Funny how misery loves company 🙂  Just kidding…it’s more funny that folks try to sabotage your efforts to make a positive impact on your life — mind you, for only 30 days, and it’s as if World War III is about to go down.  But, I am ready for tomorrow.  I am VERY ready to abstain from non-nutritious foods like enriched grains and fried foods, as well as alcohol and anything with added sugar.  What’s funny is that I am not changing any of my plans.  I have several concerts in the coming month, a book club (aka. wine club), and some birthday parties.  All is well because this isn’t my first rodeo — and most who have gone down this journey with me during the annual New Year’s detox can attest nothing beats feeling GREAT!  I will preface this post, though, with the truth that it doesn’t feel so good at first…but it sure feels good after you realize your commitment is real.  Your body responds.  Read below to divulge into the preparation of 30 days of Sober & Sugarless September.

Stop Being Dramatic:  While we have habits that have literally grown to define us….really try not to let the next 30 days be something that is happening TO you.  Rather you’ve made a choice to take a break from habits that have CONSUMEDyou.  You’re not quitting forever (maybe you are??) but for Christ’s sake — don’t be dramatic.  While I do encourage voicing your ambitions — this way you’re somewhat held to them by your colleagues and friends and families — there is no need to be dramatic about the situation.  You had a great summer…relish in that…and you will have a great October.  Nothing needs to change that much except your attitude towards life.

Don’t Bag It If You Fail:  Most of you will probably f**k up.  Just sayin’. Big deal.  Just get back on the wagon.  Try for a week.  If you feel good, try for another week.  If you feel you “failed”, have your night or weekend and then get back in the saddle again. I am promoting a full 30-day of abstinence of enriched grains, fried foods, alcohol and added sugar but this will not be the end-all-be-all.  Assess your weaknesses and prep yourself for whatever detox you choose and pick yourself up, dust off, and charge forward. Again, I encourage the full 30 days so really try not be such a wuss.  YOU. CAN. DO. IT!  One piece of advice: Don’t be annoying if you fail. No blame about the difficulty or the excuses. Own it and move on and try again.  Everyone is able to do this.  I repeat: Everyone is able to do this.

Clean Your Cabinets: Don’t assume that you can succeed at this endeavor if you’re surrounded by things you’re abstaining from.  If your hubby is not on board to support you and help clean the cabinets…seriously consider how much respect this partner has for you.  No joke. The adage, “Out of Sight Out of Mind” is coined for a reason.  I’m a seasoned dietitian and I cannot have cookies in my house — detox or no detox.  So, own your weaknesses and then get rid of them.

Check Your Social Calendar:  Prepare yourself.  What do you have coming up?  Do you suffer from FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)?  In all seriousness, get over it.  Life is still enjoyable sober and sugarless.  You just have to be a bit more calculated about how you feed yourself and how you choose to hang out.  Again, don’t be a wuss.  If you find you aren’t able to enjoy life (concerts, get togethers, etc.) then you are not in need of a cleanse.  You are in need of therapy.  Please note that’s OK.  Part of a cleanse/detox is figuring out what weaknesses you have.  I strongly encourage seeking out the best you!

Go Shopping: If you are used to eating all meals out…then, yes, this month will be a strange diversion.  I know A LOT about the food industry and whatever you think food is made of — think again.  You need to stock your fridge and pantry with foods from the 5 food groups — fruits, veggies, whole grains (not enriched), protein (meat and non-meat sources) and dairy (flavored yogurt SO DOES NOT COUNT).  Eat simply.  Eat all day if you need. Just feed yourself.

Be Mindful: Easy to say and not easy to do.  The point of being mindful is just waking up and thinking about your purpose.  Taking time throughout your day to reinforce the purpose of this for you.  And, then going to bed and remembering the positive effects of your choices.  Mind f**k??  Hell, yes.  Prepare yourself and step out of your zone and into an improved zone.

As my mum would say, “tomorrow is the first day of the rest of your life.”  While an extreme statement, it is one to ponder. We take many journeys in our life where that statement is a great start.

Be the best YOU you can be and good luck!  Stay tuned….