Cheating.......(on Sugar Busters)

 Just a small something I want to throw out there and talk about......Cheating.

The more I think about this diet (starting in 4 days) the more questions keep popping up in my head.  Am I doing it indefinitely? Am I going to have cheat days? Am I going to try to control everything that goes into my children's and Husband's mouth.  What about when we're invited over to someone's house for dinner or a birthday party?   So much to think about.

I cannot control my Husband or my kids intake at work and school.   My Husband is a fireman and has to eat what is being cooked.  He could take less of the starchy foods and avoid the ice-cream but the rest cannot be avoided.  He is also an avid runner and will continue to have his Cliff Bars, Gatorade and Shot-blocks.  But when he's out there running 5, 8 and 15+ miles almost everyday, I can't argue.

My kids have their snacks at church and school and their occasional cupcakes for their friend's birthday parties, and I will not be a stickler on that either.  I don't mind putting myself out, but I refuse to do the same to others.  Which also answers my question about dinner parties and birthday parties.  I will not refuse a meal that somebody put the time and effort into making me.  I just plan on taking less of the starch and more of the veggies, if possible.

What I can control is what I make at home, which is essentially 90% of my kid's diet and about 75% of my Husband's.  Not too shabby.

The other thing I haven't figured out yet is my kid's consumption of Ovaltine (1 tablespoon) per day in their milk, in the morning.  They look forward to this every morning so it my be another cheat for them.  

And last but not least.......Fake Sugar.  I have a family of heart problems.  Nothing major; no medication needed, BUT my brother's Cardiologist insisted to stay away from fake sugar, that its really bad for the heart.  After spending 31 years of never eating it, I think it tastes like the chemical poison it is and WILL NOT EAT IT!!  So I'm on the search for a sugar substitute that has a lower glycemic index.
So far I'm considering Coconut Palm Sugar or Agave.  Any thoughts?

P.S. Also, I'm going to set up a recipe folder for all of us to add recipes to.  You can just send me your recipe via email, and I'll post it with your name attached.

Stay tuned for my grocery shopping adventure.  I'm dreading the initial pantry/fridge clean-up but it must be done.