Sugar Detox – Day 1

Happy Friday everyone.

A few posts ago, one of the goals I have set for myself for this month is to cut out sugar from my diet.  And so, starting today, I’m embarking on a 28 day sugar detox.  It sounds harsh but I’m calling it tough love.  Since I had gestational diabetes in my pregnancy, I’m at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.  In order to move forward with my health and wellness goals, I need to be honest with my sugar addiction.  It’s not an easy thing to share but I know I’m not alone.

But how does this even happen?  There are hundreds of books and documentaries on sugar but for me, my addiction stems from my childhood.  Growing up food was love.  No week was complete without my Grandma Toby’s rotating menu of cookies (chocolate chip, oatmeal and poppy seed).  Birthdays and other celebrations were celebrated with chocolate Smartie cakes, honey and sponge cakes and Lemon Meringue Pies.  I was surrounded by the sweetest foods, made by the most sweetest and loving people. And while I am so grateful for these culinary memories, the fact remains that not only have I developed an unhealthy relationship with food, over time I have developed a sugar addiction that is sabotaging my attempts to get healthy.

We all have our trigger foods. And sugar is mine.  But here’s the kicker:  sugar is in EVERYTHING.

After analyzing my food over the last few weeks, I’ve discovered that even the so called “healthy treats” (my beloved protein bars and protein shakes from Costco, for example) have actually been “gateway” foods to my sugar binges.  It stops today.   I’m tired of riding this roller coaster of highs and lows,  These so called quick fixes only lead me to wanting more.  I need to fully commit to this detox and see what will happen.

So, for the next 28 days, in addition to cutting sugar and all it’s evil cousins (maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, splenda and stevia), I commit to eliminating these foods:

• dairy
• grains
• beans
• nuts (goodbye peanut butter)
• potatoes
• Anything that comes in a box or a can

In terms of accountability, I will update you on my progress along with my weigh in days (I’m back to my Saturday morning meetings…woohoo).  Since it’s only the morning, I don’t have much of an update.  But here’s what I have so far:

What I did yesterday:  I came to terms with this little blip in the road and decided to do something.

What I will do better today: Read food labels, avoid short cuts, drink lots of water

My plan for tomorrow:  Stick to the plan, meal plan and prep, find alternate snack ideas

Okie dokie.  Let the detox begin!

If you have any sugar free recipes, snack ideas or anything you would like to ask me, please feel free to comment below.  I love hearing from you and I will write back!

Hope you all have a great weekend.

xo

Jen