Skinny Bitch

So I am sitting here, la la la, listening to the baby monitor, la la la, drinking my Calorie Free, No Sugar!, No Sodium, No Caffeine, No Preservatives, NO ASPARTAME, NO CARBS Diet Hansen's Soda, la la la, when I read this in my new read, Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin:

"Because we are having so much fun, let's bash the shit out of Splenda, one of the newer sweeteners. Splenda is made by chlorinating sugar, changing its molecular structure. The finished product is called sucralose." 

I quickly look on the side of my Hansen's can to read that it contains triple filtered carbonated water, natural flavors with extracts of California grapefruit, citric acid, SUCRALOSE, and acesulfame potassium, whatever that is. So I continue reading my book to discover the horrors of this sweetener in the chapter called "Sugar is the Devil:"

"The makers of this poison tout its lack of calories and claim it's safe for diabetes. The FDA calls sucralose 98 percent pure. The other 2 percent contains small amounts of heavy metals, methanol, and arsenic. [source is "The Potential Dangers of Sucralose," Mercola] Well, gee, at least it doesn't have calories. Sucralose has been found to cause diarrhea; organ, genetic, immune system and reproductive damage; swelling of the liver and kidneys; and a decrease in fetal body weight. What a splendid product! According to Dr. Joseph Mercola in Consumer Research magazine's article 'The Potential Dangers of Sucralose,' 'There is no clear-cut evidence that sugar substitutes are useful in weight reduction. On the contrary, there is some evidence that these substances may stimulate appetite.'" 

Holy Guacamole! Here I am, thinking that because of all the "no's" on my can, my beverage choice is the healthiest of sodas available. (The reality is I shouldn't be drinking soda, period.) I didn't know just how bad artificial sweeteners are! I mean, I didn't assume they were healthy, but at least better than plain old sugar. Not so, apparently.
So now I think - well shit! Aspartame and sucralose are in EVERYTHING diet-y it seems. What am I to eat? Am I going to have to look at EVERY nutrition label on EVERYTHING I eat from now on? Sheesh.
Luckily, Skinny Bitch also gives suggestion for healthier, natural food, including "healthy" junk food. (I also just picked up the cookbook Skinny Bitch in the Kitch which will help me cook more healthfully.) If you haven't already, I implore you to pick up a copy of this "no-nonsense, tough love guide" at your earliest convenience. Not only is it informative, its damn hilarious. My favorite chapter so far  is called, "Carbs: The Truth." Yes, I can eat bread and pasta and rice and still lose weight. Take that!


I have decided to make a change concerning my workout schedule. I am bumping my training sessions up to 4x a week! I need some results, and I mean now, in order to stay motivated. Adding one day each week to my schedule means my sessions will end on May 13, a little less than a month before the wedding, and the approximate date of my last dress fitting which is perfect. After that, I actually shouldn't lose any more weight so that I can fit into my dress! I am confident that I will not gain back any weight during that month.

Working out always sucks during, but afterward, I always feel good. I would love to be one of those people who loves to go for a run, or play sports, or lift weights, but most likely I never will be. And that's okay. If I want to get the body I dream of, I am required to make some sacrifices.  For the next two months, all I have to do is put down the cookies, and look toward my wedding day to find motivation, and know that it will all be worth it soon!

Well, I am going to continue reading my book, but hope you have enjoyed this little diversion. When I get off work tonight, I am going straight to Safeway, directly into the "health food" section, and stocking up on foods that are more natural, healthy, and artificial sweetener-free.

thanks for listening!