Sugar Independence

Have you heard about the 21 Day Sugar Detox? NO? Really?

Are you like a gazillion other people in the US (OK, world!) who have sugar or carb cravings? What about massive dips in energy during the day? OK, how about fatigue, brain fog, trouble concentrating?

You could probably benefit from this brief program. Yes - brief! It's only 21 days. Everyone at work is like "how can you give up X?" and I just respond with "It's ONLY 3 weeks!" My goodness, not having a beer or soda for a couple of weeks is NOT going to kill me. Better yet, I'll be happier in the long run!!

Back when I was researching Paleo, I bought the cookbook "Practical Paleo" via Amazon, written by Diane Sanfillippo. I love this cookbook! And, I started following her on Facebook, too. Next thing I know, she's posting about a group working on the 21 day detox. Had to learn more!

Coming out in print this fall!!

I've put it off for various reasons since April. I have this going on, that coming up, this event ... whatever! I finally said ENOUGH & decided July 1st was as good as any to start. (New groups start the first Monday of the month but you can start at any time!)

Three levels are part of this program - they vary in the level of restrictions you have. Level 1 is the least restrictive while Level 3 is the most (pretty much squeaky clean Paleo). Now, for anyone considering doing this & not having already started cleaning up their eating habits (as I have for the last 4 months), you'd want to consider starting at Level 1. It's still intense: no refined carbs (white flour), only whole fat dairy, no processed oils, no fruits (read the info to learn why!!) and no alcohol. Level 3 goes a step further & eliminates the dairy, all grains, all beans, etc. I chose to do Level 3 as it most closely represents how I eat now.

Why Sugar Detox?

I guess I'd ask you: WHY NOT? Sugar is nasty ... I don't care what anyone says about having some in moderation. It's a drug. It alters the state of your mind. It changes your body physiologically. For some, it wreaks havoc on digestion, brain function, and/or weight.

When I started Paleo in March, I saw how quickly my body adapted to the absence of grains. How GREAT the feeling was to not get out of bed sore!! I knew I still let some sugar creep into my diet (we won't talk about my kids' diet, yet!) but had a thirst for more information about how food impacts my body.

Preparing for the Detox

My journey starts on a Monday which gave me the weekend immediately preceding to get started. Thought that was pretty awesome. However, I did it all wrong ... Went out drinking beer Friday night, ate terrible on Saturday and then proceeded to eat & drink on Sunday. I think I was so bloated come Monday AM that I could've floated to Timbuktu! Oh, and I ended up getting sick with a nasty upper respiratory virus & ear infection! Darn sugar...

I read this blog from a really great site I've been using for info & recipes called Primal Toad. The post was called 21 Tips: How to Complete the 21 Day Sugar Detox with Ease. This was pivotal for me as I hadn't really thought of WHY I was going to do to the detox aside from another kick-in-the-pants for my weight loss. (As if that wasn't enough reason?)

I planned out my menu for the week & did my typical Sunday grocery shopping followed by chopping, prepping & cooking what I could in advance. (Nice hot day to spend in the kitchen, too...grrr!)

Next step: DO IT!

Day 3 Check-In

Today is my Day #3 and I'm doing great! I have to say that it has been helpful that I started Paleo a few months ago. I think if I would've started Paleo by doing the detox, I would not be where I am today.

Oh, and my cold is nearly gone so I'm heading to boot camp tonight!

Last thing on my check-in: I'VE LOST ANOTHER 3 POUNDS!!

Happy Independence Day!! I'll be celebrating my independence from sugar this year!!

 

That means I'm now 33 POUNDS TOWARDS MY -40 GOAL!!

 

Give me a woot! woot!!