My Review of Week #2 of the 21 Day Sugar Detox

So, I made it through Week #2 of the 21 Day Sugar Detox!  I am in the final stretch now and in my last week!  Hooray!

I have to say, that I feel GREAT -- now. 

You can ready over my review of my first week here. 

The beginning of Week #2 was a little tough.  Days 9-10 were full of cravings -- probably the most that I have since going sugar-free.  TMI here - but I was PMS-ing so I am fairly certain that this had something to do with it. 

It has truly been a valuable and educational experiment, so far. 

Really, my eating was pretty clean going into the 21-Day Sugar Detox.  That is, aside from the holiday season and being down and out with bronchitis.  So, this is how I've been feeling two weeks in, and the benefits I've noticed thus far:

•  I feel like I’m sleeping better and waking up feeling more rested.
•  I've noticed some extremely dramatic improvements in my mental clarity.
•  My skin is more clear and my dark under-eye circles have definitely lessened.
•  My sugar and processed carb cravings have nearly disappeared (aside from Days 9-10).
•  ALL bloat is gone!
•  The food is fabulous.
•  My energy is nearly through the roof.

I also want to VERY CLEAR.  I am NOT doing that for weight-loss.  That will come later on. 

I am suffering from symptoms of hypothyroidism, and as I work to find a new physician, I have learned that refined grains and added sugars and sweeteners cause your entire body to slow down.  One of the biggest contributors to thyroid problems is gluten. Since so many thyroid problems are either caused or exacerbated by autoimmune disease, gluten can contribute to thyroid dysregulation in general.  And, SUGAR compromises immune function.  That is a fact.  In addition, sugar compromises the ability of our white cells to destroy toxins. This effect begins within 30 minutes of eating the stuff and lasts for five hours.  My body doesn't like sugar and gluten -- in fact, it hates them.  As much as I might want to eat that piece of cake.  My body hates me later on.

This is about HEALING for me.  And, feeling GREAT!  You get this one shot at life ..... who wouldn't want to go through it, feeling GREAT? 

Anyway, you can see my meal plan for this week right here.  A few of my favorite recipes while doing this Sugar Detox have been:  Homemade Tomato Bisque, Loaded Cauliflower Bake, and my ALL-TIME favorite -- Paleo Shepherd's Pie!

 

I am also doing Insanity Max: 30 -- 90% modified.  I've really noticed that my energy and stamina have increased .... from the combination of doing the two!

If you have any questions about what I'm doing, or what I'm eating, please let me know.  You can comment below, or drop me an email at chrispechulis@gmail.com.  Would love to hear from you.

ALL THE BEST,

Review of My First Week of the 21 Day Sugar Detox .... and Insanity Max: 30!

WHY Am I Doing the 21 Day Sugar Detox?

So, you may or may not know that for the past few years, I've been experiencing what I've come to believe are symptoms of being hypothyroid.  I had a pituitary adenoma many years ago -- it was removed and was benign -- and I also have read that this predisposes me to being hypothyroid.  I have had a few light tests done, and my ranges came back in the "normal range" BUT NOT in the "optimal range". 

So, as I work through finding a new physician who will work with me and my symptoms, I wanted to try to see if changing up my nutrition intake will help alleviate at least some of my symptoms.

I have read that the Paleo diet or the 21 Sugar Detox can be of assistance with symptom alleviation.  And, also with weight-loss. 

So, with the 21 Day Sugar Detox, I am basically eliminating: sugar (in any form, in any amount—no honey, maple syrup, date sugar, no sweeteners at all–not even a small amount in salad dressing), all processed foods, grains, legumes, gluten, and white potatoes.

Make no mistake -- sugar is in EVERYTHING.  So, these things are key:

• Read your labels.  Sugar is disguised as many other ingredients.  Sucrose, dextrose, etc.
• Read up on the program.  Know what you can have and can't have.
• Make a plan.  Research -- I used Pinterest -- tons of recipes that sound good to you and that you can adapt for your family, too.
• Meal-prep!  Since this plan allows for NO processed foods, you need to have food on hand.  Especially for those times you need to grab-and-go.

The ONLY modification I am making for this program is continuing to drink my Shakeology.  This is non-negotiable for me.  It has helped with some of my symptoms, too, and I am not willing to give it up. 

So, to MY REVIEW of the first week (almost) of the 21 Day Sugar Detox:

• It really isn't as hard as I thought it was going to be!  My detox "symptoms" were pretty minimal.  Once I got through the first 1-2 days, I was fine.  I had a dull headache for the first two days.  And, my first night of sleep was pretty horrendous.  Since then, I've been sleeping like a baby.
• I am loving the food.  I don't feel deprived at all.  I've only had a very small craving for additional fruit and a few crackers.  Crackers are my downfall though, so that's pretty standard for me.
• I feel GREAT.  I have more energy.  My skin is clearing up.  My digestive issues are nearly GONE (if you want more "TMI-style" specifics, feel free to message me.  I'll share!)  And -- weirdly -- I glanced at my reflection in the mirror today and the deep, dark circles that I usually have under my eyes were nearly gone.  I'm not sure if that's normal or not?  I'll take it. 
• I haven't gotten on the scale yet.  I am hoping for a bit of weight-loss, but honestly?  The way that I feel is MORE than worth this.

I'm also in my first week of Insanity Max: 30.  Insanity Max: 30 is 30 minutes a day of tough cardio and tabata-style workouts.  One of the best parts?  Every workout has a modifier on screen. So even if you’re just starting out, you can follow the modifier and still get a killer workout.  I modify 90% of the workouts!  And, there's no equipment needed -- all you need is your own body.

I'm eating properly AND getting a great 30-minute workout in.  Talk about treating the body right.  And, feeling GREAT!

If YOU need a REAL-Solution for your health and fitness goals (NOT a resolution!), I would love to chat with you.  Find a workout that works for YOU, personally.  And a nutrition plan that works for YOU, personally!

I also have a FREE 7-Day Clean-Eats Crockpot Challenge coming up.  Free!  Check it out.

Would love to help YOU create YOUR "Success Story" in 2015!

ALL THE BEST,

Not So Sweet .....

Meal Plan: Week of 1/5 - 1/11. 

So, with the holidays and being sick with acute bronchitis, my eating has gotten a bit off-track.  Never a good thing.  It is NOT just about the number on the scale.  My body just feels "blech".  Bloated, foggy, and inflamed.  No good!

I've also recently discovered that I am borderline hypothyroid and am experiencing nearly ALL of the classic symptoms.  My first line of attack with this is going to be to eliminate sugar and gluten from my diet and see if that is of help.

That being said, some fellow fitness friends and I are going to do a 21 Day Sugar Detox, virtually, starting tomorrow (January 5th).  Menu-planning will be key!  It always is when feeding a health family, in my opinion. 

There is a ton of info out there on the 21 Day Sugar Detox, so check it out.  Lots of guidelines, recipes, and information ...... free and online, and also there are book(s) available for purchase.

By the way, if you'd like to join us and want some extra support, please let me know!

Anyway, so I've started a new recipe board on Pinterest for these recipes here.  Please be patient with me, as I'm still learning about this program, and may modify slightly for my personal health needs and my family's needs!

This Spicy Turkey Taco Burger recipe (with homemade guac -- of course), is one of our faves!

Here is our menu-plan for the week ahead:

Monday:  Lemon Garlic Basil Chicken
Tuesday:  Leftovers 
Wednesday:  Spaghetti Squash Bolognese (this one sounds SO yummy!)
Thursday:  Spicy Turkey Taco Burgers with Homemade Guacamole [sans cheese]- one of my faves!
Friday:  Skinnytaste's Cilantro Lime Shrimp
Saturday:  Family in town visiting / possible dinner out
Sunday:  Baked Chicken Strips with Honey-Mustard Sauce

If you have done the 21 Day Sugar Detox, I would love to hear about your experiences - both good and bad!  And, any advice that you can offer this "newbie" would be greatly appreciated! 

ALL THE BEST,