21 Day Sugar Detox ~ Week 1 Check-in

I started another 21 day sugar detox on Monday, November 3rd. Here’s an update on how my first week went and what lies ahead.

So far, not too bad.

I mean – it’s not like I’m facing a sugar demon in my dreams at night or continually thinking about the giant bag of Halloween candy that’s still in the living room. The daily emails I receive are to help reinforce the program to me but, in all honesty, I don’t go through the steps that most people experience when they start the program for the first time. I have my own vices and struggles. That’s what I like about this program: no two experiences are ever the same. And, that means no two people experience the same nor does one person ever have the exact same experience when they do it more than once.

I haven’t noticed major physical changes like I did back in September. When I say physical changes, I refer to an obvious weight drop (or shift) particularly in my mid-section which is usually bloating and water weight caused by eating grains. I hopped on the scale this morning (I do every Monday) and there’s no change.

Yeah, that bums me out. But, I also realize there’s more to a sugar detox than weight loss.
I have been craving chocolate and other sugary things but mainly that’s because they are around me (and related to my cycle – sorry, TMI!). I was batch cooking yesterday and making the kids some cookies to take in their lunches as well as some muffins for morning snack. I had the honey and maple syrup out and just wanted a scoop of each. That’s really odd for me.

Alas, I have found a new weapon to fend off these cravings: KALAMATA OLIVES!! They taste sweet (to me) and have just the right amount of saltiness. YUM!

Confession Time

While I do not believe in calling something a “cheat”, I had a few nibbles here and there. The boys had nachos on Taco Tuesday; I ate some of their chips (organic blue corn) AND I had a slice of organic aged cheddar cheese. Oh, and it was so good!! I could have done without the chips; I think corn is out for me.

Yesterday – aka, Football Sunday – means pickle roll-ups. These delicacies are a favorite amongst my family for gatherings. My youngest, in particular, loves them. What are they? Take a slice of ham and spread softened cream cheese on it; lay down a dill pickle spear and roll. Slice into pieces. YUM! Seriously … they are good. And, I’ve made my own version using better quality ham, organic cream cheese and additive-free pickles (or, I mix relish with the cream cheese). But, the convenience of the store ones usually outweighs the work of homemade. Especially when I’m not going to eat them. Until yesterday. I ate about 5 of them. Ugh…

I know that there are different levels of the 21DSD program where dairy is acceptable. But, that’s not the level I am doing. Besides, me + dairy does NOT equal successful weight loss. Those nibbles have added up and affected the results I’m seeing this go around.

Time to buck it up and get more strict with myself. I know I can do it!

Rough Week – And No End in Sight

I think we all realize and understand that stress plays a HUGE role in our health and wellness. This past week sure met quota for stress in my book.

I had a friend go through a very tragic and unexpected loss. It shook me to my core, reminding me how precious life is and how quickly it can be taken away from you. Give your loved ones an extra hug tonight, okay?

At the same time, I was also trying to resolve a conflict which could affect one of my children. The conflict was the result of a misinterpreted  email. It was incredibly unfortunate to have happened. I cannot stress to you enough how important it is to understand that when you interpret the written word, it is YOUR interpretation and may be the polar opposite of the author. With us relying so much on digital communication, we lose most of the message when we don't see or hear the message being delivered. As humans, we fill in the blanks. READ: We just make it up ourselves. This is so dangerous to our relationships. And, it continues to proliferate as we progress with technology. I just may need to elaborate more on this one at a later date. (Note to self!) I'm still processing this one, trying to think of ways to improve the relationship now going forward.

Luckily, we had a weekend to completely decompress as the week ahead is just crazy!! We have dentist and doctor appointments at night and our usual karate on Tuesdays and Thursdays. But, my son’s 8th birthday party is coming up on Saturday. I have yet to figure out where to find the time to make his cake or even consider party favors. (Really? Party Favors!?!? Do I really need to do those?)

So, our menu plan has been written, I have much of it ready, and we are hitting the ground running for the week. Hopefully the stress level will go back down to a “normal” level and we just make our way through the craziness of our evenings.

Week #2 – HERE I COME!

In good health…
~Anne