The 21-Day Sugar Detox- Day 5

 Double Grass-fed Bacon Burger! Yummers!

The end of day 5 is upon me.  Finally, I have a rough day! I was pretty much hungry from the moment I awoke. Problem being, I was too busy to do anything about it. So, I didn't eat or drink breakfast.

I trudged along until about 1:30, when I finally made it to my kitchen to make lunch. I went to the pantry to grab a can of tuna. That's when I saw it.......my dark chocolate candy bar with almonds, dried cranberries and candied ginger! I lingered a little too long, staring at it. The inner dialog began, "One small square won't hurt you. Touch that chocolate and I'll smack you! It's just one tiny piece!". I quickly shut the pantry door!

Thinking it was best if I stayed away from the pantry, I dove into the fridge to see what I could find. Thankfully, I had leftovers from last night's dinner. I pulled out a chicken thigh, the avocado cream sauce, two celery stalks, and three lettuce leaves. I shredded the chicken into a bowl, chopped the celery, and mixed in the avocado cream sauce. Walla....chicken salad! I scooped the salad into the lettuce cups, grabbed my Rose Hip Tea, and sat down at the kitchen table to eat.

Needless to say, it was amazingly good. I gobbled all three lettuce wraps!  Sated, it was time to go back to work.  I'm not sure if it's caused by the detox or not; but, my eyes are extremely dry today. I also have a couple of breakouts on my forehead. It may simply be part of the detox process.

It's Friday; so, I designated 4 PM as quitting time. Since I usually only take Sunday off, I figured I could give myself a break today. I made a nice, hot cup of Pau D'Arco Herbal Tea and nestled into the couch with Boho.  While watching tv, the dark chocolate candy bar kept creeping back into my head. Every time, I shook the thought out of my mind. Boy, would it sure taste good with this tea! Out! Out! You evil candy!

Finally, at 5 PM, I sauntered into the kitchen to cook dinner. On the menu for tonight....grass-fed beef double burger with bacon, avocado, and mustard...and, zucchini herb fries. I cooked the burgers in Cast Iron Cookware Toaster Oven

. I made sure to make enough for breakfast or lunch tomorrow. I baked the zucchini fries in the oven at 400 degrees.

Once everything was done, I placed the burger patties on top of two butter lettuce leaves and half an avocado. I like the way the hot patties melt into the avocado slices! Then, I topped the patties with two slices bacon, squirted a little mustard, and two lettuce leaves. When I make a big burger like this, I use extra lettuce leaves to make them sturdier.

Wow! Did that dinner hit the spot? You bet it did! I believe the extra fat in the burger patties helped overcome my candy craving. I certainly know what to do next time....have a little fat!

So, other than the sugar craving, breakouts, and dry eyes, all seems okay. I did sleep better last night; so, that's a plus. Until tomorrow, I bid you goodnight and healthy dreams.

Are you also on a detox or elimination regimen? I would love to hear what you're doing and how you're feeling! Please leave a comment below; or email me at tmoperillo@gmail.com . Thanks!

The 21-Day Sugar Detox- Day 4

 Zucchini Noodles!

Almost done with day 4 of The 21-Day Sugar Detox! Shockingly, time seems to be flying by. I'm not having any cravings yet. I'm even getting used to my coffee with Coconut Milk only.

Unfortunately, I was up early again this morning. Our neighbor had some work-guy making noise outside. I think the only thing he was working on was waking me up. And, Boho kept barking because she likes to warn us of perceived imminent danger. Needless to say, I was up hours before I wanted to be.

I started off with my usual coffee with Coconut Milk.  After a few minutes of allowing myself to fully awaken, I grabbed my iPad, and answered emails. I, then, dressed and headed out to do chores. I spent the next two hours battling the snow on the roads in my little Fiat, grocery shopping at Trader Joe's, and stopping by my local health food shop to pick up some Pau d'Arco Tea and Geranium Essential Oil (couldn't wait for the delivery that's coming late because of recent bad weather). I was a little hungry while shopping; but, when I returned home, it had disappeared.

Around 1 PM, I ate the rest of the leftover Shepherd's Pie with a green juice made with celery, cucumber, lemon, and ginger.  Since I was already in the kitchen, I decided to whip up some of the oil mixture I use to cleanse my face.

The rest of my afternoon was spent on social media site maintenance, answering emails, and doing research for my clients. At 5:00 PM, I started cooking dinner.  I cooked Mustard Chicken from The 21-Day Sugar Detox and Zucchini noodles with avocado cream sauce from a recipe on my Paleo-A-Go-Go Board on Pinterest. Both were absolutely AMAZING!

I really don't feel as though I'm on a diet! I know it may be a bit easier for me since I had been eating Primal for about a month prior to doing this detox. But, as each day passes, I do find it easier to plan my meals, even with all my restrictions. I can't wait until I start to really feel better. I just keep that in mind!

Well, another day done! I'll be back tomorrow. Until then, stay strong!

The 21-Day Sugar Detox- Day 3

I knew today was going to be a tough one. I didn't have problems with my food choices. But, it sure was a busy day! I woke up this morning at 6:30 AM. Normally, I wake between 8:30 and 9:00 AM. I prettied myself up, dressed, and headed out the door.

Then, I gave a presentation on alternative health therapies and the nature of my business. Afterward, I sat down to eat breakfast with my group. I brought a small container of my Organic Coconut Milk, so I could enjoy some much needed coffee. Since I perused the menu online beforehand, I easily ordered bacon with a side of ham. There's nothing like a pig-filled breakfast. I vowed to make a vegetable juice once I returned home.

After breakfast, I headed home.  I did a load of laundry, answered emails, made my veggie juice, and worked on my social media sites.

At about 3:00 PM, I ate leftover Shepard's Pie for lunch. I also had a nice cup of green tea. Then, I caught up on some research.

Five thirty, I headed out again, to teach my Religious Education class. By the time I finished at 8:15, dinner was all I could think about.

I returned home at about 8:40. For dinner, I heated up a Lemon, chive, and caper chicken breast I had cooked on Saturday. I added a side of cucumber and avocado salad with a splash of Apple Cider Vinegar.

Once dinner was eaten and dishes were cleaned, I settled down to answer a client's email and finish some social media posts. I am now thoroughly exhausted as I write this blog.

I guess I didn't really have time to notice any cravings or reactions today. So far, so good! I have the energy I need to carry out my duties. That's good enough for me!

Well, I'm off to bed, now. I'll be reporting again tomorrow. Until then, goodnight.

The 21-Day Sugar Detox- Day 2

Well, I'm wrapping up day two of The 21-Day Sugar Detox. My day started off pretty much the same as yesterday. Same coffee and same breakfast (except the bone broth was turkey, not beef). I really didn't notice a difference in how I felt. I just felt healthy.

I went about my business as usual. I did my chores, worked on my website, answered emails, and worked on my speech for tomorrow morning's meeting. I did not get a headache today. That was good.

At about 1 PM, I made lunch, an arugula, sardine, cucumber and olive salad with a tiny splash of Balsamic Vinegar . I drank a cup of Peppermint tea as well.

 My lunch salad- yum!

After lunch, it was time for more chores, including shoveling snow from my front door. Earlier today, I could barely open the door when the UPS guy delivered my Ox Bile tablets (I don't have my gallbladder  due to a birth defect; so, I have to supplement to digest fats.).  Off I went to bring our garbage can and recycling bin to the curb. I was completely bundled from head to toe, due to the fact that it was 7 below zero (without the windchill) in my neck of Illinois today. I shoveled our front stoop and the entrance to our garage. By the time I walked back inside, my hands were burning. My hands were bright red! I hurried to warm them. Luckily, the feeling returned to them and eventually the redness faded. Next time, I'll have to wear two pairs of gloves.  By the way, the shoveling counted as my workout today.

Soon, it was time to cook dinner. I decided to cook the Shepherd's Pie recipe from The 21-Day Sugar Detox book.  Of course, I had to tweak it because I don't eat cooked carrots or green peas (yucky). I added 1/2 an onion and a handful of kale instead. I would have loved to throw some mushrooms in there. But, I can have NO fungus among us! I served up my Shepherd's Pie with 1/2 an avocado, with a splash of Apple Cider Vinegar (for digestion aid), sea salt and black pepper. It was pretty tasty!

 Shepherd's Pie- Paleo style

Once dinner was eaten and dishes were done, I settled into my sofa, with my cup of coffee, to write this blog. I really didn't notice any cravings today, other than the one I'm having right now for some dairy and stevia in my coffee. I'm not sure I'll be able to move past that change.  I feel pretty good, though. I'm not feeling any hunger or brain fog (any more than usual, that is). My stomach feels so much better, however. I haven't had any of the pain, bloating or gas that has plagued me in the past. I can only figure the further I go, the better I'll feel!

Tomorrow will be a busy one! I have a presentation to give early tomorrow morning, followed by breakfast (IN A RESTAURANT!). I already looked up the menu online; so, I'm prepared to order off the ala carte menu. Yes, I'll have the bacon, with a side of.....well, bacon. Should be interesting.  Then, it's time to do chores and prepare for my Religious Education class at 6 PM. I won't be home until late tomorrow night. So, I have to prepare my dinner beforehand.

On to day three! I'll be reporting back to you how tomorrow goes. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email me or leave it in a comment. I would love to hear from you!

The 21 Day Sugar Detox- Day 1

So, today is day one of The 21-Day Sugar Detox, buy book here,  for me. Since I was already eating a Primal diet, I am doing Level 3 with modifications for Autoimmune. That means no egg whites, nightshades ( tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, chili powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or potatoes), nuts, or seeds. It is by far the strictest of levels Diane Sanfilippo recommends. I'm also eliminating fermented veggies, kombucha, and sauerkraut due to suspected Candida.

I decided to follow this particular detox because I am a huge fan of Ms. Sanfilippo's book, Practical Paleo. I really resonated with her story on repairing her own health. She also has a writing style that is motivating and easy to understand. If you're thinking about changing your eating for better health, I highly recommend her books.

The first thing you should know is that I am not a big sugar fiend. I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia when I was twelve years old. I have never had the "sweet tooth" the rest of my family has. I have used artificial sweeteners for years. I'm not proud of it; but, I've used everything from saccharin to Splenda. Of course, in the last fourteen years, I've been using Stevia.  When faced with a choice, I would typically choose a salty food over a sweet one. So, why am I doing a SUGAR detox?!!

The answer is quite simple. Sugar lurks in many foods. I believe I may have Candida. It is imperative that I remove all forms of sugar from my body. Candida feeds off sugar! It LOVES the stuff! I aims to KILL IT! No sugar for me!

This is how day 1 went for me. I woke up raring to go! I went to my kitchen and made my cup of organic coffee. Normally, I would add my stevia and organic half and half, both of which are not allowed on The 21-Day Sugar Detox. Today, I simply added some Organic Coconut Milk. It's definitely going to take some getting used to. While it was creamy, I missed the sweet taste the stevia provides. Go figure!

An hour later, I had a breakfast of beef bone broth and 4 Herb Tea ( which is immensely healing and can be purchased through http://www.herbalhealeracademy.com ). I typically do not eat breakfast because I don't like to chew in the morning. I know it's weird; but, we all have our quirks! Then, I went about my business and hit the computer.

At 2 PM, I had lunch which consisted of two lettuce and grass-fed roast beef wraps. The only food I missed was the grass-fed cheddar cheese I would normally add to my wraps. It wasn't too bad, though. I also made a fresh vegetable juice with a cucumber, celery, a carrot, and half a lemon (limes and lemons are the only fruits I'm allowed). Although it wasn't bad tasting, I certainly missed the green apple I would have typically juiced with it. Back to work I went.

About an hour later, I began to get a bit of a headache. I brewed some Pau d'Arco Tea and added 50 drops of White Willow Bark Extract. Within half an hour, my headache was gone.

By the time I looked up from my computer again, it was time for me to cook dinner. On Saturday, I had prepared an entire organic chicken to use as dinners throughout the week. I cooked from a recipe in The 21-Day Sugar Detox, Lemon Chicken with Capers & Chives. Tonight, I simply reheated the breast in the oven (inside of a parchment paper bag to keep moist). Then, I wilted some spinach and red onion for one of my side dishes. As my second side dish, I wrapped slices of half an avocado with bacon and baked them in the oven on 375 degrees for 40 minutes (until crispy). My dinner was absolutely delicious! I missed nothing!

After dinner, I made my cup of coffee with Organic Coconut Milk. It tasted creamier and less jarring as this morning's cup. Then, I set to work on this blog.

I'll finish off my night with a cup of herbal tea with a tablespoon of Coconut Oil swirled in. I have no real problems to report for my first day. Tomorrow, I'll be adding a workout to my schedule. I'm curious to see what my energy level is at. Day 1 was not bad! I can totally do this!

Check out tomorrow's blog to see how day 2 goes. I'll be posting everyday, for all 21 days. Please, feel free to email me with any questions. Or, you can leave comments below. I promise to get back to you. Email: tmoperillo@gmail.com

Also, you can get updates on my Facebook page: Facebook.com/bohoandmo . Just "Like" my page and join in on the fun!

Yummy Spinach!

Awesomely delicious Bacon Wrapped Avocado