No Sugar Cleanse

So, as we get closer to the Holidays, I definitely find it even harder to resist all the tempting treats. We also recently booked a trip to Mexico, and I have new found motivation to really keep up with health and fitness. Recently, I decided to try what I like to call a "No Sugar Cleanse." In my opinion, sugar is an addiction, and you really reallyyyyy don't need it. Just to clarify, I'm talking PROCESSED and ADDED sugars, not the natural sugar you get from eating fruit. You need some sugar in your diet to gain energy, just the right kind. Anyways, I decided to try going without sugar for a week, to both see how I felt, and if I could curb my addiction.

To start off, I went through my kitchen and threw out anything and everything that didn't go along with the No Sugar rule. On Sunday I made a grocery list, and bought all the necessary ingredients to meal prep and keep me going through the week. I wanted to make sure I had no excuses, such as running late or being lazy, that would cause me to run out and buy something I would later regret. I didn't prep everything, but I did make oatmeal breakfast muffins, minestrone soup, cut up onions and tomatoes, and prepped smoothies. All this helped me to stay organized and made making meals on my busier days quick and easy. Pinterest is my absolute favourite for finding recipes. Here's the link to the breakfast muffins: http://www.callmepmc.com/baked-blueberry-oatmeal-cups/

Notes: I added more then 1/2 cup of berries as I like an overload of them, and I also used a mini cupcake tin instead of the regular size. I found they were quite filling and prefer them snack sized.

Next, I made a meal plan. There are tons out there that you can follow, but I decided to make my own, so that there were things on there I loved and enjoyed cooking. I didn't end up following it exactly, but it was a really great tool to have for reference, and ideas when I felt like time was running low. This is my meal plan:

Day 1

Breakfast: 2 eggs with onions/tomatoes/broccoli, half a grapefruit, water or tea

Snack: one apple with peanut butter

Lunch: quinoa with shrimp and vegetables, thai cucumber salad, water or tea

Snack: nuts

Dinner: turkey chilli, water or tea

Day 2

Breakfast: oatmeal with berries/banana, water or tea

Snack: mary’s crackers with guacamole

Lunch: leftover chilli, water or tea

Snack: cucumbers and carrots

Dinner: chicken wraps with vegetables and guacamole, water or tea

Day 3

Breakfast: overnight oats, water or tea

Snack: protein smoothie

Lunch: thai cucumber salad, chicken wrap with vegetables and guacamole, water or tea

Snack: nuts

Dinner: minestrone soup, water or tea

Day 4

Breakfast: eggs with vegetables, half a grapefruit, water or tea

Snack: peanut butter energy bites

Lunch: spinach salad with avocado, water or tea

Snack: apple with peanut butter

Dinner: balsamic chicken with asparagus and tomatoes, water or tea

Day 5

Breakfast: oatmeal with berries/bananas, water or tea

Snack: nuts

Lunch: quinoa with vegetables/shrimp, water or tea

Snack: mary’s crackers with hummus

Dinner: soup, water or tea

Day 6

Breakfast: overnight oats, water or tea

Snack: protein smoothie

Lunch: leftover soup, water or tea

Snack: vegetables with guacamole

Dinner: chilli, water or tea

Day 7

Breakfast: two eggs with vegetables, some fruit, water or tea

Snack: kind bar

Lunch: chicken wrap with vegetables, water or tea

Snack: apple with peanut butter

Dinner: coconut shrimp curry, brown rice, water or tea

I'll admit, cutting out sugar is not easy, and I did cheat a couple times. I found the hardest part was finding things that didn't have added sugars. Also, I work in the film industry, and as much as I love it, if you have ever spent a day on set, you'll know that the hours are loooong, I'm talking 12-15 hour days, and you have to be very strict in order to not cheat. There is a constant flow of pastries and candy. I often will bring small snacks in my bag just to make sure I have something at least to keep me going until lunch.

Overall, I think this cleanse is a really good idea for anyone starting out on their fitness and health journey, or even someone who is just looking to give themselves an extra boost. I definitely noticed myself craving less sugar and actually saying no when it was offered to me. I feel more energized and motivated to keep going with it. If you're new to the world of health and fitness, try it for 3-4 days. Ultimately, my goal is to have a healthy 80-20 balance; 80% healthy food, and 20% whatever I feel. I like to save my cheats for special occasions like birthdays or Christmas dinner or a night out with friends.

Let me know if you have any questions or how your No Sugar Cleanse went! I'd love to hear your feedback!

Sara Elle ♡