Going Sugar Free for 30 days is a challenge. Living with Muscular Dystrophy is much harder!
WhatSugar Free September
When1 - 30 September
HowCut the sweet stuff from your diet by removing the worst foods high in added or free-sugars such as soft drinks and other sweetened drinks, fruit juices, sugars we add to tea/coffee/cereal or use in cooking, desserts, lollies, dressings, sauces, cereal bars and more.
WhyTo provide vital support services for kids and adults living with muscular dystrophy to help them reach their potential and take control of their own lives.
How it works
1. Join the Challenge
Sign up and commit to going sugar free for MD this September
2. Invite your mates
Everything is more fun with a crew! Make a team with family, friends, work, school or gym mates!
3. Spread the word
Ask your friends & family to sponsor you to provide sweet opportunities for people with MD
4. Cut the sweet stuff
Go sugar free during September with the help of our tips and resources
Fundraising
When you register you will be automatically set up with your own personal fundraising page. From there you can ask your friends, family and colleagues to support you during the challenge through a kind donation.
You can also make a team of friends or family, work colleagues or at your school. The more the merrier!
The funds you raise will help to empower, connect and support kids living with the devastating challenges of neuromuscular conditions, such as Muscular Dystrophy. Your fundraising will also motivate you to stay accountable and on track.
Rules of Sugar Free September
We recommend that you cut out all added sugars for the month of September, but ultimately it is up to you how much sugar you want to remove during the challenge.
The worst foods high in added or free-sugars that should be avoided:
- Soft drinks and other sweetened drinks
- Fruit juices
- Sugars we add to tea/coffee/cereal or use in cooking
- Jam and spreads
- Biscuits, cakes, and muffins
- Confectionary and desserts, such as lollies, chocolate and ice cream
- Flavoured milk and yoghurt
- Sweetened breakfast cereals
- Sauces, dressings, condiments, and marinades
- Protein, cereal and snack bars
Some added and free sugars are better than others. If you are going to have a little, opt for less processed sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup. However, if you really want to give all added sugars and sweeteners the boot you can remove these as well.
Healthy benefits
The potential benefits of participating in the Sugar Free September challenge are an improvement in health, increased levels of creativity, problem- solving, energy and wellbeing, plus all the good vibes that come with supporting some really AWESOME kids!
The truth about sugar
Evidence proves the health benefits of limiting added sugars.
The Australian health survey tells we consume 22kg of free sugars each year, equating to around 14 teaspoons of sugar each day. We may not add a lot of sugar to our foods and drinks, but most of us are unaware of how much "hidden" sugar we are actually consuming on a daily basis.
What is the link between neuromuscular conditions and sugar?
Apart from advocating healthy lifestyle choices for people living with a neuromuscular condition, there is no medical link between sugar and muscle wasting conditions.
Try cutting sugar from your day and you’ll soon realise that it’s really tough...but not as tough as living with a neuromuscular condition!
Here at Muscular Dystrophy NSW, we love people who challenge themselves and use their strengths to empower and support others. By offering a challenge that promotes a healthy lifestyle, we aim to empower you too.
Thank you for making a difference!
