21 days

Ok, so I mentioned last week that I was doing a 21 day sugar detox.  Now, before I get too far into this, I realize that this may not interest you guys, but I really want to have this written down for my own sake.  So that I can come back to it and read it when need be.  I do apologize for this post being boring :)  And, it might be long too....

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine, (who by the way has lost almost 40lbs!) and I were discussing the struggles of weight loss, staying motivated, staying focused, etc. etc.  We were also talking about how after the holidays it is SO hard to get back on track.  She needed something to help her get going again, to boost her weight loss back to where she was before all of the holiday goodies.  She said, on that upcoming Monday, she was starting a 21 day sugar detox and asked me if I would do it with her.  She needed somebody to help hold her accountable, and frankly, if I was going to commit to something like that, I needed accountability too!  So I said I would.  Now, let me back up to before the new year.  I never make NYE resolutions.  I just feel like that's setting yourself up for failure.  So, before the new year, I told Jason that we were going to "set a goal" for 2012.  I think goal setting makes more sense than making a resolution.  Anyways, I set a goal for myself that may not seem that hard to accomplish but for me, I knew it would be a challenge.  My main goal for 2012 is to learn how to accept change, to change things up in my daily life, to challenge myself to new things.  I just don't do well with change.  I am a creature of habit.  I get stuck in my same ole' routine and I'm okay with that.  I don't think that's a bad thing, but when something comes up and it requires change, then it's difficult for me to deal with.  For example, EVERY single day, when I go to the gym, I go straight to the treadmill.  I do the exact same thing every day.....and then I find myself complaining because I work my butt off and am seeing no results.  Well, I KNOW that I need to change it up.  My body is used to my routine, therefore it's not changing.  So, if I know this, then why can't I change it up? I know that what I need is to start doing the classes.  I think piloxing looks so awesome.  They even offer it at the perfect time on Thursday mornings at 9:15, right after I drop Maddox off at school. I tell myself every time I walk into that place, I'm going to go into that room where they have the class.  Just walk in there.  That's all it would take, just open the door and walk in.  Once I'm in, it's cake.  But instead, my anxiety sets in, I start sweating, my nerves are going nuts, and what do I do?....go right back to the treadmill!  I know it sounds so ridiculous!  It IS ridiculous!  Like I said earlier, I'm a creature of habit.  Change is so incredibly hard for me.  So this goal is a big deal.  HUGE.  But it's something that I need to do for myself.  Something that will open my life to new things, broaden my horizons.  Being able to easily accept change is important in life, especially with kids.  It's flexibility that I so desperately need.   So, back to the detox....

That Monday morning rolls around and I'm pumped, ready to get this show on the road. I'm excited to try something that I never ever imagined doing.  21 days is a LONG time with no sugar, no carbs, no junk, no sweets.  That means NO SWEET TEA for 21 days!  You people that know me well, know that this girl LOVES her sweet tea.  But, I committed.  What better way to start off the new year by accomplishing your #1 goal.  The first couple of days were not bad, but about the 5th or 6th day, my cravings were starting to kick in.  Actually, I really just wanted to kill somebody.  The worst thing to do was to get on pinterest and look up ALL of the thousands of sweets they have on there.  Oh, my mouth was watering.  But what I learned the quickest was to never let yourself get hungry.  When you get to the point to where you are starving, that's when you cave.  As long as you always have something to snack on and keep yourself full, you're good.  So, I get through the first week and I'm feeling really good.  Sleeping like a rock, energy that literally lasts all day, no headaches, etc.  I decided on the 2nd week that I was going to get into that piloxing class.  No more excuses.  If I could go this long with a major change in my diet, I could do this class.  So I did.  However, I did not realize how much it would kick my butt, so that morning, all I had for breakfast was my green smoothie.....BIG mistake.  I learned real quick after almost passing out, next time I'm going to eat a heavier breakfast!  That class is hard core, and yes, when I walked into that room for the first time, I was anxious, nervous, wanted to throw up, and more than anything, just wanted to turn right around and walk out.  I know....I don't get it either.

This past week was my 3rd and final week.  It went great, no complaints.  I did piloxing for the 2nd time last Thursday, ate a much bigger breakfast, and it was great.  I absolutely love the class now.  Yesterday was my last day of the 21 days.  Went we out with a bang.  Jason cooked me a big fat ribye with some grilled veggies.  He's been a charm throughout it all.  So supportive, (even though he thought I was crazy!)  One of the things that I learned about myself is, that I am an impulse eater.  Never have I realized it until I was on major restrictions.  Normally, if the boys eat a grilled cheese or whatever they're eating, if they don't finish it, I'll pick it up (without really thinking about it) and eat it, even if I wasn't hungry.  I just acted on impulse.  I don't know how many times I caught myself picking up they're leftovers and almost sticking it in my mouth.  There is no telling how many extra calories that adds to my daily intake!  Another thing that I learned, is that I don't love carbs as much as I thought I did.  I never once craved bread or pasta or potatoes.  I guess it's just a habit for me to add those to our meals.  The boys love them, Jason loves them, so I have always included carbs with anything we eat.  What I do love, and didn't realize how much is sweets.  Every night after supper was the hardest part.  I wanted something sweet.  Funny because before I had kids I didn't like sweets at all.  Desserts actually made me sick after I had eaten a meal.  Thank you dear hormones for making me a lover of anything sweet.  So, there ya have it.  Not only did I successfully complete 3 weeks of what I thought would be, pain & torture, but I also made a huge change in my life.  I believe this will be a permanent change for me.  I love how I feel.