Day 14/366

We are Syrian Orthodox Christians. Don't know how many of my dear readers would know what that means, but that is what we are. Both my husband and I were brought up in good christian backgrounds and we have our parents to thank for it. Sundays were always meant for church, followed by Sunday bible classes at church when we were young. We wanted the same for our girls too but unfortunately, in Brunei there weren't any Orthodox churches so the girls missed out on attending Sunday services at church. Having had the opportunity to move to Uk, one of the things we were very thankful or were looking forward to was the accessibility to an Orthodox church and the opportunity for our girls to attend Sunday bible classes. After almost a month into moving to UK, this week we could make it to church. We had to take a train and then a bus, followed by around 10 mins walk to get to church but it was all totally worth it. Though this is not the very first time my girls are attending a church service, they didn't seem to be fully following the service. I hope and pray they do slowly understand and look forward to spending their Sundays in church. After the church service, they provided lunch for everyone. Today's menu was chicken biriyani, lime pickle, salad and pappad. It was my younger daughter's favourite meal and so she relished it to the most. Following lunch, the children were to assemble at the Sunday school hall. Today was also the first day of the new academic year and so I enrolled both my girls to their respective classes (based on age). Since it was day 1, there wasn't any teaching but a quick meeting with the new teacher and giving them our contact details. The girls were so happy to meet other kids of their age. Ever since we came to Uk, they have hardly had the opportunity to play with kids of their age and I have felt so bad for them. Back in Brunei, even during holidays the girls used to have atleast a friend they could hang out with or meet for a playdate. I must be one lucky mother, my girls have been so understanding and not complained too much about it since we arrived. Though they miss going to school or having to do some fun activities with kids of their age. We definitely had a blessed Sunday and we went back home with our hearts and tummies full.

Family and friends who know me personally, know how much of an addict I'm to sweets. It is also an inborn trait I would say, passed on to me from my dad and also to add the tendency to be diabetic (from my mother's side). So lately with the endless options available to me, unlike in Brunei (not that it kept me away from sweets), I have been indulging a little too much I feel. So I have decided to go on a 10 day no sugar diet. You may think 10 days is so less, but trust me when I say this, even one day is hard for me. But I am going to give it a try. Wish me luck.

There are several benefits of going on a sugar-free diet:

1. Weight loss: A sugar-free diet can help with weight loss as it eliminates high-calorie sugary foods and beverages that can contribute to weight gain.

2. Improved dental health: Reducing or eliminating sugar from your diet can lead to improved dental health as sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay and cavities.

3. Stable energy levels: Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can result in energy crashes and feelings of fatigue. By cutting out sugar, you can experience more stable energy levels throughout the day.

4. Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes: A sugar-free diet can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by preventing spikes in blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity.

5. Clearer skin: Sugar consumption has been linked to skin issues such as acne. Going on a sugar-free diet may lead to clearer and healthier skin.

6. Better mood and mental clarity: High sugar intake can lead to mood swings and brain fog. Eliminating sugar can help stabilize moods and improve mental focus and clarity.

7. Reduced inflammation: Sugar has been linked to chronic inflammation, which can contribute to various health issues such as heart disease, arthritis, and certain cancers. A sugar-free diet can help reduce inflammation in the body.

8. Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease: High sugar consumption has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A sugar-free diet can help lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol levels, and improve overall heart health.

9. Enhanced immune system functioning: Excessive sugar intake can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections and illnesses. A sugar-free diet can help support a strong immune system and improve overall health.

10. Improved overall health: Going on a sugar-free diet can have numerous positive impacts on your overall health. It can lower the risk of chronic diseases, improve digestion, promote healthy aging, and increase longevity.

Please note that a sugar-free diet should be approached with caution and it is important to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making any major dietary changes.

So I have decided to give it a try. What are your thoughts on it? Have you tried it before? Do let me know.

Happy Sunday

Love

Ammu