The Unlikely Disciple

In a strange sequence of events, I stumbled across this book trailer for The Unlikely Disciple, written by Kevin Roose. Kevin is a Brown student who decided to "study abroad" at Liberty University for spring semester 2007, with intentions to write about his experience: http://www.kevinroose.com/blog/2009/03/book-trailers-theyre-like-trailers-but-for-books/

 

The most intriguing part of the book is that Kevin, with no Christian background, went to Liberty with an open mind to the experience, following all of the rules in the Liberty Way, joining Friday night Bible studies, meeting with a spiritual mentor, memorizing the books of the New Testament, for the sake of getting the real experience of Liberty. I was LingOL throughout the entire book. If you went to LU, or any conservative Christian college, I guarantee you will enjoy this book.

 

 

 

 

On the sugar fast - going strong. 8 1/2 days down - 21 1/2 to go. 

Secret Ingredient Saves the Day!

Yesterday, my morning coffee was terrible. I had to go from using delicious Vanilla Caramel creamer and ½ packet of Splenda to heavy whipping cream and pure vanilla (YUCK). Not a good start to the day. Well, since no Splenda or sugar are allowed, this morning, I used the heavy whipping cream, pure vanilla, AND the powder mix from sugar free vanilla pudding. It’s actually pretty good! I’m enjoying my cup of coffee with my new secret ingredient : ).  I definitely had a headache last night and this morning – it is apparent that I am an addict going through slight withdraw.

 

Last night, I got a phone call from the hospital I have been interviewing with for the past 2 months, and they offered me a job. PRAISE THE LORD. He knew exactly what was going to happen, while I waited confused for these 2 months. The new job will be in a brand new building about 2 miles from my house. It’s definitely a “foot in the door” type of job, but I am just so thankful to have one at all!

 

Anyway, the point of mentioning that was to tell you that we went out to Outback to celebrate last night, and we ordered the Bloomin’ Onion – and I couldn’t have the yummy sauce they serve with it because it has ketchup in it – and I just learned that ketchup is nearly 1/3 sugar!!! So far it has not been hard at all to not eat the blatantly obvious sweets, but it’s the things that I would never think have sugar in them (i.e. the bloomin’ onion sauce, milk, cream cheese, whole wheat pasta).  

 

 

So it’s one day down, 29 to go! At least I’m learning a lot in the process. 

Giving up the SWEET TOOTH!

I have been challenged to a 30 day fast from Sugar. Anyone who knows me, is already thinking, “HA! she’ll never make it!” The truth is that I have a major sweet tooth, and Brandon thinks it is so darn-near impossible for me to go without, that he said if I make it 30 days with NO SUGAR, then I get a prize (the camera I have been wanting): http://www.letsgodigital.org/images/artikelen/6/canon-50d.jpg

 

So, from April 16 until May 16, I will be sugarless. The one source of sugar I AM allowed to have is fruit. BUT anything with 1 or more gram of sugar on the nutrition label is NOT ALLOWED.  I was so surprised to learn some of the things that are loaded with sugar, that I never knew about – like skim milk has 12g of sugar in one cup! The worst part is that I have to give up my flavored coffee creamers. Obviously, not allowed to eat any candy, cookies, ice cream, most breads and cereals, as well as any sweeteners, such as splenda.

 

It’s definitely going to be tough, but I am keeping my eye on the prize! If anyone has any suggestions for good things to eat when you are on a sugarless diet – PLEASE SHARE!!! I’ll keep you posted on these 30 CHALLENGING days.