Way to Go
The 21-day sugar detox (21 DSD) is over. Congratulations to everyone who jumped into the challenge with members from The Fuse Fitness.I chose to do Level 3 of the 21 DSD. There are three levels, the third being the most strict. It is a rigid paleo diet (no grains, legumes, dairy, refined carbs or alcohol) and no sugar at all. Period. You may not consume fruit during these 21 days. The detox program suggested to only choose level 3 if you are already used to following a paleo/grain free lifestyle. Check out the other options for you to try.
I have been pale for years, not always super strict, but at least 80%. There is an “athlete modification” for those who workout vigorously multiple times a week that allows 1/2 cup of sweet potato a day. I did not consume sweet potato daily, probably only five of the 21 days. The point of the 21 day detox is to regulate and stabilize your blood sugar levels, which in turn keeps you from craving refined carbs and sugar as a pick-me-up. There are so many positive health benefits from a low sugar diet, give it a try.
21 DSD
So, you probably want to know how it went. Luckily for you, I an going to fill you in on the details. The good, the bad and the ugly. The good outweighed the bad and ugly, but I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t share the challenges with you as well.The Good
While I did not do this detox with a goal of losing weight/body fat, the majority of people on this detox will lose body fat. The more body fat you have to lose, the more dramatic the difference. While I consumed a large amount of calories all day long, I absolutely saw a difference in my body. I leaned out a bit more and my abs became very defined. Even though that wasn’t my goal, I’ll take it as a win.More important for me, I experienced an increase in and a more consistent energy all day long. No more mid-afternoon yawns, which is the one time of day I’ve always struggled.
I also experienced better sleep. I am a light sleeper and wake easily. I have suffered from bouts of insomnia throughout my life. On the 21 DSD I experienced high energy all day and sound sleep all night, For someone who is on their feet 12 hours a day and needs to sustain high energy and stamina, this is amazing.
I’ve struggled with IBS/digestive problems my entire life, which is the primary reason I decided to go mostly paleo years ago. Tightening up the reins and diving into this detox, I truly experienced the most comfortable and regular digestion I can ever remember. I haven’t had any problems with bloating or stomach aches. It feels great.
Overall, I just feel pretty darn healthy.
The Bad
Well, for me there wasn’t much “bad.” Because I already followed the paleo lifestyle, there were not a lot of changes for me. However, the third day of the detox, I did have a headache for most of the day. This eventually cleared and never returned.Usually, the more sugar and refined carbs you consume in your diet before the detox, the more difficult the detox symptoms can be. They range from lethargy to persisting headaches to cold/flu-like symptoms and irritability. Most people report that those symptoms subside and their energy and strength returns to way above their normal levels.
The Ugly
So, there were a few moments of ugly. They all happened during the first week of the detox.While washing grapes for my daughter’s lunch one evening, probably around Day 3 or 4, I found myself salivating over them. I wanted one of those grapes with a vigor I have never experienced with any piece of food. It took me by surprise and it was such a mind-battle. I had to seriously fight myself not to eat just one grape. It was emotionally exhausting.
On day 5, Friday evening, my daughter had a friend over for a play date, and the kids wanted dessert. I let them choose what they wanted and they picked mint-chip ice cream in a cone. After we ate a 21 DSD approved/paleo dinner, they wanted their ice cream cones. As I was scooping the ice cream it was melting quickly and running down my fingers. I cannot tell you had badly I wanted to just lick my fingers. It was pure torture. I thought the grapes were bad, but this worse and I don’t even like mint-chip ice cream!
Friends and Family
I also found that there were many people in my life who had a difficult time accepting that I was doing the detox. I heard things like, "Why do you have to always be so extreme?!"; "You don’t need to lose weight, why are you doing this?"; "This is crazy, no fruit!" I had to remind these people that it was my choice and that it was only 21 days. I reassured them that my goal was not to lose weight, but that I wanted to experience the health benefits from this detox.My favorite line from friends, “Just have this one glass of wine, no one will know.” That’s where it got ugly, that awkward moment when I had to say, “Well, two people will know, you and me.” This detox does take discipline, but I did it.
In the End
There you have it, my 21 DSD experience in a nutshell. I feel great and will continue to follow the paleo lifestyle - very little to no sugar or gluten. I will enjoy fruit again returning to my usual one piece a day. I will keep eating lots of fresh vegetables and lean meats.My reward right now, is to celebrate this 21 day accomplishment with a really good glass of wine :)
Please feel free to ask me any questions or share your 21 DSD experience with me. If you have not taken up the 21 day sugar detox, feel free to jump in anytime.
Yours in health,
Kristin at The Fuse Fitness