Days 10 - 14

Day 10 & 11
Thursday & Friday passed without any cravings. I tried another recipe for chocolate cookies. It was a failure, but it's ok. I wasn't too upset or surprised, I just enjoyed baking. I am getting used to the diet. Friday I went to a work luncheon and they had the table already set with salads and cupcakes at each place setting. I wasn't even tempted by the cupcake, as beautiful as it was, because I knew it would be dry and I can bake a much better one after the diet.

Day 12
Saturday was much easier than last Saturday. I woke up and had a banana, then went to the thrift stores. By distracting myself, I didn't even think about missing the Farmer's Market and the wonderful Chocolate Croissants it offers.

By the afternoon, I was started to feel antsy, and didn't know what to plan for dinner. I was out of veggies, and I didn't want to go to the store. Chad had a kung-fu movie marathon and was craving some Chinese food, and Chinese food is pretty much out on the 21DSD. Soy sauce, sugar, orange chicken, no thanks. We ended up deciding that we could both make Chipotle work, and I got a salad bowl with chicken, pico de gallo and  guacamole. Yum! My biggest struggle wasn't with a craving, but feeling like a nuisance and being at a loss for what to do for a quick meal. Planning really is key.

Day 13
Sunday- and it was an early start! I woke up at 4am to go to a Relay for Life on campus. I had a banana for breakfast again, and went to go walk. I walked for about 4 hours, and people were handing out free bagels, fruit juices, croissants and McDonald's pancake breakfasts, and offers for Starbucks. The only real temptation was the offer for Starbucks, as it was cold! I don't generally drink caffeine, so I didn't want coffee, but again, hot chocolate is my weakness. I told another walker about the detox, and that held me accountable. I explained to her that I felt bad that people bought food for the walkers, and I felt rude rejecting their kindness, but she was super supportive and gave me encouragement that my health was more important than what other people are thinking about me. I am learning to do the whole polite "no thank you" but I am still working on feeling better about it.

When I got home, I made a ham and cheese omlette with raw spinach and tomatoes. I haven't made one since 7th grade Home Ec, so woohoo for that information sticking with me. It was delicious. I was just excited to have a new flavor! Food boredom is a real thing. I stared into my pantry at the bag of "Naked" granola, and the Cheerios on top of the fridge, but realized I felt much better with my omlette. Then I napped, and woke up still hungry. Turns out walking for four hours burns some calories. I made some salmon with a coconut milk and cream sauce.

Day 14
Back to work. I made the same omlette for breakfast, but I need to wake up earlier if I do that again. I ended up eating it in my car at red lights, which was difficult and awkward. But still delicious. It completely filled me up, even past noon. Eventually I had a lunch of string cheese, almonds and grilled chicken breast.

For dinner I made stuffed bell peppers with ground turkey, Italian seasonings and marinara sauce. That is one of my favorite meals, even off the 21DSD. Normally I include rice, but it is just fine if I leave it out. I was planning on making banana "ice cream" again, but I am still too full for eat something more.

I wish I had done measurements before the detox, or even at the beginning of March when I started trying to limit to 20 grams of sugar a day. I haven't actually done measurements since I was in dance and was being measured for costumes. So of course, this morning when I pulled out the measuring tape I was a little nervous. I have lost 18 pounds so far, but I know that I am nowhere near the weight I was when I was 19. I want to be healthy looking, and as silly as it is, one of my biggest motivations is a Halloween costume I bought last year. It's a beautiful Victorian silk dress I found in an antique shop, and I couldn't zip it up, but bought it anyway. I am hoping by this October, I will have lost at least a couple inches on my waist and chest so I can wear that gown.