I am fairly certainly I have not gone 21 days without sugar, glutton, or dairy since infancy. It is a great feeling of accomplishment knowing I stuck to it and was able to finish it.
I've learned quite a bit during the last three weeks. I really hope I can remember what I have learned, and use this experience going forward.
Here are a few of the things that come to mind:
- I forgot how much I enjoy blogging! I blogged a lot in the year before and after getting to my goal weight, but then I let it slide. The last three weeks, blogging about this detox has brought that passion back. Doubt I will continue to blog every day, but I am going to make it my goal (as I originally planned) to blog at least once a week.
- I can survive without sugar! When Juli told me about this detox in April, I couldn't figure out why anyone would want to go without sugar. Isn't the point to maintaining healthy lifestyle to incorporate treats now and then? Why give that up? Because sometimes your body needs a break!
- Support is important! As I've said before, I have an awesome support system in place. For me, that includes, my hubby, Juli, Sibyl, Windy, my walking group, the inspirational and motivational women (and men) at Weight Watchers, friends on Facebook, and my co-workers (thank you Marty S for talking me out of the cafeteria cookies!). Ask for help, you will amazed, by the generous, thoughtful people in your life.
- Plan, prep, and follow through! I didn't jump into this detox lightly. Hubby and I discussed it, discussed when we would do it, what would be involved, and then followed through with what we decided. We timed it so there were minimal challenges during the detox.
- I've learned to listen to my body! I now have a greater understanding of the foods that negatively affect me, make me feel good, make me tired, or make me feel sick. I've learned that I may have sensitivity to certain foods and I will need to make the choice going forward to enjoy the food and pay the consequences, or just avoid that food.
- Sleep is important for weight loss and weight maintenance! I need sleep. I love sleep. When I'm well rested, I don't overeat and I have more control around food.
- It is possible to have energy after 5 pm! Before the detox, I would come home, help Hubby with dinner, do chores, then flop on the couch for the evening (with food, of course). Since being on the detox, I have had more energy in the evenings and I've been getting more done around the house.
- I can get through emotional situations without food! This is the one that I will be working on for a long time to come. Because of the detox, I am even more aware of how I use food not only for emotional situations, but to soothe aches and pains. Some of those aches and pains were actually caused by the food I was eating. A whole different vicious cycle, I wasn't even aware. I am learning to find ways to get through those situations without food.
- Cravings do not equal hunger! Cravings will pass. I do not need to give into a craving just because I have one. For me, I have more of a desire to eat then an actual craving. I've spent years giving into that desire by eating, chewing gum, or popping hard candies or mints (I'm pretty sure this behavior started when I quit smoking 16 years ago). This has been a real eye-opener for me. And has been one of the hardest things to work through on the detox. When I have the desire to eat, I need to stop, think, realize what I'm feeling, and drink some water or tea until the feeling passes.
- There is a difference between snacks and treats! I'm a slow learner and I have a feeling this will be one of those things I've learned, but will manage to forget at some point. I will still need to remind myself that treats are only meant to be eaten occasionally, snacks are healthy foods to tide me over until the next meal.
- I need to get back to eating mindfully! This is another one that I was reminded of because of the detox, but will need to work on before it becomes a habit. I have to start focusing on the food that I'm eating, eat without distractions, and enjoy, savor, and linger over my food. I will feel more satisfied and will be less likely to overeat between meals.
- Steady blood sugar levels makes me a happier person! The detox has made me realize that my constant spikes and drops in my blood sugar made me a very moody, irritable, (and yes, I'll admit it), bitchy person to be around. Since being on the detox, those mood swings have been much better. Not great, but better. I did find it much harder to get through PMS when I couldn't soothe my hormones with chocolate!
Doing this detox was one of the best decisions I've made in regards to my weight loss. It's made me realize that I can enjoy a wide variety of flavorful, wonderful, natural foods. I don't need to eat glutton, dairy or sugar.
As I've said before, I'm a slow learner, and sometimes it takes me awhile to learn new habits.
I would love to say that I will stick to eating this way going forward... but, if past experience has taught me anything, it's to just take it one day at time. And today, I will be sugar, glutton and dairy free.
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