[Don’t] Gimme Some Sugar

Candy has always been my weakness.  Milk Duds, anything Hershey’s, sour gummy worms, peanut butter M&Ms, Toblerone,  Sweet Tarts, Tootsie Roll Pops… the list goes on and on.  And then shortly after getting married, I discovered my love of baking so that added in cookies, bread, and homemade candy.  Seriously, did you see the hardcore baking I did for the holidays?

I’ve loved sugar my whole life but nearly two years ago it got out of control.  When I was dealing with the trauma from the burglaries, food was one of the few things that I could fully enjoy.  Being physically, mentally, and emotionally drained for an entire year didn’t leave much motivation for actually cooking or caring for that matter.  Even when my mental health started improving, the bad habits were already there.  Those two years resulted in a sluggish, low confidence, 15-20 lb. heavier version of myself.

Fast forward to January 2019, show of hands of anyone who made a New Year’s resolution to either lose weight or eat healthier?  It’s so hard and definitely not enjoyable.  However, I found a 2-Week Sugar Detox on Pinterest (https://www.idealsilhouette.com/2-week-sugar-detox/) and thought I’d give it a whirl in an attempt to break my sugar addiction.  I am very proud to say that today is Day 18 with what I like to call “intentional sugar.”  I certainly didn’t follow the detox exactly, but I have definitely cleansed my body of sugar.  Below is a summary of my experience:

• No desserts, sodas, or juices.
• Black coffee for the first full week. Week 2 I started adding a little cream.  Green tea with honey and lemon.  Other than that, only water.
• 3 eggs for breakfast every morning
• Lean meats (lots of chicken, some turkey, and some 92/8 ground beef)
• Lots of vegetables (minimal potatoes, carrots, and corn)
• Minimal grains, dairy, and fruit [but man, I really love dairy]
• Snacks included: celery and crunchy peanut butter, pistachios, raw veggies and hummus, plain vanilla yogurt and granola, string cheese.

The first three days were really rough.  I felt like a total psychopath day 1.  I’m pretty sure I didn’t think or talk about anything other than food.  I had a horrific headache and dizziness.  By the end of the first day I was quite disoriented and dropped anything I touched.  I couldn’t go to a restaurant at all during the first week because of temptation.  I was the only person in a room of 20 who wasn’t having a piece of cake at a going-away party.  I spent a LOT of time meal planning, cooking, and trying not to gross out my husband with the weird concoctions of vegetables that I found.  But soon, I started seeing and feeling results.

• I am much more clear-headed from the time I wake up to the time I fall asleep.
  • If you know me well, you know that I am usually an exhausted zombie. Not anymore!
• I rarely feel like I have to nap anymore.
  • If you know me well, you know that I could fall asleep in minutes if I sit still too long. Not anymore!
• I don’t have stomach problems.
  • If you know me well, you know that Pepto Bismol had become a regular part of my diet the last few months. Not anymore!
• You can begin to see the muscle I’ve developed from the last year of doing Krav Maga!
  • If you know me well, I’ve flexed on you and asked you to feel my muscle because it hasn’t always been obvious. Note anymore!
• My clothes fit better.
  • If you know me well, you know that I was struggling with some of my wardrobe. Not anymore!
• As of today, I have lost 10 lbs. in 17 days just from changing the way I eat.
  • If you know me well, I’ve been ready to get back into better shape for awhile now but have felt every stuck. Not anymore!

It’s been a very long time since I’ve been this proud of myself.  I feel better, and I’m very thankful that I’m continuing to see results.  The most exciting part for me so far is that now that I’ve started new habits, I can maintain what I’ve accomplished so far without completely hating mealtime.  I can eat carbs or dairy in small portions; I don’t have to live without them.  I can still “treat myself” but maybe contain it to one day of the week.  It’s just a matter of remembering how good I feel and retraining my brain on how to view food.