How sweet will you be this September? Go #sugarfreeforMD!

Now is the time to kick your sugar habit and adopt a healthier lifestyle, by joining Muscular Dystrophy NSW’s (MDNSW) Sugar Free September 2020 challenge and provide some sweet opportunities for people living with neuromuscular conditions.

Sugar Free September is challenging Australians to cut out refined and added sugar for one month and raise much-needed awareness and funds to help support people living with Muscular Dystrophy.

MDNSW Chief Executive Officer, Charlotte Sangster, said the impact of COVID-19 has made it a tough year for most Australians and Sugar Free September provides the opportunity for people to do something positive for themselves, and for others.

“Most of us are unaware of just how much sugar we are actually consuming on a daily basis, and with the impact of COVID-19 we may have been eating a bit more than normal and exercising less,” Ms Sangster said.

Australians consume an average of 14-16 teaspoons of added sugar each day. That’s equivalent to almost 3 bars of chocolate every day.

“Sugar Free September is your chance to challenge yourself, improve your health and give opportunities to kids and adults living with neuromuscular conditions so they can build strength and reach their potential,” added Ms Sangster.

Bondi Rescue Life Saver, Harries Carroll, is excited to be a Sugar Free September Ambassador this year. Harries said he is very passionate about his health and eager to support those in the MDNSW community.

“I’ve always been fit and healthy but I used to have a bad sugar intake which affected my moods and my recovery from training as well as my sleep.

By giving up sugar for one month, you can sweeten up the lives of hundreds of children and families affected by neuromuscular conditions with all funds raised going towards MDNSW’s programs and services that include camps, retreats and online peer support programs. So, get involved and go #SugarFreeforMD.

MDNSW has again partnered with nutritionist, naturopath and health expert, Gabby Campbell, who tells us that after quitting sugar for a whole month, people will feel energised and motivated.

“Sugar can cause people to feel very sluggish or moody, you can’t think straight, experience joint pain and likely to have gut problems like frequent bloating too. A lot of that will significantly improve after having an entire month off sugar. It is definitely well worth it,” said Ms Campbell.

More information, registrations and go to the Sugar Free September website www.sugarfreeseptember.org.au