So…
I’ve decided to do the 21 Day Sugar Detox. I’m doing Level 3 since I’ve been eating paleo since January. What does this mean? Well, I will tell you. It means Yes to lots of meat, fish, veggies, nuts, seeds, fats, oils, and water. It means no to fruits, grains, legumes, refined carbs, dairy, all alcohol, and limited high carb veggies (like sweet potatoes). Why would I do this to myself, you may ask? I will tell you.
When I first started eating primally, I noticed almost immediately that my allergies were way better. I used to wake up in the middle of night sneezing, with tons of disgusting snot just running out of my nose. Within two weeks, this green fountain abated, only to return when I cheated by drinking wine at our company holiday party. A light bulb went off – alcohol seemed to trigger/exacerbate my allergies.
Well, my allergies are back in full force. I can only feel normal by taking Allegra every day. I hate having to do that. So, Reason #1 – I want to see if this detox will get my allergies under control.
Reason #2 – I’ve gotten into the habit of drinking regularly over the summer – not copious amounts, mind you – maybe 1-2 an evening or so. But, it’s still not healthy behavior. When I drink even 1 or 2 drinks, I am much less likely to make food at home (I feel like going out to eat), and I’m less likely to work out or to do anything productive (like write a blog post or paint). So, I’m trying to reset my habit of casually drinking regularly. I also read this great post on The Whole 9, and it just helped solidify my decision.
Reason #3 – I’ve become addicted to an evening snack/dessert of dark chocolate chips mixed with nuts and raisins. I’ll eat supper and immediately want a bowl of this delectable mixture. I know to people who are not paleo, this seems like a mild “cheat,” but it’s become a nightly habit, when it should become an occasional treat. Again, I want to reset this to a healthier habit. I’m never really HUNGRY after supper, my mind just thinks I want sugar. I can beat this. I know I can.
So, those are my 3 main reasons. I do have some concerns, however. I don’t want to lose any more weight. I need to stay at my current weight, lest I have to buy MORE PANTS (FYI – I still have a size 8-12 wardrobe for sale, if you’re interested!). Since I’m a fairly heavy exerciser (I run 3-5 times per week and do pushups, pullups, squats, lunges on the off days), I will be following the modification for athletes and supplementing with some sweet potatoes – at least 1/2 cup per day. I also purchased a Crossfit Daily Deal from our local paper, and I plan on starting that within the next couple of weeks. I hope that I’ll have all the energy and calories I need to perform well there.
AND, I have a confession. I’m only doing this for 17 days. I have a work party on 10-11, and I plan to partake of a few alcoholic beverages that evening. I know! I know! I’m cheating, of course. But this is the best time of the worst time to do this. The next few months are full of trips and visits, so I’m just going to go ahead and do it.
If you are interested in doing this as well, DON’T do what I did, which is binge on sugar and bad foods for a week before the Detox. Yes, this week I ate Snickers, frozen yogurt, ice cream, pizza, heavy cream, etc. etc. I felt like crap after every bad thing, but I still ate it. I REALLY need a reset. 😉
I will post updates to let you know how I’m feeling and performing. Wish me luck!
