Hey Folks! We're excited to welcome Certified 21DSD Coach Lindsay Dam. Lindsay's article is part of a series contributed by our Certified 21DSD Coaches. Enjoy! – Diane and Team
Let’s face it, conquering your carb and sugar cravings isn’t easy. For many of you, you’ve probably made some big changes to how you plan, prepare and even think about food over the last few weeks. As a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and Certified 21-Day Sugar Detox Coach I encourage all of my groupies to plan a non-food reward for making it through the 21DSD. During the detox we train our taste buds to long for tastes other than sweet. I like to take a little step further for rewarding ourselves après detox. Try coming up with a non-food reward and if needed, even schedule it so you have something to look forward to.
Many of us are taught growing up that if we do something well we can have a treat. Often that treat was something sweet; in my family it was having ice cream after dinner. Let’s change that habit to another reward that will further honor our bodies rather than start to undo all the hard work we’ve done.
Non-food rewards don’t have to cost money or even be expensive. There are countless possibilities for rewarding yourself that continue to honor your body and help you stay on the path of changing lifestyle habits for the better. Here are a few examples of some non-food rewards for you to treat yo’ self!
Treat yo’ self to a pedicure!
Either at home or at a salon, pedicures are inexpensive ways to pamper yourself. Most salons cost around $20-$25 for a pedi, perhaps more if you include paraffin or other goodies offered. But you can treat yo' self at home! Simply fill a large bowl with warm water and add a handful of epsom salts and tablespoon of coconut oil. I also like to add a few drops of essential oil. Find a comfy spot to sit and place the bowl on top of a towel at the foot of your favorite place to sit. Soak for 20 minutes. The coconut oil luxuriously moisturizes your feet making them nice and soft and easy to massage if you chose to do so. Next, just tidy up your nails with whatever tools you have (I use my pedi box from the salon) and then give yourself a fresh coat of paint. It’s so simple, but I’m amazed every time at how much better I feel and how happy my feet are when I treat myself.
Book a massage!
Whether you have a favorite massage therapist or there’s a place you’ve been wanting to try, this is one fantastic way to treat yo’ self! Massage resets the whole body, mind and soul. If you usually get an hour massage, kick it up and reward yourself with a 90-minute massage. This might be dangerous however because typically once you move up to a 90-minute massage, it’s so hard to go back to an hour! Regardless of whether or not massage is part of your regular self care regime, having one on the books after your detox is a sure fire way to give you the motivation to finish strong.
Go on that hike you keep hearing about!
This may sound like work, but just like overcoming something like a detox, the hard work of hiking to an incredible waterfall or viewpoint is a wonderful way to honor your w hole body and show how far you’ve come. Plus, if you have friends, family or dogs, the camaraderie that overcomes the everyday is a gift to remember for ages. All you need is gas money, your favorite water bottle and your favorite 21-Day Sugar Detox-friendly snacks to keep you energized and moving for a fun, adventure-filled day.
Those new clothes though…
Yes! I think most women can agree they usually have something new they’ve had their eye on for some time. I hear many women say “when I lose that weight,” but how about changing something that may or may not be attainable or rational for your body to “when I conquer that detox?” It’s amazing what a fresh piece in your wardrobe can do for honoring your body. It can boost your confidence, mood, energy and self esteem. Sounds like a great way to treat yo’ self!
What non-food ideas do you have to treat yo’ self after the detox? This is a great topic of conversation I always bring to my groups. I strongly encourage you to come up with a reward for yourself and think about other rewards in your life. Do you offer your kids food rewards if they get good grades or behave? This might be a great opportunity to think about how food may impact their actions later on in life.
Lindsay Dam is an NTP in the Portland, Oregon area. She specializes in working online with busy professionals who wish to become mothers and want to have the energy and vitality to be active moms and continue in their careers. Her website is www.wholehealthmama.com.
Comments 2
would you please be able to clarify something for me in regard to the ‘After the detox guide’?
We are supposed to reintroduce only ONE food at a time and track it for three days total. But what I want to make sure of is: you would consume that food only on day 1, track it on that day and then track it day 2 and 3 (but not consuming it again on day 2 and 3 – only tracking possible delayed-onset?) Is this correct?
Thanks in advance!
Author
Yes, that is correct! You want to eat it at all three meals on Day 1, then not eat if for at least 2 more days to track whether you have a reaction.