The summer has been building up to one thing for me, and that is a sugar-detox. This is when I will have no sugar, no fruit, and no sugar substitutes for two weeks in order to work on healthing my brain, and my teeth. In the book, Cure Tooth Decay the author shows that eating the standard American diet (SAD) is ruining our teeth. Sugar is actually causing the bacteria in our guts to be off balance which can cause problems with both our brains, and our teeth.
Why would you want to do a sugar detox?
One reason to do a two week detox is to change the way that we taste our food. When there is no sugar, fruit, or sugar substitutes for two weeks, things will naturally taste sweeter when some of these items are added back in. Also, two weeks is enough to change the cravings that we have for sugar. More than two weeks for a sugar detox, can begin to change our gut bacteria balance, and mental clarity. After my first two weeks without sugar, fruit, or sweeteners, I will add fruit back in but only in moderation, and only in the afternoon. Fruit is digested differently in the body in the middle of the day, causing less of a spike in the blood sugar levels. Another way to keep blood sugar regulated is by having some sort of protein with fruit. Because of this, I have built up to my two week detox with no sugar until after 2pm.
How would you would you do a sugar detox?
There are different ways in which different people complete a sugar detox. Some will continue to eat fruit, or alternative sweeteners such as stevia. Others will cut out all sugar including vegetables that are higher in sugar such as carrots, or high in carbs such as broccoli. A full 30 day of no sugars is recommended by many health experts. Because of this, I am endeavoring on a modified 30 day detox. Building up to the detox, I had two weeks of moderation. The first week, I had no sugar, or fruit in my breakfasts. The second week I aimed at having no sugar or fruit until at least 2pm (though one day a friend’s child made no bake cookies so I had some after lunch). This week I start my two week no sugars, fruit, or sweeteners eating. After that I will add back in fruit in the middle of the day, for two weeks. The only thing that I have not decided is if to add back in Stevia that week as well. Maybe I won’t crave the sweetness so much at that point?! I hope so! Sugar has been the last thing that I have tried living without. However, my teeth are crying out that something must be done!
The Game Plan
In order to take on such a huge change in eating habits for me, I have decided on having some accountability, and planning ahead. For starters, I have created a group on Facebook called the Sugar-free Society (just because I love alterations). Another way that I have some built in accountability is through a Bible study that I am doing with some other ladies called the Lord’s Table. The study is about food though not about cutting out sugar, however, we do text each other about our struggles, and our triumphs, and meet once a week. The other way that I have prepared, is by creating a list of food that I CAN eat for when I get hungry or tempted. I have included that list below. Please use it, and join the Sugar-free Society, if you wish! Your teeth, and your brain will thank you, even if your family may not want to be near you for a few days as you go through withdrawals. Yes, some people do go through with withdrawals so get all of the support that you can. Comment below on your meal, or snack ideas. Let us help each other!
Food ideas:
Turkey bacon lettuce wrap
String cheese
Nick’s Sticks (meat sticks with no sugar)
Vegetables with hummus
Vegetables with ranch made from greek yogurt
Chia pudding
Carrot breakfast cookies
Pumpkin oats
Sugar-free granola
Breakfast fried brown rice
Spinach steel cut oats
Veggie quinoa bowl
Breakfast casserole
Sweet potato kale hash
Healthy baked beans
Bacon egg chive bites
Alfredo made with zucchini noodles
Carrot nachos
Spinach omelettes
Green smoothies
Celery sticks dipped in almond butter
Veggie salad with salmon
Tuna and cucumbers
Chicken salad stuffed avocados
Steak and potatoes
Caprese salad
Stew
Fajita bowls
Raw almonds, roasted pistachios, or other nuts not covered in sugar!