By YASEMIN TALAT
FEBRUARY is here and so is Febfast, the original charity movement which challenges participants to take a break from alcohol for the month while raising funds for youth addiction.
And those getting involved can choose to kick other habits too like sugar, caffeine or digital media.
Werribee Febfaster Katie Kirkwood has taken to the challenge and has vowed to take a break from sugar for 28 days.
That means anything with over five grams of sugar per 100 grams is a no-go, as is most pasta, rice and breads.
Ms Kirkwood said the challenge was a good way to continue on the path of improving her diet and said health was the main reason for signing up.
“It’s encouraging me to look at the labels of everything and making myself more aware of what has sugar and what doesn’t and how much,” Ms Kirkwood said.
“I’m fairly overweight and I’m trying to improve that and it’s a good cause, it’s good to raise money for youth addiction and help,” she said.
Statistics on the Febfast page reveal that the average Australian is consuming 34 teaspoons of sugar every day, which for some is five times the six to nine teaspoons recommended.
Ms Kirkwood hopes to raise $300 for Febfast which supply funds to partners, Youth Support and Advocacy Service and Family Drug Support.
Her biggest challenge so far has been dining out but said she will soldier through the next couple of weeks, hoping to even continue with her lifestyle change well after Febfast.
“It gives you a small insight into how people struggling with addiction cope and gives you a taste of what it feels like to actually quit or stop something,” she said.
To donate visit http://febfast.org.au/ and type Katie Kirkwood to sponsor Katie and donate to the cause.
