The 10 Top Things I Learned From My 21 Day Sugar Detox

​The first couple of days on the detox diet aren’t pleasant.

-CArol vorderman

Today is a great day! I’m officially off of my 21 Day Sugar Detox! Although the detox was only 21 days, it was definitely a journey. Here is what I learned and accomplished with this detox.

1.       Don’t Be So Flip

Deciding to do this sugar detox was somewhat of a last minute decision. I was scrolling through Instagram at the end of January, and saw how Jennifer Lopez did a 10 no sugar no carb challenge. I was like 10 days, that’s not too bad. So after giving it a quick thought, I mentioned the challenge to a couple of friends and my husband and suggested we start on February 1^st. I didn’t give any thought to a food list, meal planning, etc. I ended up starting the challenge without even going to the grocery store!

2.       I Need To Get My Mind Right

The first day was tough. I kind of just made due with whatever I could scrape together. After getting my thoughts together, I figured it would be best to figure out what is and what is not allowed on the challenge. After doing some quick research, I decided to do a sugar detox. I found the 21 day sugar detox here. After a brief quiz, I was able to determine what level is appropriate for me.

3.       Plan, Plan, and Plan

Now that I knew what I was doing, I had to get a plan in order. I’m talking about a meal plan specifically. Knowing what meals and snacks to eat each day was very helpful.

4.       Support Helps

Finding a defined program was helpful because there is a community around the 21 day sugar detox. Having recipe ideas and support from others is motivating! ​This program offered books, online program, blog, and social ​media presence for added support. Although my husband did not join the detox, he was very supportive to make sure I had the food I needed to avoid going hungry.

5.       Self-Motivation is Powerful

Although support from others can be motivating, having self-motivation can be just as motivating, if not more. There were times when I had to motivate myself to not get some French fries (my favorite food!) or a glass of wine. ​I had to dig deep and tap into my inner will power to ​stay on track. Daily affirmations or reminders of staying focused and improved health kept me motivated.

6.       Temptations Exist, But You Can Resist

Sometimes the urge is too great. During the detox, we went to Destin, Florida for a weekend getaway. Plus, I had a business trip and a couple of business dinners where everyone was enjoying their carbs and alcohol.  It was pretty tempting to order a cocktail, but I was surprisingly content with some club soda and a lime.

7.       If You Fall, Get Back Up

Now, I must admit, I did fall off the wagon. While in Florida, we went out for pizza one night. I ordered a salad, and I was pretty full. However, when the pizza came and my kids didn’t finish their pizza, I didn’t want the pizza to go to waste. I indulged and had a slice of cheese pizza. I felt bad both emotionally and physically. I felt bad I didn’t stick with the plan and my stomach felt really heavy. However, I didn’t let that get me down. The next day I got right back into the swing of things and got on track.

8.       Determine What is Successful To You

When I decided to take this detox, I didn’t have a specific goal in mind. I just wanted to cut out all sugar because I found myself having sugar more and more each day. I wanted to have a reset. Knowing that I could finish the detox all the way to the end would be a success to me.

9.       Focus on the Positive

Although there were foods to avoid, I focused on what I could have. Don’t focus on the lack, focus on the abundance!

10.   Celebrate Your Wins

I’m glad I decided to start the detox on February 1^st. It ended just in time for National Margarita Day. A perfect way to celebrate the end of the detox!

Some may feel this was not a major feat, but I think I proved a lot to myself. It was definitely mind over matter. I’m certainly glad I did the detox. Along the way, I picked up self-confidence and determination. I even picked up some compliments because of the weight I lost. Stepping on the scale this morning nearly 10 pounds light definitely feels good!

Have you ever completed a sugar detox or any type of food challenge? If so, how did you do? What were your challenges? Post your comments below!