What I'm taking with me post-detox, fast

Sorry, just had to share that picture. Its not as good as the Dr. Phil one ... but still pretty amazing.

In the future, if I see myself trending towards some bad habit (I tend to gravitate that way, eh?), I'll fast that aspect out of my life. Go on a break, rest, retreat from it. Give myself around 10 days with no [insert vice].

Sometimes things that give us momentary pleasure can really destruct us in the long run. Whether it be meaningless sex or a second helping of cake. Breaking yourself from the temporary pleasures can really help put things in a longer, healthier perspective.

Plus, the fast weight loss (when it comes to food related fasts) doesnt hurt either!

The end.

Over the Hump of Master Cleanse

It's Day 6. I'm over the hump. I've lost 5.5 pounds and my pants are officially a bit looser. Theoretically things should be getting easier because it's all downhill from here. But, I've had some challenges along the way. For example, two nights ago I dreamt that there were all these desserts and I caved from the cleanse and ate them. I went as far as to cut off the edges of the cake so that I would have lots of icing. Luckily, I woke up and realized it was, in fact, all a dream. Failure is really not an option for this cleanse. I'm going to follow it and I won't cheat.

Last night, I was pretty moody, and I think it's because I haven't had real food. I was not craving anything in particular, just not the lemonade. I also tried going to yoga class just down the street from where I live. I couldn't do hardly anything until the stretching at the end because I just didn't have the strength. Child's pose was my friend last night. I was frustrated with my practice because I have never been that easy on myself. I always push it to the next level, muscle through it, or think the motto, "no pain no gain." But, this time was different because I knew that I just needed to take it easy because I was drinking all my meals and didn't feel like I would have sufficient protein afterwards to recover. It was one of those days/nights when you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. You don't know where you are going, what you are doing, and what the meaning of life is. By the end of the night my mood had improved because Scott called and encouraged me.

This morning, I was on my regular drive to work. When I drive now, I seem to be more observant. For example, one of the street signs on the way to the office is called, "Amador," which is the last name of one of my good friends. While driving, I also started to wonder, "Who am I?" I have been keeping to myself all this week. I haven't done my regular routine of working out, eating, socializing, etc. Normally I'm ALWAYS on the go with a rigid schedule. I do like exercising because I feel like it keeps me limber and cancels out part of what I eat every day. Sometimes I get the runner's high or have a wonderful yoga practice and I feel on top of the world. Because I've ommitted this part of my life for the cleanse I don't feel like I'm on top of my game. I am an extrovert and making conversation comes easily to me, but this week I've ommitted that because I really didn't know if I would have the energy to see anyone, much less be around them if it was dinner or happy hour.

In case the human race hasn't noticed, eating is a social activity. I grew up having family meals throughout the week. My mom would make a fabulous heavy meal each Sunday afternoon that would last us the rest of the day. My favorite weekend activity is brunch. The thought of having an omelette, biscuit, waffle, scone, or anything my heart desires makes me quite happy. When we go to work and want to socialize with someone, we ask if he/she wants to go to lunch. If people have a birthday cake at work you are looked down upon if you don't partake by having a slice. Except, of course, for Milton in "Office Space." No one cared or even noticed when he was the only one who didn't have cake!

We have to eat to live, but aren't there other ways to be social that don't revolve around food?

Day 3 of water fast is ending. And boy am I hungry.

So I’m ending Day 3 of my water fast. I had dropped like 2 lbs the first two days. But then last night I played basketball and sweated a lot. My mind wasnt in the game. Not that it would help if my mind was in the game. I’m a waste of 5’10” stature, thats for sure. Logically, I should be amazing at basketball. Tis not so. Well anyways. I weighed myself this morning and had lost 6 lbs from the previous morning! 6 lbs of what? Well, I know its not fat. I’m sure its just water and muscle. The things I dont want to lose. But, hey, what can you do?

Anyways, this is for me to know what to eat coming off my water fast. One time I ate nuts like the day after a fast and they basically came out like shards of glass.

From the ever reliable … yahoo answers.

One thing I’ve learned from years of fasting….NEVER break a fast too fast. You’ve got the right idea with starting slow on fruits and vegetables. I’d start with juices, teas fresh fruit and raw veggie soups and salads for the next week. Add cooked veggies and brown rice the next week. Stay away from processed foods because it’s a real slippery slope to “re-toxing” yourself. Add proteins in on the third week. Eat smaller meals more often throughout the day. Drink water with slices of cucumber or citrus to help hydrate more efficiently. Your body is still detoxing, so keep foods simple and healthy for longterm results.

Thank you “Dr. R.”

Its nice on paper but tends not to work in practice. I’m sure my first meal will consist of cheese, chocolate and nomnomnom. Im hungry.

The Master Cleanse

Well, I was roped/convinced/whatever you want to call it into doing the master cleanse. You've probably heard of it because lots of stars, such as Beyonce and Gwyneth Paltrow, have done it. The master cleanse, also called the Lemonade Diet, is a way to completely cleanse out your system with weight loss being a nice side effect.

For 10 days, I'm drinking this liquid concoction that consists of the following ingredients:
-Cayenne Pepper
-Maple Syrup
-Lemon Juice
-Water

I'm on day 4 and suprisingly enough, I'm doing fine. I can't say this is the most exciting thing I've ever done, but I've actually never gone on liquids this long. I remember trying liquid diets in the past, such as Slim Fast. I bet you can remember that commercial, "Just Drink One shake for breakfast, one for lunch, and enjoy a sensible dinner." In case you were wondering, Slim Fast never worked for me. In fact, come to think of it, no diet has ever really worked for me. I like carbs too much, so Atkins and South Beach were out of the question. Overall, I think my eating habits are pretty good, but they can always be improved.

I'm quite eager to finish this and to have something to add on my list of accomplishments. I love food so much. When it's breakfast, I'm already thinking about what I get to eat for lunch. Lunch outings at work are always fun, especially when the company pays! Of course, when the company pays, that means I may get more food than I need, not to mention if the table orders appetizers and dessert. Going out for dinner and drinks with friends can also wreak havoc on my diet.

Taking a few days off to self-reflect and think about things other than food is very beneficial to me. The only part I worry about is when I do start eating again. Here are some questions that plague me at this time:

-Will my eating habits have really changed?
-Will I be able to say no to caffeine?
-Will I not let food and social situations control me?
-Will I chew more and really savor each bite?
-Will I be able to stop eating when I'm not hungry anymore? In other words, can I no longer be a member of the clean plate club?
-Will I be able to say no to second helpings?
-Can I control my adoration (a.k.a. serving sizes) of my brother's food? He's the best cook I know, so this one may be hard.

I'm looking forward to seeing how the rest of these days unfold and to see if my relationship/love affair with food changes. I want to appreciate food more and not be tempted to eat it in social situtations unless it is actually something I am craving. For instance, just because it's someone's birthday at work does not mean I have to partake and eat cake. Let the journey continue!