Day 7

 What to Expect: “Two more weeks… I want a cookie!” You may experience: A slipup or temptation to eat off-plan foods over the weekend; guilt over having had a slipup. Fatigue can also kick in at this point if you didn’t experience it very early on. Your best bet: Don’t beat yourself up over a slipup, whether you realized …

Day 6

What to Expect: “How can I make week 2 as successful as week 1?” You may experience: Cold- or flu-like symptoms beginning to subside. Your best bet: Stay on track with your daily checklist and meal plan details to be sure that you are ready for week 2 before it starts. Today’s Lesson: Traveling 21DSD style While I don’t recommend …

Day 5

What to Expect: “Okay, I’m getting the hang of this!” You may experience: Fewer headaches and fewer cravings, or struggles with temptation and slipups if you’re unprepared and hunger sets in. Your best bet: Remember what got you off on the right foot in the first place: preparation! You were right on in getting food ready, having healthy snacks on …

Day 4

What to Expect: “Three days down, eighteen to go!” You may experience: Mood changes, minor skin irritation, or breakouts. Acne is a common detox symptom and is a great sign that your body is working to clear toxins! Your best bet: Remember that awareness is key when it comes to your mood. Try not to react to those around you …

Day 3

What to Expect: “I think I’ve got this down.” You may experience: Fatigue, cold- and flu-like symptoms, low blood sugar, or self doubt. Day 3 is the beginning of some of the hardest days for most folks! Your best bet: Realize that you are likely not experiencing a real cold or flu but the effects of detoxing from sugar. Be …

Day 2

 What to Expect: “This isn’t so bad” or “Will this get easier?!” You may experience: No symptoms at all, or you may be feeling it pretty intensely today with headaches, mental fogginess, or increased hunger. Your best bet: Keep trucking! Make sure that your meals are well balanced and include enough protein and fat, along with the appropriate carbs …

Day 1

What to Expect: “I got this!” You may experience: No effects at all, or possibly some extremely strong cravings later in the day. Those cravings are likely more emotional than physiological—your mind misses the foods you’re not eating more than your body does at this point. You may feel extra hungry, or you may feel like you are eating a …

1 Day Pre-Detox

What to Expect: “Is my fridge going to be this full for the next three weeks?!” You are probably feeling excited, anxious … and even busy! Approach the 21DSD feeling hopeful and positive. A good attitude is the best foundation, along with all of the planning and prep you have done. Now, time to clean up the kitchen! Today’s Lesson: …

2 Days Pre-Detox

What to Expect: “I’m starting to get really anxious. Can I really make it through this weekend?!” It’s getting closer, so anxiety is natural, especially if this is your first 21DSD. But look at all of the prep work you have already completed and everything you have learned this week. You are ready for this new journey. Today’s Lesson: Carbs …

3 Days Pre-Detox

What to Expect: “Let the prepping begin!” Now that you are just a few days out, it’s a good idea to start prepping some of the recipe basics you’ll be using the first week, such as the ketchup. This will keep you from feeling overwhelmed as day 1 approaches. Today’s Lesson: Carbs and your body, part 1 Carbohydrate is a …

4 Days Pre-Detox

What to Expect: “I’m savoring these last couple days of [insert favorite non-detox food]!” As you start thinking about how your meals will change, you may find that you are enjoying your non-detox-approved foods. But by day 21, you won’t even miss them! Don’t worry, we’ll talk about how and when (and maybe why not) to reintroduce your favorites after …

5 Days Pre-Detox

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 …

6 Days Pre-Detox

What to Expect: “Geez, sugar is in everything!” You may feel frustrated and annoyed when you go through your pantry and see how many food manufacturers add sugar (in its many forms) to their products. Use this moment to appreciate how much you are already learning from the program! Today’s Lesson: Where sugar hides Even foods that are not considered …

7 Days Pre-Detox

 What to Expect: “I’m totally excited for this, I think…” Feelings of anxiety and nervousness are typical when you decide to embark on the 21DSD program. Taking the coming week to prepare and learn about sugar will help you get ready for day 1. No need to worry, just stay with us each day! Today’s Lesson: Why do we …

Yes! You can eat at a buffet on the 21DSD

Hey Folks! We’re excited to welcome Certified 21DSD Coach Kristi Goode. Kristi’s article is part of a series contributed by our Certified 21DSD Coaches. Enjoy! – Diane and Team It is possible that you may be faced with a buffet style lunch or dinner while on the 21DSD. Be it a work meeting or work travel, it is a highly …

Wondering if you should break up with sugar? 

If you’re not entirely sure whether you need a sugar detox, take a moment to answer the following questions. Do you crave sugar all day, every day—or even a few times a week? I’m talking about candy, sweets, chocolate, or lots of fruit. Do you crave carbohydrates? These include bread, rice, pasta, pastries, cereal, sandwiches, wraps, and breakfast bars. Do …

What Can I Put In My Coffee on The 21-Day Sugar Detox?

“What Can I Put In My Coffee on The 21-Day Sugar Detox (21DSD)?” is one of the top 10 questions we get from our readers who are participating in the 21DSD. For many folks, adding sweeteners and sugary, flavored creamers in their coffee has become as much of a morning ritual as the enjoyment of their coffee! Don’t be discouraged …

21DSD Testimonial: “I have energy and overall am ready to embrace life again!”

Hey Folks! We’re excited to introduce Sherri B., a 21DSD alum. Sherri’s testimonial is part of a series featuring participants who rocked their 21DSDs! Enjoy! – Diane and Team Quick-fire facts Level completed: Level 2 What was your “Why” that got you motivated to do the program? Sugar addiction controlled my life. I wanted my health back. I wanted my …

Step Away from the Scale: why the 21DSD is about so much more than weight loss

The 21-Day Sugar Detox (21DSD) is not a diet! It’s a real food reset that empowers you to move away from your reliance on refined sugar and highly processed carbohydrates by building new, healthful habits, and nourishing your body with real, nutritious foods. While a large portion of participants do report weight loss on the 21DSD, it isn’t the main …

Goal Setting & Resolutions for 2020 | 21DSD Edition

Our first official 21-Day Sugar Detox (21DSD) of 2020 kicks off on January 6th, and that makes today Day 1 of the all-important Prep Week! The 21DSD Prep Week gives you an entire week to prepare in advance of the actual start date, so you’re ready to go and set up for success. Part of preparing for any new challenge …

Navigating the 21DSD for Teachers

Hey Folks! We’re excited to welcome Certified 21DSD Coach Kathy Kiger. Kathy’s article is part of a series contributed by our Certified 21DSD Coaches. Enjoy! – Diane and Team Hooray for teachers!  I’m not sure I could find a more dedicated, hard-working group of people anywhere.  Most teachers get to work in the seven-o’clock hour, teach a full day, and …

21DSD Testimonial: “It was time to treat my body with the respect it deserved”

Hey Folks! We’re excited to introduce Karen S., a 21DSD alum. Karen’s testimonial is part of a series featuring participants who rocked their 21DSDs! Enjoy! – Diane and Team Quick-fire facts Level completed: Level 2 Favorite thing about the program: The 21DSD recipe book. It was enormously helpful! Favorite 21DSD recipe: Almond butter brownies. (Sunbutter brownies that I substituted almond …

21DSD Testimonial: “I feel absolutely amazing.”

Hey Folks! We’re excited to introduce Christina K., a 21DSD alum. Christina’s testimonial is part of a series featuring participants who rocked their 21DSDs! Enjoy! – Diane and Team Quick-fire facts Level completed: Level 3 Favorite thing about the program: I really enjoyed having a detox to cut back on alcohol and sauces. Coming up with new recipes for salad …

21DSD Testimonial: “I have so much energy and feel great about how my body has changed!”

Hey Folks! We’re excited to introduce Jeanne W., a 21DSD alum. Jeanne’s testimonial is part of a series featuring participants who rocked their 21DSDs! Enjoy! – Diane and Team Quick-fire facts Level completed: Level 2 Favorite thing about the program: Eating healthy without having to buy anything special from the grocery store. Favorite 21DSD recipe: Sausage and Spinach “Polenta” Bowl (page 186 of …

The 21-Day Sugar Detox for Kids & Families: FAQ

Lots of parents are concerned about their children’s dependence on grain -based and sugar- laden foods. But what can parents do to help their children eat a more nutrient-dense, quality diet? Look no further! And if you have already decided that the 21-Day Sugar Detox is a good fit for your family, here are some questions that other Sugar Slayers …

The 21-Day Sugar Detox for Kids & Families: Age-Specific Recommendations

This is Part 2 of a 3-part series. You can read Part 1 here. If you’ve decided that the 21-Day Sugar Detox is right for your family, you may be wondering how to tailor it to your children’s specific needs. A small child eats much differently and has different nutritional and developmental requirements from a teenager, and adjusting their 21DSD …

The 21-Day Sugar Detox for Kids & Families: Overview

Those of us with kids at home may wonder whether it is possible, or even beneficial, to have our kids complete the detox with us. For most families and most kids, the answer is definitely yes, but with modifications. Kids are growing, active beings, and their nutritional requirements (and let’s face it, their tastes) are much different from adults’. And …

21DSD Testimonial: “I had minimal cravings and my mind was stronger!”

Hey Folks! We’re excited to introduce Sarah B., a 21DSD alum. Sarah’s testimonial is part of a series featuring participants who rocked their 21DSDs! Enjoy! – Diane and Team Quick-fire facts Level completed: Level 3 Favorite thing about the program: Trying all of the new recipes! Learning to cook with new ingredients! Favorite 21DSD recipe: Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Polenta and Ranch Dressing (from The …