According to some "experts" sugar is really an unnecessary part of our diets that actually causes harm. They talk about inflammation and hormone imbalances. They talk about excessive weight gain and insulin levels. Well, I don't know about all of that, but I do know that when I eat too much sugar, my legs hurt. And I get headaches.
I love bread and pasta and rice, but it feels like my body needs a break from these too. I drink lots of coffee (hardly any soda) and I know I need cut back on the caffeine as well. So, I'm limiting myself to only two cups. And salt? I'm cutting back on that, too.
Today was my first day on Jorge Cruise's fast track plan and it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. I drank several cups of green tea and lots of water.
But right now, I'm a little edgy and wonder if I'll be able to sleep.
Day Two
Spinach with real butter was on the menu tonight. I'm a margarine girl, but the plan calls for the real deal and it was delicious. I think, maybe, it was the spinach and not so much the butter because I haven't had spinach in a long time.
At my desk this afternoon, I got a bit stressed out and for a teeny, tiny second I wanted a piece of candy. Actually I wanted five pieces but I took a deep breath, got up and walked around a little. I then made a cup of green tea. The craving passed soon after.
Perhaps it was psychosomatic, but I think I had a little more energy today.
But my mouth is drier than normal.
Day Three
Many years ago after I quite smoking, I got on the Atkins Diet. And I lost a lot of weight. But I gained it back. This 14-day detox reminds me of the Atkins, except with this plan there are more carb options.
Last night Bugga Bear had ice cream and immediately my mouth, literally, began to water. Just like Pavlov's dog. And when I went to bed, my legs ached throughout the night. That was weird and uncomfortable.
Also, it seems like everyone is taking such a long time to say what they want to say. Why can't they just get to the point, for goodness sakes!? I don't need to hear all of that other crap. And what's up with those drivers who come to a complete stop when they turn the corner? Really people?
I think I might be cranky.
I'm taking a probiotic with 30 billion cultures twice a day. According to Jorge, "Probiotics are supplements that restore your gut flora and healthy digestion by delivering microorganisms to the intestines." If that doesn't scare my belly fat into submission, I don't know what will.
Day 4
I'm beginning to taste the different nuances of food again. With very limited salt added, my meals have taken on an entirely different flavor. And I'm experimenting with spices a bit more (all summer I've been growing basil, thyme, oregano, lemon mint, rosemary and lavender).
Today, I almost grabbed a cookie, but I caught myself. And when I flicked it from my thoughts, I actually felt pretty good. At this point, I thought I would have serious cravings for rice and pasta but, I'm not. Same thing with bread.
Overall, today was a good day - although I'm beginning to get a wee bit... well, let's just say that priobiotics are supposedly good for cleansing purposes and I do hope that component kicks in soon.
Day 5
It was rough today.
Someone at work purchased a big box of glazed donuts for breakfast. I stared at that box, lifted the lid and stared at those donuts. Everything in me wanted one but, as I mentally went the through the process of eating it, I realized that the disappointment and the guilt would be greater than the quick sugar high. I walked away.
I got a headache this afternoon and decided to medicate it by breathing deeply. It helped. And when I worked in the garden, I felt fantastic. Obviously, I need to get back on a daily physical activity plan.
Day 7
I missed posting for yesterday's entry. There wasn't much to report, except that I got on the treadmill and had a decent workout.
Today I came across an article from a local hospital's newsletter that I found extremely interesting. The doctor, a cardiologist, suggests that for optimum health we should consider eating as our ancestors did - pretty much the Caveman Diet or the Paleo Diet. Also Dr. O'Keefe says that most people who develop Alzheimer's disease have had a history of having a sweet tooth addiction. Wow.
So maybe this detox from sugar and starch is even more beneficial than I thought.
Day 8
This evening I'm tired. My energy level is not what it was before. I'm wondering if I shouldn't be feeling better at this point?
Day 10
I don't know if this a good thing or a bad thing, but I can't remember what day I'm on.
Marie and Jacqui, I'm beginning to wonder if I'm not eating enough (that just made me laugh out loud)! I've been trying to keep my calories at 1200 and maybe that's too low; But, here's the thing - I haven't been real hungry. On this eating plan I'm instructed to eat three meals and two snacks a day and when I first started I was all over that. But now, not so much.
It feels like I'm getting the sugar-thing out of my system, but we'll see.
Day 12
Getting close to the end of this journey and I'm feeling okay.
My plan is to continue with this semi-low carb way of eating until and if I can't take it anymore; but, I plan to have a little something-something on my birthday next month. Red velvet cake sounds pretty good.
And I'm not missing grains very much.
Day 15
Well, I did it. No sugar, no grains for 14 days. I had the headaches, the constipation, the jitters and the moments of what I can only assume must be like withdrawal symptoms, but I'm very glad I went on this journey.
I still have cravings - don't get me wrong - but it's a fleeting sort of thought. I feel a bit stronger and definitely a little lighter. (I lost six pounds). My goal is to continue with an abbreviated variation of this plan. I must have some fruit in my diet. I need a few more veggies, as well. I feel like I can do without the rice, pasta and white bread.
I'm proud of myself for getting this through.
