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?