Hard to believe that its been 2 weeks, but I have completed my cleanse program. For me, its an accomplishment! I've never done anything like this before, and I have enjoyed the process. To celebrate, I did Lynda's hot yoga class this morning. Superb.
Now that I've changed my eating habits, I am definitely leery of returning to the old ones. I feel great, have good energy with very few highs and lows during the day. My goal is to eat less sugar and carbs, more protein, and less caffeine. I will eat whole grains as an add into my plan and I will definitely keep the nuts around. Nuts abound.
In the last 2 days of my cleanse I did succumb to temptation -- remember that birthday cake I brag-blogged about so haughtily last post? Well, its stuck around one day too long and I couldn't take it anymore. I had a piece. I may need some therapy. However, I am glad to report that the cake was about my only cheat in 2 weeks! Okay, I had a piece of sourdough bread the other night too -- the same night as the cake, because I figured, what the hell, I've already blown it today may as go hog wild!
And I didn't finish my supplements. But I intend to finish them, just over a longer time frame than 2 weeks. 40 supplements a day was just too much for my gag reflex.
I feel "cleansed", strong and happy with the way things have gone over the last 2 weeks. Looking forward to spring detox! Thanks for reading. Detoxified, Renee
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Slacker Days
NOT what you think -- I'm still on the cleanse and doing great! Its almost become a habit with me now, so I haven't been struggling as much, and so haven't had much to blog about. I admit that I thought about inhaling some of Madeleine's birthday cake on Sunday. I mean, with a glass of milk that would have been fabulous. BUT I wasn't really that interested and managed to avoid the butter cream frosting that kept calling me.
I have a lot of energy and my hunger is satisfied by the food I eat. I am not constantly wondering when (and what) my next snack will be. My girls keep asking me if I'm allowed to have this or that on "my diet". The strange thing is, I do not feel that I am dieting at all, yet I have lost weight. I wonder if its a subliminal message -- if you're on a diet you have to feel hungry because you're depriving yourself. Does calling a diet a "cleanse" or a "detoxification" change the message so that you don't fret about the timing of your next meal. Does a different word make you lose your feeling of deprivation and cravings? Not sure, but I like it!
After the cleanse I'm going to keep some of the principles of the cleanse in place. I'm going to make a concerted effort to avoid sugar (of course I will have a treat every once in awhile). I will not be drinking coffee in the mornings -- it really took too much control of my psyche. I mean, I could hardly have a conversation with anyone without that first cup. Its like I woke up with a hangover every morning. Quite ridiculous. I will definitely eat more protein, because it is more satisfying. I will attempt to be the anti-Hoover vacuum (see previous post), although this may be hard. However, I will go back to eating complex carbs like brown rice and whole wheat pasta in small amounts with a meal. We'll see.
I will post one last blog on the LAST day of the detoxification. Thanks for reading!
I have a lot of energy and my hunger is satisfied by the food I eat. I am not constantly wondering when (and what) my next snack will be. My girls keep asking me if I'm allowed to have this or that on "my diet". The strange thing is, I do not feel that I am dieting at all, yet I have lost weight. I wonder if its a subliminal message -- if you're on a diet you have to feel hungry because you're depriving yourself. Does calling a diet a "cleanse" or a "detoxification" change the message so that you don't fret about the timing of your next meal. Does a different word make you lose your feeling of deprivation and cravings? Not sure, but I like it!
After the cleanse I'm going to keep some of the principles of the cleanse in place. I'm going to make a concerted effort to avoid sugar (of course I will have a treat every once in awhile). I will not be drinking coffee in the mornings -- it really took too much control of my psyche. I mean, I could hardly have a conversation with anyone without that first cup. Its like I woke up with a hangover every morning. Quite ridiculous. I will definitely eat more protein, because it is more satisfying. I will attempt to be the anti-Hoover vacuum (see previous post), although this may be hard. However, I will go back to eating complex carbs like brown rice and whole wheat pasta in small amounts with a meal. We'll see.
I will post one last blog on the LAST day of the detoxification. Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Week 1 -- Still Going Strong
Hard to believe that I've been doing this cleanse for a week. But, strangely, its pretty comfortable. Will be interesting to see what happens when the cleanse is over. I'd like to think it will have helped me break some of my bad food habits -- made me more aware and conscious of my eating.
Over the course of the detox I have been making sure to exercise and pamper myself. On Day 5 I had a 90 minute massage from Nicole and it was super! Really makes me wonder why I don't have massages more often!! Went to hot yoga, which was a really tough class but I felt pretty strong.
Had a fried egg and half a grapefruit this morning with my chamomile tea. Almonds for a snack. Lunch out at a restaurant where I had a mixed greens salad with grilled chicken. The girls had salad, pizza and ice cream. Strangely enough I did not even think about eating any of their ice cream. I think that's the first time I have not been tempted by sweets . . .ever. Weird. Hamburger patty (onions & garlic) and sauteed carrots (with garlic, lemon juice and lemon zest) for dinner. Tasty.
Ready to start Week 2.
Over the course of the detox I have been making sure to exercise and pamper myself. On Day 5 I had a 90 minute massage from Nicole and it was super! Really makes me wonder why I don't have massages more often!! Went to hot yoga, which was a really tough class but I felt pretty strong.
Had a fried egg and half a grapefruit this morning with my chamomile tea. Almonds for a snack. Lunch out at a restaurant where I had a mixed greens salad with grilled chicken. The girls had salad, pizza and ice cream. Strangely enough I did not even think about eating any of their ice cream. I think that's the first time I have not been tempted by sweets . . .ever. Weird. Hamburger patty (onions & garlic) and sauteed carrots (with garlic, lemon juice and lemon zest) for dinner. Tasty.
Ready to start Week 2.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Day 5 & 6 -- In the Groove
Now that I'm almost a week into this detox, I've definitely noticed a few things.
First, I've been getting up really early -- just waking up early. No alarm. No kids waking me up (which is a miracle unto to itself). No apparent reason at all. And, when I wake up I'm not groggy, not grumpy -- but very clear headed. I'm not blindly stumbling for the coffee maker, cursing when the beans aren't grinding quickly enough and then double cursing when 15 minutes later I realize I forgot to add the water. I have had any caffeine for almost a week. Its really nice to wake up not thinking that I desperately need that caffeine. Maybe it was all just a placebo effect?
Second, because I'm eating more protein (esp. nuts and eggs), I haven't been that hungry. This is interesting because usually I am always a little hungry. I definitely think I wasn't getting enough protein throughout the day.
Third, I am not very good at keeping track of the supplements on this cleanse. What will this mean for me when I'm truly sick? Will I need some type of wrist alarm to remind me to take the requisite meds? Maybe if I'm terminal I'll be more exact with the pills.
Fourth, because I'm not having any sugar, CARROTS taste friggin' fantastic -- I mean, who knew that they would be like candy on a stick. And did I mention the butternut squash soup I made 2 days ago -- is it me, or is the soup getting sweeter each time I eat it?
Overall, I would say that I feel really good about this cleanse. I psyched that I've managed to stay on the program for a week. On Day 5 I had summer squash ratatouille and short ribs -- excellent. For lunch today I had tuna salad over greens. Eating normal food, but in the right way.
Stay tuned . . .
First, I've been getting up really early -- just waking up early. No alarm. No kids waking me up (which is a miracle unto to itself). No apparent reason at all. And, when I wake up I'm not groggy, not grumpy -- but very clear headed. I'm not blindly stumbling for the coffee maker, cursing when the beans aren't grinding quickly enough and then double cursing when 15 minutes later I realize I forgot to add the water. I have had any caffeine for almost a week. Its really nice to wake up not thinking that I desperately need that caffeine. Maybe it was all just a placebo effect?
Second, because I'm eating more protein (esp. nuts and eggs), I haven't been that hungry. This is interesting because usually I am always a little hungry. I definitely think I wasn't getting enough protein throughout the day.
Third, I am not very good at keeping track of the supplements on this cleanse. What will this mean for me when I'm truly sick? Will I need some type of wrist alarm to remind me to take the requisite meds? Maybe if I'm terminal I'll be more exact with the pills.
Fourth, because I'm not having any sugar, CARROTS taste friggin' fantastic -- I mean, who knew that they would be like candy on a stick. And did I mention the butternut squash soup I made 2 days ago -- is it me, or is the soup getting sweeter each time I eat it?
Overall, I would say that I feel really good about this cleanse. I psyched that I've managed to stay on the program for a week. On Day 5 I had summer squash ratatouille and short ribs -- excellent. For lunch today I had tuna salad over greens. Eating normal food, but in the right way.
Stay tuned . . .
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Day 4 -- On The Rebound
Woke up with much more energy today! Had a yummy breakfast of blended strawberries, blueberries and almonds with yogurt. Was a little worried that the low energy from yesterday would continue, but thankfully not.
Went to Pilates and felt pretty strong. Strong enough to have a spirited political discussion with my Pilates friend about why voting Republican in 2008 is foolhardy. I mean, they've had 8 years and have done a pretty good job of messing things up. Why on earthy would we want to give them more time? My friend is a "fiscal conservative" but "socially liberal". Okay, so for the last 8 years there has been no balanced budget and the Republicans have almost spent this country into bankruptcy with the Iraq war and now the financial markets bail-out . . . does this sound like fiscal conservatism? And why would anyone who is socially liberal want to allow a Republican Administration to appoint more members of the Supreme Court, which has already swung to the right with Sam Alito. As you can see, I got my mo-jo back.
Lunch was a bit of leftover salmon and butternut squash soup. Have I mentioned how good the whipping cream in the soup tastes? The rest of the afternoon was spent hanging with family in the yard, cleaning etc. I was not really tempted at any point to go off my cleanse. Was feeling pretty satisfied actually. Had a couple of apple slices with almond butter for a snack.
More challenging was going to movie and a dinner with Chris. Went to see Burn after Reading -- I had hot peppermint tea and Chris, always supportive, stuck with Diet Coke. I thought going to a movie without popcorn or raisinettes was going to be difficult, but once the movie started I didn't eve notice. I think if Chris had been munching away, it would have been a bit annoying, but I was fine.
Dinner at La Zingara was great. I had Perrier, steak and broccoli rabi. Honestly, the steak was a little overcooked and lacked flavor (possibly attributable to the non-grass fed type of beef). I think it would have tasted great with a nice juicy Italian read like a Brunello. But overall dinner was a success.
Another day of detox has passed . . . I am surviving surprisingly well!
Went to Pilates and felt pretty strong. Strong enough to have a spirited political discussion with my Pilates friend about why voting Republican in 2008 is foolhardy. I mean, they've had 8 years and have done a pretty good job of messing things up. Why on earthy would we want to give them more time? My friend is a "fiscal conservative" but "socially liberal". Okay, so for the last 8 years there has been no balanced budget and the Republicans have almost spent this country into bankruptcy with the Iraq war and now the financial markets bail-out . . . does this sound like fiscal conservatism? And why would anyone who is socially liberal want to allow a Republican Administration to appoint more members of the Supreme Court, which has already swung to the right with Sam Alito. As you can see, I got my mo-jo back.
Lunch was a bit of leftover salmon and butternut squash soup. Have I mentioned how good the whipping cream in the soup tastes? The rest of the afternoon was spent hanging with family in the yard, cleaning etc. I was not really tempted at any point to go off my cleanse. Was feeling pretty satisfied actually. Had a couple of apple slices with almond butter for a snack.
More challenging was going to movie and a dinner with Chris. Went to see Burn after Reading -- I had hot peppermint tea and Chris, always supportive, stuck with Diet Coke. I thought going to a movie without popcorn or raisinettes was going to be difficult, but once the movie started I didn't eve notice. I think if Chris had been munching away, it would have been a bit annoying, but I was fine.
Dinner at La Zingara was great. I had Perrier, steak and broccoli rabi. Honestly, the steak was a little overcooked and lacked flavor (possibly attributable to the non-grass fed type of beef). I think it would have tasted great with a nice juicy Italian read like a Brunello. But overall dinner was a success.
Another day of detox has passed . . . I am surviving surprisingly well!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Day Three -- Swing Low
Well, it had to happen. I was told the first 3 days of the cleanse would be hard. My first two days were pretty great. This morning, however, I woke up with a headache and realized I had probably been a bit cocky to think I would get off scott-free. I definitely felt tired. Not sure if it was lack of water or lack of sugar . . . I'd like to think it was lack of water and the hot yoga two days in a row.
Had breakfast of an egg, onion, bell pepper and avocado omelet and chamomile tea. I definitely noticed the lack of cheese. I think next time I make an omelet I'll use sour cream (allowed in small portions) to give it an added kick.
Dragged myself and the girls to school and then to the grocery store . . . where I managed to avoid the bread, cookie and ice cream aisles. Sophie & Marielle wanted to share a donut -- but since I don't like the grocery bakery donuts, I did not feel tempted.
At tennis clinic, I was absolutely worthless. No energy, could hardly run . . . I was shot. Again, not sure if its the yoga or the cleanse. Althought I did think about how much I would really really like a large toasted bagel with cream cheese as yellow tennis balls whipped by my head. My instructor just shook his head as my legs refused to move faster than a trot. I explained the cleanse and the exercise regimen to him, hoping to extract some empathy -- the first thing he asked was about my bowel movements. Just leave it to a guy to bring my detox-cleanse to the lowest level. I pretended I thought he asked about my "jowl" movements and told him that my bite and chew pattern was just fine, thanks, although the nuts did get stuck in my teeth occasionally.
Managed to get myself home in one piece without falling asleep on the road. The girls had a snack of peanut butter on apples, so I had almond butter on apples (no peanuts allowed), which was quite good. I wasn't feeling particularly hungry, but did look wistfully at the rice pudding in the refrigerator. Imagined the pudding warm and creamy and what the soft plump raisins would taste like . . . stop, stop it now.
For dinner I had steak with Italian seasonings, salad and butternut squash soup. The soup was fantastic -- onions, garlic, butternut squash, fresh ginger and . . . whipping cream. Yea, that was awesome. I felt a reinvigorated after that meal. Good thing I don't have a cholesterol issues. It was just a little whipping cream.
I weighed myself today and have lost 3lbs. The cleanse isn't about weight loss so much, but its nice to see that I haven't gained weight from eating nuts, whole milk yogurt and whipping cream. It would be nice to lose the 10lbs I've wanted to lose since . . .1992.
I'm going to bed with the hope that Day 4 sees a return of energy. Peace.
Had breakfast of an egg, onion, bell pepper and avocado omelet and chamomile tea. I definitely noticed the lack of cheese. I think next time I make an omelet I'll use sour cream (allowed in small portions) to give it an added kick.
Dragged myself and the girls to school and then to the grocery store . . . where I managed to avoid the bread, cookie and ice cream aisles. Sophie & Marielle wanted to share a donut -- but since I don't like the grocery bakery donuts, I did not feel tempted.
At tennis clinic, I was absolutely worthless. No energy, could hardly run . . . I was shot. Again, not sure if its the yoga or the cleanse. Althought I did think about how much I would really really like a large toasted bagel with cream cheese as yellow tennis balls whipped by my head. My instructor just shook his head as my legs refused to move faster than a trot. I explained the cleanse and the exercise regimen to him, hoping to extract some empathy -- the first thing he asked was about my bowel movements. Just leave it to a guy to bring my detox-cleanse to the lowest level. I pretended I thought he asked about my "jowl" movements and told him that my bite and chew pattern was just fine, thanks, although the nuts did get stuck in my teeth occasionally.
Managed to get myself home in one piece without falling asleep on the road. The girls had a snack of peanut butter on apples, so I had almond butter on apples (no peanuts allowed), which was quite good. I wasn't feeling particularly hungry, but did look wistfully at the rice pudding in the refrigerator. Imagined the pudding warm and creamy and what the soft plump raisins would taste like . . . stop, stop it now.
For dinner I had steak with Italian seasonings, salad and butternut squash soup. The soup was fantastic -- onions, garlic, butternut squash, fresh ginger and . . . whipping cream. Yea, that was awesome. I felt a reinvigorated after that meal. Good thing I don't have a cholesterol issues. It was just a little whipping cream.
I weighed myself today and have lost 3lbs. The cleanse isn't about weight loss so much, but its nice to see that I haven't gained weight from eating nuts, whole milk yogurt and whipping cream. It would be nice to lose the 10lbs I've wanted to lose since . . .1992.
I'm going to bed with the hope that Day 4 sees a return of energy. Peace.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Day Two -- Nut Infatuation
I woke up early this morning and actually felt great . . . was expecting a headache (some say the side effects of a low/no sugar diet) or to feel weak , so that was a pleasant surprise. My stomach did start rumbling right away, so I had a 1/2 of a grapefruit and a small portion of whole milk yogurt (allowed, but limited) with lots of fresh berries and some pecans. . . it was yummy and actually quite satisfying!
I was so busy getting the kids ready for school that I didn't have time to miss my coffee, but was reminded of it later as I drove past Starbucks and thought wistfully about my regular order: a tall skinny two pump mocha with whip cream. I tried to console myself with the idea of herbal no sugar peppermint chamomile decaffeinated tea. That got me over the hump.
At playgroup with Sophie, I did not get to snack with the other moms & toddlers -- "no bread and applesauce for me, I'm doing a cleanse". The other mom's all ooh-ed and aahh-ed and asked questions . . . and many mentioned that they also wanted to do a detox. I felt a tad out of place only sipping on chamomile tea at the kiddie table. Sophie ate my share of snack.
Did not have time to eat anything until about 2pm, when I had a tuna nicoise salad (tuna, egg, lots of veggies) sans dressing. I noticed, however, that I wasn't starving at that point. The breakfast had satisfied me and I really had no food cravings at all. I think this may be due to the protein -- nuts, eggs and fish. But I'm only guessing -- its only Day 2 of the cleanse, so I really don't consider myself well-informed or an expert yet.
A word about nuts. They taste good. They are satisfying. They are even sweet. They are not salty (we have to eat raw nuts). I am a bit worried, though. I have been eating a quite a bit of nuts and I've heard they can be hard to digest. I hope my nut infatuation doesn't cause me any "troubles". I'll keep you posted on that.
Another note: although I've been a bit busy, I have, been drinking oodles (that's a scientific term, look it up) of liquids. Lots of water, carbonated water (Perrier) and herbal teas. I think this may be why I have not had a headache or any seeming side effects from the cleanse yet.
Ah, but now the kids are home and Houston, I think we have a problem. They want a chocolate chip cookie -- which I purchase for them at our local farm, along with 2 dozen fresh eggs for the cleanse (I will probably be laying eggs by the time this is over). I manage to avoid looking at the cookies, smelling the cookies, thinking about the cookies. So far, so good. When we get home, I, unfortunately for me but fortunately for the kids, need to prepare them dinner. Menu: Salmon (lime, ginger, garlic and olive oil -- which I can have) and butternut squash (the kids get rice and peas as well). Perfect . . . except we have some left over rice that I decide (stupidly) to make into rice pudding for dessert. As its cooking I realize that I really need to try it to ensure that it tastes good, setting up right, etc. So I do taste it, several time, spitting each taste out afterwards. I am totally committed to this cleanse.
I was a little tired this evening, but did another session of hot yoga with Lynda. I figure if I'm going to cleanse myself, I'm going for it. Incredible class, did a full wheel (back bend, for those non-yoga folks out there) for the 2nd time (first was yesterday, Day 1 of cleanse). Feel great. At home I made myself a frozen berry smoothie as a treat with a little whole milk yogurt and cream (all allowed, but in small portions). Simply Delicious.
I was so busy getting the kids ready for school that I didn't have time to miss my coffee, but was reminded of it later as I drove past Starbucks and thought wistfully about my regular order: a tall skinny two pump mocha with whip cream. I tried to console myself with the idea of herbal no sugar peppermint chamomile decaffeinated tea. That got me over the hump.
At playgroup with Sophie, I did not get to snack with the other moms & toddlers -- "no bread and applesauce for me, I'm doing a cleanse". The other mom's all ooh-ed and aahh-ed and asked questions . . . and many mentioned that they also wanted to do a detox. I felt a tad out of place only sipping on chamomile tea at the kiddie table. Sophie ate my share of snack.
Did not have time to eat anything until about 2pm, when I had a tuna nicoise salad (tuna, egg, lots of veggies) sans dressing. I noticed, however, that I wasn't starving at that point. The breakfast had satisfied me and I really had no food cravings at all. I think this may be due to the protein -- nuts, eggs and fish. But I'm only guessing -- its only Day 2 of the cleanse, so I really don't consider myself well-informed or an expert yet.
A word about nuts. They taste good. They are satisfying. They are even sweet. They are not salty (we have to eat raw nuts). I am a bit worried, though. I have been eating a quite a bit of nuts and I've heard they can be hard to digest. I hope my nut infatuation doesn't cause me any "troubles". I'll keep you posted on that.
Another note: although I've been a bit busy, I have, been drinking oodles (that's a scientific term, look it up) of liquids. Lots of water, carbonated water (Perrier) and herbal teas. I think this may be why I have not had a headache or any seeming side effects from the cleanse yet.
Ah, but now the kids are home and Houston, I think we have a problem. They want a chocolate chip cookie -- which I purchase for them at our local farm, along with 2 dozen fresh eggs for the cleanse (I will probably be laying eggs by the time this is over). I manage to avoid looking at the cookies, smelling the cookies, thinking about the cookies. So far, so good. When we get home, I, unfortunately for me but fortunately for the kids, need to prepare them dinner. Menu: Salmon (lime, ginger, garlic and olive oil -- which I can have) and butternut squash (the kids get rice and peas as well). Perfect . . . except we have some left over rice that I decide (stupidly) to make into rice pudding for dessert. As its cooking I realize that I really need to try it to ensure that it tastes good, setting up right, etc. So I do taste it, several time, spitting each taste out afterwards. I am totally committed to this cleanse.
I was a little tired this evening, but did another session of hot yoga with Lynda. I figure if I'm going to cleanse myself, I'm going for it. Incredible class, did a full wheel (back bend, for those non-yoga folks out there) for the 2nd time (first was yesterday, Day 1 of cleanse). Feel great. At home I made myself a frozen berry smoothie as a treat with a little whole milk yogurt and cream (all allowed, but in small portions). Simply Delicious.
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