21 days on a sugar detox: The Finale

Wow, 3 weeks went by so quick! I've been back in school for a month, taken two tests, done multiple evenings of homework, and finished a sugar detox. I don't have a sense of, "Oh, now I'm done with this course, I can go back to how I was eating before". I think I'm going to just continue this way. I feel really good after 3 weeks. My blood sugar is more stable, I haven't had a migraine since day 3, and I've lost 12 pounds. Not bad for less than a month!

I've realized how much sugar had a grip on my health. Before, it would seem like at 2:30, I would zone out for the day. Any class, project, event, that happened after that time, I wasn't really present for. Until about 7:00pm when I had eaten dinner and my sugar levels would jump back up. Now, I'm clearheaded all day. Of course, by 5:00pm, I'm kinda done with school. I've been in class for 8 hours, what do you expect?! But it's not food related. I'm also sleeping better and more efficiently. I'd sleep 9-10 hours before and sometimes not feel energized. Now, I'm sleeping 7 1/2 to 8 hours and awake ready to face the day.

One thing though that I have noticed is I'm breaking out more. Odd. I'm not sure what's causing that. Maybe a diet higher in fat? I've never struggled with acne (I don't have acne now, it's not that bad), even during my teenage years. But right now is probably the worst it's been in many years. And the 6-7 spots I do have, I've had for about 2 weeks now. They don't seem to want to heal. Anybody heard anything about this? I'm not sure what to do about that.

So, I'm sure you're thinking, "what are you going to eat now?" I'm going to just continue on this way. I don't think I'll add other carb sources. Brown Rice and the occasional popcorn have been fine for me (I can't give up popcorn, I would die). I will add more fruits back in. There's a pineapple ripening on my counter as I speak that is calling to me. I won't be as strict about what goes into my mouth either. If I really want that bowl of pasta, then I'll eat it! But it won't be 3 times a week. I've gotten a lot more aware of what foods I eat and what ingredients I use and I hope to continue that. It's been eye opening to realize that what I eat affects not only long term health but day-to-day life as well. These 3 weeks have been at times challenging, but it's been a wonderful lesson in accountability and discipline as well. I've enjoyed doing this detox and I hope it's just the beginning to a different pattern in life.

Meals for this last week are listed below if you're interested :) Thanks for reading and the support many of you have extended throughout these past few weeks!

Day 15
Breakfast: Atkins Shake, Apple and Almond Butter
Lunch: Leftover Chicken Soup
Dinner: Salisbury Steak, Brown Rice, and Broccoli

Day 16
Breakfast: Atkins Shake, Coffee
Lunch: Leftover Garlic Pork and Broccoli
Dinner: Spanakopita Chicken Meatballs, Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

Day 17
Breakfast: Paleo Breakfast Casserole  (this was wonderful! I added cheese, green peppers,
                                             and onions)
                                            Lunch: Leftover Meatballs
                                            Dinner: Taco Salad

Day 18
Breakfast: Leftover Breakfast Casserole
Lunch: Hamburger with Cheese, Zucchini and Onions sauteed
Dinner: Coconut Curry Lentil Soup 

Day 19
Breakfast: Carrot Pumpkin Muffin
Lunch: Chicken Caesar Salad
Dinner: Chili

Day 20
Breakfast: Carrot Pumpkin Muffin
Lunch: Chicken and Broccoli
Dinner: Eggplant Parmesan, Spaghetti Squash

Day 21
Breakfast: Banana, Cheese Stick, Salami
Lunch: Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets, Spaghetti Squash
Dinner: Out for dinner