It's finally here Sister- the Fit Strong Mama Detox! 👊👊👊

If you have been struggling with the sweets and high carb lifestyle, this detox is for you! Do you ever find yourself craving something sweet (or carbs), you eat something to satisfy that craving, and just hours later you’re starving and craving it all over again?

The way that sugar breaks down in our bodies causes a blood sugar spike, and the quick fall which is the main reason we get these crazy cravings when we eat a lot of sugar! And trust me when I say it’s a tough habit to break!

Recently in our Free Wellness Group on Facebook, we did a 5 sugar detox with daily check-in days to help our members jump start this process. If you are considering doing a sugar detox, I’ve pulled together the information that was shared below so that you too can join your FSM sisters in cutting out/down on your sugar consumption! Even though our detox was 5 days, your body may need more time. So be sure to plan for 5-10 days when you are going to go cold turkey and eliminate any added, refined, artificial, or natural sugars.

How it Works
As you detox, your body will rewire itself to stop needing sugar. Our bodies are very adaptable–once you eliminate sugar from your diet, your body will do its best to adapt to the lack of it as quickly as possible. But, as your body releases toxins, it can make you feel worse before you feel better.

Remember that you could be breaking an addiction, and may experience withdrawal symptoms. Possible symptoms include headache and intense cravings. If symptoms become serious, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

Things that contribute to sugar cravings, therefore we're going to cut them from our diet during the detox:
• No fruit
• No baked goods or chocolate
• No wine/alcohol/sodas
• No sweeteners: honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, dates, etc.
• No stevia
• Limited starchy vegetables (sweet potatoes, squash, etc.)
• Limited carbs

Let's be honest… this will be HARD! Sugar is extremely addictive and you'll feel withdrawal effects, especially if you eat a lot of sugary things (or even a high-carb diet… carbs break down into sugars!)

How to Prepare for Your Sugar Detox
For the next five days (or however long you've chosen for your detox), focus on eating simple & eating clean. There are tons of plans out there that have complicated meal plans and expensive grocery lists… well, that's not the FSM way! There are just a few concepts that you need to keep in mind when planning your meals this week:

⭐️Stay LOW carb (carbs turn into sugars, so if we can limit those and focus on fewer carbs & making sure those are complex carbs, you'll be good!)
⭐️Up your proteins + healthy fats (avocados, etc) - these will help fight cravings & keep you fuller for longer!
⭐️Don't deny yourself flavor! (Mrs Dash seasonings are AMAZING!)
⭐️Stick to the outer edges of the grocery store and eat as much fresh foods as possible (easiest way to limit sugars!)
⭐️Don't go extremely low calorie… this is a sugar detox and cutting your calories back in extreme ways will make this 10x harder! Fill up on good things!

Keep It Simple Meal Plan Idea
(feel free to mix + match, this is just a general guideline to help get you started!)
Breakfast: Egg Omelet + Veggies + Avocado
Lunch: Leafy Green Salad + Protein + Veggies on it
Dinner: Protein + Steamed Veggies + Quinoa
Snack: Cucumber Slices + Sugar-free Dip

Want specific recipes? Check out this awesome resource for sugar detox recipes! https://buff.ly/2KGeLFH

Other things I want you to do before you start:
• Remove any temptations that could derail you
• Talk to your friends, family, or co-workers, so they're prepared to support you over the next few days!
• Define why you want to detox from sugar, write it down, and post it on your fridge, in your car, or anywhere else you might be tempted
• Write out your triggers for sugar such as emotional cravings or stress eating… if you are aware of them, you're better prepared for them when they hit!
• If you are unable to join us this week…Look at your calendar and try to pick a time when you won't be under a lot of stress or pressure. Things such as a big deadline at work or the week leading up to your wedding may not be the best time to do this!

Additional Tips to help you out:

•Drink A LOT of water! This will help flush your system, and help with any headaches you may encounter.
• Get Movin! Exercise (even a post-dinner walk) will help your body feel refreshed and will help your detox!
• Prioritize your sleep! Whenever you are detoxing from anything really, you need extra sleep to make sure you are functioning at your best! As we stop giving our bodies sugar, they have to adjust, until it realizes that it doesn't need it… in the meantime our moods can be a little rocky. So put your best foot forward for your friends, family, and co-workers and get some extra sleep this week to help combat moodiness related to your detox!
• Learn best ways for you to manage stress...because stress eating it real, and a lot of times it involves high-sugar foods! For everyone stress management looks different (and it maybe be different during different seasons for you too!) If you know ways that help you unwind and de-stress, be purposeful in planning those in your days! Love a good bubble bath? This is the week to do that!

I finished my detox… now what?
Don't just jump back into a high-sugar lifestyle! I totally understand the low-no sugar is not possible for everyone long-term, however I don't want you to wipe away all the work you've put in this week! Slowly introduce things you can't live without and practice mindful grocery shopping… look for lower sugar options & minimize your sugar intake! You've got this sister!

Share below….
How was your detox?
How are you feeling?
What is your post-detox plan?