Once or twice a year, I get motivated to do a cleansing diet. Some people say that fasting or eating a restricted diet is the most powerful tool for maintaining health. In many ways, detoxing is humanity's oldest medicine. Essentially, it sends the digestive system on a rest. For me, it just feels good -- I usually sleep better, my skin looks better, I get clear-headed, and have much more energy.
Years ago, I read an article in "Natural Health" magazine about a modified diet developed by a team of nutrition experts including Andrew Weil. I tried the five-day cleanse and was shocked by how much better I felt. At first, I thought I would collapse without my daily dose of dark chocolate. Instead, I completely lost my desire and wondered why I didn't eat this way all the time.
The diet is fairly simple. I drink lemon water in the morning, eat a small bowl of fruit for breakfast, have a mid-morning snack of millet and then steamed vegetables with flaxseed oil for lunch and dinner. I drink lots of water, detox teas, and some veggie juice. I also build in a workout each day. Living in this a culinary community it's easy to forget how yummy a simple steamed vegetable can be. Granted, dandelion greens and delicata squash don't carry the lure that Kozy Shack and corn chips have on me. But based on my experience I know I'll feel better if I just stick with it. That's what I say to myself as I try to ride out the cravings. Anyway it feels like my own private baptism. I'll keep you posted on my progress and would love to hear your stories, too.
Salud!
Rosemary
So far, here's what I've observed...I have waves of cravings. Lucy's turkey dog last night and her bowl of oatmeal this morning looked SO tempting. The good news is that the waves pass. Day two is going okay and I am sticking to my plan.
Dinner: steamed dandelion greens, red onions, mushrooms, carrots and potatoes.
Today is day-four of my cleanse and other than the temptations evoked from walking past a bakery, I have been free of cravings. Well, I did have four spoonfuls of honey yogurt. But aside from that, I have stayed on course. After so many years of doing this, it still surprises me that I have more energy and sleep more soundly.
I made it! Yes, there were some difficult moments where I almost caved. But aside from a couple slight detours (including a few sips of a ginger martini at the Triple Door on Thursday), I carried out my five-day cleanse and I feel good. This morning I plan to take it easy, maybe a scrambled egg for breakfast. I'm really not hungry and my mind feels very clear. Note to self: getting started is the hardest part, but the payoff is always worth it.
Rosemary Garner
Rosemary Garner
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