8 out of 21 Days Without Sugar, Dairy and Fruit Completed

I am going to be brutally honest- this sucked (at first)! I can't imagine how miserable one might be if they started this while they were eating a SAD (Standard American Diet). Luckily, I was already primal and was only hooked on natural sugars, fruits and dairy. Here is a little synopsis of my week with no sugar. I promise it is only 2 days that were bad- I am guessing they were my days of full detox.

Day 1: I was on an encouragement high and felt excited to start. I didn't crave sugar, dairy or sweets at all and this was an easy day.

• Breakfast: I got up early and made eggs with chicken, avocado, tomato and peppers.
• I sipped on decaf coffee throughout my morning.
• Lunch: a huge salad with lots of veggies and sunflower seeds
• Snacked on some cashews and almonds
• Dinner: Grilled Chicken and sauteed carrots

Day 2: I was okay until a kid brought me some chocolates- he walked out of the room and I ran to them and threw them in the trash shouting AWAY TEMPTATION AWAY! I wasn't too upset or mad about not eating the junk food. I was actually still feeling pretty good

• Breakfast: Eggs and tomato with my decaf coffee
• Lunch: Grilled chicken breast, Broccoli and a tomato/cucumber salad with balsamic vinegar
• Snacked on some carrots or nuts in the mid afternoon
• Dinner: We had dinner with friends and they cooked us some Korean Beef Lettuce wraps, Salmon, green beans and squash medley. All approved-they were so thoughtful to ask about our eating before they cooked. They even left the seasoning off of our salmon since it had sugar in it.

I brought fruit and dark chocolate for dessert- Brandon and our friends enjoyed that while I sipped my water. I was so stuffed from dinner that I didn't even mind.

Day 3: I knew I was going to have my first real challenge today- Happy Hour with my girls. Today was another fairly easy day but after my crappy dinner I wanted to come home for some Coconut ice cream or chocolate bar.

• Breakfast: 2 hard boiled eggs and a glass of Unsweetened ice tea with lemon
• Lunch: A huge salad with fresh turkey, Egg, Avocado, tomato and green peppers.
• Dinner: We ate at this not so good for paleo on a budget restaurant called "Season 52". It had terrible service and was overpriced. I mis-read the menu and ordered a flat bread (thinking it was a sandwich I could just take the bread off.) I basically paid $20 for 8 bite size chicken pieces some red peppers and onion.

Needless to say I was starving and this started my downhill trek on this detox. Going to bed hungry!! I don't recommend this because I didn't sleep well and my stomach was growling.

Day 4: I was tired and had a headache. I was very low on energy and extremely agitated (SORRY BRANDON!)

• Breakfast: Scrambled egg with chicken. I ran out of decaf coffee and had to just drink water.
• Lunch: Big salad full of veggies and pepperoni.
• Dinner: I was so angry about my previous nights meal that I decided to make my own paleo version. I made a nice flat bread and topped it with chicken, parsley, balsamic red peppers and onions. It was so good and my attitude improved after dinner.

After dinner Brandon cut up this huge yummy pineapple and that made me a little bitter so I just went to bed.

Day 5: The worst of all the days. I was feverish, achy, depressed and just an unpleasant person to be around. I did go to a little happy hour at Dogfish with some friends but I had a glass of water while we vented about our work week and I left before the shots started.

• Breakfast: I had loss of appetite and decided to just nibble on some almonds and cashews and I treated myself to a coffee on my way to school.
• Lunch: Broccoli, chicken breast and a little garden salad
• Dinner: Because I was so grumpy, Brandon surprised me while I laid on the couch miserable with a sweetener free, dairy free dinner. He usedthis recipe minus the cheese and added a seasoned venison and tomato on mine. He called them Mini- Burgers and they were awesome and filling. 

Day 6: Another bad day but not due to sugar. I woke up feeling great, no cravings and ready for my 5k with Brandon. Turns out I should have gone to a physical therapist and I shouldn't have tried to fix my knee myself. This was a hill filled course and my knee got injured even more. I had trouble running and really wanted to quit. Surprisingly my time was still under 30min and Brandon even got 3rd place for his division. The rest of the day I spent icing and elevating my knee. I did a little gardening and yard work but it was hard to move around.

Pre-Race: I had a some nuts and water and a bite of an Thunderbird energy bar (did have dates but no other sweeteners)

• Breakfast: Giant 3 egg omelet with Venison, peppers, onions, tomato and guacamole
• We had a late breakfast so I just had some carrots and veggies in the afternoon when I felt hungry.
• Appetizer: We had an engagement party for my friends Kendayl and Mike. She is gluten free so I knew this would be a somewhat safe party. It was awesome meat on a stick, veggies and lots of water.
• Dinner: After the party Brandon and I were both still a little hungry so we walked over to Sweet Green for a salad and a beautiful evening walk in Reston town center.

I didn't feel tempted by alcohol and actually realized that I didn't feel like I was missing out on anything by not drinking. I would have downed a few glasses of wine in the past. Besides my knee, I could feel my body getting settled into the no sugar, no dairy and no fruit. I was drinking a lot more water and I noticed I was using the bathroom more- probably not retaining all that water or substituting fruit for my water intake.

Day 7: I woke up feeling refreshed and happy just like Saturday morning. I wasn't starving but knew I needed some energy because I was going to be at church from 8:00-12 without food.

• Breakfast: I made myself a smoothie with some nut butter, coffee and Coconut milk. This did the trick and I was fine without food until about 1:30.
• Lunch: I made a Fajita Salad with venison, chicken, sauteed peppers and onions and fresh salsa and guacamole.

We spent the whole day at the pool and we swam and played and got some wonderful Vitamin D sunshine. I felt pretty good in my swimsuit because all the bloating is starting to go away. We took some water, carrots and macadamia nuts to snack on. After the pool we did a little shopping for clothes and food and realized it was 8:30 and we were finally getting hungry.

• Dinner: BGR joint burgers, asparagus fries (for Brandon) and Sweet potato fries (for me)  

Day 8: I am feeling fantastic! I woke up refreshed and energized. I got up early again and felt so prepared and organized. My thoughts were clear and I was able to make it through my day without craving any sweets. My body feels clean and healthy.

• Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with Guacamole
• Lunch: Big salad with turkey and lots of veggies- no dressing
• Snack: carrots and nuts
• Dinner: Bacon and Fried Eggs made by my wonderful husband.

While my body feels great and I have energy, my leg is in a lot of pain after working all day. I made my first Physical Therapy appointment for tomorrow at 5:45. I am not looking forward to it but I realize I need to take care of my body so I can continue staying active. I HATE sitting around when my body just wants to go go go.

So it was a hard week but I had tons of encouragement from readers, family, friends and my amazing husband. My body feels great and I am ready to continue another week of a Sugar free, Dairy free and Fruit free diet. Reflecting on my week, I ate a lot of eggs and chicken. This week I am going to incorporate some more smoothies, tuna, fish and venison in my diet. I didn't feel bored with the foods I was eating these 8 days because it was yummy but 21 days of the same and I would give up.
Here are a few photos of some of our yummy meals. Enjoy and if you are addicted to sugar- keep following for the next few days to see what this experience has taught me. I think paleo, primal or SAD- you should try this.
This weeks goal is sleep. Sleep is just as important as the food you are putting in. I am trying for 7 hours a night!

Brandon's cheesy venison omelet- I would have had this but cheese doesn't settle with me.

My veggie filled omelet- so good and I didn't miss the cheese

 

                                  Fresh hebs from my Garden and flat bread chicken triangles

Pasta sauce option

 

                                                        Brandon's mini- burger creations

Picnic Ready Lettuce Wraps

       Happy Memorial Day weekend! We are kicking our weekend off with a picnic at Lake Audobon in Reston. Tomorrow Brandon is swimming a 5k there and then on Sunday he is swimming a 2miler and a 1 miler. We headed there tonight to check things out before we have to be there at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning. Since we both worked today and wanted to get to the park fast, I stopped and grabbed a Rotisserie Chicken from Giant and a few other goodies for our picnic dinner at the lake. 
Tonight I made Lettuce Wraps, grabbed some Food Should Taste Good Sweet potato chips (kinda hardly made it to the lake since I started eating them in the kitchen!!) and some fruits and veggies. 
       When I got home I got straight to work on trying to get something that would be packed full of protein and carbs but easy to picnic with. Here we have Picnic Ready Lettuce Wraps. Enjoy!


Picnic Ready Lettuce Wraps


Ingredients: 
4 Large Romaine Lettuce Leaves
Thin slices of: Cucumber, Tomato, Onion, Carrots and Avocado
4 Strips 
Chicken Breasts or a Rotisserie Chicken
Dijon Mustard if desired


Process:

1. In a skillet, Cook bacon to a crisp.
2. Slice carrots, onions and Cucumbers into long thin slices (this will give it a nice crisp in every bite.)
3. Slice thin slices of tomato and avocado.
4. Prepare 4 Big leaves of Romaine for wraps
5. Cut chicken breasts into bite size pieces. 
6. On one Lettuce leaf, stack your ingredients in the center. Then top it with a 2nd lettuce leaf.
7. Roll it into a burrito shape and eat or roll it into tin foil for a picnic meal. 

     For our picnic dinner we had these wraps, a bowl of strawberries and blackberries and sweet potato chips. We enjoyed a nice walk along the lake and some bird and people watching on a bench while we ate. I hope that Brandon's  pre-race nerves were calmed and he is all set for his Swimming weekend. 

Pulled Roast Omelet

         Last night we went to a friends house for dinner. He is a chef and makes us the most amazing dishes all the time. We rarely turn down invites to their house. He has been making some BBQ sauces and last night we tried a pineapple Jalapeno, a Black Cherry and a Coffee. Our favorite was the coffee Sauce that he tentatively names "Black Tar". Being an awesome guy, he gave Brandon and I a bottle of it because we loved it so much. So last night I threw a roast in the crock pot and this is one of the recipe's I made with it. 


        Erinn's BBQ sauce is not for sale yet so you will have to use any BBQ sauce or follow the directions and just add your favorite BBQ sauce instead. Check out his blog for future Sauce and spice sales and great recipes. 

Black Tar BBQ sauce drizzled on top gave this roast a juicy spicy flavor but not overpowering. 

Pulled BBQ Roast


Ingredients: 


1 Roast (any kind- we used Venison Roast)
2 Tbs Garlic Powder
1 Tbs Sea Salt
2 tsp Pepper
1/2 Cup BBQ Sauce
2 Cups Water
1/2 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar


Process: 

1. Place all ingredients in a Crock Pot for  8-12 hours on low heat. 
2. Take a fork and pull it apart. Allow it to soak in all of the juices for another 1/2 hour - 1 hour on Warming setting.

I did the roast last night so when I woke up my house was full of the Roast aroma. I can use one roast for several meals throughout the week. The smell was driving my crazy this morning so I had to try it and it was great. I never would have thought to put pulled roast in my eggs. 

Pulled Venison Omelet


Ingredients: 


2 Eggs
1 tsp BBQ sauce, for drizzle on top
1-2 Arugula leaf stems
As much Roast as you want. I used about 1/4 Cup.
Salt and Pepper to taste
*Onion and pepper optional*


Process:

Pour into greased skillet

1. In a bowl whisk together 2 eggs, Salt, Pepper, Pulled Roast, Onions and peppers. 
2. Grease a skillet and turn on medium heat.
3. Pour in the egg mixture and allow it to cook on one side for 3-4 minutes. 
4. Using a spatula, fold the egg in half like a burrito. 
5. Allow the egg to cook all the way through (3-4 more minutes) Egg should be lightly browned sides. 
6. Drizzle with BBQ sauce and Enjoy!

Easy enough to make when running late to work. 

Italian dinner gone Primal

• Monday I swam 1 mile and ran 3 miles.
• Tuesday I biked 11 miles
• Tonight I ran 3 miles, did 33 laps in the pool, 30 min walk with the dogs...

   My body is tired. I think I will take the day off tomorrow! I am actually physically exhausted, I couldn't finish my swim tonight because my goggles were fogging up and leaking but rather than pushing through I just stopped and sat on the side waiting for Brandon to finish swimming his 2 miles. UgH! Sometimes we just need to relax and take a rest. Now I am eating some almonds and sitting on my couch in silence. It is WONDERFUL!


   Tonight dinner was: Look, my hot oregano is thriving in my garden, what can I make with it? Italian dinner!


Baked Italian Chicken
Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Ingredients:

4 Chicken breasts

1 1/2 Cups Almond Flour/meal (non paleo use Panko Bread Crumbs)

1 Tbs Sea Salt

3 Tsp Garlic

1 Tbs Italian Seasonings (I used Oregano and Basil)

1 Tbs Fresh Hot Oregano, diced

1 Cup Pasta Sauce (I use Classico Spicy Tomato Basil because it has no sugar added)

*Optional: Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, 4 thin slices

Process:

1. Bake Chicken on a lightly greased pan for 20 minutes.
2. While Chicken is baking, mix the flour, seasonings and herbs together on a plate. This amount will cover 4 large Chicken breasts.
3. After 20 minutes, remove chicken and pat each one with the crumb mixture.
4. Bake in the oven for another 20-30 minutes. Bread crumbs should start to brown a little.
5. Remove Chicken and top with pasta sauce and Cheese.

6. Place back in the oven  for about 6-10 minutes until cheese melts.
7. Serve with your favorite Italian side- spaghetti squash, a big salad or roasted veggies with garlic and butter.  (non- paleo, pasta noodles would be delicious with this)
8. Enjoy!

One More Week!!!

Wow, one more week until the big 5k!
5k seems like a lot... its 3 miles! To someone who doesnt exercise daily... That is A LOT!
Since I have started training for it, it seemed to get easier. It did, but its still hard. I still get out of breath and tired, but I know I am doing this for a good cause! A cause for me!! A cause to make me healthier and a more energized person/mom for my husband and chilren. I have been using my steps, because its been crazy weather... One minute its nice and warm, the next rainy and snowy and VERY cold! Then, we all got the stomach flu! :( I am hoping that next weekend is a nice day and not freezing. I dont know how I will do in the freezing cold!
Since, I have started doing this, I have changed my eating habits along with my children and husbands eating habits. We enjoy it. This week for dinner, I made the crab topped talapia and the Zucchini lasagna. My little boy ate both of them with no COMPLAINTS!! I was impressed! So glad he is enjoying the meals I set before him. I love the compliments from him, mommy you are a great cook! My husband seems to be eating them AND liking them as well. This is going to be easy!!