I am in the midst of some epic PMS. It’s Day 35 of my cycle, and over the past several days, I have suffered numerous symptoms, including agitation, irritation, edginess, diarrhea, cramps, and body aches. FUN TIMES. Needless to say, I pray that my period starts NOW and Day 35 transforms into Day 1.

Over the past few years, I’ve realized that refined sugar worsens my PMS, especially during the latter half of my cycle. Limiting refined sugar reduces my symptoms, but earlier this month, we went on vacation to Vegas and Nebraska, and I ate all the sugar. Now I’m paying the piper.

But that’s okay! This PMS will not last forever AND it’s inspired me to quit refined sugar for the next ninety days. My body needs the chance to detox and reset. I want to pay attention to how I feel without refined sugar, so I can learn the best way to take care of my body during this stage of life (44, nearing perimenopause). I also want to see what other changes, if any, happen. Will I have more energy? Will I sleep better? Will my moods change? Will I have more patience? Less stress? Lose weight?

Basically, I am treating the next 90 days as my own personal science experiment regarding refined sugar.

Today, July 19, is Day 1. I feel relieved and excited that I decided to embark on this adventure.

BUT, I am not limiting all sugar. Just refined sugar – fruit is fine, a splash of cream in my iced coffee is also fine. And when it comes to refined sugar, I’m avoiding the obvious culprits: ice cream, cake, waffles, etc. If I’m eating something savory at a restaurant, I’m not going to worry about a little refined sugar in the dish because I know that’s not my issue. It’s the Mega Sugar Bombs in desserts, especially ice cream, that make my hormones go bat shit crazy.

Here’s to less PMS and better health!