I have a batch of Balanced Bites’ Carrot Pumpkin Spice Muffins in my oven and I just downed a bowl of broccoli. I woke up before my alarm clock today and didn’t hit snooze either. WOAH. Day 3 is off to a rocking start and I already feel loads better! I just ate a bowl of broccoli. For a snack. And I LIKED it.
(What is going on here?!)
In case you’re joining me for the 21 Day Sugar Detox (21DSD) or doing a Paleo Challenge, here’s an idea of what I’m eating so far. Feel free to leave a comment here and share some of your favorite Paleo, 21DSD-approved meal ideas with me! I don’t know about you, but the more inspiration I have, the better!
Breakfasts
Breakfast every day has been 2 whole organic eggs, either with greens, some kind of pork (bacon or prosciutto) and/or a clean 21DSD-approved starch. I’m on the Athlete’s plan and I’m teaching Body Pump and Body Combat today, so I had 1/2 c. of mashed sweet potato with my eggs this morning. Delish! I also do black coffee or an Americano, or a hot green tea.
Tomorrow I am definitely having a Carrot Pumpkin Spice Muffin with breakfast! (They just came out of the oven and THEY SMELL SO GOOOOOD…)
Snacks
Apple slices sprinkled with cinnamon, dipped in almond butter
Handful of raw nuts
Steamed broccoli spears in Thai red curry sauce. The sauce has a little sugar in it, but it’s pretty far down the ingredient list and thus far, it’s not triggering any kind of sugar craze or cravings, so I’m not going to sweat that at all. I also thin it out w/ some water b/c it’s way too thick.
Metabolic Effect Cocoa Drink (unsweetened Ghirardelli cocoa powder + unsweetened vanilla almond milk)
Lunches
BIG SALADS – Yesterday I had the seasonal salad (sans grains, with goat cheese) from SweetGreen!
Dinner leftovers – I ALWAYS make extra!!!
Dinner
Monday night I had chicken and broccoli in Thai red curry sauce and made this Chocolate Mousse for dessert.
Last night I went to a hockey game at the Verizon Center with a friend, so I had to eat out. Not a problem! We met up at Matchbox before the game and I ordered a salad with mixed greens, calamari, roasted red peppers, olives, and banana peppers w/ balsamic vinaigrette. On my way there, my friend texted me, “Want to split a pizza?” For a split second, I felt bad, then I realized – that’s ridiculous. Why am I feeling bad because I don’t eat pizza? She ordered something else, I ordered something that fit w/ my 21DSD plan and we left for the game and had a great time, even though the Caps LOST.
I had the rest of the chocolate mousse with Dunkin Donuts coffee for dessert when I got home. Note: the chocolate mousse is even better sprinkled with cinnamon and slivered almonds;)
I saw this while in line at the Verizon Center: 
So yeah. It’s basically toxic, chemical sludge. YUM!!!!
For tonight after Body Combat, I have a pork tenderloin marinating and will make roasted brussels sprouts and some cauliflower (roasted? mashed? I haven’t decided yet!)
The Hardest Part
This is day 3 of no sugar and I’ve realized mid-afternoons are the hardest! That’s when I typically go for chocolate and coffee! Not having dark chocolate every day is weird and definitely not something I plan on doing forever. But after a month of really mindless, hurried eating, I’m really enjoying the extra focus and awareness that this Challenge requires.
Hey! I’m doing the 21dsd right now as well. Sounds like so far you are doing really well! Eating out with friends or family will be the hardest for me…I already know I am going out to comedy with the bf’s family on the 23rd for his dad’s birthday and I KNOW they will think I’m crazy if I don’t have a drink or anything. I’m worried for what I will do then, but I’m just going to deal with it then. In the present moment I’m doing pretty well! Some cravings for chocolate ANYTHING but other than that, it’s awesome!
Hey Canada Girl! Here I am on day 5 and still standing strong! I ate some of an orange that I was zesting last night b/c it smelled incredible. Do I care that oranges aren’t on the approved food list? No I do not. But I enjoyed the heck out of it and then moved on:) I’ve eaten out a couple times this week and it’s actually been easier than expected! Looking at menus ahead of time helps. GOOD LUCK and let’s keep rockin’ this!
Nice-looking blog! I’m on 21DSD Day 5 today. I’m a big fan of the moo-less moose as well
I bring a little bit (maybe 1/4 cup total) in my cooler every day and have a big bite after each meal to satisfy the chocolate monster. It actually works pretty well….
As far as the muffins (also yum – just made them tonight!) I thought I’d share with you what I posted under that page, since it’s good for all muffins and helps me eat just one instead of multiples. I really LOVE fresh-out-of-the-oven muffins so control can be challenging. One serving suggestion to help combat the loss of an entire batch in a day: as with most muffins that I’m making for just myself, I don’t bake them all at once. Instead, I just spoon a single serving worth of batter onto greased aluminum foil – the batter is plenty thick enough for free-form – before I start making the rest of my breakfast (almost always egg and veggie scramble). Pop that into the toaster oven on 350 for about 15 minutes, and my freaky looking “muffin” is done at the same time as my scramble. Fresh and hot every morning! Again, this is a great trick for any relatively thick batter. Keep on keeping on – looks like we’re on the same day, so I’m totally serious when I say “I’m with you.”
Megan (Crossfitter/paramedic, Santa Cruz, CA)
Hi Megan!!! THANK YOU for visiting my blog and for your awesome comment:) I used to have major problems w/ portion control. One is good, five must be better right? With lots of introspection and hard work and practice, I no longer have to fight the urge to have “just one” of something. It takes constant awareness!! The 21DSD was killing me in the gym, had to incorporate some starchy carbs back in or I can’t lift, can’t function. My body just needs more carbs! I did get my sugar cravings back under control (in other words: GONE) again. Love the 21DSD for getting my head and body right again:)