I made another commitment to cleanse and will begin Sober and Sugarless September in three days.  Mind you, the word “cleanse” can mean many different things to a lot of different people.  I am just going to keep it simple.  I will be spending September sober and sugarless, thus “cleansing” myself of the crap I’ve accumulated over the summer: sugar and alcohol.  In turn, I will also cleanse the tired, the bloated, and the overall feeling of UGH! I love summer, do not mistake me, but the long summer nights and increased social calendar always steers me away from my health routines.  And, naturally, it should!  Summer is for ultimate play — but I definitely am noticing the consequences.  I find the turning of the leaves (at least in my neck of the woods in the northwest) also turns over my being — a rejuvenation of sorts.  Just like I try to celebrate the new year with a January detox, I find the beginning of fall calls for an equally stellar “cleansing”.  I have yet to undertake a fall cleansing and thus come January we shall see what my needs are.  Below are the who’s, the what’s, the when’s, the where’s, the why’s and how’s of Sober & Sugarless September.  Wanna join?!  Stay tuned about every 3 to 5 days for more posts and visit The Foods To Eat on Facebook to join the party.

Who:  You, me, ANYONE!  This month is dedicated to anyone who just isn’t feeling their best.  Please note this is not a weight loss plan (although you will probably lose weight) but is rather a “reset”.  This is the best way to prep for any health changes you want to make — like increasing your energy to exercise more and wanting to cut your cravings for junk food.  It is for anyone who doesn’t feel good, has inflammatory conditions, or daily pain.  This is for any reason you find that you just don’t feel your best.

What:  A 30-day cleanse lasting all of September — and beyond in any variation you choose.  Sober & Sugarless September will consist of zero alcohol — no wine, no liquor, no wine coolers, no beer, no nada.  In addition, no added sugar.  This does not include foods that already contain natural sugars — like milk, plain yogurt, and fruit.  I repeat — nothing wrong with dairy and fruit.  The cleanse DOES include any added sugar — which includes table sugar, honey, any artificial sweeteners (even Stevia).  If you add any sweetener to your food, or someone else adds it, this is added sugar.  If its nutrition is stripped and vitamins & minerals added — avoid it.  This includes white breads, white rice and anything “enriched”.  Oh…sorry…eating out is most definitely added sugar.  It’s not totally off the table (pun totally intended) but do not assume AT ALL that any food made out of your control does not have added sugar (ie., any salad dressings).  Unless you’re getting a basic protein with a side of veggies at the restaurant…make your own food.

When: All of September.  And beyond if you choose.  But, minimally last the 30 days that make up September.

Where: In the comfort of your home, your work, and your outings.  I imagine a lot of humbug regarding the inconvenience of the social calendar.  But, Sober & Sugarless September does not mean you have to be a hermit.  It just means you have to put on a different perspective.  Life is still enjoyable without sugar and without alcohol.  I have a fabulous concert in less than 2 weeks and I’m not letting the fact I’ll be sober deter my excitement.  In addition, we have book club towards the end of the month.  BOOK CLUB WITHOUT WINE??  GAH!  Come on…quite logically, that would be weird to assume fun can only be had that way and to avoid feeling good because you’re nervous about changing habits for one month.  Think of all the people who enjoy life without these things.  Good. Clean. Fun.

Why: For many reasons, no?  Why do we do anything?  Because we want to!  You’ve read my reasonings above.  But, quite frankly all our bodies can use a break!  Our liver (and associated everything) is an important organ that has to metabolize a lot.  And, it primarily gives its energy to breaking down all the crap we put it.  Most notably this is alcohol and added sugar.  Funny that high cholesterol is associated with saturated fat when really it is associated with alcohol and sugar.  For any of you with high cholesterol — I urge you to have your blood drawn after 30 days without alcohol or added sugar.  Ah-may-zing.  In all serious, we just need a reset.  Our bodies have to deal with SOOOOOO much and they just need a frickin’ break.  Love your body.

How:  Avoid all sugar and added sugar and foods that have had their nutrition stripped.  This will be easy if you look for the words “enriched” anywhere in the ingredient list or do not find the first word “whole” when looking at grains.  If you eat a lot of boxed foods or canned or jarred foods from the grocery store — you’re going to have to look at the ingredient list.  Do not just rely on the sugar grams on the label as natural sugars are taken into account.  Simple rule: don’t buy anything that you couldn’t make yourself.  Ask yourself, “could I get all the ingredients in this list?”  If not, put it away.  Otherwise, look for added sugars in the ingredient list.  If you’re not sure…google it.  They like to hide sugar!  More on this specific topic in coming posts.