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 lot more food than you’re used to—and that’s okay! (Remember, this isn’t a diet, so if you’re hungry, eat something from the YES foods list*.)
Your best bet: Roll with the positivity that day 1 brings, and don’t forget to eat the food you prepared!
Today's Lesson:
Foods that help you detox
Did you know that your liver is one of the major powerhouses of your metabolism? It’s responsible for filtering up to two quarts of blood each minute, clearing out toxins ranging from bacteria to chemical compounds like pharmaceutical drugs, alcohol, and pesticides. If your liver is healthy, it can get rid of nearly all toxins a dual-phased process. Unfortunately, if it’s not so healthy, detoxification can be dramatically impaired, creating a burden in your body that can manifest in a variety of symptoms, including poor digestion, fatigue, headaches, sensitivity to strong perfumes, fat-loss resistance, and hormonal imbalances. The liver also makes bile, which is a major player in breaking down and digesting fats.
Many people don’t realize that in addition to its detoxification duties, the liver also helps manage blood sugar levels. So if your liver is overburdened with toxins and isn’t in tip-top shape, blood sugar takes a hit.
Supporting your liver can be as simple as upping your intake of 3 delicious foods:
- Cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kale, bok choy, radishes): Vitamin C, Folate, and Sulfur compounds in these veggies are amazingly supportive in helping the liver.
- Beets: Rich in Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Magnesium, and Betaine help give the liver the kick it needs to finish detoxification processes.
- Eggs: Choline is an amazing supporter for liver, but you must east the yolks for it. And your liver needs amino acids from protein (also rich in eggs) to complete detoxification processes, so eat up!
Not sure how to get enough of these foods every day? Don’t worry—simply following the meal plan in The 21-Day Sugar Detox Daily Guide (optional), or any of the 1-week meal plans offered here in the online program will help you get there.
Allergic to eggs, or just or tired of them? Another great source of choline is liver! Look for organic and pastured sources to get the healthiest livers you can. If you’re not a big fan of liver, try chicken livers—they have a milder flavor you won’t even notice in recipes. Other 21DSD-friendly sources of choline include beef, salmon, and scallops.
The Dish from Diane:
This is it! You’re officially digging in, and I know you’re feeling super prepared and ready for this. I want you to be present with yourself today. Feel what you’re feeling and take notes about it in your journal. Are things all sunshine and rainbows? Or are you feeling a little nervous as you look ahead to the coming week? Shake off the nerves by getting into the kitchen and prepping some food, or by reaching out to your detox buddy or coach, or to the 21DSD community via social media. Remember, as we talked about during the pre-detox days, the key to success on the 21DSD is preparation, and second only to that is support. If you haven’t yet reached out to connect with me, the 21-Day Sugar Detox community, or friends who are also doing the 21DSD, jump on it!
Today's Checklist:
- Post to social media using the hashtag #21DSD. Talk about your day 1 meals and experience—tell us your “why,” what you’re most excited about, and what your goal is for the program.
For even more support, visit the Online Facebook Community!