Hey Folks! We're excited to introduce Julie M., a 21DSD alum. Julie's testimonial is part of a series featuring participants who rocked their 21DSDs! Enjoy! – Diane and Team
Quick-fire facts
Level completed: Two
Favorite thing about the program: The Yes/No list and the Quick Meal guide saved me several times.
Favorite 21DSD recipe: I did try yellow squash made into noodles; didn't even know that was possible :).
Awesome benefits I experienced:
- Sugar & carb cravings diminished or eliminated
- Change in palate/tastes
- Change in overall lifestyle choices for the better
- Improved energy levels
- Improved sleep quality
- Improved mood and general outlook on life
- Improved skin health
- Improved digestion
- Weight loss (10lbs!)
Non-scale victories:
There are many. I learned what a portion size really is. I realized the food I was eating was causing issues more than helping. For example, I lived on sugar and caffeine. I thought I needed those for energy, when really they were causing my lack of energy. I really kept my eating simple and learned that prep is so important. During round two I will be trying some recipes.
In my own words
21 days ago I decided to begin the 21DSD and I remember thinking, there is no way I can go 21 days without sugar…I will die! I was truly overwhelmed with all the info and the thought of what am I going to eat. Yes, I have the books but my reality is Go..Go…Go which means quick, quick, quick and everything looked like it was written in a foreign language. Yes, I am THAT much of a anti-cook. So much so, that I began teaching my third son how to cook at 14, so I didn't have to do it. Feel free to judge but he will NEVER starve :). Now I am working on teaching my fourth son how to cook–do you see what I mean about my “anti-cooking” attitude? So then how did I survive…
If I learned anything from this program, planning is key. 21 days ago that made me panic: “How do I know what I'm going to eat, BEFORE I'm ready to eat???” Well, let's just say week one meals included several eggs, bacon, chicken, almonds and tomatoes. There were other veggies but those were chosen at random–my planning was shameful, lol.
I began week two with all my meals planned out. I made it easy by taking what I had for dinner as lunch the next day because I am just that lazy, but it worked. So that just left really two meals a day to plan :). I also need to say that I began making “spaghetti” noodles with yellow squash. I was so impressed with myself I sent a picture to all my close friends saying “Look what I did.” They were impressed and asked which kid made them for me :). I love my friends!!!
By week three I already knew what and when I was going to eat; that is the best feeling. I kept a stash of almonds in my purse for when I had a craving and for the first time in my life I can say I LOVE WATER. I focused on all the stuff I could eat instead of what I couldn't. I lost 10lbs, which wasn't my intention, but it happened so YAY!!! I learned to pay attention to what my body said worked or didn't work (upped my protein just a little to keep cravings away). So for me this will not be the end, but actually a new beginning. I know there are difficult days and I know it was overwhelming in the beginning, but I have never felt better than I feel right now. So don't give up, and don't give in, listen to your body, and learn what works for you!