Sarah Wilson Tells Why She Quit Sugar

Q: What drove you to quit sugar?
A: “I think it came organically for me; it was an experiment because of an autoimmune disease. I think this idea of not eating sugar, which essentially is about not eating processed food, makes sense.”

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Q: When you decided to quit sugar, how did others react?
A: “When you do something other people feel they should do themselves, you hold a mirror up to what they’re doing. For that reason, I try not to make a fuss about it. People are intrigued and I’m aware that it can threaten people with their own journeys and challenges, especially around food.”

Q: What’s a typical day like for you?
A: “I generally wake up early; I’ve always been an early riser. I then have to get out straightaway and exercise. I exercise every day. It used to be intense, but now it’s gentler. I do yoga once or twice a week, I swim twice a week and I will do a walk/run. I then make my breakfast, usually a smoothie or eggs. I work in the mornings – with my autoimmune disease I don’t usually make it through the whole day. Lunch is generally vegetables with some meat. I ride a bike and walk everywhere. I can easily clock up 5–7km walking, and up to 20km cycling. In the afternoons, I meditate, and in the evening I usually eat out for dinner. I live on my own, so eating out is how I socialise.”

Q: Green smoothies are all the rage at the moment, what do you put in yours?
A: “I put a heap of vegetables in the blender with ginger and some vitamin powder. Sometimes, I’ll add an apple, but usually its kale, lettuce, cucumber and some herbs and a little coconut water.”

Q: What’s your go-to treat?
A: “I make myself two tablespoons of coconut oil and about half a teaspoon of raw cocoa powder mixed together and put into the fridge or freezer for 10 minutes. The chocolate aspect really gives me a lift. That’s my weapon for quitting sugar.”

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Q: When are you at your happiest?
A: “It’s when I’m out in the bush, hiking in the heat. I try to do that every second weekend. I take nothing other than running bra, shorts and shoes, and a hat and I go off on a track. Oh, and generally speaking, when I eat. That’s my happy point.”

For more on Sarah Wilson, visit www.sarahwilson.com.au.