So, I cheated. Everything was going along fine, no cravings, lost a few pounds even. But one day I just *had* to have some dark chocolate (PMS rears its ugly head). So I had some dark chocolate (85 percent, so little sugar added). A little was fine. I was careful to notice: did it make me crave more sugar? Not so much, but in the past I have noticed how re-entry with sugar can cause a sugar craving/feeding frenzy cycle. Not good.
How are you doing? If you cheated, did you lose control and binge? That’s not uncommon, especially if you are sugar or gluten sensitive. This gives you good information about yourself and should arm you with more motivation to avoid sugar, so look at it as a good learning experience.
Here is another good perk I am noticing: If someone at my workplace has gluten free cookies or some other kind of treat lying around, I will tend to grab a little something here and there without even thinking about it. This sugar detox has made me realize how often this happens and how mindlessly I engage in this activity (um, occasionally have been known to grab a piece of chocolate covered ginger out of the bulk bin at the store), especially if someone is offering up a bite of something “forbidden.” I may or may not be thinking particularly of my ice cream pint eating boyfriend.
So, with renewed vigor, I will continue on the sugar free path for the next few days. When the detox comes to an end, don’t lapse right back into your old patterns! You’ll likely see how dramatic an effect sugar has on your well-being. Many people report that foods containing sugar (natural or otherwise) taste too sweet, and they notice the effects it has–especially the energy spike and crash. Being sugar free means no sugar crashing and more sustained energy! That is another benefit I’ve enjoyed: no cravings because I haven’t been on the sugar cycle of eating something sweet triggering you to crave more sweet.
This experience has reminded me to practice one particular mantra that I preach to clients: eat mindfully! Grabbing something here and there just because it’s there is not mindful eating. Also, I realize how avoiding sweet foods means way fewer cravings. I feel more balanced and better overall. Good reminders all around.
Mary Vance is a Certified Nutrition Consultant and author specializing in digestive health. She combines a science-based approach with natural therapies to rebalance the body. In addition to her 1:1 coaching, she offers courses to help you heal your gut and improve your health. Mary lives in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe in Northern California. Read more about her coaching practice here and her background here.
Have you tried making your own homemade hummous? It’s great on rice crackers as a snack. I just use a soup spoon to scoop tahini into my blender, squeeze in some lemon juice, add a few garlic cloves and give it a spin! When it’s totally blended I start adding in drained, canned chickpeas and a bit of water to keep everything moving. Ta da! Instant hummous!
I’m also eating more mixed nuts than usual; I’m using shot glasses for portion control (seeing as I’m off alcohol I need to use those shot glasses for something!).
Yes! I have made homemade hummus and baba ganoush too (roast sliced eggplants and blend with garlic cloves & olive oil – delicious!). If I’m in a pinch, I’ll just pick some up at the market, but I always read labels because the cheaper brands are made with canola instead of olive oil – bad! I have been experimenting with making my own nut butters too. It’s a bit challenging, but I made walnut butter with coconut cream to make it smooth. I added cinnamon too–it was good! Luckily, I have an awesome natural foods store that has hazelnut butter when I am looking for alternatives to almond or peanut butter.
I love your site. I am a Board Certified Holistic Health Counselor and RN, I am just in the beginning phases of starting my practice although I went to school 8 years ago ( I have three young children). I find your site inspiring. I am in the process of getting a site up and running. I did a class last night entitled “the Sweet Life: how to keep your life sweet without sugar”. I used the power date balls recipes and the granola bars as samples of sweets that are gentler for the body. Thank you for the great ideas. I listed your site as a great resource. Keep up the great work, it’s super to know you are out there practicing! Lysa I.
Hi Lysa,
thanks so much for your nice comment! And thanks for listing me as a resource. I love to connect with and hear about others doing this great work. Thanks for all you do!
Yes it is important to not slide back after any detox process as it will just be a waste of time otherwise.