21 Day Sugar Detox
tehmurphygrace
Posts: 53
I'm trying to get off all stimulants to help with my recovery from my ED. It was suggested a while ago by the psychiatrist, I am off alcohol and caffeine, but sugar (the hardest for me especially since I love baking) is the last step. Just wanted to know if anyone has tried and/or completed it and you you have any thoughts or advice to share. Or if you have your own tips to detox from sugar, that would be super-appreciated.
Here is the link: http://21daysugardetox.com/packages/
Thanks!
Peace
Here is the link: http://21daysugardetox.com/packages/
Thanks!
Peace
0
Replies
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Oh Dear! I hope you don't get a lot of negative slack from this post - but warning you might!
Here's my tip...errr experience.... I gave up "sugar" for lent. By sugar I mean candy, basically, since there is suagr in many food items like bread, and fruit, and i eat alot of fruit!
My daily intake of candy was lingering around a couple caramel cadberry eggs at 200 something calories each, a few handfulls of Mike n Ikes or jellybeans at 600 plus calories, a latte filled with sugar, and multiple hard candies... probbaly averageing over 200 calories todal as well.
I went 'cold turney". The first two days sans candy i had intense cravings, like, I want to say sexual cravings because they were all consuming and i was having trouble sitting still and focusing on anything, especially work. It's literalyl ALL I could think about. Nothing i ate tasted good, and nothing was satisfying. After wo days the cravings were basically gone - and in that month i lost 12 pounds.
I went back to eating candy but now I fit in into my calories and it helped me realize how crazed i was about it!
Good luck - i think if you can get through the first 48 hours youre golden!0 -
Thanks!
Yeah, if I get negative slack from this post it's not my biggest worry. People have their opinions on dieting and "fad" diets and dieting with an ED and psychiatry...and yeah people are basically opinionated. LOL.
Yeah, I tried to go cold turkey on candies and baked goods and such before and I found that my cravings became really intense and I "caved," for lack of a better word. Although I'm not eating nearly as much as I used to before my recovery started, I'm just looking for a way to nip it in the bud, I guess.
Thanks for the advice and sharing your experience!
Peace 0 -
When you say ED, do you mean anorexia/bulimia?0
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...0
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Yes, I'm currently recovering from a 6 year struggle with bulimia and binge eating disorder with anorexic tendencies.
Not Erectile Dysfunction...
Peace 0 -
My advice is to not try to do this "cold turkey" unless that is something that works for you in other areas of life.
For me personally trying to eliminate something 100% is too hard and I fail and feel like crap about myself later.
I think its great to set a goal to reduce sugar intake! Its a weakness for me. My advice though would be to make the change something that would be manageable for a lifetime change. Why not focus on eliminate all processed/refined sugars that you know are triggers for you? Most fruits and veggies have sugar in them (a different kind) that is good for you and perfectly healthy in moderation.
Maybe set a goal to reduce processed sugar intake by x number of calories per month? or per week? Replace those calories with healthy whole foods (protein, healthy fats and whole grain carbs) that will keep you full and prevent cravings. Seems more manageable and something you'll feel good about doing as a lifestyle. 0 -
Yes, I'm currently recovering from a 6 year struggle with bulimia and binge eating disorder with anorexic tendencies.
Peace
Ok. Well then, in my experience it's probably best not to worry about it and just focus on learning how to eat again. When I was recovering from anorexia/bulimia, the focus was on eating enough calories and not worrying about the specifics. Eating disorders are control disorders so, at this stage, anytime you introduce any kind of counting, or restriction, you are actually nurturing the disorder.
ETA: I in no way thought you meant erectile dysfunction. I was just trying to understand which ED you had/have.0 -
When you say "A while ago" is it possible you mean before your diagnosis of anorexia/bulimia? I am married to a therapist - he echoes what Paige wrote -- recovery isn't a time to restrict.
I wish you well.0 -
Ok. Well then, in my experience it's probably best not to worry about it and just focus on learning how to eat again. When I was recovering from anorexia/bulimia, the focus was on eating enough calories and not worrying about the specifics. Eating disorders are control disorders so, at this stage, anytime you introduce any kind of counting, or restriction, you are actually nurturing the disorder.
ETA: I in no way thought you meant erectile dysfunction. I was just trying to understand which ED you had/have.
Thanks, that was actually something I was considering as well which is why I have put it off during the past five months of my recovery. I have been working with two therapists as well as my psychiatrist who all agree that I have put a lot of focus into learning how to eat again and getting proper calories and have had great success in it. As well as having great success in controlling my emotions, thoughts, feelings, and stress levels apart from my eating disorder.
So yes, I hesitate that it might be too early, but I also hesitated joining MFP again and taking steps to get more active rather than focus on losing weight. I know people recovering from bulimia/anorexia have a tendency to turn to a Selective Eating Disorder (I forget the new technical name everyone is giving it now), but my goal is to focus on not doing that, rather, avoid sugars to help repair damaged neurotransmitters (similar to restricting alcohol, caffeine, and drugs).
Peace 0 -
When you say "A while ago" is it possible you mean before your diagnosis of anorexia/bulimia? I am married to a therapist - he echoes what Paige wrote -- recovery isn't a time to restrict.
I wish you well.
When I say a while ago, I mean when my recovery started five months ago. I was diagnosed about two years ago.
Thanks!
Peace 0 -
Ok. Well then, in my experience it's probably best not to worry about it and just focus on learning how to eat again. When I was recovering from anorexia/bulimia, the focus was on eating enough calories and not worrying about the specifics. Eating disorders are control disorders so, at this stage, anytime you introduce any kind of counting, or restriction, you are actually nurturing the disorder.
ETA: I in no way thought you meant erectile dysfunction. I was just trying to understand which ED you had/have.
Thanks, that was actually something I was considering as well which is why I have put it off during the past five months of my recovery. I have been working with two therapists as well as my psychiatrist who all agree that I have put a lot of focus into learning how to eat again and getting proper calories and have had great success in it. As well as having great success in controlling my emotions, thoughts, feelings, and stress levels apart from my eating disorder.
So yes, I hesitate that it might be too early, but I also hesitated joining MFP again and taking steps to get more active rather than focus on losing weight. I know people recovering from bulimia/anorexia have a tendency to turn to a Selective Eating Disorder (I forget the new technical name everyone is giving it now), but my goal is to focus on not doing that, rather, avoid sugars to help repair damaged neurotransmitters (similar to restricting alcohol, caffeine, and drugs).
Peace
I think it's awesome you are having so much success. Recovery is hard so my hat goes off to you.
Does your psychiatrist specialize in eating disorder recovery? This is just very bizarre advice to me. Learning how to eat food in moderation should include learning how to eat sugar in moderation (for anyone, not just ED patients). Sugar isn't inherently bad and I wouldn't compare it to alcohol and drugs at all. Or even caffeine. I really think that this is misguided advice. Eliminating sugar is, in fact, another mechanism to selectively eat.0 -
And sorry, the Erectile Dysfunction comment was just a bad joke.
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I'm not a huge sugar eater, so I can't speak to the "sugar withdrawals" issue so much. But I can say from personal experience that cutting out all sugars (sweets, sugar that is 'in' things like breads, yogurts, etc), basically all sweeteners except what naturally occurs in fruit and veg is good for me. I do it a few times a year and it always brings my focus back to what I need versus want. Yes...the first few days SUCK and if you give in you might binge. But, after about day four - true for any sort of cleanse I think - I typically start to feel really great; even energy, clear focus and overall more healthy cravings.
By the end of 21 or 30 days, however long I decide to do it I am entirely unfazed by sugar and it takes me a while to even want sweeter things again.
These are just my experiences, not universally applicable of course, but thought I'd put my two cents in. I find that most MFPers will start to argue that sugar is natural and in everything and YOUR BODY NEEDS IT. But I'm calling that a bit of an argumenteum ad hominem and begging that perhaps those folks see that one diet isn't for everyone.
Hope you are well and good luck on your recovery brave soul!0 -
I think it's awesome you are having so much success. Recovery is hard so my hat goes off to you.
Does your psychiatrist specialize in eating disorder recovery? This is just very bizarre advice to me. Learning how to eat food in moderation should include learning how to eat sugar in moderation (for anyone, not just ED patients). Sugar isn't inherently bad and I wouldn't compare it to alcohol and drugs at all. Or even caffeine. I really think that this is misguided advice. Eliminating sugar is, in fact, another mechanism to selectively eat.
Thank you!
Yes, my psychiatrist specializes in Eating Disorders as well as Addictive Disorders. And part of why I developed an ED is because I have an Addictive Personality Complex (as well as anxiety and depression). A lot of factors have to be considered in my recovery, unfortunately (I'm kind of a hot mess...LOL). And I don't think sugars are BAD. I don't label any food or food counterpart (even alcohol or caffeine) as good or bad, but like alcohol, sugar has addictive qualities and can alter brain and blood chemistry.
And I don't mean to insult you by asking this, because I am actually very much appreciating your advice, but what is your background? Thanks! 0 -
I'm not a huge sugar eater, so I can't speak to the "sugar withdrawals" issue so much. But I can say from personal experience that cutting out all sugars (sweets, sugar that is 'in' things like breads, yogurts, etc), basically all sweeteners except what naturally occurs in fruit and veg is good for me. I do it a few times a year and it always brings my focus back to what I need versus want. Yes...the first few days SUCK and if you give in you might binge. But, after about day four - true for any sort of cleanse I think - I typically start to feel really great; even energy, clear focus and overall more healthy cravings.
By the end of 21 or 30 days, however long I decide to do it I am entirely unfazed by sugar and it takes me a while to even want sweeter things again.
These are just my experiences, not universally applicable of course, but thought I'd put my two cents in. I find that most MFPers will start to argue that sugar is natural and in everything and YOUR BODY NEEDS IT. But I'm calling that a bit of an argumenteum ad hominem and begging that perhaps those folks see that one diet isn't for everyone.
Hope you are well and good luck on your recovery brave soul!
Thank you so much!
I remember going off caffeine and alcohol I experienced a few withdrawal symptoms (more for the caffeine), but after about two weeks I felt amazing and had great clarity.
Yes, I worried when posting this that I was not speaking to a "universally applicable" crowd, but everyone does have different needs and different body chemical structures and different things work differently for other people. Thank again for sharing your experience!
Peace 0 -
I guess I should also add, although to me it seems apparent, I am talking about processed sugars...not natural sugars from fruits and like things.0
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I think it's awesome you are having so much success. Recovery is hard so my hat goes off to you.
Does your psychiatrist specialize in eating disorder recovery? This is just very bizarre advice to me. Learning how to eat food in moderation should include learning how to eat sugar in moderation (for anyone, not just ED patients). Sugar isn't inherently bad and I wouldn't compare it to alcohol and drugs at all. Or even caffeine. I really think that this is misguided advice. Eliminating sugar is, in fact, another mechanism to selectively eat.
Thank you!
Yes, my psychiatrist specializes in Eating Disorders as well as Addictive Disorders. And part of why I developed an ED is because I have an Addictive Personality Complex (as well as anxiety and depression). A lot of factors have to be considered in my recovery, unfortunately (I'm kind of a hot mess...LOL). And I don't think sugars are BAD. I don't label any food or food counterpart (even alcohol or caffeine) as good or bad, but like alcohol, sugar has addictive qualities and can alter brain and blood chemistry.
And I don't mean to insult you by asking this, because I am actually very much appreciating your advice, but what is your background? Thanks!
Ha! No worries about the ED joke :-)
I don't have a background in therapy, although I see a therapist. I was bulimic and anorexic for years. I've been recovered for 10 years. When I was 6 months out of recovery, I was still very fragile and I would have taken any kind of elimination overboard. As would most people in recovery because eating disorders are less about food and more about using control as a coping mechanism for life.
I don't think recovery necessarily has a start and finish. There are times when I'm stressed when I go back there a bit mentally. Even now, I focus more on my fitness goals than I do logging my food or weighing my food, because logging and weighing triggers the control issue sometimes. I also don't compete in any competitions like the Whole Life challenge. I tried it once and it wonked me out pretty bad after the third day.0 -
Ha! No worries about the ED joke :-)
I don't have a background in therapy, although I see a therapist. I was bulimic and anorexic for years. I've been recovered for 10 years. When I was 6 months out of recovery, I was still very fragile and I would have taken any kind of elimination overboard. As would most people in recovery because eating disorders are less about food and more about using control as a coping mechanism for life.
I don't think recovery necessarily has a start and finish. There are times when I'm stressed when I go back there a bit mentally. Even now, I focus more on my fitness goals than I do logging my food or weighing my food, because logging and weighing triggers the control issue sometimes. I also don't compete in any competitions like the Whole Life challenge. I tried it once and it wonked me out pretty bad after the third day.
Wow.
Thank you for sharing and you are very inspiring. I always worry if "congratulations" or "good job" are the right thing to say for such an amazing recovery.
I have spoken with my therapists about the concept of recovery kind of not having a beginning or an end as well and I agree that the mental state kind of lingers, but you are obviously very strong and determined in your process.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Peace 0 -
Ha! No worries about the ED joke :-)
I don't have a background in therapy, although I see a therapist. I was bulimic and anorexic for years. I've been recovered for 10 years. When I was 6 months out of recovery, I was still very fragile and I would have taken any kind of elimination overboard. As would most people in recovery because eating disorders are less about food and more about using control as a coping mechanism for life.
I don't think recovery necessarily has a start and finish. There are times when I'm stressed when I go back there a bit mentally. Even now, I focus more on my fitness goals than I do logging my food or weighing my food, because logging and weighing triggers the control issue sometimes. I also don't compete in any competitions like the Whole Life challenge. I tried it once and it wonked me out pretty bad after the third day.
Wow.
Thank you for sharing and you are very inspiring. I always worry if "congratulations" or "good job" are the right thing to say for such an amazing recovery.
I have spoken with my therapists about the concept of recovery kind of not having a beginning or an end as well and I agree that the mental state kind of lingers, but you are obviously very strong and determined in your process.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Peace
Thank you! And I wish the best for you!0 -
I haven't heard of a sugar detox for treating ED, but I hear there are some little blue pills that work wonders.0
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My advice is to not try to do this "cold turkey" unless that is something that works for you in other areas of life.
For me personally trying to eliminate something 100% is too hard and I fail and feel like crap about myself later.
I think its great to set a goal to reduce sugar intake! Its a weakness for me. My advice though would be to make the change something that would be manageable for a lifetime change. Why not focus on eliminate all processed/refined sugars that you know are triggers for you? Most fruits and veggies have sugar in them (a different kind) that is good for you and perfectly healthy in moderation.
Maybe set a goal to reduce processed sugar intake by x number of calories per month? or per week? Replace those calories with healthy whole foods (protein, healthy fats and whole grain carbs) that will keep you full and prevent cravings. Seems more manageable and something you'll feel good about doing as a lifestyle.
Thanks!
Yes, I should have specified processed sugars (although I found it apparent in my own mind). I also tried to cut out processed sugars cold turkey a few times and it did not work for me AT ALL. I have no intent to stop eating fruits or vegetables containing sugar because they also have vital nutrients and vitamins to help the body function. I also know the 21-Day sugar detox is based off of Paleo principles, but I do NOT intend to cut out grains like oats, brown rice, quinoa, etc.
I like the idea of setting a goal per month or week and to possibly work down from there. That is definitely something to think about. Thanks again!
Peace 0 -
I haven't heard of a sugar detox for treating ED, but I hear there are some little blue pills that work wonders.
LOL.
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I struggled with binge eating for many years (okay, I still struggle with it but things are significantly better). By far the absolute worse thing you can do for binge eating is severe restriction. Cutting out sugar completely is a sure way to start into a binge cycle. Moderation is a far more effective tool for binge eating than restriction and "detox".0
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I struggled with binge eating for many years (okay, I still struggle with it but things are significantly better). By far the absolute worse thing you can do for binge eating is severe restriction. Cutting out sugar completely is a sure way to start into a binge cycle. Moderation is a far more effective tool for binge eating than restriction and "detox".
Thank you!
I'm sorry to hear about your struggles. I am glad you are doing better though. I forgot to specify processed sugars, not natural sugars from fruit and natural sweeteners and the like. But your advice is very appreciated. I know everyone's is different and different stresses and triggers arise depending on one's exact situation. Although, I don't think cutting out sugar is a SURE way to start into a binge cycle. Again, it depends on the exact situation.
Thanks again though and I wish you the best of luck!
Peace 0 -
Actually, provided your organs are functioning the way they should, it doesn't matter the specific situation- detoxes are bogus psuedoscience. You no more "detox" from sugar than you would from carrots.0
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I haven't read all the answers to your post, but I really relate to your struggles. I have been working on recovery from bulimia/binge eating disorder, for years now. I know that many people will tell you not to try and restrict food groups or go on a structured plan, and I do agree with that, but I can also understand why it feels like it would be best to avoid sugar and grains. It's natural that you feel that way, given the fact that it has probably been a trigger/binge food for you in the past. I have mixed feelings about the program you are suggesting. I adore Diane Sanfilippo, and I love her philosophy of eating REAL food (non-processed), but I don't love the 21 day detox or Whole30, because I think it forces you to obsess about your eating, and it reinforces black and white thinking. You're either ON the diet, or OFF the diet. No middle ground... I think of recovery, as learning to live in a gray area. I also think these plans force you to be a hermit for 3 weeks, because you have so many food limitations. I do think it's worthwhile, to avoid processed foods. I know we are all different, and many disagree on that, but I try to live by the 80/20 rule. 80% of the foods I eat, fall within the "Real/Clean foods" category (essentially, simple, non-processed foods), while the other 20% are a little looser. I'm, not suggesting you do what I do, but I would encourage you to explore the idea of balance, and working on ridding yourself of the need for control/structure/black/white thinking, when it comes to eating.
I also don't think you need to buy the "package," to do this plan, if you choose to do it (which I think is prob not the best idea). Take "Practical Paleo" out of the library. It has all the 21 Day Detox info in it, as well as some great "real food" recipes.
Best of luck to you!0 -
I haven't read all the answers to your post, but I really relate to your struggles. I have been working on recovery from bulimia/binge eating disorder, for years now. I know that many people will tell you not to try and restrict food groups or go on a structured plan, and I do agree with that, but I can also understand why it feels like it would be best to avoid sugar and grains. It's natural that you feel that way, given the fact that it has probably been a trigger/binge food for you in the past. I have mixed feelings about the program you are suggesting. I adore Diane Sanfilippo, and I love her philosophy of eating REAL food (non-processed), but I don't love the 21 day detox or Whole30, because I think it forces you to obsess about your eating, and it reinforces black and white thinking. You're either ON the diet, or OFF the diet. No middle ground... I think of recovery, as learning to live in a gray area. I also think these plans force you to be a hermit for 3 weeks, because you have so many food limitations. I do think it's worthwhile, to avoid processed foods. I know we are all different, and many disagree on that, but I try to live by the 80/20 rule. 80% of the foods I eat, fall within the "Real/Clean foods" category (essentially, simple, non-processed foods), while the other 20% are a little looser. I'm, not suggesting you do what I do, but I would encourage you to explore the idea of balance, and working on ridding yourself of the need for control/structure/black/white thinking, when it comes to eating.
I also don't think you need to buy the "package," to do this plan, if you choose to do it (which I think is prob not the best idea). Take "Practical Paleo" out of the library. It has all the 21 Day Detox info in it, as well as some great "real food" recipes.
Best of luck to you!
Thank you.
You response is the most honest and thought out response I could have imagined getting. Plus, you answered all of my questions.
Yes, I do not plan on eliminating whole or ancient grains from my diet (mainly because I cannot live without quinoa) nor can will I stop eating fruit or natural sweeteners like honey, etc. because they have important nutrients and vitamins that help the body (any body) function properly. And thank you for the review on the 21 day sugar detox. It does seem a little intense and obsessive, which is why I had asked about it, as I think any person with a "normal" diet/circumstances would. And I love food too much to be a hermit, I think. I did go to culinary school, have a degree in Sociology and I have worked in the food and beverage industry for the past nine years, so my understanding of food being as much of a social experience as a physical one is very deep and core to my being.
I like the 80/20 rule though. That is not something that I had heard of and it actually seems like a very balanced way to think about food. The only reason why I am looking into a Sugar "Detox" is because my Psychiatrist and Psychologists suggested it. And yes, unfortunately processed foods and sugars are a trigger food for me, but a trigger food for a lot of people who again consider their dieting, "Normal." And when I say "normal" I mean, not struggling with outlying health issues that affect their day-to-day diet in any way. And that I am taking from personal experience sharing eating habits with friends and licensed professionals.
But I definitely think I will check Practical Paleo out of the library! Thanks so much!
Peace 0 -
Actually, provided your organs are functioning the way they should, it doesn't matter the specific situation- detoxes are bogus psuedoscience. You no more "detox" from sugar than you would from carrots.
Thanks for your opinion,
Although Neurological studies have shown processed sugars having similar effects on brain chemistry as drugs like cocaine and heroin. And I believe that detoxing is the process of reducing one's chemical reliance on substances like drugs or alcohol. So yes, some detoxes are pseudoscience based on the idea that if you rid your need for one thing, you can rid your need for anything. Still, the actual practice for some substances is sound.
Besides, who would want to stop eating carrots?
Peace 0 -
Actually, provided your organs are functioning the way they should, it doesn't matter the specific situation- detoxes are bogus psuedoscience. You no more "detox" from sugar than you would from carrots.
Thanks for your opinion,
Although Neurological studies have shown processed sugars having similar effects on brain chemistry as drugs like cocaine and heroin. And I believe that detoxing is the process of reducing one's chemical reliance on substances like drugs or alcohol. So yes, some detoxes are pseudoscience based on the idea that if you rid your need for one thing, you can rid your need for anything. Still, the actual practice for some substances is sound.
Besides, who would want to stop eating carrots?
Peace
Whoever doesn't like them...perhaps?
I ask the same question to you about "quitting sugar". I have no problem admitting that my success is dependent on my ability to adhere to whatever plan I put in place and that nothing is inherently wrong with any food. I do think if you have overeating issues with certain foods, there should be a limit to availability of it but to completely abstain from it perhaps is a miss. Only time will tell. Good luck to you. I've made peace with the fact that I like ice cream, cake, and donuts and none of those things are bad for me, so as long as I practice their consumption in moderation and with a balanced diet. It's made this much less miserable and sustainable. But everyone is different. Those trying to steer you away from completely getting rid of a food on the basis of control issues understand that this has to be about forever. If you can find lasting success never letting another drop of processed sugar touch you lips, more power to you but for most of us, that isn't a realistic goal and not doing so doesn't make us any less healthy than someone who does.0 -
Actually, provided your organs are functioning the way they should, it doesn't matter the specific situation- detoxes are bogus psuedoscience. You no more "detox" from sugar than you would from carrots.
Thanks for your opinion,
Although Neurological studies have shown processed sugars having similar effects on brain chemistry as drugs like cocaine and heroin. And I believe that detoxing is the process of reducing one's chemical reliance on substances like drugs or alcohol. So yes, some detoxes are pseudoscience based on the idea that if you rid your need for one thing, you can rid your need for anything. Still, the actual practice for some substances is sound.
Besides, who would want to stop eating carrots?
Peace
Neurological studies have also shown that processed sugar has the same effect on brain chemistry as petting puppies and having sex. It's not a chemical dependency. They stimulate the pleasure center of the brain. If you wanted to actually detox from sugar you'd have to quit all carbs.0
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