I did it all wrong! I had the desire, set the date, and started my sugar detox on a Monday. Problem was, I hadn’t done my homework and prepared myself the way I should have. Deciding you want to do something is just the beginning.
I learned quite a bit that week on how to go into detox that will actually lead to healthy success.
8 things you can learn from my recent failed attempt at a sugar detox:
1. Try to eat a bit cleaner for at least a week before. I went from drinking a few bottles of Coke one day then trying to go cold turkey the next. As a matter of fact, I spent a few days eating all the things I planned to deny myself during the detox. That only made it harder, trust me!
2. Make sure you don’t have any events you need to go to for about two weeks. My husband was asked to be in Tennessee that weekend for the season-opening of the Netherland Inn Museum. It was a great time talking about his trip and Boone Trace. However, I was still feeling pretty exhausted from the detoxing that it really drained me completely. Plus, having to keep up with a detox program while on the road and having to eat out can be very challenging. Pick a time where you’ll be in your normal routine for a better chance at success.
3. Be sure you’re taking supplements (or juicing) during the detox. When you start any kind of detox program your body is going to do just that. It’s going to try to push all those toxins out of your body and will be making your liver, kidneys, digestive system, and even your skin work overtime! Be sure you’re giving your body the extra nutrients and enzymes it needs to help with the detox process!
4. Have healthy food and a few freezer meals ready to go. I really didn’t expect to feel THAT tired. I already suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome and figured that was about as tired as a person could get. I was wrong. The detoxing made me feel like a wet wool blanket. My limbs felt so heavy and my energy was non-existent. Cooking dinner just wasn’t hitting the list of things I could accomplish. Having healthy snacks and a few healthy freezer meals ready to go will save you in the evening when you just don’t have an ounce of energy needed to bake a chicken dinner.
5. Have laundry caught up to get through the week. When you’re going through detox you’re not going to have extra energy, you’re not even going to have your normal amount. Especially if you work outside of the home – having clothes ready to go for about a week will help save you from the stress of finding things to wear and having to throw in a last-minute load of laundry right before bed.
6. Take fiber and drink lots of water. Your body tends to get into a grove with whatever your diet is. When you disturb your usual diet for detox your body will be wondering just what hit it. Drink plenty of water to help stay hydrated (this also helps your energy level immensely). Also, you might consider adding some fiber supplements to your diet. That will give your body the extra it needs to help with the elimination of the toxins you’re trying to rid yourself of!
7. Do some reading. If you’re going to do a sugar detox or a gluten detox or any kind of detox at all, do a bit of reading online so you know what to expect as far as symptoms go. Understanding what you might be facing will help you to know it’s all a normal part of the process and won’t last forever!
8. Get plenty of rest. Spend time each day with the TV, radio, and other forms of noise off. Your body will need to have some peace and quiet so it can get through the detox process. Make sure you’re going to bed at a good time each night. Adequate sleep will be essential!
I hope these tips help you find success in your attempt to detox for your health!
