This Run Lift Mom Podcast Episode is an audio journal episode about my 6 week nutrition challenge within the Street Parking Nutrition program. Enjoy!
Show Notes
2:00 what’s the plan? 2:30 “if it came from the ground or had a mama” 4:30 all or nothing approaches- blow it out or test the water 7:30 on baseline measurements and why you should have more than weight 9:00 sweet tooth problems 12:00 my toughest lapse was unexpected! 13:30 pack your lunch strategy 15:00 community support in your household 17:00 split the difference strategy for sleep 18:00 temptations 19:00 why not use the scale? 22:30 results compared with baseline measurements, why performance goals are important
Here’s What I learned:
Expect a hangover
My sugar detox hangover was not as intense as when I’ve done these types of things in the past. Why? Probably because, on the whole, I wasn’t as off the rails in my everyday lifestyle.
That said, I still felt the symptoms, albeit for only about 5 days as opposed to 2 weeks. Here’s what to expect if you are committing to a plan that cuts sugar:
mild digestive issues (bloating, irregularity), headaches (very dull, brain fog, sleepiness during the day/inability to sleep at night, low energy, crankiness
Ditch the scale
We did not use scales in this nutrition challenge. No weekly weigh in. Why?
Often we get so caught up in what the number is saying that we aren’t seeing the other amazing things that are happening – more energy, better sleep quality, clothes fitting looser, etc. All of a sudden, everything we feel is revolved around that number, right?
Here’s what I had a baseline for and tracked during the 6 weeks:
- 1 mile run
- Crossfit total (1RM deadlift, press, squat)
- Benchmark street parking workout
- Holy grail dress
- Photos
- Measurements (thighs, waist, chest)
When I finally stepped on the scale at the end to see I had lost 2 pounds, all of the other markers had improved as well. The weight loss was a byproduct.
Pack Your Lunch
- If you have the space in your fridge, prepare your meals in containers so you can just grab and go! No excuses that way!
- Keep basics on hand, like nuts, canned tuna, frozen veggies and fruit.
- Pack for the meal that poses the most risk for you behaviorally.
Go To Sleep
The recommended amount of sleep per night for the average adult is at least 7 hours. Here are some general tips that helped me achieve that number after some slip ups:
• split the difference on your bedtime and wake time.
• Stick to a sleep schedule, even on the weekends. This can help regulate your body clock and allow you to fall and stay asleep.
• Avoid naps especially in the afternoon.
• Turn down the temperature in your bedroom to between 60 and 67 degrees.
• Reduce light in your room, especially anything with blue light (most distracting to sleep cycles). Blackout curtains are great for reducing light. Put aluminum foil on your windows while traveling or if you’re in a pinch.
• Reduce other distracting sounds by using a sound machine, ear plugs, etc. We use a fan for white noise.
Plan for the weekend:
I knew to do this during the weekend of my high school reunion- stayed on template on Friday, all day Saturday, but after more wine than planned for, I didn’t plan around Sunday. The day after.
That was the day that got me! Sure, I was home and the reunion was over but but I self medicated all day long because I felt so bad from the wine.
My advice to my future self (and any of you in a nutrition challenge!) is to ahead at the various events (social gatherings, girls nights, dates) and lay out a plan that includes the following day in addition to the day of.
