Many people have been approaching me lately inquiring more about my recent Sugar Detox and how to best prepare for it. Today’s post will help you do just that! Having tested several cleanses myself in the past few years (dairy-free, gluten-free, sugar-free, raw food only, etc), I have gathered over time a series of tips that will not only make your detox experience easier; but also much more pleasant. As you will see, most of these tips will be practical and easy to incorporate into your daily routine once you are ready for your sugar detox. With these 10 tips for a successful SUGAR detox, removing processed sugars from your diet will be a breeze and you might even stick to that way of eating for longer than 10 or 21 days ;).
First, if you are wondering why you should even try a sugar detox in the first place, please refer to this article for a few reasons why quitting the white stuff can be the best decision you make for your body. Read more about it here: Ditch Sugar.
Now, that you are convinced about the negative effects sugar has on your body and ready to start your detox, let’s work on making your whole sugar detox a lot easier and enjoyable.
Just as with everything else in life, preparation is truly key. But in more details, here are my:
1. Timing is Everything
Doing a detox or cleanse for the first time can be quite demanding emotionally and physically. So, in order to put all chances on your sides, avoid trying a cleanse for the first time during the Holidays, your next vacation or your best friends’ wedding. Time it wisely and avoid those periods during which you know you are more likely to break your cleanse.
2. Clean Your Pantry
Before you even embark on your sugar detox, make sure to really study and know which foods are okay to consume and which you need to avoid during your detox. Then, clean out your pantry, cupboards and fridge of any foods that do not fit the “okay to eat” list. This will prevent you from binging on a box of cookies or chips, in times of weakness or extreme fatigue (trust me on this one!).
Keep in hand only the foods that you know are allowed during the sugar detox.
3. Meal Plan For The Week
This might seem daunting and tedious, but once again planning for your meals ahead of time will help you avoid a lot of headaches and temptations. Plan what you will usually have for breakfasts, lunch, dinner and snacks too. This is so important for a successful sugar detox (or any other cleanse for that matter).
4. Make a Grocery Shopping List
This again will save you not only a lot of time, but also money and energy. While you are meal planning at home, make a list of all of the ingredients you will need throughout your detox. I recommend meal planning for 1 week at a time, to keep your produce as fresh as possible and to not overwhelm yourself.
5. Batch Cook
This is by far one of my favourite ways to keep on track with my healthy eating habits. Cooking in batches makes your life a whole lot easier, especially during a cleanse. Cooking and prepping foods such as: whole grains (quinoa, millet, brown rice), sauces & condiments (hummus, homemade pesto, bean dips, salad dressings), your vegetables, … in advance will help you save a lot of time. Plus, it makes it a lot easier to quickly whip up a meal in under 30 minutes when you come home from work or school.
6. Carry Healthy Snacks
This is another great way to avoid temptations while outside. Bring your own detox-friendly snacks wherever you go. Many of my treats are sugar-free and detox-friendly. Check them out: here.
7. Study the Menu
Dining out while doing a detox can feel quite discouraging, but it doesn’t have to be that way. When dining out, the best way to stick to your detox is to study the menu online ahead of time or once you arrive at the restaurant. Many restaurants will be very accommodating. But if not, choose another restaurant or eat lightly at home prior to attending your dinner invitation ;).
8. Join a Community
Having support whether virtual or in real life can be a game changer when it comes to committing to a sugar detox. I always make sure to tell a few of my friends so they can hold me accountable. Or, even better, I do the cleanse with another pal. With social media, it can be easy to find like-minded communities and other people doing the detox with you as well.
9. Find Your Motivation
In order to stick to your goals, it is so important to find your own motivation. It could be improving your digestion, get rid of some skin issues, improving your sleep or energy levels. Whatever the reason, remind yourself of it regularly and keep your eyes on the end goal. Trust me, it is all so worth it in the end.
10. Get Proper Guidance
Before starting any cleanse or detox, it is always recommended to consult your favourite (and trusted) health care practitioner. They will not only help you in achieving your goal, but they can also best advise you on how to start and carry on with your detox. Alternatively, you can also check out my comprehensive 10-day Sugar Detox Ebook below:
Now that you know about my top 10 tips for a successful sugar detox, I am sure that you will do great on your next detox.
Feel free to tag along and get daily inspiration via my Instagram account (and Insta stories): @deliciouslyvibrant.
As always, stay vibrant.
Sarah.
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