My 21DSD recap

Hi! Happy Thanksgiving! (currently flying to Fargo so wanted to update before I unplug for the long weekend)

I finished the 21 day sugar detox over the weekend. Hurray!

Here are my thoughts about how it went.

It was hard, but not as bad as I thought it might be. I did the Level 2 plan so was still allowed to have full-fat dairy, but no grains, no sugar, no added sweeteners, etc.
I did go out to eat a few times, and probably was exposed to things I wasn't supposed to eat. And yes, I had a few sips of wine here and there. So I definitely was not perfect, but I still think it was a great experience.

Week 1: I had no trouble the first 3 days or so. After that I had some headache issues, crankiness, and fatigue but that cleared quickly. Had fun trying new recipes and I thought that I could do this no problem! Things I was loving: egg frittatas, salads with oil and vinegar and tons of veggies, green smoothies, kombucha.

Week 2: Tons of energy! I had less and less of that 'must eat now' type of feeling during the middle of the day or at the end of work. I felt my appetite was much more controlled throughout the day. I found so many great recipes that we incorporated into our nightly meals. I must admit I was surprised at how sweet a green-tipped banana tasted towards the end of the week. Things I was loving: acorn squash, eggs with spinach, butter coffee.

Week 3: Still felt great, but somewhat overwhelmed at the amount of preparation it was taking to stay compliant. I usually meal plan and grocery shop on the weekends and then try to prepare some food as well. But we had some family stuff going on and the weekend was busy and it didn't happen. So towards the end of the week I was eating a lot of hard-boiled eggs, nuts, grass-fed cheese, and almond butter. Definitely did not have as many veggies as I would have liked, but still able to stay on track. Towards the end was definitely sick of eating green apples and green-tipped bananas, as these are the only fruits besides citrus that are allowed. Things I was loving: coconut smoothies, butter coffee with pumpkin pie spice.


favorite meals over the 3 weeks:
tacos with lettuce wraps
egg muffins (check pinterest, tons of easy options)
pumpkin pancakes
chicken pot pie --even the hubby raved about this one (from the 21DSD book)
zucchini crust pizza
vanilla bean n'oatmeal

Looking back, I can find several things that have changed. I really think it altered my taste buds. I had a piece of pumpkin pie at a family pre-thanksgiving and it was so sweet I couldn't finish it. Also I have had this hip pain off an on for awhile and that disappeared. Sugar is inflammatory so I wonder if it was contributing to my joint pain. And, my energy was stable throughout the day. No more 'hangry' and 3 pm brain fog for me!

I plan to incorporate some things back into my diet, like occasional honey, maple syrup and other natural sweeteners. I also plan to add more fruit as I think berries are so vital to health as they contain such high doses of phytonutrients and anti-oxidants. I will also add some gluten free grains like quinoa and gluten-free oats from time to time. This whole experience has made me much more aware of how food can make you feel like a million bucks, or like crap. I choose to feel great!

have you ever thought of doing a sugar detox? I may do another one after January 1st. Maybe I can convince some of you to join me?

Post-Halloween Health Tune Up

Hi everyone,

Hope your halloween was great and you did not fall into a huge sugar coma! Our trick-or-treat is tonight. I love seeing all the cute costumes! The weather is going to be terrible so I have a feeling I will be bring a lot of candy to work on Monday. Next year I want to really try to do non-candy treats, like tattoos, vampire teeth, and other halloween goodies. I'm sure we will do some candy, but it would be nice to be able to offer another option for families who are interested.

Speaking of candy...I am doing a 21 day sugar detox starting Monday. I plan to write about the process throughout, so stay tuned.
If you are interested in joining me, check out the link below!

Also, I promised some easy ways to incorporate more veggies...here ya go!

1. Green Smoothies.

If you have ever googled how to get more veggies or browsed pinterest I'm sure you have seen something about a green smoothie. I know this is not a new idea, and I know I am not the only person to blog about them.
However, for busy mornings it is my go-to breakfast. I wish I had time every morning to have spinach and eggs but it ain't gonna happen :)

You can save money buy buying frozen chopped greens in bulk. I like using frozen because it keeps my smoothies cold and I don't have to add ice. I promise you cannot taste the spinach. So pick your favorite smoothie recipe, add a big handful and drink up!

2. Sneak 'em in to baked goods.

Add them to your muffins, bread, etc! Carrots or zucchini are easy choices and you can't taste them in the finished product. Just make sure when you add them you really soak up all the extra water, otherwise your muffins may end up too soggy.

Check out this recipe for easy zucchini bread. You could easily make muffins with this instead, just adjust the cooking time.

 Chocolate Zucchini Bread

3. Spice up your life! (ha)
Yes broccoli is going to be boring if all you add is salt and pepper. There are so many ways to incorporate more flavor to your veggies.

Try adding turmeric, as it is a potent anti-inflammatory aid! Mixing it with black pepper ups the absorption. Not sure you would like turmeric? here is an easy recipe that has other flavors to balance it out.

Oven Roasted Cauliflower with Turmeric and Ginger


4. Experiment with new ways to cook your veggies

Since it is fall, squash and other root veggies are EVERYWHERE. I really love roasting butternut squash with some olive oil and salt and pepper (400 for about 45 min depending on your oven, and make sure to flip/toss halfway through). If you are short on time, you can buy it already cubed and ready to go!

Here's a link that shows you how to easily cut and cube a squash. I will admit I am terrible at this, but I am determined to learn

How to cube a butternut squash

5. Be Prepared! (Lion King, anyone? no, just me? sigh)

Anyway...I definitely eat more veggies if they are ready to go in snack size containers. If I have it at work, I will eat it! So spend some time Sunday before the work week starts prepping and chopping veggies. My favorites to eat on the go are celery, peppers, and carrots. I have also started using jicama as well, which is so good with some freshly made guac! You can even buy a lot of these things already chopped. It is a little more pricey, but if you think you won't have time to prep, then go for it. Spending a little more up front is better in the long run than paying for all your healthcare costs from diseases related to obesity, etc.


6. Don't be afraid to try something new.

I read an article once that suggested people only rotated the same 10 or fewer vegetables. No wonder people think healthy eating can be so monotonous! Go to the store and pick up something you have never tried. Google can be your friend if you have no idea what to do with it. Try a CSA or local co-op if it is available in your area. Many times a recipe card is included with the veggies, especially if it is something unusual. Being adventurous in the kitchen goes a long way. Who knows, you may find your new favorite side dish!

What is your favorite way to incorporate veggies? Interested in some green smoothie recipes? I would be happy to do a whole post about them. Share in the comments below!

xo

kate