Sugar Detox Summary

I've done it, you guys.  

I've finished another round of the 7-day Sugar Detox.  [pats self on back]  This definitely wasn't my easiest challenge ever (as you'll see in my day-by-day summary), but it was effective!  I can honestly say I feel I have 100% "detoxed" from sugar - and I couldn't be happier.  

So I'm sure you're all wondering how my week really went.  Let me lay it out for you day by day - the good, the bad, and the just downright miserable parts.  Because, hey - I've always been honest with you guys, so why stop now?  Amiright?!

• Day 1 (Monday): Cravings were minimal, but I was definitely sluggish.  This could be due to the fact that it was Monday though - and my SUPER slow digestive tract.  I was definitely bloated and my stomach just felt heavy.

• Day 2 (Tuesday): I worked that day and was NOT feelin' it that day.  I was moody, exhausted, my workout stunk to high heavens, and wanted to munch on EVERYTHING - salty or sweet.  I didn't care.  I would've thought I was going to start my cycle if I didn't know better (TMI, I know - haha).  I got through the day by grubbing on some plain rice cakes with PB powder (Crazy Richards' Pure PB, not PB Fit since it has a little added sugar) + cinnamon.  And as far as the moodiness goes...I just tried to stay away from people as much as possible.  HA!

• Day 3 (Wednesday): This day was a bit better as far as moodiness and binge tendancies go, but I was definitely still sluggish.  Unfortunately, I tried to compensate with more coffee, which definitely didn't help my digestive tract situation.  Ugh.  I'm not even kidding - all of the extra sugar/fat had really done a number on me.  I tried all sorts of natural remedies, but nothing seemed to be helping.  Oh well, on to day 4!

• Day 4 (Thursday): My cravings had completely resolved, my blemishes on my face were gone, and my mood was on the mend.  However, the OTHER issue was still hanging around.  Meh.  The bloating hadn't gone away yet and I felt like I had a brick in my belly (not fun).  I tried more remedies (extra magnesium, extra probiotics, some senna at night time)...nada.  **This is one of the reasons why you've got to listen to your body - it's telling you loud and clear when it doesn't like something!  Some people can eat 100+ grams of sugar a day and not have any effects, but then others (like myself) can only eat small amount without having allllll these issues.  So just because you see someone eating something on the regular on social media doesn't mean YOUR body will like it.  YOU DO YOU and find out what your body DOES like.  Ok, rant over.  On to the next day!

• Day 5 (Friday): I worked again and it was a DOOZY.  I had a headache most of the day, and was completely drained by the end of the day and didn't have an ounce of energy left to even attempt a workout.  But I listened to my body, ate lots of good, nutrient-dense foods (didn't even crave sugar again - woohoo!), and RESTED once I got home.  My stomach problems weren't any better - AGAIN.

• Day 6 (Saturday):  My energy levels/mood were better throughout the day, and I was even able to get in a good leg/glute workout. WHOOP!  The binge tendencies were still gone, buuuuut still having tummy problems.  

• Day 7 (Sunday): Eureka!  The last day of the challenge!  I was a little sluggish in the beginning of the day, but I knew that was due to the digestive issues and not withdrawing from sugar.  But PRAISE BABY JESUS - the issue FINALLY "resolved"!  I felt like a brand new person.  [cue happy dance and simultaneous jazz hands]

I know, that was quite a lot of potty talk (HAHA!).  But I wanted to be totally honest with you guys, and that's the issue I dealt with the most!  And trust me, your colon is seriously what keeps the rest of your body running well.  If you don't have a clean colon, then it affects everything - your mood, mental clarity, energy levels, nervous system, and skin.  So again, listen to your body, friends!  If you can tell you've overdone it or that your body just doesn't like something (even in small amounts), then DO SOMETHING about it!  

Ok, so in continuing with my full disclosure, here are some before/after pics for you guys.  Now don't get me wrong.  I'm NOT saying there's anything wrong with my body in the first pictures, so please don't think I'm saying that!  I just wanted to show the difference (even if it's subtle to some of you) in my bloating/belly distention compared to now.  

Well, how did YOU do?!  Who finished with me and who is still trucking along?!  I want to hear about your own challenges, so please share!  (You can always email me if you don't wish to share your stories in the comments.)  I hope that at least some of you joined in and feel the same relief I do.  Sugar cravings, BE GONE! 

Have a great week, babes!

Blessings!

7-Day Sugar Detox

I know what you're thinking - and YES.  Seven days does seem like a long time to go without sugar. 

But if you've been following me for a while, you know that I'm all about listening to your body.  And my body has been telling me that I need to lay off the added sugar for a week and help "reset" my gut after weeks of traveling.  I've done this before and have noticed a huge difference in my digestive system, which is one of the reasons why I'm accepting the challenge (again)!

Notice I said "added sugar".  That's because I'm not completely cutting out sugar - I'm not crazy!  I'm still allowing myself fruit (in moderation) once or twice a day (usually in my oats or smoothies).  What I am removing are added sugars (honey, agave, maple syrup, nectars of any kind, and coconut sugar) from my diet for these seven days.  

I'm sure you're wondering 1) WHY I'm doing this, and 2) WHAT I expect to gain from this challenge.  

WHY: I have been traveling for at least 3/4 weeks now, and as you might expect, have indulged in a few treats along the way.  (Especially at the Natural Product Expo, which was basically a nut butter and chocolate MECCA.) Here are a few things that I've noticed with my body:

• slower digestive tract (you know what I'm talking about...ugh.
• bloating (which is from both the slower digestion and inflammation in my gut from all of the extra fats/sugars)
• low energy levels
• cravings (like, legit GIMME-ALL-THE-SUGAR cravings)
• moodiness
• more breakouts (I don't usually have blemishes pop up unless my diet is out of whack or around that time of the month)

WHAT: During my previous sugar-detox challenge (which I did when Further Food was doing theirs), there were a few benefits that I noticed.  I'm hoping to see the same this time, too!  A few of those were:

• better overall digestion (cause let's face it, we're all a little happier when we have good bowel habits - HAHA!)
• less bloating, especially around the from of my belly
• higher energy levels (likely due to more stable blood sugars)
• reduced cravings
• more steady moods (my husband and kids would say "THANK YOU")
• clearer skin

The dates for this challenge are Monday (the 26th) through Sunday (the 1st).  I'll definitely keep you guys up to date on how I'm feeling and how my progress is going, both on here and my Instagram feed. 

If you'd like to join me, you're more than welcome to!  You don't have to start on the same day I did - just make sure to do seven full days.  One tip for you: don't search "#dessert" on Instagram.  Just don't do it.  It makes those first few days SOOO much harder.  Trust me.  If you see something that looks decedent, just double tap, bookmark/screenshot it, and then keep on scrolling, boo. 

I also will be sharing some great NO SUGAR ADDED options for you, like these Flourless Blender Muffins (with creamy cashew butter) I made earlier this week.  The banana in them helps to curb that sweet tooth, and the fats from the nut butter keeps you feeling satisfied.  You're welcome. 

Once you've finished your seven days (yay!), then S L O W L Y integrate added sugars back into your diet (read: DON'T go out and have a hot fudge sundae, as much as you might like to!).  Your nice, reset gut might boycott that approach.  

If you do choose to join me, please tag me in your posts!  I'd love to follow along with your challenge and cheer you on! 

Have a great evening, loves!

Blessings,

Apple Pie Overnight Oats

If you're looking for an easy, nutrient-dense, TASTY breakfast option, I've got two words for you: OVERNIGHT OATS.

These make-ahead oats are life. changing.  I mean it.  They literally take 2 minutes to throw together and the flavor combinations you can make are endless.  I have a few faves of my own, such as Banana Bread Chocolate Chip, Chocolate PB, and Strawberries n' Cream.  

Now I have another ah-mazical combo to add to the list: APPLE PIE.

That's right, everything you love in an apple pie, thrown into a mason jar and left to sit overnight till it gets all creamy and delicious.  AND it's healthy, so there's that.  #yourewelcome

I know, you're probably salivating already, so I'll get right to it.

APPLE PIE OVERNIGHT OATS

Prep Time: 2 minutes

"Cook" Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 7 minutes

INGREDIENTS

Oats:

- 1/2 C rolled oats (I've been using a local brand - Pecan Point Farms - and LOVE the texture it gives the overnight oats.  If you're in the Columbus/Phenix City area, you can find them at Market Days on Saturdays!)

- 1/2 C unsweetened almond milk

- 1/4 C LifeWay organic unsweetened/plain kefir (for good gut health)

- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

- 1 Tbsp organic chia seeds

- 1 Tbsp unsweetened applesauce

- 2 tsp lucuma powder (this adds a really nice caramel flavor to anything - you can buy it on Amazon for a great price)

- Optional: 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup

Toppings: 

- 1/4-1/2 organic apple, diced

- a handful of Michele's Granola Apple Quinoa granola

- 1 Tbsp of Georgia Grinder's Cinnamon Vanilla Pecan Peanut Butter (all natural and SO delicious!)

- a dash or two more of cinnamon

- 1-2 scoops Vital Proteins grassfed collagen peptides (for an extra boost of complete protein)

INSTRUCTIONS

Add the first list of ingredients into a mason jar (or sealable container) and shake/stir till well combined.  Let sit, covered, in the fridge overnight (or at least 4 hours).  When you're ready to eat them, stir in the collagen peptides and top with the rest of the ingredients.  If you want to get a bit fancy (and have the time), you can quickly saute the diced apples in a little ghee (or cooking spray) with cinnamon.  That just adds even more of an apple-pie feel.

These are usually served cold, but you're welcome to warm the oats for a few minutes if you'd like.  I also enjoy eating them wearing leggings and boots while sipping on a homemade pumpkin spice almond milk latte.  Yes, I know, I'm as basic as they come.  

Enjoy, friends!

Blessings,

XOXO