March is nearly over, and spring is (theoretically) here. Oberon Day has come and gone, and there’s still a few inches of snow on the ground in a few places, but, were it not for the days where we struggle to hit 40 degrees, one would almost think that winter is finally on its way out. Even now, at a quarter to eight, the sun is still up and shining strong enough to require sunglasses (although that’s a pretty low bar for me).
I’ve never been a fan of March as a month. Appropriately, it’s truly a Lenten month: it’s theoretically warmer than it was in February, but isn’t nearly as warm as you want it to be, there’s March Madness, which I could never understand, and this March, with it’s snow and 0 degree mornings, really hasn’t done much to endear itself to me. Add to that a physical that told me in no uncertain terms that I am not in good shape, and I find myself here at the end of the month ready for it to be over.
With March winding down, though, I’ve decided to embark on a new challenge. I’m going to try and kick-start an effort to get back in shape before a friend’s wedding in September, and instead of making a basic, minimal resolution like staying away from happy hour or easing up on the red meat, I’m opting for something more drastic: a 21-day sugar detox.
I don’t drink lattes, I don’t really munch on candy, and whip cream isn’t a food group. I don’t put sugar in my coffee, and I drink Diet, not regular, Coke. But I’ve been doing some research into low-glycemic diets following my annual physical, and this seemed like something worth trying.
It won’t be something without sacrifice: no coffee (since I don’t take mine black), no alcohol, and, most worrisome of all, no Diet Coke. To be honest, I’m a little concerned about giving those things up. Sure, I can swap out tea for coffee, and taking a break from the sauce is probably a good idea as well, but Diet Coke is such an ingrained part of my routine that it’s hard to imagine not having any. That said, I’m only having one can a day most days, so while it’s not a huge change, it’s significant for me.
This will be an interesting experiment. I’m hoping that this can produce some noticeable results (i.e. moving the belt in a few notches). I know that it’s a bit much to expect a 21-day diet to result in massive changes, but I’m hoping it’s enough of a change to determine that I’m headed on approximately the right path. Hopefully this, combined with a little more time off the futon, will begin to get me back in the shape I want to be in.
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