Spring is just about upon us and if, like me, you’ve been overindulging in sweet treats this winter then here’s the perfect encouragement to start a healthier regime. Sugar Free September is a new health and fundraising initiative from a lesser known but very deserving charity, Muscular Dystrophy NSW. MDNSW is asking people to reduce the amount of processed and refined sugar in their diet while raising funds and awareness to improve the lives of people living with this devastating and fatal condition.
Similar to Movember or Dry July, participants are asked to set up an online personal fundraising page with the registration fee of $45 and all monies raised being donated to Muscular Dystrophy NSW. For those who may need a day off for a special occasion, there are also One day Opt Out passes available for a nominated donation.
MDNSW chief executive officer Pene Hodge acknowledges Sugar Free September will be a tough challenge: Australians consume an average of 53kg of sugar each year or the equivalent of about 29 teaspoons of sugar (both added and natural) each day. Removing it all would be almost impossible so, as nutritionist, Dr Joanna McMillian, a MDNSW ambassador, explains, the initiative is not advocating the removal of all sugar from your diet but the highly processed and added form that’s hidden in so many everyday items.
“Sugar Free September is ab
out a healthy diet. We’re advocating a natural diet; it’s an initiative that will suit almost anyone interested in improving their health.”
Hidden sugars in processed foods mean many people are unaware of how much they’re consuming on a daily basis, so Dr McMillian has compiled a list of products containing the largest amount of added sugar. She recommends removing:
sweetened soft drinks; fruit juices; additional sugar in coffee, tea and cooking; jams; biscuits; lollies; chocolate; desserts and flavoured milk.
High profile personal trainer Shannan Ponton, most recognisable from his work on The Biggest Loser, has also embraced the concept, sharing tips and encouragement to participants.
Fundraising is MDNS
W’s main source of income, allowing it to provide their world-first specialised Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, targeted sport and special interest programs, counselling, family retreats and camps for the kids. Muscular Dystrophy is a disorder which weakens and wastes the muscles and progresses rapidly with most children completely dependent on an electric wheelchair by their early teens. Life expectancy for this disorder is usually only until late teens or early twenties. It’s also not as rare as you think; it affects 20,000 people in Australia and is more prevalent than Cystic Fibrosis, Huntington’s Disease and Tay Sachs Disease combined.
The detail:
Time – The challenge starts Tuesday September 1 and finishes midnight, Wednesday September 30.
Cost – Participants can register for $45, which will be donated to Muscular Dystrophy NSW.
Opt Out – Participants are encouraged to last the whole of September sugar free but sometimes special events mean that’s not always possible. ONE DAY OPT OUT passes are available for a donation of your nominated amount.
Fundraising – Registering automatically sets up a personal fundraising page that can be sent to friends, family and colleagues for support. Participants who raise $150 or more will receive an exclusive Sugar Free September t-shirt.
More information and donations can be made via the Sugar Free September website https://sugarfreeseptember.gofundraise.com.au. Further information on MDNSW can be found at www.mdnsw.org.au
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