Sugar Detox Time

This realization/decision is a loooooooong time coming. I told myself I would wait to do a post until I had some results to share, but when I am excited about something I can't keep it to myself.

Obviously I am like so many people who struggle with food and have the extra pounds to show I am losing the fight. For many years I tried different ways of eating. I read several books on healthy eating and various diet plans, tried Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers, subscribed to some fitness magazines and had a love/hate/commitment issues relationship with a could of gyms, my elliptical trainer, and walking. With each child I went up and down and up again until I had just had enough and settled for maintaining an unhealthy weight.

Lately I have been seeing more and more about sugar and artificial sweeteners. Started with a few Facebook friends posting about sugar addiction and doing a detox. Then I stumbled on a couple of articles and started tuning in to what I was consuming.

I am proclaiming myself to be addicted to sugar. My fix comes in all shapes and forms, not just desserts. I think that is why I was in denial for so long. Low fat didn't work. Eating in moderation was almost impossible. Granted I didn't truly study Atkins and never tried it because I just can't see cutting out fruit, beans and some veggies from a diet yet all you can eat bacon is ok.

As it started to sink in that I need to eliminate sugar from my diet, I didn't think it would be possible to go cold turkey. I turned to Pinterest to find out what a sugar detox is and if it was for me. I was delighted to find a 3 day detox.

I can do anything for 3 days, right?

The gist of this detox is no sugar, so no: bread, dairy, fruit or artificial sweeteners.

You eat proteins: meat (preferably lean), eggs, all the veggies you want (except potatoes and corn), and nuts

First challenge I faced: coffee. I love, did I mention how much I love, a good cup of coffee with half n half and sweet n low. Green tea was allowed as well as lemon so I was able to get that down. Not the same but it is 3 days.

I was pretty sure the sugar withdrawal symptoms would include a headache so I didn't want to top that with caffeine withdrawal as well. I tried coffee black but couldn't get through more that a few sips.

I had 3 eggs for breakfast 
Almonds for a snack
Lunch was a can of tuna with 1/2 an avocado, hummus, baby carrots, red peppers

2nd challenge was dinner. I had a work dinner at one of my favorite Italian restaurants. Additionally I was starting to get a cold so rather than wine I ordered hot water with lemon. The table ordered a caprese tower as an appetizer so I had a little tomato. I ordered scallops from the appetizer menu and a side of brussle sprouts.

Day 1 down 2 lbs.

Day 2 more green tea with lemon, more eggs, almonds. Then challenge 3: work lunch.
I was at a brainstorm with chocolates and treats all around the room. I was strong. I busted out my snack bag of baby carrots and they never tasted so good. Already after 1 day without sugar my tastebuds were changing, or it was mental. I had packed lunch but they ordered tomato soup, a southwest salad loaded with avocado, black beans, and tomatoes so I had some without any dressing and some grilled chicken.

I hit the grocery on the way home because I made this decision without an armed kitchen. Dinner was sautéed spinach, portobello mushroom, and an egg. While I was cooking I munched on red pepper strips and a little hummus.

Day 2 down another 1 1/2 lbs

Day 3, I worked from home as my cold is now fully developed. I have had headaches both days and also some stomach cramping. I read that bloating is also a symptom of sugar withdrawal so I think that is it.

I switched to black tea since it has more caffeine, but I only drank half. Still got a headache. Breakfast was some eggs, spinach and mushrooms. Lunch was some sliced turkey. I decided to make tomato soup so I was tasting that as a snack. Dinner was the soup with some kale chips, taro root chips and a few olives. Oh, I did cave in and had 1/2 a banana today as some of the plans I considered allowed a piece of fruit.

Tomorrow I will learn Day 3's results. 

I also have to figure out where to go from here. I hope to keep this up but will likely add in a little fruit and low fat dairy. It really wasn't too awful. I was craving diet coke and was tempted to have a little hot pretzel with dinner but I got through it, well so far.

Stay tuned.