Back on the Wagon- Round II of The 21 DSD

Last week, my little family and I loaded up and headed out to San Diego for our last California weekend getaway.

It amazes me that two and a half years ago, Joe and I arrived in California practically newlyweds, very newly pregnant with Adaline (can't you tell by my impressive bump?!) and absolutely clueless about what was in store for us.  We got to Fort Irwin, took a scared look around and headed straight to San Diego!
 

Somehow, we have managed to come full circle and spent one of our last weekends back in one of my favorite cities... and with just a tad more baggage!

The end of my detox could not have fallen more perfectly!  It was nice to get away and not have to completely worry about what I could or couldn't eat and it was especially nice to have a few tasty adult beverages.  But, I will be completely honest... last week totally reinforced the positive effects of The 21 Day Sugar Detox and how I am still at the beginning of this health journey.

I felt like crap.

I was tired.  I was bloated.  I felt slightly moody.  And for a lack of a better word, I felt bleck.

Last post, I mentioned that I had a box of Girl Scout cookies and wine to celebrate.  I think the thing that surprised me the most was how little I enjoyed them.  The first cookie that I tasted was pretty good... but then, the old me that celebrates moments with treats ate a few more and I ended up feeling disgusting and thinking to myself, "Why in the hell did I just eat that?!?  It wasn't even that good!"  A thought that completely surprised me because I am the Queen of Sweets!!!  Did I seriously just think that Girl Scout cookies weren't that good?!  So, then, I ate another one to make sure.

And, that's where my weakness is, my friends.  I need to find some kind of balance.  All week, the little voice in my head said to "eat the sweets, drink the wine, enjoy a burger... even if it makes you feel like crap.  You're 'treating' yourself and you'll get back on the detox next week."  And I did.  And I didn't beat myself up too badly about it but by Sunday, I was ready to get my energy, my head, and my body back and ready to start another 21 days.  

I don't know if I will ever be able to be that person that just doesn't need/want the junk.  Right now, the guidelines help.  I am on Day 4 of my second detox and I already feel like my energy has picked up and like my mind is clear.  

We have two weeks left here at Irwin, so that will get me to the end of this detox.  And then, I need to come up with a plan to get me through a month of traveling.  I did not work this hard to just let it all go because of vacation.  Send on the suggestions and good vibes!  I'm listening and will keep you posted!   

    

21 DSD Success!

When I first started my detox journey, I had no idea what was in store.  I was nervous and excited and to be really honest, I did not think that I could make it for three weeks without cheating.  I LOVE wine, chocolate, peanut butter, bread... etc.  It seemed like such a huge step to get rid of these things from my diet and as excited as I was about an opportunity to change and become better and healthier, I was so scared of failing.

Each day, I renewed my commitment to this detox.  And each day that I passed, I mentally did a backflip that I got through the day successfully and it became easier and easier.  Instead of focusing on all that I couldn't have, I began to look forward to new recipes.  In the past three weeks, I have tried about 20 new recipes that were easy to make, and I kid you not, my family has devoured these meals.  What an amazing feeling!  To know that my toddler is fueling her little body with food that is healthy and GOOD is so wonderful.  

It's no surprise that when you start something that may be a little radical or out of the ordinary, you're going to hear a lot of negativity (and I'll just say that I don't think people do this intentionally but the white noise can be daunting).  A ton of people have told me, "You're crazy!" or "I could NEVER do that!"  I turn on the tv and every commercial is about losing weight "Try this new product that is sure to help you lose those unwanted pounds!"  Like I said last week, I put my scale away.  I don't want that to be a factor for the way that I feel about myself.  The fact that I mentally and physically feel amazing has been such a wonderful change.  I have noticed that it's a lot easier to feel positive, especially about myself.  I have energy that I didn't have three weeks ago and this has helped in keeping up with the kids.  I love the way that I feel and I don't want to go back to feeling like crap by 2 o'clock in the afternoon.  

Now, onto the stuff that everyone has been asking about!  I have lost 8 pounds (keep in mind that I am walking and running almost every day).  My appetite has decreased significantly.  And I can definitely see a change in my before and after pics...

So, I just needed to add that this is where I was THREE months ago.  Goodness gracious.  Hello big ole Gus!

Before and After The 21 DSD

Before and after The 21 DSD

Trust me, I know that I'm not a model.  Nor am I where I want to be.  My main goal is my health but I'd be lying if I didn't add that I also would love to look good in a bikini again!  We'll be in Hawaii in two months for crying out loud!

The Plan...

I have STILL yet to eat sugar today (it's after noon!).  I'm a little scared of how I will feel so I'm really trying to avoid doing a major binge.  I do have a couple of boxes of Girl Scout cookies and I have a date with a bottle of wine tonight while watching The Bachelor!  Ha Ha!  But, my plan is to relax and enjoy a few sweet treats this week since we are heading to San Diego in a couple of days.  And then, next Monday, I will start the detox at Level 2 where I'll eliminate all  whole grains, including rice and quinoa, and will start to limit dairy (this sounds super scary to me!).

Thank you for all of the encouragement along the way and I will definitely keep you guys posted!  Happy Monday, ya'll!

Week 2 of The 21 DSD and On Loving Myself

I am breaking up with my scale.

We have had a pretty serious relationship since High School, when things like "how much you weigh" began to seem important.  I'd meet up with him weekly, sometimes daily, sometimes several times a day.  He would give me his number.  And I would never, ever, ever be satisfied.  

I always wanted a number that was about five pounds lower.  Even when I was at my absolute lowest (and unhealthiest), I had gotten out of a relationship, ran six miles a day, and lived off of Wheat Thins, apples, coffee, Diet Coke, and cigarettes... and I still wanted five pounds off.  

I. Am. Done.

It's beyond time that I start appreciating this amazing body that God has given me.  The body that my husband fell in love with and still loves, despite the added fluffiness.  The body that has made two precious and amazing little blessings.  The body that has seen me through school and jobs and adventures and life and love.  

I. Am. Done.

I will never be super model thin or have long legs and a six pack.  My legs may be short but they are strong and have carried me for miles and miles and miles.  My hips may be a little wider than what media would say is ideal but they have helped carry and deliver two beautiful babies.  My belly will most likely never be flat but I will never forget putting my hands on my huge belly and feeling that joyful and amazing fluttering that came from the little lives that were growing inside.  My arms are not cut but they have held the people that I truly love.

I am done with being so unappreciative of all of this.  I want to be healthy and to give my body the fuel that it needs to make it through each day and then the ability to rest at night (well, as much rest as I can get with having two kids under two!).  

Now, don't get me wrong.  I know that the weight and health go hand-in-hand but my goal is to take care of my body, choose the right way to fuel it, and to stop obsessing about a number on a scale.  It's beyond time and there are two little ones with very watchful eyes.  I want them to see their momma be healthy and confident.  (This won't all happen over night but I guarantee you, I am working on it.)

My reasons...

I hope that it's obvious of how The 21 Day Sugar Detox is going!  I am happy to report that I have made it through two entire weeks without any slip-ups or sugar... and I feel amazing!  I have found that with each day there is either a new challenge or a new success.  

Last week ended on a pretty strong note.  The week before I started the detox, I signed up for the daily emails that The 21 DSD website offers.  These daily emails have been so helpful.  It reminds you of what day you are on (which at first seems kind of pointless but once I was cruising into Day 8, I was mentally giving myself a high five for making it so far), she sends menu suggestions, links to blogs from people who have done the detox, and what you may be experiencing with the detox.  I have felt that these tiny little daily reminders have helped me feel like I'm not alone in this new and exciting journey!

The two hardest days for me were Days 6 and 9.  Before both of those days, I had really rough nights because of the kids and didn't get much sleep.  I was exhausted, hungry, and craving sugar so badly.  I went back to the book and realized that I wasn't eating as much carbs as I was supposed to be, corrected the problem, and felt better immediately.  

I can honestly say that I have more energy.  I feel like a fog has lifted in my brain.  I feel brighter and more positive.  And even though there are moments where I'll think, "Man, a beer and pizza sure would be good while watching the Super Bowl," the craving is not as fierce as it was before and quickly passes.

I should also mention that I have cut out a lot of the sugar that Addie was eating as well.  First of all, she eats the food that I am making for myself and when Joe comes in, he has eaten it as well.  They have LOVED the new recipes.  My tiny girl who isn't a huge eater, has asked for "MORE!" with the recipes that I have made.  I LOVE THAT!  This morning, she ate two servings of an egg quiche, which had spinach, onions, and tomatoes in it!  My kid is eating veggies and loving it!

Even more, I have seen a difference in her behavior.  Adaline is usually pretty fun, sweet, and easy going but she has been even more well behaved since we've started this change.  We have dealt with hardly any temper tantrums (she's almost two, to say that there have been none would be a lie), she is going to bed with hardly any trouble, and my little non sleeper is finally sleeping through most nights.  It can't just be coincidental!      

I am loving these changes in me and my family and am working on my plan for when my 21 days are up.  Keep following and sending me your encouragement!  This is just the beginning of a very exciting journey!

On to the food!  Since Joe has been gone for work and life is pretty hectic with my two littles, I have been very bad about keeping up with my food log.  I did manage to snap a few pics of my favorites, so, here they are!

Snacks...

I had a HUGE craving for chocolate and something sweet.  So, I made this avocado, banana, and unsweetened cocoa mousse from The 21 DSD.  It was so delicious and completely satisfied my craving!

Miss Adaline loved the mousse!

Breakfast...

I was never really a breakfast sausage eater before the detox and now I am loving it.  My alternative to this breakfast, is just eating the sausage with raw carrot stick and almonds (suggested in The 21 DSD).  I NEVER in a million years would have eaten carrots for breakfast and I absolutely love the cold crunch in the morning!

We LOVE making pancakes!  Pumpkin pancakes hit just the spot for this breakfast craving!

 Dinner...

My two favorite dinners have been a Tex-Mex Meatloaf found in the book, and this Shepherd's Pie.  I assure you that I have never been a fan of either and these recipes are absolutely delicious.  The family devoured this!

And my latest discovery.  I may have mentioned that I have a slight obsession with peanut butter.  That was before I tried almond butter!  This one is a tad pricey and I will have to search alternatives to support my nut butter habit.  But, the All Natural Barney Butter has absolutely no sugar, no salt... no crap in it!  And it is AMAZING.  I could talk about this almond butter for days but since they aren't paying me or sending me free almond butter, I'll just tell you to do yourself a favor and get this heaven in a jar.  (I ordered mine off of Amazon since we live in the middle of nowhere!)

And that is it from me!  Have a fabulous Monday, ya'll!  Make today your best Monday yet!

"Can we please go to bed now, momma??" :)