Detoxifying eats
Note about the following post: if you are suffering or recovering from an eating disorder and think reading about a sugar detox would be uncomfortable to you, I would consider skipping this particular post. What we read can affect our bodies and minds – I’m sending all of my love and healing wishes to you. I’ll be back later tonight with the latest shenanigans. xoxo
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Day 4 of the sugar detox and going strong 🙂
So I kind of miss the constant stream of holiday cookies (my stomach has been beating the sugar drum since Sunday, demanding the sweet stuff) but I don’t miss the energy crash from eating so much of it. I decided cut sugar out this week to get myself back to craving fruits and vegetables. I’ll likely be incorporating some sweets back in this weekend, since it’s a friend’s bday party and frosting will be making an appearance 😉
When I first thought about doing a little detox, the one my doctor put me on a couple of years ago came to mind. It was Les Miserables. There was a lot of emphasis on what I couldn’t have, instead of what I could enjoy, I had to cut out a lot of the healthy things I loved (eggs!!!!) and slowly add them back in, and while it did what it needed to do, it’s not something I would choose to do again. I was so bored with my food options and ended up hating quinoa for quite a while afterwards.
For this little detox, I did it on my terms:
-Still enjoying wine, chocolate and goat cheese
-Emphasizing whole, healthy foods while cutting out sugar
A resource:
To refresh a little, I skimmed through Natalia Rose’s “Detox for Women.”
I’ve read a few of Natalia Rose’s books (mostly when I was really into raw foods, but later discovered it wasn’t a lifestyle I could maintain for the long term), and agree with many of her teachings. I disagree with the concept of food combining, but appreciate her research-based information regarding the best types of food to eat, as well as her stance on avoiding cow’s dairy in favor of goat’s. It’s an excellent read and one that I certainly recommend adding to a healthy living and recipe library.
Here’s what I’ve been enjoying this week:
-lots of protein. Eggs, chicken, fish, turkey bacon and anchovies have been the staples so far. It’s funny how much I used to detest anchovies! Now I love the little fishy.
-Salad beasts. Since it’s freezing (to me) here, I haven’t been hankering for cold salads, but once I make one to go with dinner, I enjoy it so much. I haven’t made any warm salads yet this week, but especially love roasted veggies atop greens with dressing- a warming and hearty combo.
-Healthy fats. By enjoying butter, avocado, fish, goat cheese and hemp seeds, I’ve felt really satisfied and it’s helped with the sugar cravings. A block of dark chocolate will do it, too 😉
-Dark chocolate and wine. I still have some chocolate every morning for my am buzz, along with coffee and a glass of wine with dinner.
-Tea. I usually choose coffee over tea (more caffeine for my buck), but have been enjoying tea this week. This is a reminder to stock up on multiple boxes of Trader Joe’s candy cane green tea before they put it into the vault.
-Soup. The obsession with Ina Garten’s roasted vegetable soup continues and I also made a homemade vegan tomato soup.
I was so excited to post the recipe, but ended up too salty and pretty gnarly :/ It was adapted from this recipe, so I’d suggest sticking with the original on this one.
-Juices. Totally worth dusting off the juicer this week. You can see some of my favorite recipes here! LOVE green lemonade as an afternoon treat- Liv enjoys it, too.
-Sea veggies. I used to gorge on seaweed snacks while pregnant, and it’s been quite a while. I was expecting Liv to adore them, since she had quite a few in utero, but alas, she spit it out and looked up at me like I was crazy.
My eats will go back to normal-ish after the week sans refined sugar, and I already feel more energized after this kick-start.
I’m a huge believer of eating what your body craves, but if I had a cookie every time I was hungry (because, let’s be real, a cookie tastes better than 99.97% of all foods), I would be malnourished and lethargic. A diet high in whole, healthy foods works best for me, with rooms for cookies and the fun stuff sprinkled in there, too.
A couple of notes:
-Per an idea I read in “Detox 4 Women,” I made parsnip rice to go in my sushi salad bowl. I used to be a huge fan, but now… no. I need real rice.
-Speaking of real rice, we had Indian food yesterday (Livi’s first time!) and I would love for Indian food to be back in my life regularly. We have a few amazing restaurants here in Tucson (New Delhi and Saffron) that we haven’t taken full advantage of yet.
-An almost-weekly treat that isn’t going anywhere: Wildcat basketball nachos. I have a bowl at each game with tons of jalapeños. I will confess that I like cheese that once lived in a can.
I’m gonna go now.
Have a happy Wednesday!
xoxo
Something to do: Day 8 of the 12 days of fitness workouts!
8 bicep curls
7 tricep dips
6 pull-ups (resistance band rows or weighted deadlifts)
4 toe touches (each side)
3 mountain climbers (each side)
2 pushups
1-minute plank (can be 6 rounds of 10 seconds up, rest for 3 seconds)
Did you do it?! Leave a comment and let me know! My classes will be having fun today with this one…
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Natalia Rose was my first intro into juicing and the concept of incorporating more raw foods into my life. I agree with a lot of her teachings, but found that in the long term, it didn’t work for me. I had success with food combining for weight loss – but again, doesn’t work for long term happiness. I think it’s a great idea to do a sugar detox! I am definitely going to join you on this one!
Thanks for this post! Such a healthy mindset regarding “detox”. Thanks for not promoting restriction or anything like that. Do you eat carbs in the form of grains/fruit while you do this? I feel like a quick break from sugar is important for me to do too, but not realistic really until I’m back at school (still visiting with my parents for the holiday).
I’m with you on the sugar detoxing. From Christmas to New Year’s Day it’s been a lot of sweet treats over here! I am happy to incorporate more whole foods into my diet and resume to normalcy!
I am SO with you on that kind of detox! Funny enough I just mentioned in my post today, that I do a detox with less sugar and alcohol but still with a piece of chocolate here and there. I can’t do the completely restrictive thing. Life’s too short!!
I’m starting a sugar detox today. It’s not going to be for very long, but just long enough to hopefully get me out of these holiday sugar cravings. I’m sick of the post-sugar crashes!
Happy Wednesday!
I ate way too much sugar over the holidays and I can definitely tell. My tummy was mumbling the entire time (why, oh why are you doing this to me!) and I need to swap out the sugar ASAP – or at least get back to limiting it. I was out of control. 🙂
I am not a cookie lover but I am a pie lover. I think I had a slice of pecan pie every day for about a week. It was amazing! But I agree that my pecan pie dinners probably aren’t something that can continue for the long haul. I have been enjoying lots of salad beasts too with lots of healthy fats. My favorite fats are almonds, avocadoes and olive oil as my dressing. If I don’t combine my vegetables with a fat then it makes me very bloated and uncomfortable but when those healthy fats are added in my stomach tolerates ruffage 100% better.
Happy New Year Gina!
Hi Gina, I LOVE your honesty about things you eat, so many times I see other health bloggers claiming that they don’t eat rice or cookies ever, and it’s just really unrealistic to me. So I just want to say I appreciate your healthy, and totally achievable outlook on a diet.
By the way, that sushi salad looks amazing! I’m curious, what kind of salmon do you buy to eat like that?
Thanks for being so honest Gina!
Did the Day 8 workout this morning and I really enjoyed it! Thank you! Was just what I needed today. 🙂
I like to be a realistic blogger as well.. If I eat treats or sweets, or tons of carbs, that is human and people need to see it! Then we work just a little bit harder the next day 🙂 I just try to eat sweets in moderation, even though during the holidays I ate like a million cookies and chocolates!
My body could probably use a tad bit of a sugar detox as well – those last few weeks before Christmas, I was going a tad cookie crazy. I like how you still have wine and chocolate in there; that sounds like a much more manageable detox to me!
When I “detox” I do a sugar detox too! Mainly because sugar is my downfall and I’d rather have sweet over salty ANY DAY!! I should probably join you on this one! This post was REALLY inspirational for me…especially since nursing school starts back up next week, yikes!!!
I SERIOUSLY need a juicer too. I love juices but buying the premade ones are a) expensive & b) not as fresh as it could be! I’m definitely going to look at those recipes, thanks!!! 🙂
i’ve been a reader for over two years now (whoa!) & thank you so much for sharing your life and knowledge with us! I’ve gone through many blogs but you were one of the first few I’ve read and I’m still reading!
Great post and was thrilled to see a reference to Natalia Rose’s work…I am a big fan! Her latest cookbook with Chef Doris Choi, The Fresh Energy Cookbook is a gem! I totally recommend it!
I second this recommendation – it really is a great book!
I’m definitely trying to detox a bit this week. I think I ate my weight in fudge during Christmas (my weakness!), and now it’s time to hit the healthy stuff! I mostly wanted to comment because I LOVE nacho cheese. There’s something delicious about cheese from a can that I could never give up! It’s all about balance right? 😉
I’m approaching post-holiday sugar detoxing exactly the same way as you. Lots of fruit and just slowly giving up the sweets rather than putting myself into a withdrawal seizure 🙂 I’m thinking of adding veggie juices into my morning ritual because there just aren’t enough green veggies that I enjoy.
Love that you are so balanced!
Also trying to do a little bit of sugar detox over here. I feel like I’ve had some kind of sugary treat on the house everyday since Halloween! The last few days have been super difficult as far as fighting the sugar cravings but hopefully I’ll be turning the corner on that by the end of the week! I always seem to forget how crazy addictive sugar can be until its too late lol.
This question is totally not related to this post…well i saw you said it was Liv’s first time havign Indian food — did you follow any guidelines for introducing new foods to Olivia or did you just follow your gut? (Obviously I wouldn’t give my 4 month old real food…but am going to start introducing baby food, that I make). Thank you!
..i like that you put that disclaimer up at the top 🙂 what we read really does affect our mind & bodies! i’m about to get back to (my attempt at!) 100% clean eating – which usually balances out to about 75% lol.. so that takes care of most the sugar.. i keep my wine too tho 😉 ..and also whole fruit sorbet – i feel like it’s the perfect thing for satisfying a sweet craving and i only need a spoonful or two! 🙂
I nixed refined sugar for a little while also. I was afraid my body was going to go into shock when I didn’t have anything sweet yesterday. I survived! My body didn’t even shut down when I ate…wait for it…a vegetable! (It’s seriously been a while).
I was trying to think about why I went so crazy over sweets and junk the last couple of months. It’s not like me to let things get that outta control. Then it hit me. Last year, I was pregnant during the holidays and I really kept the sweets and junk to a minimum because a.) I was nourishing someone else besides myself and b.) I was being weighed every 4 weeks (may sound vain but it makes you think about what you put in your mouth when your stepping on the scale regularly).
Oh well. i enjoyed every delicious bite of what i ate over the past several weeks but I’m very excited to get yummy fruits, veggies, healthy grains and fats back in my life.
I CAN’T WAIT FOR WSU 2013!!! I’m so ready!
I just completed a 7 day sugar detox. I feel so much better, but I really missed my occasional Starbucks drink. I’ll be heading there today. 🙂
Day 8 of the 12 Days of Fitness has been completed. Feeling great!
Great post! I need to work on doing another sugar detox. I gave it up a few months ago and it is so difficult but worth it!
xo Lauren
http://www.laurensthoughts.com
Check out my resolutions?
http://www.laurensthoughts.com/2013/01/my-2013-resolutions.html
Hey Gina, the “blender girl” is doing a three day juice cleanse that you might want to look at. It is from Karen Kipp who is a Certified Holistic Health Coach. I think it is time for me to check out juicing a bit more and incorporate it into my routine. I so wish I had a Vitamix too.
Haha I couldn’t help laughing at your last comment about liking cheese that used to live in a can. 🙂 I used to love that stuff when I was a kid, especially on crackers.
I’m doing a detox sorta thing myself, only via Paleo. I started a Paleo challenge (posted today on my blog) for the next 30 days.. feel free to join in, if you like. 🙂
I’m trying to get the holiday sugar out of my system. I need to readjust my system to eating cleaner. I have been craving chocolate and cake and candy a TAD bit too frequently.
Any version of a detox including chocolate is okay with me! Sounds like it will be helpful after all the holiday sweets!
Great post! Love when you add so much info. I agree with you on the holiday sugar overload and am on board for the clean eats detox! Maybe this will help shed those last few baby weight lbs.
Love your realistic outlook on everything! Great post:)
My sugar detox started yesterday and today I’m feeling pretty fatigued and sluggish from withdrawal but I know it’s worth it. Juicing is also how I get through it! Well, juicing and drinking Shakeology (it’s like a whole foods version of a protein shake) along with lots of salads and lots of protein. I tried the raw thing once and also couldn’t make it stick as a lifestyle. I love so many different raw foods – raw pumpkin pie in particular is my favorite! But sometimes, you just need some rice or some meat or like you said, a darn cookie! 🙂
I am very thankful for your post today. I will be doing a sugar detox at the end of the month and am getting a little nervous about it. I really like your outlook and how you still have things you love in the mix of everything.
Love your honesty and how real you are. Thanks for the great post!
Day #8 is done! I’m so proud of myself for actually sticking with this challenge. Baby steps 🙂
i’m proud of you, too! that’s awesome 🙂
A cookie definitely tastes better than 99.97% of the foods out there, but I’m with you on feeling like I’m on an energy roller coaster ever since Christmas cookie season hit. Now that I’ve finished polishing off all the leftover sweets, I don’t plan on going on any kind of detox, but I’m definitely trying to just get back into my normal eating habits, and thankfully my cravings seem to be on board with that decision as well.
I’m giving up sweets for Lent! I’m not super religious, but after growing up Catholic, the idea to give up something I really love for 40 days has stuck. Last year was the first time I went big and cut out all sweets and it was such a good idea! Combined with exercising regularly, I lost 8 pounds! I have such a sweet tooth that it made a huge difference in my diet. Since introducing sweets back in my diet after Easter, my sugar consumption has gradually gotten out of hand and I think giving it up again (and hopefully somewhat sticking to it long-term) will really help me get back on the healthy wagon 🙂
I’m also on day 4 of a sugar detox! But I’m even staying away from chocolate for now. Good luck with yours and thanks for the great blog!
you are stronger than i. i can’t go a day without chocolate 🙂
xoxo
I’m not doing anything formal, but just choosing healthier eats over not-so-healthy ones to get back on the train. Produce box coming tonight so I’m excited to break out the juicer in the morning!!
Day 8 done! We have one of those pull-up bars that you can hang in the doorway. I can only do 1 real pullup, so for the rest I’ve been jumping up and then lowering down as slow as I possibly can – which by the last one is about 3.5 seconds haha.
love it 🙂
Hi Gina, you mentioned you originally did the detox because your doctor was helping you with hormonal issues. Can you elaborate on this? I trying to have a baby and have been having hormone issues too. Was yours related to pcos? Would love to hear more. Thanks!
hey girl,
no i didn’t have pcos- my hormones were just backwards. low in the morning and elevated at night. my doc put me on quite a few supplements and then a detox at the end to make sure everything was cleaned out and stabilized.
my cousin had severe pcos and had great success with acupuncture. i also love the book “making babies” if you haven’t checked it out yet.
xoxo
I don’t have an eating disorder, but my sister does, so I can definitely appreciate the warning you put at the beginning of this post. Very thoughtful and responsible!
sending love to your sis and fam <3
I love how simple you keep everything, including the detox. I agree on the “my terms” I have done many detoxes that I was told to do and I was miserable! My body felt good, but I was so cranky!
I’m about to start my own “detox” diet after gorging on beer and sweets throughout the holidays!
I also love nachos as a treat, with tons of jalapeños– but my favorite nacho-like snack ever are a small bag of Serrano-flavored Tostitos mixed with fried corn and topped with three salsas, cheese, mayonnaise, and cream (it’s sold here in Mexico). It might sound disgusting but it’s amazing! Can’t eat all that once a week though.
shut the front door. i want to try it!
How’s things, great web page but there is a issue whereby on occassion I get redirected to the root page whenever I look at other webpages in your blog.