My Sugar Detox Journey

Every January for the last six years, I have participated in a sugar detox program. This year, I hopped on board the P.R.E.T.T.Y. Girl Fitness 21-Day Sugar Detox Challenge and it has truly been my icing on the cake.

In the first 7 days I lost 6 of the 8 pounds I had gained since Thanksgiving. There has also been a noticeable improvement in motivation, mental clarity, and my emotional well-being… once I got past the first 3 days. Most importantly from a health approach, I have released some of the mental and physical stress my body has been hoarding.

I embark on structured wellness journeys for several important reasons, one of which is the prevalence of oxidative stress in my body, and in every average American’s body.

The National Cancer Institute defines oxidative stress as “a condition that may occur when there are too many unstable molecules called free radicals in the body and not enough antioxidants to get rid of them.” These so-called free radicals are produced naturally in our bodies and serve a good purpose, but when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants they steal electrons from other important molecules such as DNA, causing cell damage that leads to a host of diseases and cancer. To cut to the chase, processed foods, sugar, and toxic environmental factors drive this imbalance. Detoxes are a relatively fast way to significantly aid in correcting this imbalance.

Another reason can best be explained through scripture. In 1 Corinthians 9:27, Paul says, “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.”

I am not a “preacher” by any means other than being willing to share my own rescue story, but I am an Outdoor Wellness Instructor and I consider this verse to be applicable in all leadership endeavors. You are never going to catch me trying out for the Olympics, and at this point in my life successfully completing a Rimto Rim Hike across the Grand Canyon isn’t looking too promising.

What you will find me doing is making every effort to improve my health and fitness level; not only for my own health’s sake but, “lest that…I myself should be disqualified” in leading others to do the same in the outdoors.

Lastly, I whole-heartedly enjoy the grace I find through pursuing self-discipline. On my own, I am too weak to conquer my health struggles, but by leaning into and relying on God, he somehow provides exactly what I need at just the right moments.

We were not created to be self-reliant human beings, but rather we were created to trust and depend on our creator to meet all our deepest needs.

If I could be so bold as to attempt to inspire you today, I would strongly encourage you to shoot for not being the average American, pursue self-discipline, participate in wellness programs, and get outdoors. Your adventure awaits.