HI Julie,

That's a really interesting question, made me think. There are many ways to answer your question. For me, it was a matter of really being ready. When I got to step 6, I felt done with the roller coaster of sugar emotions and addiction. I had tried to eat sugar in a moderate way and never could. I realized there was no way to separate the enticing picture of chocolate cake and the resulting bad temper, low energy and dark moods. I couldn't see one without the other; it was a whole package.

I was able to find substitutions for textures and comfort food, which helped a lot. So a creamy breakfast shake has been a great substitute for ice cream. I make sweet potato "cake" and sometimes unsweetened peanut butter cookies. I never feel like I'm suffering or living with lack, just amazing abundance of food choices. Plus I feel like a million bucks physically and emotionally. I have no interest in going back to sugar. I stopped eating sweeteners in April 2006, so it's been about 12 years.

Taking time to go through the steps sets up the physical body to be able to drop sugar gently and easily in step 6, without withdrawal. Then on step 6 we find ways to raise our beta endorphins to keep them at a steady high so we don't need to use sugar to raise them--they don't go up and down in a volatile way anymore after step 6.

So keep on with step 3 until it feels easy and natural and steady, then go on to the next step in order.

JoEllen

: I have noticed that some people have
: commented on the forum and in the
: step groups that they have
: returned to RR after being away
: for some time. I'm wondering what
: happened, if you don't mind
: sharing. I'm on step 3 right now,
: and I'm concerned about getting to
: the end and relapsing. I want to
: know if there's anything that can
: be done to prevent it. What can
: you do to stick with this program
: and not have to come back to it
: after a period of being
: re-enslaved to the sugar drug?