How to Sugar Detox: I break it all down in my interview on BioGirl Health Show

In my first ever Podcast interview (woohoo!), I share on BioGirl Health Show the ins & outs of Sugar Detox to gain control of a greedy situation. This fasting/detox formula I created for myself and found success with can also be applied to gaining control over carbs or any other food that seeks to cripple your fitness efforts. Click below to listen now!

A Snippet of the Show’s Details from BioGirl Health:

Josie talks in depth about her sugar detox and answers questions regarding the following aspects of this alternative to traditional dieting:

  what types of foods Josie ate during that time  the planning Josie did to set herself up for success  how Josie mentally prepared to meet her goals

You will not want to miss hearing Josie explain why one plan does not work for all people. She not only explains in detail how she selected the foods for her fast, but also shares some surprising facts she learned about the sugar content in her favorite foods.

Josie makes no excuses for the amount of sugar she once consumed on a daily basis, and shares some surprising statistics about how quickly the sugars added up. In addition to the symptoms she experienced during her initial sugar-fast and how long they lasted, Josie also reveals to the positive health benefits she enjoyed!

Related: I Did It! 7 Days Without Eating Sugar

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Sugar Free Homemade Instant Lemonade

Your personal resume’ of awesomeness just got more impressive. Not only are you ladies smart & sassy, and all you men out there witty and studly, but you lovely people can now whip up sweet, refreshing lemonade with zero refined sugars…all in an instant.

Some people swear by a concoction of lemon slices and/or lemon juice in warm water upon waking at the butt crack of dawn. They say it aids in weight loss & more: 10 Reasons Why You Should Drink Warm Lemon Water in the Morning. There there’s the lemon-controversial Master Cleanse Detox perspective. While both are intriguing in their own ways, the refreshing 3-ingredient glass of goodness that I speak of is neither of those things.

This is solely about enjoying a fresh glass of sweet lemonade without refined sugars. I made it for the family. They didn’t know the difference between my homemade instant version and the overpriced Amish lemonade filled with refined sugars that I was buying from the farmer’s market.

INGREDIENTS

8-10 ounces of waterapproximately 2 fresh lemons or store bought 100% lemon juice2 packets Stevia

DIRECTIONS

Pour cold water into your favorite fancy glass.Add fresh squeezed lemon juice to glass, or give a generous squeeze of store bought 100% lemon juice.Add 1-2 packets of Stevia to the glass.Slurp to taste. Add more Stevia or lemon juice if desired.Now drink some more to enjoy instantaneous sweet lemonade splendor.

Homemade Instant Lemonade is not only tasty, it makes it so much easier to fit in adequate water throughout the day. You’re less likely to retain water if you stay hydrated. Lemons also have a boatload of health benefits, so start slurping!

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4C Totally Light Cranberry Pomegranate Antioxidant Sugar Free Drink Mix Review

Because it's summer, I've been trying out a lot of different beverages and drink mixes, some naturally delicious (like, Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Company 100% Florida Grapefruit Juice (Gourmet Pasteurized)), but with quite a bit of sugar; and some low calorie i.e. sugar free or close to it, like Crystal Light Margarita "Mocktail". 4C Totally Light Cranberry Pomegranate Antioxidant Sugar Free Drink Mix belongs in the that latter category.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 8 ounces
Calories: 0
Total Fat: 0%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 10 mg, < 1%
Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Fiber: 0%
Sugars: 0 grams
Protein: 0 grams

A serving size of 1/8th tub (which makes 1 cup of drink) provides less than 5 calories, i.e. has 0 calories on the nutrition label. The first time I tried this, I really didn't like the intense, metallic tart flavor. A look at the ingredients list shows that citric and ascorbic acid are the 1st 2 ingredients, so I should have expected such an intense acidic taste. The next time, I added even more water, and although it was still tart, it seemed more manageable and I didn't hate it quite as much.

The other ingredients include, artificial cranberry flavor, potassium and sodium citrate, acesulfame K, purified polyphenols (antioxidants), natural and artificial pomegranate flavor, sucralose, gum arabic, magnesium oxide (prevents caking), FD&C Red 40, tricalcium phosphate (prevents caking), FD&C Blue #1.

A container of 4C Totally Light Cranberry Pomegranate Antioxidant Sugar Free Drink Mix, which has 7 tubs, costs $6.99 - each tub makes 2 quarts. I would buy this again if it were deeply discounted - like if I saw it at the Dollar Store. Otherwise, I'll stick with Crystal Light Peach Iced Tea (Review).

{Website: 4C Foods}

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Kozy Shack No Sugar Added Chocolate Mint Pudding

I really think Kozy Shack products are under-rated because I don't really hear anyone going wild for them. But, I'm here to tell you that Kozy Shack No Sugar Added Vanilla Pudding = amazing. Kozy Shack No Sugar Added Rice Pudding = awesome. BUT since I'm a choco-holic, the Kozy Shack No Sugar Added Chocolate Mint Pudding was on my radar big time, and it was only a matte of time before a taste test. Chocolate and mint go together almost as well as chocolate and peanut butter in my mind, so this was a no-brainer to buy.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 4 ounces
Calories: 70
Total Fat: 1 grams, 2%
Saturated Fat: 1 gram, 5%
Sodium: 140 mg, 6%
Carbohydrates: 10 grams
Fiber: 3 grams, 12%
Sugars: 5 grams
Protein: 4 grams

I let this chill in the refrigerator over night before I had it as my daily chocolate fix, and unfortunately, I was a bit disappointed. This chocolate incarnations of the Kozy Shack puddings is not my favorite. It's waterier than the tapioca and rice pudding flavors and the mint didn't add much, being over-powered by the chocolate - but together it's still a colossal mess. For straight-up chocolate, I definitely prefer the Kozy Shack Simplywell Dark Chocolate Pudding - which does have added sugars though (13 grams total).

Each snack cup of Kozy Shack No Sugar Added Chocolate Mint Pudding provides 70 calories, 1 gram of fat (all saturated - 5% of the daily value), 3 grams fiber (12% of the daily value), 5 grams sugars and 4 grams protein.

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The ingredients are: low fat milk (vitamin A and D), water, modified tapioca starch, cocoa and breakfast cocoa (processed with alkali), inulin (natural dietary fiber), natural flavors, salt, sucralose, and carrageenan.

It makes my chocolate heart sad that this product didn't do it for me, especially since I spent at $4.49 for a 4-pack, but thankfully there are a few other Kozy Shack products that step up.

{Website: Kozy Shack}

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Atkins Day Break Chocolate Chip Crisp Bar (Sugar Free)

Atkins has changed their "Morning Start" Bar - loved the Atkins Morning Start Triple Berry Breakfast Bar by the way - to Atkins "Day Break" Bars. While I'm a big proponent of eating a filling breakfast in the morning, there's no dying that sometimes, it's just grab and go time. This morning, it was a Atkins Day Break Chocolate Chip Crisp morning.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 bar (35 grams)
Calories: 140
Total Fat: 6 grams, 9%
Saturated Fat: 3 grams, 15%
Sodium: 120 mg, 5%
Carbohydrates:16 grams
Fiber: 6 grams, 24%
Sugar: 0 grams
Sugar Alcohols: 1 gram
Protein: 10 grams

The Atkins website says, "Morning's never been sweeter or more satisfying. We bring on the chocolate chips and a rich, chocolaty bottom layer. Dream of chocolate, wide awake." I opened the package of one bar and found a nicely sized (35-gram) bar of crisps (soy nuggets) with a chocolate coating on the bottom and studded with chocolate chips. I took a bite and tasted the nuttiness of the soy nuggets, soybeans, and almonds, and also tasted ... coconut! That was quite an unexpected surprise, but it was quite pleasurable. I liked the crispiness of these, and the chocolate intermingled and on the bottom was just perfect. Like a plain granola bar but much more indulgent.

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Each Atkins Day Break Chocolate Chip Crisp Bar provides 140 calories, 6 grams of total fat, 3 grams of which is saturated (9% and 15% of the daily value), 6 grams of fiber (24% of the DV), 10 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar alcohols and no sugar. The ingredients list shows that the (non-caloric) sweeteners sucralose and acesulfame K are used.

Most (if not all) of our Atkins bar reviews have shown that the bars have a high saturated fat count, but it's nice that this bar is sugar free, but protein and fiber rich, tasty and at a reasonable calorie count to boot. These bars are available on Amazon.comat $4.69 for a 5-pack and I will definitely be buying these again.

{Website: Atkins Day Break}

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Rockstar Sugar Free Energy Drink

Now, I'm not the type of person who guzzles energy drinks to keep himself going, but once in a while, when I know I'm in for a long day, I will pick up a can for an extra boost. I've been trying different brands and different varieties to see which ones I like best. Since I've enjoyed Rockstar's "Roasted" coffee line, I thought I'd try the Rockstar Sugar Free Energy Drink to see if it was any good.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 8 ounces
Calories: 10
Total Fat: 0%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 0%
Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Fiber: 0%
Sugar: 0 grams
Protein: 0 grams

Now, regular energy drinks normally taste pretty much like a type of soda. Most often, the ones I've tried tend to have a lemon/lime/citrusy type flavor. Rockstar Sugar Free goes a different route, choosing a grape flavor instead. The result is a drink that tastes exactly like carbonated Dimetapp. *blech * I'm normally a pretty fast drinker - I can easily drink a 16 ounce can in 20 minutes, but it took me an hour and a half before I could chug the rest of my can down.

One (16 ounce) can of Rockstar Sugar Free Energy Drink provides 20 calories, no sugar, 200% of your DV of vitamins B2 -B6 and 400% DV B12. It also contains 160 mg caffeine, 2000 mg taurine, 50 mg ginseng, 300 mg gingko biloba, and a slew of other herbs that supposedly give you an energy boost beyond caffeine alone.

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The ingredients include carbonated water, natural and artificial flavor, caramel color, and numerous herbal additives. The main sweeteners is sucralose (Splenda).

While I do think this drink gave me a slight boost, I would never buy it again, especially at over $2.50 a can. I much prefer Rush Lite Energy Drink, or I'll stick to the coffee-flavored Rockstars.

{Website: Rockstar Energy Drinks}

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Chocolite Protein Cookies N Cream Bar (Sugar Free)

After experiencing the delicious and nutritious sugar free Chocolite Protein Peanut Butter Bar, I decided to go through my stash and try another flavor. The Chocolite Protein Cookies N Cream Bar looked like just the thing to have after a long hard workout.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 34 grams
Calories: 95
Total Fat: 3 grams, 5%
Saturated Fat: 2 grams, 10%
Sodium: 135 mg, 6%
Carbohydrates: 17 grams
Fiber: 9 grams, 38%
Sugars: 0 grams
Sugar Alcohols: 4 grams
Protein: 9 grams

I opened the bar to taste it and found a nice milky chocolate flavor with a chewy texture, along with a caramel layer on the bottom that was delicious ... I wouldn't say that there was a cookies n cream flavor, but it was still tasty just the same.

Each 34 gram Chocolite Protein Cookies N Cream Bar is gluten- and sugar-free, and provides 95 calories, 3 grams of total fat, 2 grams of which is saturated, 9 grams of fiber, 4 grams of sugar alcohols plus 9 grams of protein and fiber (38% of the daily value). There is also a slew of vitamins and minerals (15-30% for each).

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The ingredients list starts with a protein blend of non-GMO Soy Protein Isolate and Whey Protein Isolate. These bars are available online at Netrition, $16.99 for a box with 16 bars (+ shipping).

Considering that fiber and protein account for more than 75% of the calories, this is a pretty good snack, and it's tasty too. BUT if something is described as having a "cookies n cream" flavor, then my taste buds start expecting that - and this just doesn't deliver on that promise. So for that reason, I prefer the Chocolite Protein Peanut Butter Bar.

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Chocolite Protein Peanut Butter Bar (Sugar Free)

Just check out all the Chocolite reviews, and you'll see that brand has some of our favorite products. I've already gone nuts over some of their protein bars, like the Chocolite Protein Triple Chocolate Bar (Sugar Free) and Chocolite Protein Chocolate Turtle Protein Bar - so why not try another flavor?! I picked up the Peanut Butter variety and wasted no time in trying it out.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 34 grams
Calories: 100
Total Fat: 4 grams, 8%
Saturated Fat: 2 grams, 10%
Sodium: 130 mg, 5%
Carbohydrates: 17 grams
Fiber: 10 grams, 42%
Sugars: 0 grams
Sugar Alcohols: 4 grams
Protein: 9 grams

The combo of peanut butter and chocolate is pure heaven for me, so I had high hopes for this protein bar. At just 100 calories per package, I was excited to find a high-protein, low-calorie, gluten free snack (or dessert). I opened my bar and examined the flat, chocolate-coated treat. I took a bite and was struck with the taste of ... toffee. No, this doesn't really taste like peanut butter, but it does taste like peanut brittle or toffee. Strange, yes, and more strange since I was imagining something like the Chocolite Sugar Free Peanut Butter Cup Patties. Still, it was good, though quite chewy and not peanut buttery at all.

Each Chocolite Protein Peanut Butter Bar provides 100 calories, 4 grams of total fat, 2 grams of which is saturated, 10 grams of fiber, 4 grams of sugar alcohols, 9 grams of protein, plus 30% of the daily value for vitamin C, iron, vitamin D, vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, biotin, pantothenic acid, and zinc.

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Look at all those vitamins and minerals ... and fiber ... and protein! The ingredients list starts with a protein blend of Non-GMO Soy Protein Isolate, Non-GMO Soy Crisps mostly soy and whey protein isolate. These bars cost $1.59 at my local grocery store and is also available online. I will definitely buy this again - though not for a peanut butter fix!

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Miss Meringue Sugar Free Minis (Chocolate)

Miss Meringue Sugar Free Vanilla Minis were really amazing, so I decided to try the Sugar Free Chocolate Minis - could I possibly get a chocolate fix in a delicious sugar-free snack?! These meringues are described as, "A chocolate lover's delight. Take a chocolate meringue and sprinkle cocoa powder on top for a mouthful of chocolate. Try these cookies with a tall glass of milk or on top of your favorite chocolate swirl ice cream or frozen yogurt!"

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 13 cookies
Calories: 40
Total Fat: 0%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 65 mg, 3%
Carbohydrates: 8 grams
Fiber: 2 grams, 10%
Sugars: 0 grams
Sugar Alcohols: 6 grams
Protein: 5 grams

As mentioned in my review of the Vanilla version, these stick to your teeth, so you might want to take the advice to add a tall glass of milk. As for overall taste, though, these are great. They're more on the milk chocolate side of things, but they're just so light and crunchy at the same time and I love the smaller size (they are minis, after all).

Each serving of 13 Miss Meringue Sugar Free Chocolate Minis provides 40 calories (5 more than the Vanilla), no fat, 65 mg of sodium, 2 grams of fiber, no sugar, 6 grams of sugar alcohols, and 5 grams of protein (1 gram more than the Vanilla).

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The ingredients include, Egg Whites, Isomalt, Dried Egg White, Alkalized Defatted Cocoa Powder, Inulin (Vegetable Fiber), Tartaric Acid and Sucralose (Splenda Brand). Warning from the company: Excessive consumption of Isomalt may have an laxative effect.

There are 4 servings per container, which cost $3.99. 13 cookies for 40 calories - well that's my kinda deal! I will most definitely buy these again - they really get my sweet fix for few calories!

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Quaker Simple Harvest Oatmeal (Maple Brown Sugar with Pecans)

(Photo Credit: Plaid Ninja)

There have been rumors of Quaker Simple Harvest products being discontinued, but I refused to believe! I really like the Quaker Simple Harvest Apples and Cinnamon Oats Cereal, and with my stockpile dwindling fast, I decided to try Quaker Simple Harvest Maple Brown Sugar with Pecans Oatmeal, which I found on sale, 2 for $5, at the drugstore.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 packet (42 grams)
Calories: 160
Total Fat: 3.5 grams, 5%
Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams, 2%
Sodium: 75 mg, 3%
Carbohydrates: 30 grams
Fiber: 4 grams, 16%
Sugar: 9 grams
Protein: 4 grams

I popped a packet of this stuff in a cup, added the requisite water, and stuck it in the microwave. When it finished cooking (and after stirring it down a couple of times), I took my first spoonful. I really liked the pecans - there are a lot in each packet, but they are small nubs, not whole pecans like you might be used to seeing or like they portray on the box. The sweetness isn't excessive, either, which is quite nice. One word of warning though: make sure to stir the oatmeal thoroughly to distribute the maple sugar flavor, otherwise it stays at the bottom - and it gets sickeningly sweet towards the end.

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Each packet of Quaker Simple Harvest Apples and Cinnamon Oats Cereal provides 160 calories, 3.5 grams of total fat, 0.5 grams of which is saturated, 4 grams of fiber, 9 grams of sugars and 4 grams of protein. The ingredients include, "multi grain blend (whole grain rolled oats, whole grain rolled barley, whole grain rolled rye), sugar, whole grain rolled wheat, pecans, whole flaxseed, oat flour, natural flavors, and salt."

I would buy this again at that great price if I saw it again, but already I see the Simple Harvest replacement popping up on supermarket shelves, Quaker Hearty Medleys Fruit & Nuts, and I'm looking forward to trying the Banana Walnut variety. Other all natural instant oatmeal options you might like, McCann's Instant Irish Oatmeal (Regular) and Nature's Path Organic Instant Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Review. What's your favorite brand of instant oatmeal or do you always do stove-top?

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Miss Meringue Sugar Free Minis (Chocolate)

Miss Meringue Sugar Free Vanilla Minis were really amazing, so I decided to try the Sugar Free Chocolate Minis - could I possibly get a chocolate fix in a delicious sugar-free snack?! These meringues are described as, "A chocolate lover's delight. Take a chocolate meringue and sprinkle cocoa powder on top for a mouthful of chocolate. Try these cookies with a tall glass of milk or on top of your favorite chocolate swirl ice cream or frozen yogurt!"

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 13 cookies
Calories: 40
Total Fat: 0%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 65 mg, 3%
Carbohydrates: 8 grams
Fiber: 2 grams, 10%
Sugars: 0 grams
Sugar Alcohols: 6 grams
Protein: 5 grams

As mentioned in my review of the Vanilla version, these stick to your teeth, so you might want to take the advice to add a tall glass of milk. As for overall taste, though, these are great. They're more on the milk chocolate side of things, but they're just so light and crunchy at the same time and I love the smaller size (they are minis, after all).

Each serving of 13 Miss Meringue Sugar Free Chocolate Minis provides 40 calories (5 more than the Vanilla), no fat, 65 mg of sodium, 2 grams of fiber, no sugar, 6 grams of sugar alcohols, and 5 grams of protein (1 gram more than the Vanilla).

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The ingredients include, Egg Whites, Isomalt, Dried Egg White, Alkalized Defatted Cocoa Powder, Inulin (Vegetable Fiber), Tartaric Acid and Sucralose (Splenda Brand). Warning from the company: Excessive consumption of Isomalt may have an laxative effect.

There are 4 servings per container, which cost $3.99. 13 cookies for 40 calories - well that's my kinda deal! I will most definitely buy these again - they really get my sweet fix for few calories!

View the original article here

Miss Meringue Sugar Free Minis (Chocolate)

Miss Meringue Sugar Free Vanilla Minis were really amazing, so I decided to try the Sugar Free Chocolate Minis - could I possibly get a chocolate fix in a delicious sugar-free snack?! These meringues are described as, "A chocolate lover's delight. Take a chocolate meringue and sprinkle cocoa powder on top for a mouthful of chocolate. Try these cookies with a tall glass of milk or on top of your favorite chocolate swirl ice cream or frozen yogurt!"

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 13 cookies
Calories: 40
Total Fat: 0%
Saturated Fat: 0%
Sodium: 65 mg, 3%
Carbohydrates: 8 grams
Fiber: 2 grams, 10%
Sugars: 0 grams
Sugar Alcohols: 6 grams
Protein: 5 grams

As mentioned in my review of the Vanilla version, these stick to your teeth, so you might want to take the advice to add a tall glass of milk. As for overall taste, though, these are great. They're more on the milk chocolate side of things, but they're just so light and crunchy at the same time and I love the smaller size (they are minis, after all).

Each serving of 13 Miss Meringue Sugar Free Chocolate Minis provides 40 calories (5 more than the Vanilla), no fat, 65 mg of sodium, 2 grams of fiber, no sugar, 6 grams of sugar alcohols, and 5 grams of protein (1 gram more than the Vanilla).

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The ingredients include, Egg Whites, Isomalt, Dried Egg White, Alkalized Defatted Cocoa Powder, Inulin (Vegetable Fiber), Tartaric Acid and Sucralose (Splenda Brand). Warning from the company: Excessive consumption of Isomalt may have an laxative effect.

There are 4 servings per container, which cost $3.99. 13 cookies for 40 calories - well that's my kinda deal! I will most definitely buy these again - they really get my sweet fix for few calories!

View the original article here