76-year-old grandma’s youthful secret? Ditching sugar!
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Carolyn Hartz, from Western Australia, has revealed her secret to youthful energy at 76, which she attributes to a sugar-free diet she started in her 40s.
Carolyn, after being diagnosed with pre-diabetes and hypoglycemia, realised the need for dietary changes.
Despite her fondness for cheesecakes and chocolate biscuits, she resolved to make healthier choices for her overall well-being.
‘They wanted me to take medication but I had never taken drugs in my life, and I suspected it was sugar, so I completely changed what I was eating,’ the 76-year-old told news.com.au.
After her research, Carolyn reduced her sugar intake to just one or two pieces of fruit per day. She also began incorporating protein in every meal, reducing her carbohydrate consumption.
‘I made sure that I had protein with every meal because I was eating a lot of carbohydrates, which sends blood sugar levels crazy,’ she detailed.
‘Breakfast was no longer half a cheesecake or a packet of chocolate biscuits, I’d have eggs on toast with salmon and cottage cheese.’
A year later, her health was back under control, but she continued cutting out sugar, as well as gluten due to her intolerance.
When travelling in the United States and Paris for a conference, she was introduced to xylitol, a sugar-free substitute made from birch trees and corn cobs.
This inspired her to bring this sugar alternative to Australia, despite lacking computer or business experience.
She then launched ‘Sweet Life’, a Sugar-Free Baking and Sugar-Free Kitchen range—offering a range of sugar-free versions of her favourite treats.
‘I’ve always advocated for finding an alternative rather than completely abstaining from a type of food many crave, such as sweets, because deprivation never works,’ Carolyn said.
‘You end up craving it all the more, and your efforts more often than not are up-ended within a few months.’
She later wrote a cookbook, to go alongside her range of baking mixes, which include her favourite cookies, lamingtons and a gluten-free chocolate mousse.
Carolyn Hartz, SweetLife Australia Founder, shares her journey from pre-diagnosis to a sugar-free, healthier life. Video source: Facebook (@SweetLifeAustralia)
Now at the age of 76, many people are amazed by Carolyn’s physique and passion for fitness, claiming they ‘can’t believe’ her age.
Carolyn pointed out that while diet plays a role in her youthful physique, it's not the only reason.
She mentioned activities like walking, pilates, engaging with her four grandchildren, and tennis contribute significantly to her well-being.
She also stressed the importance of sleep and advocated for enjoying one's favourite foods in moderation.
Members, we'd love to hear your thoughts on Carolyn’s story. Does it inspire you? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Carolyn, after being diagnosed with pre-diabetes and hypoglycemia, realised the need for dietary changes.
Despite her fondness for cheesecakes and chocolate biscuits, she resolved to make healthier choices for her overall well-being.
‘They wanted me to take medication but I had never taken drugs in my life, and I suspected it was sugar, so I completely changed what I was eating,’ the 76-year-old told news.com.au.
After her research, Carolyn reduced her sugar intake to just one or two pieces of fruit per day. She also began incorporating protein in every meal, reducing her carbohydrate consumption.
In a social media post, Caroline mentioned that while she doesn't jog much these days, she enjoys getting her cardio through tennis. Image source: Facebook (@SweetLifeAustralia)
‘I made sure that I had protein with every meal because I was eating a lot of carbohydrates, which sends blood sugar levels crazy,’ she detailed.
‘Breakfast was no longer half a cheesecake or a packet of chocolate biscuits, I’d have eggs on toast with salmon and cottage cheese.’
A year later, her health was back under control, but she continued cutting out sugar, as well as gluten due to her intolerance.
When travelling in the United States and Paris for a conference, she was introduced to xylitol, a sugar-free substitute made from birch trees and corn cobs.
This inspired her to bring this sugar alternative to Australia, despite lacking computer or business experience.
She then launched ‘Sweet Life’, a Sugar-Free Baking and Sugar-Free Kitchen range—offering a range of sugar-free versions of her favourite treats.
‘I’ve always advocated for finding an alternative rather than completely abstaining from a type of food many crave, such as sweets, because deprivation never works,’ Carolyn said.
‘You end up craving it all the more, and your efforts more often than not are up-ended within a few months.’
She later wrote a cookbook, to go alongside her range of baking mixes, which include her favourite cookies, lamingtons and a gluten-free chocolate mousse.
Carolyn Hartz, SweetLife Australia Founder, shares her journey from pre-diagnosis to a sugar-free, healthier life. Video source: Facebook (@SweetLifeAustralia)
Now at the age of 76, many people are amazed by Carolyn’s physique and passion for fitness, claiming they ‘can’t believe’ her age.
Carolyn pointed out that while diet plays a role in her youthful physique, it's not the only reason.
She mentioned activities like walking, pilates, engaging with her four grandchildren, and tennis contribute significantly to her well-being.
She also stressed the importance of sleep and advocated for enjoying one's favourite foods in moderation.
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