Over the past two weeks (well, I may have gone a little overboard and extended it to 16 days, oops 😂), I embarked on a transformative journey to improve my overall health and well-being. 
This involved eliminating sugar and oil from my diet and embracing a whole food plant-based lifestyle. Throughout this challenge, I made it a priority to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and incorporated exercise into my routine, although I admit I didn't quite meet my goal of ½ hour a day every day.
This involved eliminating sugar and oil from my diet and embracing a whole food plant-based lifestyle. Throughout this challenge, I made it a priority to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and incorporated exercise into my routine, although I admit I didn't quite meet my goal of ½ hour a day every day. Nonetheless, this experience allowed me to not only explore the benefits of nourishing my body with wholesome, natural foods, but also taught me valuable lessons along the way. Now that the challenge is complete, I am thrilled to share my experience and the positive changes I witnessed during this incredible journey.
Day 1: Setting the Foundation
I started my challenge by clearing out my pantry and refrigerator of all sugary and oily products (I ate them the week before 😖). I stocked up on fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, legumes, and nuts. This initial step (not eating all the sugary and oily products 😂) helped me set the foundation for a successful whole food plant-based journey.
Days 2-7: Discovering New Flavours
During the first week, I experimented with a variety of plant-based recipes and discovered a whole new world of flavours. I enjoyed colourful salads, hearty stews, and creative pasta and rice substitutes. By focusing on whole foods, I found that my meals were not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Oh, and let's not forget that I also incorporated intermittent fasting into my routine, fasting for a minimum of 14 hours and a maximum of 18 hours each day.
I also incorporated a daily supplement called Ningxia Red into my routine (I've actually been enjoying it since 2018, but I increased the amount during this challenge).
Days 8-10: Overcoming Cravings
As the second week began, I experienced cravings for sugary and oily foods. However, I stayed committed to my challenge, didn’t give in, and found healthier alternatives to satisfy my cravings. I indulged in naturally sweet fruits and used many spices and herbs to enhance the flavours of my meals. Over time, the cravings diminished, and I felt more in control of my food choices.
Days 11-14: Increased Energy and Vitality
During the final stretch of the challenge, I noticed a significant increase in my energy levels and overall vitality. Without the highs and lows of sugar crashes, I experienced sustained energy throughout the day. My skin started to glow (maybe that was the heatwave we were experiencing in Queensland 🤷🏼♀️), and I felt lighter and more vibrant. Definitely less bloated. This transformation motivated me to continue my whole food plant-based journey beyond the 14-day challenge.
Lessons Learned:
1. Food is fuel: By nourishing my body with whole, plant-based foods, I realised that food is not just about taste but also about providing essential nutrients for optimal health.
2. Mindful eating: Removing sugar and oil from my diet allowed me to become more mindful of what I was putting into my body and how it made me feel.
3. Variety is key: Embracing a whole food plant-based lifestyle introduced me to a wide range of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and legumes, adding variety and excitement to my meals.
4. Cooking creativity: I discovered new cooking techniques and experimented with different flavour combinations, making mealtime more enjoyable and satisfying.
Completing my 14-day sugar and oil-free whole food
plant-based challenge was a transformative experience for my health and well-being. By eliminating processed sugars and unhealthy oils, I discovered the power of whole, plant-based foods in nourishing my body and enhancing my overall vitality. I am excited to continue this journey, I’m also going to do the challenge again, and explore even more new recipes and flavours that support my well-being.
If you're looking to improve your health and embrace a whole food plant-based lifestyle, I encourage you to take on your own challenge. Remember, small changes can lead to significant results. Embrace the power of whole foods and experience the positive impact it can have on your life.
To learn more about my personal journey, self-care, and discover delicious whole food plant-based recipes, visit my blog https://yesucan.live/blog. Together, let's nourish our bodies and cultivate a healthier, more vibrant life.
Do you want to join me for two weeks when I do the challenge again in March? Let me know and we can do it together https://yesucan.live/#contact
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