Jan 8, 20203 min read

5 "Healthy" Foods That Are LOADED With Sugar And STOP Your Detox

Updated: May 27, 2020

It's official! Today is day 3 of the New Year Intermittent Fasting Challenge! That means that many of you are using the 7 Day IF Detox RIGHT NOW to kick off your wellness dreams! If you haven't already joined in on the Challenge, it's not too late! Head over HERE for the deets on how you can join in!

During the Detox portion of the Challenge, our main focus is addressing the sugars and refined ingredients that our liver didn't have time to process during the holidays. Unfortunately, with just how prevalent sugar has become over the past 100 years, it can be pretty difficult to avoid it full stop ~ sugar is popping up in some of the most surprising food sources! And the ingredients that prevent detox aren't limited to sugar. You can check out the full list of "Foods That Prevent Detox" on page 7 of the 7 Day IF Detox.

These ingredients can often times be pretty sneaky, so today I'm sharing 5 of the most sneaky varieties that you want to avoid this week.

1. Sweetened Yogurt

If you aren't lactose sensitive, then full fat, greek or regular yogurt can be a great addition into your routine and throughout the Detox! (Fat Burning Fruit + Yogurt Parfait anyone?!) Remember to always opt for high quality dairy products if you choose to use it - organic, grass-fed and preferably raw. BUT... many of these yogurts contain added sugars to entice your taste buds to eat even MORE of it. And these added sugars are exactly what we don't want to be overloading your liver with at this time. So if you choose to have yogurt, make sure you're opting for the unsweetened variety - even "vanilla" typically contains those added sugars.

2. Honey + Maple Syrup

We often give these added sugars a pass because they are less refined/processed than cane sugar or high fructose corn syrup. But the truth is, these are still very dense sources of added sugar. In fact, many of the "sugar-free" recipes that I have stumbled across online still use ample sources of honey and maple syrup, so be cautious of this. During the 7 Day IF Detox, we're looking to address the sugars and refined carbohydrates that are already built up from the holidays. So any form of added sugar - even more wholesome sources - will still inhibit this process.

3. Chia Puddings (At Restaurants)

Although chia seeds are an excellent food to include during your Detox, many (if not ALL) of the chia puddings that you will find in restaurants or grocery stores will contain added sugars such as agave syrup, cane sugar, maple syrup or honey. Instead, opt for the very simple to prep Chia Brekky Bowl from the 7 Day IF Detox.

4. Protein Bars

If you've been following me for a while, then you already know my stance on protein bars in general. But something to keep in mind in particular for the 7 Day IF Detox is that these protein bars very often (if not always) contain the added or fake sugars that specifically halt detox in the liver. Remember, if your liver is being bombarded with additional sugars from your meals, you won't be able to address the sugars and toxins that were built up and stored around the liver during the holidays.

5. "Original" Teas and Coffees

You know what's really sneaky? Often times when you order a tea or coffee that's in latte form, the shop is typically using a sugar-based syrup or the "original" nut milk, which contains added sugars. And if you ask for an unsweetened version of some of these teas or lattes, you may also be running the risk of swapping added sugar for artificial sweeteners. Instead, your best bet during the 7 Day IF Detox is to opt for a plain tea or black coffee or the Keto Coffee/Keto Matcha alternatives.