So the 2 week test is done and I have to start with a confession. During the weekend in the middle of the 2 weeks, I went sailing with a bit of swimming involved. Having packed the boat up and got changed, I immediately went to the bar and had a ham roll, a scone and a couple of beers. Only then did I realise, I am not supposed to eat any of that. A mixture of routine, socialising and the cold made me forget all the rules.

Other than that day, I was pretty good and managed 2 weeks of no sugar. I had one day the second week when I felt tired and a bit hungry, but otherwise it has been pretty straightforward.

I have not done this with medical support, so I have not had any blood sugar measurement or blood pressure readings. I feel at this point that I wish I had. I have noticed some subtle but definite changes.

My energy levels during the day are more stable. First thing in the morning I feel I have more energy before I eat. I am eating breakfast because I know I need to, but actually feel I could go without. Also mid afternoon there is no noticeable dip in energy and I am sleeping very well.

Interestingly I went to dinner at a friends house at the weekend, so very little control of the menu. Consequently I drank and ate more sugar than I had in a week. That night I really struggled to sleep and my mind was buzzing. It felt as though I had gone to bed having drunk 8 cups of coffee.

I am not obsessing about weight loss as it is not the primary reason to do this, but I have lost a couple of kilos and can see a change in my waistline. Hopefully my internal organs are also loosing a few grams of fat each.

I am now allowed to reintroduce some sugar and carbs back into my diet. Letting me have fruit again has been a pleasure and allows me to fill some of those moments I still crave a hit of sweetness.

I have not really changed breakfast or lunch following the 2 week test but I now have a small portion of rice, pasta or potatoes with the evening meal but I now feel a small portion (probably a third of what I ate previously) is plenty.

One practical issue is having children around the house. I have not imposed any changes on the children and it offers a whole blog of debate whether this is necessary. However, cleaning their plates in the kitchen with a small pile of left over chips is a full on challenge. The chimp in my head is saying “you’ve got this far in life eating chips, just a few won’t hurt”. I have to control the chimp!