On Sugar and Booze

It's no secret. I love sugar. I love carbs. And, I'll admit, I love booze. I started the year doing a 21 (or shall we say 19) Day Sugar Detox from Diane Sanfillipo (who wrote Practical Paleo, which is amazing)! I wasn't worried about the sugar as much as the carbs (and vino) -- but thought it would be simple as we were practically eating paleo before the holidays anyways. However, everything was a challenge. I REALLY missed my bread and cookies, but mostly I missed wine. Mmmm. Wine. Also, it was really hard as we dealt with Matt's grandpa going on hospice and then passing away in the midst of it. Trying not to eat sugar / carbs while eating fast food is nearly impossible. But I did it. I caved though, when we had whiskey in his honor, and then just called it quits on day 19 when we had a Cajun feast at church (also in his honor). It was okay though. I was fine (although a bit bloaty) after cornbread and key lime pie.

 

I think the biggest change is coming now. I am eating sugar daily (but still not much), carbs are in full force while at work, and wine is the drink of choice with dinner. I did not think it was really having an effect on me, but upon deeper reflection, it is. My face broke out like crazy, I'm incredibly tired, and if you don't feed me often enough, I could kill you. Those symptoms were non-existent when my blood sugar levels were not rising and falling like crazy with carb rushes (hello afternoon carb cravings!). I also have noticed that I am retaining a lot more water in my belly. Boo. This is more health / body talk then I usually share here, but oh well. My girl Alice has been more honest in her daily blogging (you go girl), so I want to as well. And I want to write more. That is one of the things I miss most about not posting on NewlyWife anymore. I hope I can find my voice here again. Whoa, major rabbit trail!

Anywho, I think I am going to try and have more fats and protein in my diet. I hate the craziness with the blood sugar in constant flux. I have found that eating a high protein / fat meal in the morning (eggs with sausage or bacon or leftovers from the night before) keeps me going until lunch. I used to have to eat a snack by 9 or 10, but better food fuels me longer. We're also trying to eat organic and grass fed. I know it's crazy expensive, but I really do notice a difference. Also, we eat smaller portions of meat and it lasts longer. The biggest challenge is not eating, but preparing. It is so easy to grab whatever is close (hello frozen pasta meals) when there is no fresh food in the house. I really need to get better about meal planning / grocery shopping, and including lunches in the mix (I'm actually really good with planning dinners). Matt wants to cook more, so we need to find a time that we can both sit down and prepare for the week.

 

All of the foods pictured are sugar / sweetener free and carb free (with the exception of Matt's breakfast). It was actually really tasty too. The pizza has a cauliflower crust and is a favorite around our home. The biscuits are made with coconut flour and olive oil (they're savory, with thyme and rosemary). My favorite treats (we could have one banana or green apple per day) from the detox were these coconut bliss bites. Basically mash banana with unsweetened cocoa powder and unsweetened coconut flakes. Freeze. Let that for a minute or two before devouring. And I feel so healthy when I eat them. No gluten or grains or other stuff that makes me feel like crap. Let's not discuss the girlscout cookies in my freezer. Grrr.

 

 

Could you go without sugar for 21 days? Would you even want to try? Any suggestions for upping my veggie intake? I'm good with meat, but don't know how to prepare veggies other than a slow roast. haha