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The 21-Day Sugar Detox: Bust Sugar & Carb Cravings Naturally
"The 21-Day Sugar Detox" is a clear-cut, effective, whole-foods-based nutrition action plan that will reset your body and your habits! Tens of thousands of people have already used this groundbreaking guide to shatter the vicious sugar stronghold. Now it's your turn!
Use the easy-to-follow meal plans and more than 90 simple recipes in this book to bust a lifetime of sugar and carb cravings in just three weeks. Three levels of the program make it approachable for anyone, whether you're starting from scratch or from a gluten-free, grain-free, and/or Paleo/primal lifestyle.
"The 21-Day Sugar Detox" even includes special modifications for athletes (endurance, CrossFit, HIIT-style, and beyond), pregnant/nursing moms, pescetarians, and people with autoimmune conditions.
What you'll experience on this program will be different from a lot of other "diet" programs out there that promote extremely restricted eating; encourage you to consume only shakes, juices, or smoothies; or rely heavily on supplements and very-low-calorie or very-low-fat diets to ensure success. The goal of any detox program should be to support your body in naturally cleansing itself of substances that create negative health effects--and that's exactly what The 21-Day Sugar Detox does.
By focusing on quality protein, healthy fats, and good carbs, this program will help you change not only the foods you eat, but also your habits around food, and even the way your palate reacts to sweet foods. You'll likely complete the program and continue eating this way much of the time thereafter because you'll feel so amazing. After changing your everyday eating habits, you will begin to gain a new understanding of how food works in your body--and just how much nutrition affects your entire life. There's no reason to wait!
Sugar is taking over our lives.
But why? And is it only those sweet, refined white crystals that are causing us problems, or could there be more to the story?
Let's be honest: The problem isn't just sugar itself. It's the refined, nutrient-poor carbohydrates that carry tons of calories, but no real nutrition. In our world, these are the easiest foods to grab on the go, but they leave us fat, sick, tired, and downright unhappy.
The effect that sugar, "hidden" carbs, and refined, processed foods have on our bodies goes far beyond our waistlines. We can't focus, we can't sleep, we have irrational mid-afternoon cravings, and we can't even make it through the day without wanting--or needing--to prop up our energy levels with caffeine or even more sugar! What can we do to break free from this cycle? "The 21-Day Sugar Detox" is here to help.
Use the easy-to-follow meal plans and more than 90 simple recipes in this book to bust a lifetime of sugar and carb cravings in just three weeks. Three levels of the program make it approachable for anyone, whether you're starting from scratch or from a gluten-free, grain-free, and/or Paleo/primal lifestyle.
"The 21-Day Sugar Detox" even includes special modifications for athletes (endurance, CrossFit, HIIT-style, and beyond), pregnant/nursing moms, pescetarians, and people with autoimmune conditions.
What you'll experience on this program will be different from a lot of other "diet" programs out there that promote extremely restricted eating; encourage you to consume only shakes, juices, or smoothies; or rely heavily on supplements and very-low-calorie or very-low-fat diets to ensure success. The goal of any detox program should be to support your body in naturally cleansing itself of substances that create negative health effects--and that's exactly what The 21-Day Sugar Detox does.
By focusing on quality protein, healthy fats, and good carbs, this program will help you change not only the foods you eat, but also your habits around food, and even the way your palate reacts to sweet foods. You'll likely complete the program and continue eating this way much of the time thereafter because you'll feel so amazing. After changing your everyday eating habits, you will begin to gain a new understanding of how food works in your body--and just how much nutrition affects your entire life. There's no reason to wait!
Sugar is taking over our lives.
But why? And is it only those sweet, refined white crystals that are causing us problems, or could there be more to the story?
Let's be honest: The problem isn't just sugar itself. It's the refined, nutrient-poor carbohydrates that carry tons of calories, but no real nutrition. In our world, these are the easiest foods to grab on the go, but they leave us fat, sick, tired, and downright unhappy.
The effect that sugar, "hidden" carbs, and refined, processed foods have on our bodies goes far beyond our waistlines. We can't focus, we can't sleep, we have irrational mid-afternoon cravings, and we can't even make it through the day without wanting--or needing--to prop up our energy levels with caffeine or even more sugar! What can we do to break free from this cycle? "The 21-Day Sugar Detox" is here to help.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
462 people are currently reading
1359 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
August 22, 2013
As I write this, I'm on day nine of the sugar detox. With a more than normal attraction to sugar, I've tried many diets & cleanses to rid myself of the cravings for sweets & other carbohydrates. Until reading the 21-day Sugar Detox, I just followed the steps and did pretty well, but eventually found myself back in the thick of things with my favorite comfort foods. I feel really good physically and seem to find myself more mentally alert than a typical day brings. I believe my current success is due to a more well-rounded education provided by this book. Many items that I'd purchased in the past because the package had 'All Natural' in the name contained a great deal of sugar. Lesson: No matter what the front of the package says, read the label. I guess that goes back to the old, trust but verify saying. If you have difficulties with craving sweets, you might want to give this a try. Knowledge is power, and in this case, being more prepared is as well.
March 8, 2024
We have been detoxing from sugar since the beginning of 2024 and, while we didn't follow the program outlined here, we did extend our own program by trying many of the recipes and found them to be unusual and delicious. If you are concerned about sugar and processed foods in your diet, I can recommend Sugarless: A 7-Step Plan to Uncover Hidden Sugars, Curb Your Cravings, and Conquer Your Addiction by Nicole Avena to understand what sugars are doing to your metabolic health.
October 20, 2014
I have just started my second 21 day sugar detox, the first time I did it without the actual book (I just used the yes/no list and made my own meal plan). I had just had a baby and needed to lose quite a few pounds. It went hand and hand with me transitioning to the Paleo lifestyle. It was difficult in the beginning, but really worth it! I lost about 25 pounds and I really did "bust the sugar cravings." It is kind of amazing how dependent we are on sugar. I didn't really consider myself that much of a sweet tooth, but I really benefited from doing this detox anyway.
Anyway, here in the middle of my second detox, I am SO glad I decided to purchase the book. There is some pretty good information about sugar and how it works in your body in general. There is also a quiz which helps you decide which level of detox is right for you. And the cool thing is, even athletes, pregnant and nursing mothers can participate (with some modifications)! This diet is truly a way of life that anyone can follow. AND the book has quite a few recipes to use, including some of the "kitchen basics" like bone broth and even ketchup!
I would highly recommend this diet to ANYONE who wants to lose a little weight, clear up their skin, and just become healthier in general!
Anyway, here in the middle of my second detox, I am SO glad I decided to purchase the book. There is some pretty good information about sugar and how it works in your body in general. There is also a quiz which helps you decide which level of detox is right for you. And the cool thing is, even athletes, pregnant and nursing mothers can participate (with some modifications)! This diet is truly a way of life that anyone can follow. AND the book has quite a few recipes to use, including some of the "kitchen basics" like bone broth and even ketchup!
I would highly recommend this diet to ANYONE who wants to lose a little weight, clear up their skin, and just become healthier in general!
March 23, 2015
If you already know how to eat healthy, yet you still have trouble kicking sugar, this book is a waste of money. Probably all books on kicking sugar will be a waste... it's just not that complicated. You can do it gradually, or you can do it cold turkey. The end.
If you don't know how to eat healthy, this book is a decent place to start, although there are far more clearly written and laid out books. Eating healthy will help you kick sugar, it's true, because your body won't be starved for proper nutrition and seeking a quick fix. See what's top rated on Amazon and check them out at your local library, gradually moving down the list, and take everything with a grain of salt. Remember that nutrition is complex, so to some extent even "food ideologies" that contradict each other can both be right. Learn from everything and experiment for yourself.
The recipes are quite pointless, because it's not hard at all to find sugar-free recipes of savory dishes. Of course I especially find the recipes pointless because I can't eat eggs... there are some mildly sweet desserts, no added sugar, with tons of egg in them.
If you don't know how to eat healthy, this book is a decent place to start, although there are far more clearly written and laid out books. Eating healthy will help you kick sugar, it's true, because your body won't be starved for proper nutrition and seeking a quick fix. See what's top rated on Amazon and check them out at your local library, gradually moving down the list, and take everything with a grain of salt. Remember that nutrition is complex, so to some extent even "food ideologies" that contradict each other can both be right. Learn from everything and experiment for yourself.
The recipes are quite pointless, because it's not hard at all to find sugar-free recipes of savory dishes. Of course I especially find the recipes pointless because I can't eat eggs... there are some mildly sweet desserts, no added sugar, with tons of egg in them.
April 18, 2017
If you know me at all, you know that I have a love/hate relationship with sweets. Whether we're talking about candy, chocolate, baked treats, or ice cream... I am a sucker for it all. I was curious about Sanfilippo's book after reading the success stories of those who were able to overcome their sugar addiction with the help of her 21-day detox, and I had high hopes that it would banish my own cravings and jumpstart a new routine of post-holiday healthy eating habits. Well, it did... Sort of.
For eleven days, I ate nothing but meat, fish, vegetables, eggs, organic full-fat dairy, and a small serving of brown rice here and there. I lost a few pounds in the first week alone because—although I had a fridge full of fresh groceries to start—I was too busy/lazy to consistently prepare good homemade meals for myself. (Breakfast normally consisted of a boiled egg or a spoonful of unsweetened almond butter. For lunch, I might grab a 21-DSD approved meal from Fit Foods or indulge in the occasional Chipotle burrito bowl.) Dinners were, for the most part, easy to concoct after work, but I would find myself overeating each night because of how hungry I had let myself get during the day. Without my go-to Kind Bar to munch on each afternoon, snacks became less of a filling treat and more of a mundane necessity. (Even so, a green apple and a few almonds just wasn't quite holding me over until suppertime like I hoped it would.) By the second week, after relying too heavily on hearty meats and cheeses to satisfy my hunger, I felt like I was overloading on protein and lacking in wholesome veggies—leaving me constantly full, but not in a good way.
During the whole week and a half, I only made one recipe from Sanfilippo's cookbook: the pumpkin pancakes. They didn't taste bad to me, perhaps a little bland, but by that point I'm sure my taste buds had forgotten what my favorite breakfast food was supposed to taste like. The fiancé, on the other hand, was not impressed in the least, and insisted on making a separate batch (of our pre-packaged oatmeal apple cinnamon pancakes) for himself. Even though it was seriously tough to maintain such a strict diet (added sugar is in EVERYTHING), I was pleased with my clearer skin, higher energy levels, and two-pound weight loss. And I was determined to finish this thing with flying colors...
That is, until Day 12 single-handedly sabotaged my efforts. It was a combination of traveling, stress, and a lack of preparation that ultimately ended the challenge for me—and while I had good intentions to simply pick back up from where I left off the next morning, one thing led to another and on what was supposed to be Day 13, I was eagerly scarfing down two cranberry-orange scones at brunch with friends—because why not? The damage was already done. (I'm an all-or-nothing kind of girl, or so I've learned.) Nevertheless, I'm still very proud of my eleven days without sugar, and I'd even be willing to attempt the 21-day sugar detox again someday soon. (Post-Valentine's Day, perhaps?)
Bottom line: Diane Sanfilippo's program makes sense. It's advertised as a surefire way to rid yourself of sugar and start living the healthy, balanced life you've always dreamed of. And for a lot of dedicated folks, it probably is. But you have to be DEDICATED. Twenty-one days might not seem like a long time, but if all you're doing is checking labels, preparing meals, and sacrificing your favorite foods for vegetables, it can feel like an eternity. Also, If you don't enjoy cooking or have a desire to do it often, you might not reap the full benefits of this detox. I ate out quite a bit during my week and a half on the diet, which probably wasn't doing my body any favors. Next time, I'll know know just how much time and effort is needed to succeed before I excitedly dive in.
For eleven days, I ate nothing but meat, fish, vegetables, eggs, organic full-fat dairy, and a small serving of brown rice here and there. I lost a few pounds in the first week alone because—although I had a fridge full of fresh groceries to start—I was too busy/lazy to consistently prepare good homemade meals for myself. (Breakfast normally consisted of a boiled egg or a spoonful of unsweetened almond butter. For lunch, I might grab a 21-DSD approved meal from Fit Foods or indulge in the occasional Chipotle burrito bowl.) Dinners were, for the most part, easy to concoct after work, but I would find myself overeating each night because of how hungry I had let myself get during the day. Without my go-to Kind Bar to munch on each afternoon, snacks became less of a filling treat and more of a mundane necessity. (Even so, a green apple and a few almonds just wasn't quite holding me over until suppertime like I hoped it would.) By the second week, after relying too heavily on hearty meats and cheeses to satisfy my hunger, I felt like I was overloading on protein and lacking in wholesome veggies—leaving me constantly full, but not in a good way.
During the whole week and a half, I only made one recipe from Sanfilippo's cookbook: the pumpkin pancakes. They didn't taste bad to me, perhaps a little bland, but by that point I'm sure my taste buds had forgotten what my favorite breakfast food was supposed to taste like. The fiancé, on the other hand, was not impressed in the least, and insisted on making a separate batch (of our pre-packaged oatmeal apple cinnamon pancakes) for himself. Even though it was seriously tough to maintain such a strict diet (added sugar is in EVERYTHING), I was pleased with my clearer skin, higher energy levels, and two-pound weight loss. And I was determined to finish this thing with flying colors...
That is, until Day 12 single-handedly sabotaged my efforts. It was a combination of traveling, stress, and a lack of preparation that ultimately ended the challenge for me—and while I had good intentions to simply pick back up from where I left off the next morning, one thing led to another and on what was supposed to be Day 13, I was eagerly scarfing down two cranberry-orange scones at brunch with friends—because why not? The damage was already done. (I'm an all-or-nothing kind of girl, or so I've learned.) Nevertheless, I'm still very proud of my eleven days without sugar, and I'd even be willing to attempt the 21-day sugar detox again someday soon. (Post-Valentine's Day, perhaps?)
Bottom line: Diane Sanfilippo's program makes sense. It's advertised as a surefire way to rid yourself of sugar and start living the healthy, balanced life you've always dreamed of. And for a lot of dedicated folks, it probably is. But you have to be DEDICATED. Twenty-one days might not seem like a long time, but if all you're doing is checking labels, preparing meals, and sacrificing your favorite foods for vegetables, it can feel like an eternity. Also, If you don't enjoy cooking or have a desire to do it often, you might not reap the full benefits of this detox. I ate out quite a bit during my week and a half on the diet, which probably wasn't doing my body any favors. Next time, I'll know know just how much time and effort is needed to succeed before I excitedly dive in.
January 12, 2024
This book is a great guide to getting your taste buds and your mind off the sugar cycle and free yourself from cravings. The recipes in the back are amazing. I love how after you don't get sugar for a week and I could eat chocolate pudding with no sugar or sweetener and I loved it and didn't miss the sugar. I only made it about half way through the 21 days though :( I am planning on trying again in March. It is really more mental than anything.
November 15, 2014
Following reading a Year of No Sugar, I picked up this book. This is an extreme meal plan which does not allow any fruit, breads, or reduced fat milk. It is not a way I could or would want to eat permanently, but my family is considering giving it a try in January. The book includes complete menus and delicious looking recipes with beautiful colored pictures.
December 21, 2018
I've already read Practical Paleo, the author's first book, which is a really good summary of the Paleo diet. I read this one just to see how different it was and to pick up some tips for reducing sugar in my diet and my husband's diet. I do like the way she has three levels to try and a little quiz to determine which level is appropriate for you (I was level 3 and my husband was level 1). I wish there was more explanation about full-fat dairy vs. low- and non-fat dairy for levels 1 and 2. She says for levels 1 and 2 you can add full-fat dairy if you want (not low-fat or non-fat dairy) but doesn't really explain why. For level 3, it's basically a strict paleo diet with the fruit drastically reduced. I think this would be too hard and I'm not sure of the benefits of further limiting my diet once I'm already at the paleo level. Eating fruit is what helped me get through the AIP diet (Autoimmune protocol version of Paleo). Still, levels 1 or 2 could be really helpful for someone who feels like they're addicted to sugar. And there were some good recipes in this book which I'm planning to try. I did like the two pages of recommended products at the end.
December 30, 2018
I’m currently on day 8 of the detox.
I honestly jumped into the detox without the book, but with online resources and guidelines that were easily available on the 21DSD website. As well as a facebook support group to help me on my 21 day journey.
Initially I figured I can do a level 3, but it was clear that I “shouldn’t be a hero” and do a level 1 detox. Haha.
I decided to purchase the book mainly for the recipes and got a lot more than I expected! The book covers the science behind it all in a not-so-boring approach, with easy to understand examples that shows you the bigger picture. Also a 21-day meal plan is provided for each level which was convenient.
I wouldn’t say I have a sweet-tooth but I love my refined “bad” carbs (pasta, bread) and being on this detox has shed a light on how my body reacts to sugar (Cystic acne, bloat, insomnia, fatigue).
I’m enjoying the detox so far (and my clear skin and my restful sleep), it’s flexible and you can modify it to your needs!
I’d definitely recommend.
I honestly jumped into the detox without the book, but with online resources and guidelines that were easily available on the 21DSD website. As well as a facebook support group to help me on my 21 day journey.
Initially I figured I can do a level 3, but it was clear that I “shouldn’t be a hero” and do a level 1 detox. Haha.
I decided to purchase the book mainly for the recipes and got a lot more than I expected! The book covers the science behind it all in a not-so-boring approach, with easy to understand examples that shows you the bigger picture. Also a 21-day meal plan is provided for each level which was convenient.
I wouldn’t say I have a sweet-tooth but I love my refined “bad” carbs (pasta, bread) and being on this detox has shed a light on how my body reacts to sugar (Cystic acne, bloat, insomnia, fatigue).
I’m enjoying the detox so far (and my clear skin and my restful sleep), it’s flexible and you can modify it to your needs!
I’d definitely recommend.
February 5, 2019
The 21-day sugar detox is challenging, make no mistake. I am not a huge traditional sweets person but giving up honey, maple syrup and berries was ROUGH. Every recipe I made had me thinking, "this would taste SO much better with honey!" That said, this detox made me realize what I truly could and couldn't live without. I am ready to say NO to all white sugar, hidden sugars and grains, alcohol, granola and peanut butter. And I am ready to say YES, PLEASE to my almond flour cranberry orange muffins sweetened with honey, maple sage sausage, dried mango, dark chocolate and blueberries. Bring it on!
June 30, 2020
I have tried at least half of these recipes (none of the shakes or desserts) for the last year and have loved every single one! I'm not a picky eater and eat meat, so that helps with the paleo-forward options Diane includes in this book.
10/10 for having these readily delicious dairy- and grain-free (and diabetic friendly for my mom) recipes :)
Also I've tried her trial Balanced Bites spices when they were on sale and some of them are really taste-enhancing: Super Garlic, Bagel, Trifecta, and Smoky.
10/10 for having these readily delicious dairy- and grain-free (and diabetic friendly for my mom) recipes :)
Also I've tried her trial Balanced Bites spices when they were on sale and some of them are really taste-enhancing: Super Garlic, Bagel, Trifecta, and Smoky.
December 28, 2018
If you're currently eating a really poor diet and also want to kick the sugar habit, this book is probably really helpful. I've already be 95% sugar free for over 18 months and so was really reading this book out of curiosity, to see if I'd learn anything new. And I really didn't, because I'm the wrong audience for the book. (Hence, I'm giving it 3 start rather than 2 because there's nothing wrong with it, I just already know way too much for it to be useful for me.)
August 29, 2017
I'm just about to embark on the 21 day sugar detox. I read through the book and the recipes look amazing! I already follow semi close to level 1 with a few more treats than I probably need so I'm excited to challenge myself and see how I feel at the end after follow level 3.
July 24, 2018
Great resource for providing science behind how our bodies handle sugar and why it’s good to detox from it once in awhile. She breaks down the the detox into three levels and encourages readers to follow the one that’s best for them. GREAT menu options, but I couldn’t find her resources online.
January 13, 2019
Some interesting recipes. Look forward to trying. Splitting the book into three levels seemed a bit over complicated and probably could have accomplished with a chart of foods to avoid if you need to avoid dairy or nightshade vegetables, but overall easy to read and understand.
June 26, 2020
The plan is really well laid out and seems easy to follow, with a lot of recipes and tips. I like that there’s an online community, and even more recipes on Pinterest. The hardest part is getting the motivation to try it!
May 28, 2017
Okay book, some interesting concepts but still feel like this, along with a whole host of diet books, are just part of a fad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2017
Clearly laid out and easy to read, with great photos and a suggested menu that appeals.
January 26, 2018
Really informative and a lot of recipes.
I’m starting next week, though it may be rough since I don’t eat animal products.
I still learned a lot and recommend it!
I’m starting next week, though it may be rough since I don’t eat animal products.
I still learned a lot and recommend it!
July 17, 2018
My favorite detox ever! I lost 10+lbs on this detox and felt amazing! It was a good start to making some much needed lifestyle changes. Highly recommended.
July 27, 2018
This one helped me a lot, the recipes were easy to follow and yummy. The allowance of a few fruits helped me stay on track too!
October 10, 2018
The formatting of this book just didn’t work for me. I did try some of the recipes, specifically the sauces and seasoning but this was by far not my favorite book on changing your diet.
August 5, 2019
Great recipes!
September 1, 2021
Has a little bit of good information in the beginning but she keeps talking about eating whole foods and then fills the books with recipes full of meat, eggs, butter and animal fats 🥴
September 27, 2023
I don’t have the willpower to try to do a sugar detox at this time but there’s definitely good info and tips one could implement to at least cut back a little.
September 28, 2023
Very helpful and I like the layout and recipes.
December 22, 2025
Not the best book but gets me curious to try this next year.
December 30, 2016
Lots of tasty, healthy recipes and a great plan.
December 23, 2015
I'm not rating this book yet because I haven't tried the program or made any of the recipes.
I've been looking for a program/meal plan to help me cut out sugar for a certain period of time so I can be more aware of how much I'm eating. This was one of the only ones I found that didn't encourage artificial sweeteners. The idea behind this program is similar to the Whole30, which I hated, with two important differences:
1. There are 3 different "levels" of the 21 Day Sugar Detox. Level 3 is the most extreme. On this level you would basically be following the rules of the Whole30, ie a strict paleo diet. On levels 1 & 2, unlimited full fat dairy is allowed, and on level 1, you can have 1/2 cup gluten-free whole grains (like quinoa or rice) or beans a day. There are also modifications for pregnant or nursing mothers, athletes, and even pescetarians.
2. There is less BS. It Starts with Food (the book about the Whole30) is full of condescending statements and seriously faulty logic. I have a feeling this author's other book, Practical Paleo, may have a lot of these issues, but since The 21 Day Sugar Detox is not a paleo diet book, it avoids the things I hate most about the paleo diet (which is another story for another day). Instead of defending a diet that makes little logical sense by cherrypicking scientific studies, the author gives a basic description of how sugar affects the body. Basically her paleo agenda is not as obvious as Dallas and Melissa's in It Starts with Food, which I appreciated. The book is very focused on sugar, which is why I bought it.
So I'm pretty okay with this program, and I think I'm going to try it, but it's going to take a lot of work to find a way to both comply with the program AND to stay true to my own beliefs about food. There's a recipe in this book that calls for a pound of ground beef and a pound of ground pork, and it says it makes four servings. That's a HALF A POUND OF MEAT PER SERVING. Barf. I would love to follow the pescetarian modification of the program, but I can't afford a serving of seafood every day for 21 days. Whatever. Updates to come!
UPDATE: I tried the program and made it 11 days. It's a very well-designed, well thought out program... it's just too much meat for me. maybe one day when I'm rich I'll be able to afford enough fish to do this following the pescetarian modification. but even doing this for less than half the recommended time gave me an awareness of how much sugar I was eating before, and how faulty my diet was (even when I thought I was doing well). today I took a bite of my favorite peanut butter (forbidden on the program because it's peanut and because it has cane sugar) and I almost spit it out because it tasted so different than I remembered. SO sweet. sickeningly sweet. I love the program for this awareness, and I'm going to do my best to keep eating as little sugar as possible.
the recipes I made from this book were simple and reasonably good. I really have to give the author credit for writing such simple recipes, because the side effects of giving up sugar and carbs do NOT put one in the right mindset to cook complicated food. I loved the pumpkin pancakes, the spaghetti squash bolognese (I don't recommend subbing pumpkin for tomato as the notes suggest, though-blech), and the coconut milk smoothies.
I've been looking for a program/meal plan to help me cut out sugar for a certain period of time so I can be more aware of how much I'm eating. This was one of the only ones I found that didn't encourage artificial sweeteners. The idea behind this program is similar to the Whole30, which I hated, with two important differences:
1. There are 3 different "levels" of the 21 Day Sugar Detox. Level 3 is the most extreme. On this level you would basically be following the rules of the Whole30, ie a strict paleo diet. On levels 1 & 2, unlimited full fat dairy is allowed, and on level 1, you can have 1/2 cup gluten-free whole grains (like quinoa or rice) or beans a day. There are also modifications for pregnant or nursing mothers, athletes, and even pescetarians.
2. There is less BS. It Starts with Food (the book about the Whole30) is full of condescending statements and seriously faulty logic. I have a feeling this author's other book, Practical Paleo, may have a lot of these issues, but since The 21 Day Sugar Detox is not a paleo diet book, it avoids the things I hate most about the paleo diet (which is another story for another day). Instead of defending a diet that makes little logical sense by cherrypicking scientific studies, the author gives a basic description of how sugar affects the body. Basically her paleo agenda is not as obvious as Dallas and Melissa's in It Starts with Food, which I appreciated. The book is very focused on sugar, which is why I bought it.
So I'm pretty okay with this program, and I think I'm going to try it, but it's going to take a lot of work to find a way to both comply with the program AND to stay true to my own beliefs about food. There's a recipe in this book that calls for a pound of ground beef and a pound of ground pork, and it says it makes four servings. That's a HALF A POUND OF MEAT PER SERVING. Barf. I would love to follow the pescetarian modification of the program, but I can't afford a serving of seafood every day for 21 days. Whatever. Updates to come!
UPDATE: I tried the program and made it 11 days. It's a very well-designed, well thought out program... it's just too much meat for me. maybe one day when I'm rich I'll be able to afford enough fish to do this following the pescetarian modification. but even doing this for less than half the recommended time gave me an awareness of how much sugar I was eating before, and how faulty my diet was (even when I thought I was doing well). today I took a bite of my favorite peanut butter (forbidden on the program because it's peanut and because it has cane sugar) and I almost spit it out because it tasted so different than I remembered. SO sweet. sickeningly sweet. I love the program for this awareness, and I'm going to do my best to keep eating as little sugar as possible.
the recipes I made from this book were simple and reasonably good. I really have to give the author credit for writing such simple recipes, because the side effects of giving up sugar and carbs do NOT put one in the right mindset to cook complicated food. I loved the pumpkin pancakes, the spaghetti squash bolognese (I don't recommend subbing pumpkin for tomato as the notes suggest, though-blech), and the coconut milk smoothies.
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