Candy Anniversary

I am celebrating my 7th anniversary of being candy and dessert free!! You heard me right, seven years!! You may be asking yourself why in the world would I give up candy and dessert? Well, it honestly had nothing to do with health reasons. 

Seven years ago my little family was driving back from The Grand Canyon; my husband and I got into some interesting conversations (he's very interesting and intelligent) and the topic of addiction came up. I didn't understand it at all. I was naive and said if someone really wants to give up (insert addiction here) then give it up. My husband laughed and asked if I really thought it was that easy. I stubbornly said yes. He then told me to never eat candy or desserts again, EVER!! I confidently said fine, I can do it.

So I did. Let me tell you, it was SO hard!! I honestly had no idea what I was getting into. I went through withdrawals; when I was upset I didn't know how to comfort myself without eating treats. I couldn't even make a cake or cookies for someone else for several years because it was too hard just to be around it. When someone did have a candy in front of me I would smell it so I could get a quick fix.

My husband thought I would give in, and used to tempt me all the time with candy and treats. I stayed clean, because partly I knew I would have to live with him the rest of our lives reminding me that I gave in. 

Here are some of the FAQs that I get asked all the time that you may be wondering too.

*Do I ever crave candy or desserts still? Sometimes, but not very often. 

*You have proven your point; isn't it ok to eat it now? Absolutely not, that would be like someone staying away from (insert addiction here) and then starting back on it after a couple of years. Plus, Johnny would NEVER let me live it down.

*How are you not smaller? I love this one, it makes me want to punch people in the face. :) Just because I gave up candy doesn't mean there isn't other unhealthy food out there. There are: chips, burgers, fries, breads, fried anything etc. that contribute to weight gain. 

Getting rid of candy and desserts was the first time I started to look at health and started studying about it. Over the last seven years I have changed my family's diet dramatically and it all started that day. We are healthier than we were way back when, and we feel pretty awesome too! I also got a rude awakening how hard addiction truly is and it has given me a better understanding for those struggling with it.

Anyone ready to take the plunge with me and give up candy and desserts? I promise you if you do it will be a decision that you will never regret!