The 21-Day Sugar Detox- Day 21

I DID IT! I have finally reached day 21 of The 21-Day Sugar Detox.I'm not going to lie. It was tough, especially in the beginning.  I have never been on such a restrictive program in my life.  Now, grant it, I was on the most restrictive level ( there are 3).  And, I had Candida and Autoimmune modifications which restricted me even more.  I also know, I haven't felt this good in a long, long time.

Diane Sanfilippo, author and creator of The 21-Day Sugar Detox, asked on her Facebook community page today, if anyone was continuing with the program after completing it.  I'm going to have to give that a BIG NO. With my modifications, I just don't think it's sustainable.  I need my fruit and nuts.  However, I will remain grain free. I'm also going to stay away from nightshades, pasteurized dairy, and some fruits and nuts.  Strawberries, walnuts, and cashews can be inflammatory.  I will continue to avoid these foods for the recommended 30 days.  Then, I will introduce them back to my diet, one by one, to check my body's response.  If they cause any bad reaction, I'll cut them out for another three weeks before trying again.  Yes, it's a process.

Tomorrow, I'll post stats and photos. I know I've lost some weight on The 21-Day Sugar Detox.  I'll weigh in in the morning to see the results.  I certainly feel as though my body has been detoxed.  I have more energy and can move around better. My skin is starting to clear up, too.  Of course, I've been putting Oil of Oregano on all of my spots and rashes religiously.  I think I'll leave my face out of the pics tomorrow.  I don't want to discourage anyone. Like I always say, sometimes you have to destroy before you rebuild.  Too bad it's on my face! Arg!

Meals today were pretty simple.  I cooked my husband and myself brunch around 1 PM.  For myself, I cooked bacon, zucchini and red onion hash, with a side of avocado.

My CrockPot was occupado, cooking up some healthy, chicken bone broth. So, for dinner, I reheated some of the chicken from last night.  On the side, I smothered green beans with bacon; and, added a cup of my last batch of chicken bone broth.  All was delicious, anti-inflammatory, and healthy.

Well, I'm looking forward to my first day of freedom tomorrow.  Although, I felt a little nervous over the last couple of days, that nervousness is gone now.  I'm not sure if I gained confidence by completing the program. Or, if I'm just happy to move forward.  Either way, I feel strong and ready for the next step.  I DID IT!

I hope I've encouraged some of you to begin or continue your journey to wellness.  If I did it, you can, too.  I'm not superhuman or special in any way.  I'm just like you.  I got sick of feeling sick.  So, I did something about it.  Was it worth it?  Without a doubt, it was.  

And, to those of you who don't think you can do it because it's too hard, I say, being sick is harder.  Going in and out of the doctors' offices, hospitals, and urgent care clinics is hard.  Having your organs removed, repaired, and probed is hard.  Getting poked and invaded with needles and instruments is hard.  Running to the bathroom every time you eat is hard.  Suffering in pain is hard.  Compared to all of that, this was easy.  I'll take a change in my diet over all that mess, any day of the week.

If you need or want my help or encouragement, all you have to do is ask.  I believe God put me on this earth to heal others.  The fact that I have an autoimmune disease strenthens my belief. How better to heal others than to feel what they feel, suffer the way they suffer, and restore health the way they restore health? Email me or comment below. Start your healing.  Tmoperillo@gmail.com

Goodnight and God Bless.

The 21-Day Sugar Detox- Day 20

Hey! There's a chicken in my CrockPot!

Wow! Only one day left of The 21-Day Sugar Detox!  I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I'm sure everything will be fine.  But, I know the task of adding foods back into my diet could possibly bring  back some of my symptoms.  That makes me nervous.

Luckily, I didn't have much time to fret over that today.  It's housecleaning day.  Knowing I would be busy all day, I put my chicken in the Crock-Pot and let it do it's thing.  I scrubbed, wiped, and laundered my day away. At around 3 PM, I ate my lunch, standing at the kitchen counter.  Since I didn't have time to make a proper lunch, I threw some beef from last night's dinner on some lettuce leaves, added some chunked avocado and a splash of red wine vinegar. Voila!

I really have noticed a huge increase in my energy level.  Before this detox, I would wake up tired. I barely had the energy to get dressed in the morning.  Now, I can clean all day with energy to spare.  The second best improvement is the lack of bloating and stomach upset.  My tummy is now completely flat.  I don't worry about eating anymore, because I know my stomach will not hurt afterward.  It's wonderful!

Now, for the downside, my skin is a complete disaster.  My body is detoxing everything; and, it showing in my skin.  I have breakouts on my face, legs, and chest.  In one way, I'm happy. I know these breakouts mean my body is releasing the toxins.  However, I hate looking like a pimply, rashy mess.  I hope this doesn't last too long.

At 6 PM, my chicken was done. I wanted a light dinner. So, I made a simple side salad of arugula, cucumber, avocado, and Greek olives.  Simple and delicious!  The chicken was so tender, it melted in my mouth.  

So, tomorrow is my last day of The 21-Day Sugar Detox.  I will be planning my meals for the week.  What will I do with so much freedom?  I have a few ideas, that's for sure!

I bid you a goodnight.  I can't wait for tomorrow to come! I hope I can get some sleep tonight.  As always, if you need my help, email me or comment below. I'll be back tomorrow with an update.

Goodnight and God Bless!

The 21-Day Sugar Detox- Day 19

I'm writing this post as the wind howls around me.  I can hear it banging against the windows. It's a bitter cold, windy night.  I am, however, tucked under my Snuggie, with a fire roaring in the fireplace.  I have just experienced a very good day.  Another good day is under my belt.

I thought I'd go into more detail for you, on what constitutes a good day.  A good day for me means, I have the energy to do the things I need to do. It also means, my pain is at a level I can tolerate.  Since I've gone completely grain-free, my gastrointestinal problems have almost disappeared.  I actually went grain-free two weeks before I started The 21-Day Sugar Detox.  By grain-free, I mean no rice, wheat, corn, or gluten-free mixed flours. I only use Coconut Flour or Almond Flour.  But, the energy and pain levels improved after I began this particular detox.

As a bonus, this program has taught me I don't need those grains anymore. I've been able to find substitutes for all my favorites, pasta, rice, potatoes, and bread.  I've also learned to like foods I didn't much care for before, butternut squash and brussel sprouts. It's taught me how to ADAPT.  Most people view living without these foods as a loss or punishment.  Before this happened to me, I thought about it that way too.  Now, I think about those foods as a punishment.  If I eat them, I'll get sicker.  I could eventually lose my life by eating them.  If that's not the definition of punishment, I don't know what is.  Food does not make us happy.  Food sustains our life.  We should eat to live, not to be happy.

Obviously, we want to eat foods that taste good.  I eat many foods that taste absolutely delicious.  These foods nourish and heal me. That's the difference!  These foods don't harm me.  Yes, it's harder to do. I mean, I can't just pop into any restaurant and order off the menu nonchalantly. I have to plan more, prepare more, and cook more.  But, my life is worth it. Isn't yours?

Speaking of delicious meals, I roasted a beautiful, grass-fed rib roast for dinner.  It was perfectly cooked, medium rare.  On the side, I served mashed cauliflower with Coconut Milk and chives.  Does that sound like I was suffering?  I can assure you, I was not.

Trust me, I know taking that first step to changing your eating habits is tough.  You question your resolve, your strength, and your willpower.  I had to change my way of thinking.  I am not punishing myself. I am keeping myself alive.  So what if I can't eat real pasta again.  I can walk up a flight of stairs, without pain again.  So what if I can never enjoy a regular birthday cake again. I don't have to cover the rashes on my face under layers of makeup, because they aren't there anymore.  Those are trade-offs I'm willing to make!

So, I ask that you take all this in.  Isn't your life worth saving?  If you need any help getting started, just email me or comment below.  Having been through it, I can help you make the transition.  All you have to do is ask.

And, for those of you already on your journey, hang in there. You're proving your health and your life is worth saving. Congratulations!

The 21-Day Sugar Detox- Day 18

Okay, so, I may be a little excited that Sunday will be the last day of The 21-Day Sugar Detox. I was like a kid in a candy store at Trader Joe's today. I bought all of the foods I will be adding into my diet on Monday.  Aah, I'll be able to have bananas, apples, egg yolks, raw cheese, and dark chocolate again.  I'm a little nervous; but, not enough to keep these foods off my list of eats. Of course, if I have a reaction to any, I'm prepared to stop eating them.  Hopefully, that won't happen.

This morning, I felt better than yesterday.  But, this afternoon, I had a bit of a stomach ache and heart palpitations.  I'm starting to think my symptoms over the last two days have more to do with stress than the detox. I tend to freak when I have to drive in snowstorms.  I've had to do that a couple of times this week.  That, combined with my hormone levels being wonky this week, have, I think, caused some symptoms to reappear.  It's amazing what stress can do to our bodies.

I'm quite sure my lunch is not what caused my stomach upset. I had bacon and homemade guacamole in lettuce cups. I've been eating the ingredients throughout my entire detox.  They are all autoimmune and allergy free approved foods.  Then, I thought maybe it was cross-contamination from my husband's foods.  But, I am very careful about using only sanitized utensils and cutting boards. For now, I'm just going to go with the stress theory.

This afternoon, I tried to chill out by working on research.  It must have worked because my stomach cramps and palpitations dissipated.  By dinner time, they were gone.  I went with my old standby for dinner, chicken legs. I baked them Greek style, which is my absolute favorite.  On the side, I cooked Bacon and Butternut Squash Hash.  This was true comfort food, perfect for a chilly night. It was so delicious.

Once this post is done, I plan to continue my relaxation by taking a nice, warm bath with Epsom Salt and Lavender Essential Oil. Epsom Salt is great for detoxifying the body.  I'm not big on baths; but, I try to soak in one a month. It's great for sore muscles and joints, too.

I hope my bad days don't dissuade you from beginning your detox plan.  It's all part of the process. If I was less than honest with you and made it seem like everything was lollipops and rainbows, you would be discouraged when going through it yourself. I'd rather be up front and honest to prepare you for your ups and downs.  And, it's possible you won't have as many downs.  What motivates me are the good days, knowing that many more of those are possible.  When we feel bad every day, for so many years, we tend to forget what feeling good felt like.  These good days remind us of that. And, once you experience them again, you want MORE.  That's what keeps me going! I suspect it's what will keep you going too.

Need motivation? Comment below or email me! Tmoperillo@gmail.com

Thanks to everyone who's been following, commenting, and emailing me!  For those of you already on your detox journey, I pray you are finding your wellness again.  And, for those who want to start your journey, I pray you receive what you need to do so.

Goodnight and God Bless.

The 21-Day Sugar Detox- Day 17

Today was not one of my best days. It may have had more to do with the fact that I had to wake up at 6:30 AM, than the detox. As you know, if you've been reading this blog, I don't particularly like to wake up early. I'm not quite sure why; but, my rashes were more active today. It could be I'm still purging toxins from my body. I'm unsure how long it's going to actually take to completely detox.

In addition to the rashes, I also felt dizzy a few times. I had a bit of nasal congestion. So, the dizziness could have come from that. My energy level was good. I made it through an early morning meeting to a night RE class full of fourth graders.

I meant to take a photo of my breakfast at the restaurant today; but, I forgot. I had bacon, ham and avocado. I was full half way through.  I only ate half of the food on my plate. I'm not much for breakfast, as you know.

The weather here certainly didn't help my blahdom. Yes, I just created that word. It's been snowing all day, again. Plus, the temperature is in single digits, with a windchill of below zero. This has been a horrible winter of below average temps and tons of snow.  While I like looking at the snow, I hate driving in it. I'm so over it!

I guess I better get used to good days and bad days. I have a feeling it's going to be a long, arduous process.  In order to heal, I'm going to have to destroy the diseases and then rebuild my body all over again. I'm up for it. I'm entitled to be bummed about it once in a while. It took years of misdiagnosis and mistreatment to get to where I am. It will take some time to recover.

Because of my class tonight, I chose to eat dinner early, at 5:00 PM.  I reheated the chicken breast I baked last night, and served it with leftover brussel sprouts from a couple of days ago. I had stuffed the chicken breast with red onion, garlic, spinach, and calamata olives. The flavors had intensified overnight. It was amazing!  Even the brussel sprouts were tastier.

After dinner, I headed out to teach my class. When my students complained about being tired, I just chuckled. One of my students brought some goldfish crackers to share with the class. Once I had divided up the crackers to all the students, one asked why I didn't have any.  I simply stated that I didn't eat gluten or grains. Then, one asked if I was allergic.  I nodded my head. "That stinks!" was the general consensus in the room.  "It's not so bad," I replied. They were blown away. I was thankful none of them had had to worry about food allergies. 

Now, I'm home.  Soon, I'll head to bed.  It's been a long day. I'll make a nice, hot cup of Gaia Rest & Relax tea to warm my chilled bones.  Only four days to go!

Email: tmoperillo@gmail.com

The 21-Day Sugar Detox- Day 16

Wow! Two days in a row of feeling good can really make a person happy. Even though I didn't sleep well last night, I still had enough energy to get through my busy day.  So many times, I wondered if I would ever feel better. I have to say, I'm getting a little nervous to add foods back into my diet in five days. This just reassures me that I'm going to need to take things slow.

I've learned so much over the last sixteen days. Most importantly, I've learned that I can still eat tasty foods with all of my restrictions. I understand I have to live without grains forever. Before I started The 21-Day Sugar Detox , I didn't think that was possible. But, I took this time to learn new recipes to fill my carb cravings. As I wrote in my post from day 1, I didn't really have a sweet tooth. Sugar was not my poison. Pasta, bread, and chips were my downfall.  To find out I couldn't have any of those foods anymore was devastating. Now, I feel okay about it. I know I can make pizza crust from cauliflower, pasta from zucchini or spaghetti squash, and chips from zucchini or sweet potatoes. And they taste great to boot! I get excited about creating new ways to cook my old favorites. If something doesn't taste quite right, it's back to the drawing board.

One of my favorite meals, I've discovered, is lettuce wrap sandwiches. I love them! I love that I can taste all of the ingredients, not just bread. I've learned how to wrap a pretty mean lettuce sandwich.

Lunch today was a roast beef and avocado lettuce wrap. I heated a cup of turkey bone broth on the side to warm me up. It was a cold one today!

That was the last of my bone broth; so, I will be making more on Thursday. I've been saving my chicken bones and freezing them for that occasion. Yum!

This afternoon, I had a bit of a headache. I put two droppers of White Willow Bark tincture in a little water and drank it down. Worked like a charm!

I began cooking dinner early. Since tomorrow is one of my busiest days, I prepared my dinner for that night as well. I won't get home until after 8 PM. I know I won't feel like making dinner then.

Tonight's dinner was Italian Sausage Stuffed Chicken Thighs wrapped in Bacon, served on a bed of wilted Arugula. Can you say DELICIOUS?

The flavor in this dish was amazing. My butcher makes his Italian Sausage with no sugar, preservatives, or artificial flavors. He only uses the finest meats and herbs. It's the best!

If I can eat this well, I can live on this program forever. I have definitely decided to adopt the primal diet after I finish with this program. I say primal because I would like to incorporate some grass-fed, raw cheeses in my diet. You can't do that with paleo.  However, if I find my body doesn't tolerate dairy, I am prepared to go full paleo. I will be a little sad, though. I heard Nutritional Yeast Seasoning is what vegans use to make foods taste cheesy. I guess I'll have to give that a try. Oh well, no use crying over spilt milk. I cross that bridge when I come to it. How many sayings can I fit into this paragraph? Goodness!

So, it's down to the final 5 days of The 21-Day Sugar Detox .  If you're still thinking about starting a detox program, I hope you do it. You could feel better than you have in years! I'm living proof of that fact! Let me encourage you. Why should you spend one more day feeling horrible?

Comment below or email me. I want to know how y'all are doing. 

Tmoperillo@gmail.com