need to reset

January 5, 2012

i’ve been eating like shit. i haven’t worked out in months. i’ve been drinking way too much (coffee & beer). i’ve haven’t been very positive about things (especially about living in tampa). i’m fluffy-puffy — just all around YUCK!

i need to reset.
i need to cleanse.
i need to detox.
i need to rejuvenate.

and that’s exactly what i’m going to do.

i’m starting the clean program — a 21-day cleanse, designed by cardiologist, dr junger. the basic premise of the clean program is that give the right conditions, your body has the ability to heal itself and achieve optimal health.  dr junger shares that many of the symptoms we suffer from (headaches, fatigue, weight gain, negativity, etc.) are caused by toxin build-up, which is readily accumulated throughout our everyday lives.  the clean program allows your body to reactivate your detoxification system, supports the detox process nutritionally and enhances elimination. there’s also a lot of basic questions answered here.

i just finished reading the clean book and i have to say, i loved it. i have always believed in functional medicine and that’s what dr junger is all about (a mix of eastern and western medicine).

today, i’m starting a 3-day elimination diet (strict diet of three meals of approved foods from this list, on page 8. and yes, i know…the forbidden food list is crazy.) then i will start the 21-day cleanse, which will consist of a liquid meal (shake, juice or soup) for breakfast and dinner and a regular meal (made from the approved foods list) for dinner. there’s a whole bunch of recipes here and they really don’t seem too bad. and i can snack when i’m hungry.

there’s also supplements to take while doing the cleanse. dr junger’s program charges $250-425 but you can also buy your own substitutive supplements, which is what i did (see below).

i’m hoping to get back to regularly working out too.  i’m starting to stair-train today, which should prove interesting since i’m so out of shape right now.  my goal is to eventually get back to crossfitting, which i haven’t done since september. and i’d love to try yoga and incorporate it into my weekly routine.

as i was reading dr junger’s book, i reminisced about how amazing i felt when i was crossfitting and eating a paleo(ish) diet. at the time, i was also getting lots of compliments on my skin. i always attributed this to the the exercise, but now i truly believe it was just as much my diet, as it was the exercise.

i know there’s the skeptics, naysayers, cleanse-haters out there but i’m ready and excited for this — a mind, body and soul reset. this cleanse just seems to make sense to me. my husband supports me. and i also plan to talk to my kids about what i’m doing, why i’m doing it, etc.

here’s my BASIC CLEANSE PLAN –
days 1 – 3:
elimination diet | three meals each day from approved food list

days 4 – 25:
first thing in morning – probiotic
with every meal – digest gold
two hours after meals — candizyme
lunch – meal from approved food list
put in morning & evening smoothies – brown rice protein, fiber, green vibrance (although i’m doing protein powder shot pre-smoothie because it’s so gross)
every evening – MVI, milk thistle, garlic tab, mag-citrate, vitamin D
before bed – 2 TBS olive oil (not sure i’m going to be able to do this)

here’s my PLAN FOR TODAY –
breakfast:
shot of brown rice protein water
morning shake (almond milk, ice, blueberries, mango, kale + fiber)
tea

lunch:
quinoa salad with chicken
if juicer comes, i will also drink a juice (cucumber, celery, carrots, apple, ginger)

dinner:
pea soup and spinach salad with dressing (oil, vinegar, dijon), onion, avocado & almonds

snacks, when needed:
almonds, apple with almond butter & carrots with hummus

i want to note that i am NOT doing this cleanse to lose weight. yes, i’m a bit puffy-fluffy, but that has nothing to do with my current weight.

i’ll keep you posted on how things go and how i feel. i’m hoping to last the full 21 days but we’ll see how things go. right now, i’m afraid of the headaches and potential detox symptoms i’ve read about but from what i’ve heard, the outcome is amazing. if you are considering this cleanse, i highly recommend starting with the book. and of course, if any doubts or questions, check with your doctor before starting.

ETA: the brown rice protein powder shot (in a bit of water) was even more gross. i gagged like crazy, to the point that tears were strolling down my face. don’t think i’ll be doing that again.

{ 6 trackbacks }

cleanse | days 1-3
January 8, 2012 at 3:19 pm
day six » Emily Corey Photography
January 11, 2012 at 2:01 am
cleanse | days 4-6
January 11, 2012 at 12:28 pm
cleanse | days 10-12
January 19, 2012 at 12:15 pm
cleanse | 13-15
January 20, 2012 at 4:07 am
cleanse | 10:30 AM
January 24, 2012 at 3:41 pm

{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

JodyM January 5, 2012 at 2:17 pm

This is fascinating Deb. I’ll be cheering you on from Virginia! I’m a just trying to do Weight Watchers and complaining like a big baby. If you haven’t looked into it already, you might want to check out Bikram Yoga? I’ve heard amazing things about it from a lot of people–men and women.

Wendi H January 5, 2012 at 3:45 pm

You go Deb! You can do it!! I have tried a Paleo-ish diet lately, and it really does make a difference in how you feel! Let us all know how this progresses for you!!
and I agree with JodyM…Bikram would be a great combo with this diet/cleanse!

ashley quinn January 5, 2012 at 6:03 pm

good luck on your cleanse! i read the book back in september and have wanted to do this since then but have yet to make the purchases required to fulfill the commitment. well, also i’m slightly nervous about the commitment…no coffee and no alcohol kind of scares me! looking forward to hearing how goes for you.

AmyC January 6, 2012 at 3:29 am

Awesome! You can do it. I started Paleo this week as a challenge with boot camp. I already feel better. Yesterday I could not stop obsessing about chocolate so, after 3 days, I ate some. And I got it out of my system! I’m looking forward to a new me and I’m looking forward to hearing about your success!

Reb January 6, 2012 at 1:19 pm

I’m planning to start my 3rd annual Clean cleanse in about 2 weeks. I love love love the Clean program and plan to always do a cleanse each January – it’s the perfect way to re-set your body after the holiday season and at the start of a new year. You’ll feel incredible – even after just a few days. I have found though that I spend quite a bit of time each day preparing food and after a week or so feel like I’m getting nothing done except the cleanse. It helps to plan ahead and to make food/smoothies for a couple days. I’ll cook enough salmon/chicken/whatever for a few lunches or make enough smoothie to last in a fridge for a few days as well. I also plan to cook very simply for my family during that time since it sucks having to make dinner for them and then a smoothie or soup for myself. But, even with the extra planning it helps to understand that the cleanse does add one pretty big thing to your to do list each day and that simplifying elsewhere is often necessary. Anyway, I hope you love it. Whenever I get sick of it or felt hungry I always remind myself: this is the kindest thing I can do for myself right now. Good luck!

crystalyn January 6, 2012 at 4:34 pm

you’re awesome to do this! i hope it goes well for you! i’m cheering for you! i was delighted to read this today…I’ve been horrible with diet and exercise lately and need to do something to jump start healthiness again because i feel so lousy. thanks for the info : )

Jody February 5, 2012 at 7:43 am

wow I just read your post and I am so where you have been. I felt like I was depressed and lacking so much motivation. After just 8 days on clean I feel it all coming back. I so loved reading that I’m not the only one out there that needs a reset. x Jodes

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