Last day to shove your face with as much sugar and alcohol as you can before embarking on your 1-month detox!!  It is interesting how we tend to see doom ahead and thus it’s human nature (or perhaps just American nature) that we sabotage ourselves in preparation.  “Get it all in!”  But, as you contemplate the next 31-days what I do encourage is that you keep it simple. It is overwhelming to think about how many of your meal and snack habits are surrounded by added sugar and thus you’re fretting over what meals and snacks you will be eating for the next month.  Just eat simple.

By adhering to a sugar detox (whatever type of sugar eater you are) you are essentially moving to change your habits.  Einstein once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.”  Thus when you think about modifying your eating habits (remember eating is one of the most important aspects of this detox) I encourage you to think that things are NOT going to taste the same and your meals and snacks may send your “norm” into a tizzy — esp. if you’re accustomed to a high-sugar diet.  While taking your favorite meals and snacks and trying to emulate them without added sugar is most certainly doable, I encourage you to step our of your comfort zone a bit if you find that your favorite meals and snacks have lost their luster.   Again, keep it simple!  Your body does not give 2 damns what you eat for what meal or snack.  If you want cheese and apples for breakfast — go for it.  For those of who would rather stay within the confines of the “normal” — some tips below for breakfast considering it is the most important meal of the day.

Breakfast — What a conundrum for so many of us so determine what you think you might like and just go with it.  We tend to think that each meal needs to fulfill every desire.  Nope.  We eat to live.  Yes, good food is enjoyable (like a fabulous Eggs Benedict or a fancy Quiche Lorraine) but quite honestly food is for life FIRST and enjoyment second.  So if you’re bourgeoisie pallet keeps you from making changes…buck up and put your face on and just eat to eat.  You can also take what you’re currently eating and just try to remove the added sugar.  Just repeat after me: KEEP IT SIMPLE!! Some ideas below:

Eggs — You seriously can’t go wrong.  Do not even try for any arguments regarding fat or cholesterol content because I will not hear it.  It has only been since the early 90s the cereal aisle has gained so much popularity (on purpose mind you…who was behind that campaign eggs were bad? Hmmmmmmm….) so perhaps it’s a great time to bring back the incredible edible egg.  My daily breakfast, detox or not, is usually 2 eggs in pan with butter (yep, butter) topped with S&P and some sunflower seeds before I flip them and serve with a side of whole wheat toast.  Or, when I’m not eating bread or just not in the mood, I’ll make a scramble with veggies, black beans, sprinkle of seeds and topped with feta.  YUM!  Check out some easy and quick recipes here: http://www.incredibleegg.org

And if you can get your eggs closest to the chicken’s butt like I do (thank you Mr. Farmer), all the butter.  Otherwise, if you’re worried check out this article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/19/how-to-read-egg-labels_n_160912.html

Grains — Make any and all and use a dose of “it’s gonna take a bit” to get used to grains without added sugar.  Stroll through the grocery store and pick up any cereal and see how much sugar.  There is absolutely ZERO natural sugar in cereal and thus all the grams you see on the label are added.  Look at the serving size (we usually eat multiple servings), look at the grams of sugar and divide by 4.  Remember, 4g = 1 tsp.  Now, if you are set on eating grains for breakfast just prepare yourself to use more spices (think cinnamon, nutmeg), all natural jam (good luck…but they’re out there), fruit, fruit juice if you’re game to make it yourself, and natural PB…get creative.  Slow cooked oats can be made ahead of time, rolled oats seriously take 5 minutes, there are a small handful of cereals (Uncle Sam, Shredded Wheat, Wheatabix) that don’t have “enriched” or “vitamins and minerals” in the ingredient list nor have added sugar.  Whole-wheat pancakes are a breeze (just omit the sugar).  Or go hog-wild and try new grains!!  Find some ideas here: http://dailyburn.com/life/recipes/whole-grain-breakfast-recipes/

Yogurt — A once healthy food that has been flipped upside down and marketed to hide the fact that it’s actually a dessert.  It is very important to remind yourself that yogurt is awesome.  Greek yogurt is no better than regular (they’re just different in regards to protein and calcium) and it is quite the ‘tang’ if you’re not accustomed it to Greek plain.  It is a substitute for sour cream so perhaps Regular Plain Yogurt is best.  And, by all means….do not buy low-fat.  There is absolutely NO need so back-off that ledge.  Add fruit, or peanut butter, or whole grain cereals, seeds, nuts, all-natural and no sugar jam, fruit compote….whatever you want… if yogurt is what you’re going for.  Get your blender out and make a smoothie (just make sure it has natural sustenance…stay away from your protein powder and grind some nuts and seeds in a coffee grinder and make your own protein powder). Also, mason jar oats and yogurt is as easy and quick and fabulous – just don’t add sugar.  Get some ideas at: http://www.theyummylife.com/Refrigerator_Oatmeal

Just Food — Lastly, if the above does not fancy your palette eat whatever you want as long as it doesn’t have added sugar or crap (ingredients you wouldn’t know where to get).  If you’re not accustomed to eating breakfast, then you must start with whatever you can.  Feeding yourself appropriately throughout the day is the most important part of the next month.  We can deal with your overeating later 🙂  So, if you feel like a piece of fruit and a handful of nuts for breakfast.  Cool.  If you want to eat the leftover whole wheat pasta with shrimp, garlic, olive oil and Parmesan.  Whatevs.   Your body doesn’t care as long as there is nourishment.