My husband and I recently saw the eye-opening movie documentary Fed Up, narrated by Katie Couric. The documentary is focused on how over time we’ve become a nation of sugar addicts thanks to the introduction of soft drinks and processed foods. Clever advertisement and product placement entice us to consume their products. After hearing the alarming information on how sugar in its various forms is woven into the fabric of our culture, I knew we had to do something so, following the guidelines of The 21 Day Sugar Detox, we embarked on a dietary adventure.
I’ve been hooked on sugar since infancy when I was bottle fed Nestle Quick & milk. As a diabetic, I watch my sugar intake to maintain stable insulin levels. I eat pretty clean 75 percent of the time. But when I go off the wagon, it’s more of a derailment that results in a sugar and chocolate binge which I pay for later in feeling ill and having spiked blood sugar.
Will I be able to endure 21 days of no sugar, no grains, no starchy veggies, and little fruit save green tipped bananas and green apples? Time will tell. No sugar substitutes are allowed since they’re chemical nightmares on the body. I’m allowed butter and other fats, veggies, nuts, and meats of all kinds. Some may consider what I just described as your typical “paleo” diet. I simply call it real food. A lot more thought and preparation is involved with this kind of eating. The recipes I’ve tried so far have been quite tasty, not surprising given the amount of fat allowed. Fat means flavor, baby! Not to mention that fat is satiating.
While I’ve been brainwashed to think this would be 21 days of deprivation and torture, my body is telling me otherwise. I did endure withdrawal symptoms the first couple of days, which included a hammering headache and major cravings. But on day 5 things had shifted. I’m filling up on less food; the difference between quality and quantity and adding fats. The best part is my blood sugars have been stable.
The jury is still out on what long term benefits will be produced, but if my current results are any indication of what this detox can offer, I’d say it holds promise.