...10 day detox...

After seeing a television interview with Dr. Mark Hyman about our culture's addiction to sugar, I reserved his book "The Blood Sugar Solution: 10 Day Detox" at our local library. I tested a few of his theories on myself and quickly realized that I, too, am addicted to sugar. (I'm sure anyone of my close friends could have told you that.)

Oh, how I love sugar!

But my mom is a type 1 diabetic. My niece is a type 1 diabetic. Andy's dad is a type 1 diabetic. And my dear, sweet, handsome husband is a type 1 diabetic. Though I long to have little Andrews running around our home, it might be better if we don't reproduce. With these genes, our kiddos would be doomed.

I'm becoming more aware that I need to be proactive about my families health, thus the book and the events that transpired today.

I didn't want to not eat ice cream cake on Andy's big birthday, and I couldn't miss out on Dewey's pizza at pizza school. Plus, Monday is the best day to start any "diet" program, so I decided that my detox would begin today. This structured program, with different recipes for each day, convinced me that I could succeed. Don't eat sugar, gluten or dairy for 10 days. Easy peasy! Or so I thought...

I started the day off with an almond/strawberry shake. I had picked up all the ingredients and prepared them the night before, including putting the flax seeds and other nuts in water so that the "enzymes could be released." I cheerfully jaunted into the kitchen this morning, looking forward to my "smoothie." It didn't take long to realize that the nut/flax seed mixture had all congealed together into one gelatinous glob. I poked it a few times, I was so surprised.

Undeterred, I dumped it, the frozen strawberries, the almond butter, the ice, and the avocado into the blender and mushed it all up until I thought it looked smooth. I dumped it into a cup, swished it around and stared at it for a few seconds before lifting the mug to my lips.

The only thing more challenging than not breathing in when I tried to sip it, was trying to swallow. It was oddly thick, and I felt it necessary to chew before swallowing. It certainly didn't taste like any smoothie I've ever had. I only drank about an inch down the cup.

When I got home, I realized that in my haste and excitement I had forgotten to add the ginger and cinnamon. I'm sure those would have made all the difference. (Hopefully, you read my sarcasm.) I had intended to make a cauliflower/asparagus soup, but I was so hungry by the time I got home that I immediately ate the leftover pizza in the fridge. Sigh.

I failed. But if at first you don't succeed, try, try again!

And so I shall. And, don't worry, everybody, I made sure to eat all the pizza leftovers so that this won't happen again tomorrow.

I hope you are so much more successful in all you attempt this week! But if not, show yourself a little grace, and then try, try again. I know you can do it!