Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
This is a personal challenge to avoid sugar, alcohol, commercially refined foods, stimulants, products containing gluten, white pasta, white rice and white bread for 30 consecutive days. To facilitate your success, the Challenge will take place through group meetings over the 30 days.
Make taking the Challenge easier with support and the right tools
Over each meeting, your facilitator Julie Audette will help you meet the Challenge by providing you with all the necessary tools, such as food charts, guides for choosing your foods, meal ideas, snacks and menus, as well as tips and hints by email and through the Challenge blog. She will even provide you with her best store tips, must-have foods, products and favourite websites.
First meeting
During the first meeting, Julie will explain the recommended Challenge foods versus the foods to avoid and give you a folder containing all the tools you need to make your success easier. The first meeting is essential to your success because this is when all the documentation and instructions will be provided.
Key to success: Follow-up meetings to ensure you stay motivated
The next meetings consist of group follow-up meetings. Attendance every week is highly recommended, since not only will you get the support you need and answers to your questions, but you will also benefit from tips shared. In addition, you will feel energized by a group of people who are taking the same Challenge and are committed to improving their well-being! Each meeting is unique! You will also participate in interesting discussions on food habits and learn more about the things that influence our well-being, such as hydration, exercise, stress management and weight management. Several topics will be addressed as well, such as the quality of our foods, organic eating, local food products, seasonal concerns and the « Slow Food » philosophy that Julie adheres to.
Key to success: Follow-up meetings to ensure you stay motivated
Send your questions by email for extra support outside of group meetings and participate in the 30-day Sugar-free Challenge blog. Julie will also look over your Challenge food diary and make suggestions and comments.
What will you be eating during the Challenge?
The 30-day Sugar-free Challenge is not a diet; the purpose of the Challenge is to help you reach your wellness goals as you become aware of your eating habits and as you get (back) on track with healthier eating habits. You will (re)discover the pleasures of eating and enjoying your food. Note that this is not about reducing portion size, counting calories or replacing meals with food supplements. It is about eating real food that respects nature, the seasons and the environment without compromising taste. Here’s what you will be eating: vegetables, certain fruits, certain whole grains, high quality meat and poultry, fish and seafood, seeds and nuts, good oils and fats, quality cheeses, spices and herbs.
Will I lose weight on the Challenge?
Some participants have experienced a noticeable weight loss when they take the 30-day Sugar-free Challenge, but the secret lies in the long term benefits. Obviously, avoiding all foods that are harmful for your health can only support a return to a healthy weight. The link between excess weight and an unhealthy body often go hand in hand. In addition, by focusing directly on what you eat (and avoiding refined sugar, additives, preservatives, colouring, industrial foods, etc.) you will have a direct impact on a return to a more pleasing physical appearance. Of course, each person is different, but one thing is certain, eating healthy foods has been a beneficial path for everyone! You really are what you eat!
What results can I expect?
Participants who have taken the 30-day Sugar-free Challenge have experienced many benefits, for example: