Time to Make (and Quit) the Donuts: My Sugar Detox Journey
Many of you know that I’ve survived on vanilla crème-filled donuts, decaf lattes, and bubblegum for the past several months! GIVE ME ALL THE SUGAR AND ALL THE CARBS! The reason for this is for another blog post, but know that I’ve eaten more donuts in these past several months than I have in my 52 years put together. Seriously! They have brought me such joy!!!! I have loved, loved, loved every delicious bite.
After my stroke, I needed something that felt good, and donuts were it! I knew I would eventually have to stop, and my “numbers” would start to show…I MUST stop! Yes, after a stroke, some people go STRICT with their diet (like my friend did), but not me—I went WILD! I figured if I almost died, I might as well LIVE IT UP, right? NO! Indulgence gave me some comfort when things were uncertain. But now, it’s time to regain balance. And I know, it’s ok to feel uncomfortable…because that’s when the growth really happens, right? #mindovermatter.
Although I’m trying hard not to be an all-or-none person (IYKYK), I still tend to be. So…I’ve decided to cut all sugar out starting tomorrow afternoon. Yes, I am going to enjoy the hell out of those damn donuts and a latte tomorrow morning! Lol.
Regardless, the timing is kinda perfect—here in Maryland, we’re heading into fall, so what better time for a fall cleanse? The season feels symbolic for me, like shedding old habits and stepping into something new. After all, it's the Jewish New Year and God knows, I want to be written in the Book of Life (and I want to be healthy in it too!). So, my plan: lots of water, decaf tea, kitchari with vata vegetables, and broth. Yum-0…not. Lol. And, I’m going pescatarian again when I am done. Why? Because it’s more in alignment with who I am and who I want to be. Plus, I want to walk the talk for my students and followers.
I told my yoga students this morning that I HAD TO GIVE UP THE DONUTS. One student came up to me after class and asked if it’s harder to give up alcohol or sugar. He said it’s sugar for him. Since I’m not a BIG drinker…it was going to be sugar for me either way. Of course, I had to ask Google when I got home; although, remember, Google is not your friend. Anyway, Google says…sugar is harder to give up. And honestly, my brain craves sugar every.damn.day. After all I’ve been through, I think this detox is about more than just sugar—it’s about reminding myself that I can take control again, in whatever small ways. I do expect to not feel well and maybe irritable. I apologize in advance for my behavior. lol.
Tomorrow—after I get my first sugar fix—my detox starts. It will be going through and including Friday night. On Saturday, I am fasting for Yom Kippur and will break my fast with the ‘typical’ bagel, cream cheese, tomato, “real” Coke, and Hershey Kisses to bring in the New Year. I’ve been doing this since I was a little girl, and I love how it connects me to my past. But come next Sunday…I’m back to eating “healthy” for my body like I did pre-stroke (but maybe even better!).
This journey isn’t just about cutting out sugar; it’s about taking another step toward healing and reclaiming my body after everything it’s been through. After surviving a stroke, giving up sugar might seem small in comparison, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a BIG hurdle. I will be okay because I AM RESILIENT! Let me know if you want to join me. Either way, I hope you’ll cheer me on! (And yes, I will eventually be writing a post about all my “weird” eating habits post-stroke. Because of course, my eating changed…(not for the better though) along with everything else.
