No Sugar May starts this Friday. I am SO excited that we have people joining us in this challenge! Following are some tips on what to expect, and how to get ready:
1. Expect to crave sugar and carbs (i.e. that cupcake in the office break room). Yep, even if you don’t have a sweet tooth. Don’t focus on what you can’t eat. Use this challenge to focus on what you can eat. Ultimately, you’re detoxing to retrain yourself to appreciate healthy foods, and break your addiction to sugar.
2.Be prepared for “emergencies.” Keep your sugar free snacks and meals with you. If you are going to a restaurant look up the menu online, and ask whether a certain meal contains sugar. Chipotle is a fantastic option. Here is a break down of their ingredients: Chipotle Ingredients. If you don’t have a lot of time, choose one day and try meal prepping for the week.
3. Expect to feel a bit crappy, crabby, and tired. These feelings could last a couple of days or a couple of weeks. Counteract that with LOTS of water, and feeding your body nutrient dense foods.
4.Don’t half-ass this challenge. You will not see and feel results if you cheat. Don’t cheat, it’s just 31 days. If you do cheat, shake it off, and finish out the challenge.
5. Remove the temptation. Read your labels. Clean out your pantry and fridge.
6. Expect to feel amazing after this challenge. I’m not joking. I predict that you will be less bloated, lose a couple lbs, have more energy, and your processed food/sugar cravings will be diminished. Seriously, this is the beginning of something amazing. You’ll also stop obsessing over those “sweet treats.”
7. Don’t count calories. Do keep a food journal and practice portion control. I know it’s tempting to want to go all out and say,”you’re only going to eat celery and get your swimsuit body.” That’s not what this is about.This is about enjoying all the whole food that God created and getting rid of the sugary processed shit that does not benefit us. Weight loss is absolutely a side effect, and if you are looking to lose weight in a healthy way you can opt to do Whole 30 . In addition to cutting out sugar, you temporarily remove: grains, dairy, alcohol, and legumes.
8. At the end of the month reward yourself with something other than food. A new workout outfit, tennis shoes, a tool that makes food prep easier, or a haircut. Americans tend to reward themselves and their children with food all time, it’s out of control.
9. If you want to get really crazy throw a little exercise in there. I recently did this yoga challenge. It’s amazing for the mind and body! I was a complete beginner, and I didn’t find it intimidating. Confession: I did 26 of 30 days. You could do something as simple as go on a walk every day. Nothing crazy, just get outside ya’ll.
10. Invite someone to join you in this challenge. It will give you additional accountability, and you will be inviting them to the most awesome free thing that you can do for you body. I started this challenge because my Mom said she wanted to cut out sugar. So now, I’m right there with her, and so are you!
If you are unfamiliar with eating healthy, clean, real food, this is going to be a great month for you. I know it can be intimidating, I’ve been there! This week I’ll post a basic clean grocery list to get you started, and hopefully inspire you to incorporate new easy meals into your life.