when I was heart-broken and in the depths of self-pity. Oh, Sugar, you’ve been my crutch long enough.
Strawberry frosted Pop-Tarts, Fruit by the Foot, Reese’s Cups and pixie sticks were staples of my youth. I remember adding spoonfuls of sugar to my bowl of Cheerios in the morning.
My high school breakfast consisted of a Diet Coke, frosted animal crackers and a cigarette. (Shhh…don’t tell my mom.) Even my 20s were laden with sugar filled treats and midnight grocery store runs to stock up cookies and ice cream.
I craved candy like an addict needing a fix during my first pregnancy. I’m surprised Finn Girl didn’t come out with jelly beans in her DNA or worse, Swedish fish running through her veins. Not only would’ve that been genetically disturbing, but The Finn would’ve been ticked. The Finns have a strong dislike for the Swedes. Yes, the dislike extends to food with any Swedish reference.
But the time has come to say goodbye to this vice. Add it to the growing list of things I’ve quit: cigarettes, soda (pop, Coke, whatever), gluten, and showering daily since having kids. But if I ever give up coffee or wine check to see if I’ve been possessed. Seriously. A life without those things is not worth living. Coffee and Wine, I’m in it for LIFE with you!
But now in my mid-30s, I need to improve my health or the Diabetes (pronounced die-a-beat-us) will come for me. I eat a fairly clean diet. Just ask my sisters. They’ll tell you how they’re terrified to eat my house because it’s always an experience. Kale salad with nutritional yeast dressing,  cabbage “steaks” with cashew “cheese”, and homemade chickpea brownies. We usually order pizza at family gatherings.
Now, it’s time to hunker down and get The White Devil out of my diet.