What to Expect:
“Do I really need to get rid of everything tempting?”
You may feel like it’s unnecessary to get rid of the cookies or crackers in the pantry or the ice cream in your freezer, but when you arrive home after a long stressful day at work on day 5 of your 21DSD, you’re going to be happy they aren’t sitting there to tempt you.
Today's Lesson:
Modify your meals
Don’t miss out on foods you love! Yes, some of your usual favorites won’t be included on the 21DSD, but we’ve got you covered! Rather than feeling down about not having cereal at breakfast or pasta at dinner, check out the swaps you can make that’ll keep you full and satisfied. For example, instead of a grain-based granola, we’re serving up a healthy-fats punch with a nut- and coconut-based granola. No spaghetti? No problem! You’ve got options like spaghetti squash or zoodles—or even carrot noodles. Whatever you enjoy eating now that isn’t included on the program, there’s a healthy, 21DSD-friendly swap for it! Check out the guide for more 21DSD swap ideas.
Swapping out these foods lets you find similar but healthier foods you love that can take their place. In order to carry the healthy habits you learn on the program into your everyday life, you need to truly enjoy what you’re eating. And if your food on the 21DSD looks completely different from what you eat when you’re not on the program, it’s going to feel that much harder. The closer you can bring your 21DSD foods to something that looks (and tastes!) like foods you enjoy eating regularly, the easier it will be for you to stick with eating these foods in the long term.
Kitchen Tip:
Food storage containers make life so much easier on the 21DSD. If you don’t already have a good supply, I recommend grabbing some larger, meal-sized containers, as well as smaller ones for things like sauces, chopped nuts, and on-the-go snacks. Zip-top bags in various sizes can also be really helpful, including both the large 1-gallon size, for things like prewashed and prepped greens, and the super-small 1-cup size, which can hold your jerky or other healthy snacks.
The Dish from Diane:
Now is the time to take stock of what you eat regularly. It’s likely going to change a lot over the course of this detox. Swapping out old pantry or fridge staples for healthier, 21DSD-friendly versions will set you up for success. Rather than feeling like there’s nothing left to eat, you’ll have lots of new, exciting things to try. Who doesn’t like fun new foods?!
Today's Checklist:
- Review the 21DSD Simple Swaps Guide.* Identify simple 21DSD-friendly swaps for NO foods you currently eat. Circle pantry items you’ll need for the swaps on your shopping list.
- Order pantry items online (if necessary). If you are following the meal plan in The 21-Day Sugar Detox Daily Guide and can’t find all of the pantry items locally, now’s the time to order items on the shopping list from an online vendor. Even if you aren’t following a meal plan, pantry staples are great to order ahead of time so you’re not stuck without them mid-detox!
- Order supplements you plan to use while on the program. These are totally optional and not required at all to successfully complete the 21DSD, but many participants have said they help a ton. If you think you’ll want the extra support, get on it now! (Click here for the 21DSD guide to supplements*.)
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