#2013alive: How Are We Cutting Out the Bad?

It’s week 2 of our 12 Months of Wellness, which focuses on cutting out the bad (read: ditching the sugar-laden soft drinks and trans fats). 

We asked alive staff members what bad food items and ingredients they are cutting out for 2013. Here are some of their answers:

Bronwyn Logan, Marketing and Digital Communications Specialist, says: “I have cut out chips and candy for six months to get into wedding shape. I’m substituting with dried fruit for the sweet cravings and kale chips or rice crackers for the salty fix.”

Jennifer Procyshyn, Account Manager, says: “For me it’s desserts and extra sugar. I used to drink a Coke a day so I’m trying to cut back.”

Lina Kelaita, Graphic Designer, says: “I’m trying to cut out white rice entirely.”

Ellen Wheeler, Advertising Account Manager, says: “I’m replacing regular soft drinks with natural ones sweetened with stevia.”

Amanda Pentland, Graphic Designer, says: “I’m currently trying to be realistic with my lifestyle and body so Monday to Friday I try to reduce my sugar intake and eat more of a vegan diet  … I buy cane sugar and Himalayan salt—both are more fragrant and therefore my body seems to crave less salt and sugar.”

Vince Yim, Digital Content Coordinator, says: “I’ve already switched off soft drinks and ‘white’ carbs (e.g. white flour, white bread, white pasta, white sugar, white rice), but will make a point of cutting out hydrogenated vegetable fats and high fructose corn syrup.”

Bryce Tarling, Assistant Editor, says: “I’m trying to limit sweets in my diet right now. I indulged a bit too much over the holidays. And there are still some lingering gift items and other leftovers hanging around my kitchen. I’m trying to scheme ways to give them away—have people over, gifting … maybe I’ll bring some into work … I believe ‘calorie dumping’ is the term.”

What bad foods and ingredients are you giving up in 2013? Let us know by dropping us a line via blog or Facebook comments, or by using the Twitter hashtag #2013alive!