5 Ways to Boost your Confidence During the 21DSD

Hey Folks! We're excited to welcome Certified 21DSD Coach Kate Markovitz. Kate's article is part of a series contributed by our Certified 21DSD Coaches. Enjoy! – Diane and Team

The 21-Day Sugar Detox may appear to be about food and keeping processed/refined sugars out of your daily eats…but in reality, the 3 weeks are about so much more than just your plate! It is about a mindset shift, a new lifestyle, and sustainable healthy habits.

You know what they say…it takes 21 days to create a habit after all ;).

One benefit of the detox is the confidence boost participants experience as they successfully push through day 21…and it’s well-deserved! Committing and completing the 21DSD challenge is definitely worthy of bragging rights.

Here are 5 ways to boost your confidence during the 21-Day Sugar Detox…and truthfully, most of these can be applied at any time!

Celebrate the little wins.

Setting a goal to complete the 21DSD is fantastic…but does that mean you can only celebrate when you make it to day 21? Absolutely not!

In fact, I encourage you to celebrate every step and meal along the way.

No sugar for breakfast, yay–put your favorite song on repeat! Day 1 over? Head to bed early or watch an episode of your favorite show on Netflix! Made it through week 1? Manicure time :)! You get my point?

Share what you learn with others.

The first section of the 21DSD guidebook is packed full of info about blood sugar and sugar in our food. It’s empowering when you can share what you learned and help others get healthier, too!

Are you a mom? Show your kids how to read a nutrition label and look for added sugars.

Work in an office? Take in a 21DSD-friendly “healthy swap” recipe (such as the Banola in the guidebook) and “wow” everyone when you tell them it doesn’t have added sugar and still tastes amazing. There are plenty of ways you can spread your knowledge to those around you.

Create an “I did” list.

You may have lists everywhere and your to-do list may feel like it is running out the door. Sometimes when you sit down at the end of the day, you can feel pretty crappy because the never-ending to-do list is still there.

SO let’s flip that idea on its head–INSTEAD create an “I DID” list. Write down ALL the things you did that day and put a big checkmark in front of each item. Be proud of everything you accomplish (even if that includes brushing your teeth!).

Try a new 21DSD recipe.

It is easy to get stuck in a rut and make the same foods over and over. Boost your confidence by trying out a new 21DSD recipe. This is a great one for ALL cooking abilities, just be realistic!

If you are beginner cook, find a 21DSD recipe that has minimal ingredients/steps and go for it (I suggest the Mustard-Glazed Chicken Thighs). If you are more experienced, give a more challenging recipe a try (like the Banana Vanilla Bean N’Oatmeal). Maybe you never cook seafood? Check out this recipe round-up. Give yourself a challenge–you may be surprised!

Take action.

Ever hear the phrase, “action creates confidence”? Because it does!

Make it a point in your day to do something you love to do (perhaps it’s working out or crafting or reading) OR take action on something you have been putting off (cleaning the garage or landscaping or reorganizing your closet). Making the time for yourself or moving a project forward is a sure way to up your confidence.

Bonus Tip ~ Be Grateful!

Gratitude is a popular topic these days, and for good reason! It is nearly impossible to be upset when you are counting your blessings. Setting up a gratitude practice, especially first thing in the morning, is the best way to train your mind to look for the positive in every day and in every situation.

Have you completed a 21DSD or are you in the middle of one? How was/is your confidence? Have any tips to add to this list? Share below!

Kate Markovitz is on a mission to help women feel comfortable and confident in their skin through real food and gratitude. Waking up in her mid 20s, feeling stuck in a miserable, unhealthy relationship with food and her career, Kate ditched her high school math teaching job and disordered eating past for Paleo, holistic living, and a positive self-love mindset. Now, Kate runs her own nutrition practice as a Nutritional Therapy Consultant and 21-Day Sugar Detox Certified Coach.  Additionally, she is the Content Coordinator for Team Diane/Balanced Bites and co-hosts the popular health & wellness podcast, The Ladies Dish. Check out more about Kate on her website holistickate.com.