I know what you're thinking - and YES. Seven days does seem like a long time to go without sugar.

But if you've been following me for a while, you know that I'm all about listening to your body. And my body has been telling me that I need to lay off the added sugar for a week and help "reset" my gut after weeks of traveling. I've done this before and have noticed a huge difference in my digestive system, which is one of the reasons why I'm accepting the challenge (again)!

Notice I said "added sugar". That's because I'm not completely cutting out sugar - I'm not crazy! I'm still allowing myself fruit (in moderation) once or twice a day (usually in my oats or smoothies). What I am removing are added sugars (honey, agave, maple syrup, nectars of any kind, and coconut sugar) from my diet for these seven days.

I'm sure you're wondering 1) WHY I'm doing this, and 2) WHAT I expect to gain from this challenge.

WHY: I have been traveling for at least 3/4 weeks now, and as you might expect, have indulged in a few treats along the way. (Especially at the Natural Product Expo, which was basically a nut butter and chocolate MECCA.) Here are a few things that I've noticed with my body:

slower digestive tract (you know what I'm talking about...ugh.
bloating (which is from both the slower digestion and inflammation in my gut from all of the extra fats/sugars)
low energy levels
cravings (like, legit GIMME-ALL-THE-SUGAR cravings)
moodiness
more breakouts (I don't usually have blemishes pop up unless my diet is out of whack or around that time of the month)

WHAT: During my previous sugar-detox challenge (which I did when Further Food was doing theirs), there were a few benefits that I noticed. I'm hoping to see the same this time, too! A few of those were:

better overall digestion (cause let's face it, we're all a little happier when we have good bowel habits - HAHA!)
less bloating, especially around the from of my belly
higher energy levels (likely due to more stable blood sugars)
reduced cravings
more steady moods (my husband and kids would say "THANK YOU")
clearer skin

The dates for this challenge are Monday (the 26th) through Sunday (the 1st). I'll definitely keep you guys up to date on how I'm feeling and how my progress is going, both on here and my Instagram feed.

If you'd like to join me, you're more than welcome to! You don't have to start on the same day I did - just make sure to do seven full days. One tip for you: don't search "#dessert" on Instagram. Just don't do it. It makes those first few days SOOO much harder. Trust me. If you see something that looks decedent, just double tap, bookmark/screenshot it, and then keep on scrolling, boo.

I also will be sharing some great NO SUGAR ADDED options for you, like these Flourless Blender Muffins (with creamy cashew butter) I made earlier this week. The banana in them helps to curb that sweet tooth, and the fats from the nut butter keeps you feeling satisfied. You're welcome.

Once you've finished your seven days (yay!), then S L O W L Y integrate added sugars back into your diet (read: DON'T go out and have a hot fudge sundae, as much as you might like to!). Your nice, reset gut might boycott that approach.

If you do choose to join me, please tag me in your posts! I'd love to follow along with your challenge and cheer you on!

Have a great evening, loves!

Blessings,