So I drank on Saturday. A lot. Way too much. I was the puking girl. So that in and of itself is bad, bad, bad. It was like I was a freshman in college again except my 8th grade PE teacher was there pouring me free shots. I feel pleased with the fact that I didn't smoke cigarettes other than one drag. Go me.
Anyway, the next day, as is always the case with hangovers, I couldn't eat for most of the day. When I finally did want food, I wanted something bad. greasy. delicious. I wanted a Portillo's cheeseburger. Now if you're not from the Chicagoland, you don't realize the magnitude and glory of the Portillo's cheeseburger (anything from Portillo's, really), but let me tell you, this craving is insatiable. My brother said he also wanted Portillo's and would get it and so he did. I didn't eat the whole thing or get fries which I can consider tiny victories, but still, a greasy fast food cheeseburger on a white bun is basically the antithesis of eating whole foods. Obviously, making good food investments today is paramount.
I wish the drinking didn't have the sort of landslide effect that it does. Who craves a salad after a night of drinking though? Not this girl.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Veggie Soup
My first post-cleanse kitchen adventure had to be vegetable soup. As I have mentioned before, coming off the cleanse delicately is really important so your digestion isn't completely wonky and so you don't get backed up. So as a reintroduction to food, it really only makes since to eat soup.
I decided to check out the local farmer's market and go from there. The Bartlett Farmer's Market actually kicks a lot of ass. I was surprised. I bought some red and white new potatoes, ginormous portobello mushrooms, a red pepper and a yellow pepper. I also bought some whole grain bread.
After skimming many recipes I opted to consult my homeboy Alton Brown. He, more than maybe anyone, knows whats up. The cool thing about soup is that it is so versatile. As long as you get some flavor layering going on, it's bound to be pretty good. You can easily take a recipe like this and play with it to suit your own tastes and refrigerator's contents. Even measuring becomes somewhat arbitrary (at least when it comes to the veggies).
Soup also rules because, by nature, you don't wolf it down since it is so hot. You savor soup and eat consciously (as opposed to mindlessly). Best of all, it is easy to freeze. Making a batch of soup will give you and your friends/family a meal or two and then some for down the road. So even if your grocery bill adds up, it really is like an investment for some night down the road when you don't feel like cooking.
One final thing I should add, this was the first thing I made using my food processor. I got overexcited about this and over-pulsed quite a bit. For people who aren't crazy about veggies--- that is a good thing. If you like your veggies present and want big bites of them, hand-cut everything. Just depends. Either way, you're getting your vegetables.
Garden Vegetable Soup
adapted from Alton Brown
4 tablespoons olive oil
3 chopped leeks (the white parts)
2-4 garlic cloves, minced
Kosher salt
2 cups carrots, chopped
2 cups potatoes, chopped (peeled if you like)
2 quarts chicken stock/broth (preferably organic)
2 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
2 ears of corn, kernels cut off
* approx 2 cups worth of other veggies. I added peppers, celery, a large mushroom and zucchini.
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 heaping teaspoon basil (optional)
1/4 cup packed w/ freshly chopped parsley
1-2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
a couple dashes of cayenne (optional)
a few dashes of red pepper hot sauce (optional)
Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot and then add the leeks and garlic over med/low heat for several minutes until tender. Then add carrots, potatoes and any other firmer veggie (like celery or green beans) and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring every now and then.
Add the broth or stock, increase heat and cover until simmering. Next add tomatoes, corn, any other more tender veggie (like mushrooms or zucchini), pepper and basil. Reduce the heat and cook for 25-35 more minutes. You want all the veggies to be fork tender. Checking the potatoes or carrots will give a good indication. Cut the heat and add lemon juice and parsley. Season to taste with kosher salt (probably at least a 1/2 teaspoon) and hot sauce, if desired. Serve and enjoy.
I think adding hot sauce tasted great. My brother agreed, my mother did not. Depends on your taste, but I think coming off the cleanse it's almost kinda nice to consistently have a spicy cayenne kick because you're used to it and it's good for your metabolism. Also, the lemon juice in this soup adds a really nice brightness that I enjoyed.
I decided to check out the local farmer's market and go from there. The Bartlett Farmer's Market actually kicks a lot of ass. I was surprised. I bought some red and white new potatoes, ginormous portobello mushrooms, a red pepper and a yellow pepper. I also bought some whole grain bread.
After skimming many recipes I opted to consult my homeboy Alton Brown. He, more than maybe anyone, knows whats up. The cool thing about soup is that it is so versatile. As long as you get some flavor layering going on, it's bound to be pretty good. You can easily take a recipe like this and play with it to suit your own tastes and refrigerator's contents. Even measuring becomes somewhat arbitrary (at least when it comes to the veggies).
Soup also rules because, by nature, you don't wolf it down since it is so hot. You savor soup and eat consciously (as opposed to mindlessly). Best of all, it is easy to freeze. Making a batch of soup will give you and your friends/family a meal or two and then some for down the road. So even if your grocery bill adds up, it really is like an investment for some night down the road when you don't feel like cooking.
One final thing I should add, this was the first thing I made using my food processor. I got overexcited about this and over-pulsed quite a bit. For people who aren't crazy about veggies--- that is a good thing. If you like your veggies present and want big bites of them, hand-cut everything. Just depends. Either way, you're getting your vegetables.
Garden Vegetable Soup
adapted from Alton Brown
4 tablespoons olive oil
3 chopped leeks (the white parts)
2-4 garlic cloves, minced
Kosher salt
2 cups carrots, chopped
2 cups potatoes, chopped (peeled if you like)
2 quarts chicken stock/broth (preferably organic)
2 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
2 ears of corn, kernels cut off
* approx 2 cups worth of other veggies. I added peppers, celery, a large mushroom and zucchini.
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 heaping teaspoon basil (optional)
1/4 cup packed w/ freshly chopped parsley
1-2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
a couple dashes of cayenne (optional)
a few dashes of red pepper hot sauce (optional)
Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot and then add the leeks and garlic over med/low heat for several minutes until tender. Then add carrots, potatoes and any other firmer veggie (like celery or green beans) and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring every now and then.
Add the broth or stock, increase heat and cover until simmering. Next add tomatoes, corn, any other more tender veggie (like mushrooms or zucchini), pepper and basil. Reduce the heat and cook for 25-35 more minutes. You want all the veggies to be fork tender. Checking the potatoes or carrots will give a good indication. Cut the heat and add lemon juice and parsley. Season to taste with kosher salt (probably at least a 1/2 teaspoon) and hot sauce, if desired. Serve and enjoy.
I think adding hot sauce tasted great. My brother agreed, my mother did not. Depends on your taste, but I think coming off the cleanse it's almost kinda nice to consistently have a spicy cayenne kick because you're used to it and it's good for your metabolism. Also, the lemon juice in this soup adds a really nice brightness that I enjoyed.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Ending the Master Cleanse
Yesterday was day ten and it was mostly good. The whole city venture went all right (aside from rain, traffic and getting lost in Addision (wtf, Danielle, seriously?) on the way back). My interview went pretty well despite the fact that I rambled and couldn't remember my favorite bands in the beginning of it (serious forehead smacking on the drive home occurred), but nothing worth dwelling over. After drinking some water, I was more clear-headed. I was really cranky by the time I got home though, needing lemonade because I had crashed hard.
At any rate, I've decided to end at day ten as originally planned. I hemmed and hawed over it, but it boils down to the fact that I feel like I've gotten what I wanted out of this experience from a mental standpoint. Seriously, if I can abstain from eating anything for ten days then I ought to be strongwilled enough to avoid "edible foodlike substances" too (as Michael Pollan refers to processed foods). Although the physical cleansing wasn't exactly what I had been hoping for, there is no denying the fact that I did detox. Believe me.
As my first post-cleanse day, I did half a SWF, just because my stomach hurt (I think it's the tea). Today I will continue to drink the lemonade, but it will be in addition to orange juice. I need to go get some from the store soon. I may end up just buying oranges and juicing them. I've grown quite fond of the juicer. Tomorrow I can eat fruit and vegetable broth; the day after veggie soup. It's possible I may be going out to dinner for my dad's birthday on Saturday, and I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Just gotta stick with the In Defense of Food mantra: "eat food. not too much. mostly plants."
At any rate, I've decided to end at day ten as originally planned. I hemmed and hawed over it, but it boils down to the fact that I feel like I've gotten what I wanted out of this experience from a mental standpoint. Seriously, if I can abstain from eating anything for ten days then I ought to be strongwilled enough to avoid "edible foodlike substances" too (as Michael Pollan refers to processed foods). Although the physical cleansing wasn't exactly what I had been hoping for, there is no denying the fact that I did detox. Believe me.
As my first post-cleanse day, I did half a SWF, just because my stomach hurt (I think it's the tea). Today I will continue to drink the lemonade, but it will be in addition to orange juice. I need to go get some from the store soon. I may end up just buying oranges and juicing them. I've grown quite fond of the juicer. Tomorrow I can eat fruit and vegetable broth; the day after veggie soup. It's possible I may be going out to dinner for my dad's birthday on Saturday, and I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.
Just gotta stick with the In Defense of Food mantra: "eat food. not too much. mostly plants."
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Day Nine - The End Is Near?
So obviously my previous post is a little intense and overly emotional. Last night prior to writing I had spent several hours trying to create a writing sample as requested by someone I have an interview with tomorrow. Too much brain power gone + MC woes = messy.
I just had a good conversation with a very encouraging friend who thinks I should keep going past 10 days if desired black expelation (not a word) does not occur tomorrow. Today hasn't been that difficult though. I feel like I could keep going. My energy levels are fine and staying on the Cleanse longer isn't that unreasonable.
I've just gotta listen to my body tomorrow. I have an internship interview in the city at 3 o'clock. I'm most likely going to drive because train times don't really mesh and I feel like I have more control when I drive. Depending on how I feel physically and mentally after having done that, in combination with how I feel Thursday morning when I wake up, will determine if I go longer.
I wish I had some buddies to talk to who have done the MC. Like... I've read about some seriously gross sounding stuff coming out and I wonder if I'm chasing a dream. I mean that sounds so pathetic(!) but seriously, I just want the maximum desired result from my diligence and commitment to this thing. I wonder if the things I read about don't happen to everyone...
I know some MCers have started following me on Twitter and thus presumably read this, so hit me up with a message on Twitter if you have some insight on the black solids and such. It'd be invaluable at this point.
Oh, and this lemonade, which I originally thought tasted great, officially no longer does. I'm bored with it. Give me some new flavor!
I just had a good conversation with a very encouraging friend who thinks I should keep going past 10 days if desired black expelation (not a word) does not occur tomorrow. Today hasn't been that difficult though. I feel like I could keep going. My energy levels are fine and staying on the Cleanse longer isn't that unreasonable.
I've just gotta listen to my body tomorrow. I have an internship interview in the city at 3 o'clock. I'm most likely going to drive because train times don't really mesh and I feel like I have more control when I drive. Depending on how I feel physically and mentally after having done that, in combination with how I feel Thursday morning when I wake up, will determine if I go longer.
I wish I had some buddies to talk to who have done the MC. Like... I've read about some seriously gross sounding stuff coming out and I wonder if I'm chasing a dream. I mean that sounds so pathetic(!) but seriously, I just want the maximum desired result from my diligence and commitment to this thing. I wonder if the things I read about don't happen to everyone...
I know some MCers have started following me on Twitter and thus presumably read this, so hit me up with a message on Twitter if you have some insight on the black solids and such. It'd be invaluable at this point.
Oh, and this lemonade, which I originally thought tasted great, officially no longer does. I'm bored with it. Give me some new flavor!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Day Eight - Waiting Game
Today wasn't bad like I had read about. I wonder if I will go through a second round of detox. It's not that I think I am truly cleansed or anything, but my tongue has started to become mostly pink again.
I feel like I'm straddling the fence right now about what to do if a second round of the cleanse doesn't begin before day 10. On the one hand, I want everything bad OUT. That was the whole point of this, and if I've come this far, then what's a few more days? On the other hand, I'm bored with drinking this stuff. I'm hungry. It's difficult to concentrate, and I tire easily. I signed up for this Master Cleanse support forum at some point today just to inquire about the process and some dude told me that I shouldn't expect to expel black solids in such a short amount of time. I mean.... who is that guy to tell me, I know. But at the same time it's just something to take into consideration. Maybe I won't cleanse as cleanly as I originally thought. It certainly doesn't mean I haven't been cleansing all week. Believe me, I have.
I'm starting work on Thursday and I'm not sure how it'll go. I've read about people exercising while on the cleanse, so it's not like I think I will pass out or anything, but it can be a lot of running around and stress. Also, to be around that much food and still fully be fasting sounds... miserable. At this point, I cannot imagine doing this for very much longer knowing I'm going to be physically touching baked potatoes and stuffing them with cheese, butter, bacon bits, sour cream and chives and then hand delivering it to someone with a smile on my face. The thought alone just made my stomach rumble. Shit you not. It's literally like dangling a t-bone in front of a dog and not letting her have it. It's going to be torture the first few day regardless though since I'm supposed to stick to juice the first day and fruits the second day. Ughhhh. I'm dreading it.
Clearly, 90 percent of what I'm going through right now is mental. Must find a way to power through the negativity. It would help if the sun would come out again.
I feel like I'm straddling the fence right now about what to do if a second round of the cleanse doesn't begin before day 10. On the one hand, I want everything bad OUT. That was the whole point of this, and if I've come this far, then what's a few more days? On the other hand, I'm bored with drinking this stuff. I'm hungry. It's difficult to concentrate, and I tire easily. I signed up for this Master Cleanse support forum at some point today just to inquire about the process and some dude told me that I shouldn't expect to expel black solids in such a short amount of time. I mean.... who is that guy to tell me, I know. But at the same time it's just something to take into consideration. Maybe I won't cleanse as cleanly as I originally thought. It certainly doesn't mean I haven't been cleansing all week. Believe me, I have.
I'm starting work on Thursday and I'm not sure how it'll go. I've read about people exercising while on the cleanse, so it's not like I think I will pass out or anything, but it can be a lot of running around and stress. Also, to be around that much food and still fully be fasting sounds... miserable. At this point, I cannot imagine doing this for very much longer knowing I'm going to be physically touching baked potatoes and stuffing them with cheese, butter, bacon bits, sour cream and chives and then hand delivering it to someone with a smile on my face. The thought alone just made my stomach rumble. Shit you not. It's literally like dangling a t-bone in front of a dog and not letting her have it. It's going to be torture the first few day regardless though since I'm supposed to stick to juice the first day and fruits the second day. Ughhhh. I'm dreading it.
Clearly, 90 percent of what I'm going through right now is mental. Must find a way to power through the negativity. It would help if the sun would come out again.
Day Seven - Trucking Along, I Suppose
So it's officially been a week with no food! WOW. I feel it though, man. I'm hungry, and I feel like trying not to think about food is futile. So I'm trying best to just embrace it and have been sorta planning out healthy recipes and such. Ratatouille is definitely on the horizon. I think today part of it may be not putting enough maple syrup (calories) into my limeade. It tasted very citrus-y today even with extra dilution. I went to Trader Joe's today to buy more maple syrup. It was cheaper there than at Whole Foods.
I noticed today I've been more irritable and unable to concentrate. Even writing this is somewhat difficult. My mood today was also really hampered by others. Everyone in my house was grumpy and then a phone conversation with a friend consisted solely of me listening to him bitch. I think I'm a pretty good listener, but I could not handle it. I just found myself with very little compassion today. I hope that lessens tomorrow because no one likes a bitch.
I've heard that days 8 and 9 are rough like 3. Let's get this second round of intense detoxing under way, shall we?
I noticed today I've been more irritable and unable to concentrate. Even writing this is somewhat difficult. My mood today was also really hampered by others. Everyone in my house was grumpy and then a phone conversation with a friend consisted solely of me listening to him bitch. I think I'm a pretty good listener, but I could not handle it. I just found myself with very little compassion today. I hope that lessens tomorrow because no one likes a bitch.
I've heard that days 8 and 9 are rough like 3. Let's get this second round of intense detoxing under way, shall we?
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Day Six - Just An Average Day
The only thing really worth mentioning is that I went on a reasonably long walk with my dog. It felt good, kinda wore me out, but nothing too bad.
Also, my skin is starting to look more radiant. That is excellent.
I really missing chewing though. I want to eat food. It's crazy to say I haven't eaten in six days and I still have my sanity. I want these alleged "mysterious black solids" to hurry up and get here. I don't wanna have to do this more than 10 days.
Also, my skin is starting to look more radiant. That is excellent.
I really missing chewing though. I want to eat food. It's crazy to say I haven't eaten in six days and I still have my sanity. I want these alleged "mysterious black solids" to hurry up and get here. I don't wanna have to do this more than 10 days.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Day Five - A Kiddie-Sized Rollercoaster
Today was pretty dicey. On the plus side, I had great energy this morning and in the afternoon. I haven't felt achy either. On the negative side, I couldn't do anything with my energy because I had to be close to the bathroom. I don't know why, but post-SWF "cleansing" took forever today. There were nearly four hours where I felt like I couldn't leave the house just in case. So that was a real bummer since I felt so good.
Early evening I went to the mall with a friend and was gone about two hours. By the time I got back I was in dire need of some limeade, and I felt cranky and sort of emotional/frustrated. Two separate opportunities to go out to dinner, and I had to miss it. For what? To sit and read in my room? Lame and boring.
Back to the pluses though, today marks the halfway point. I was being kind of pitiful to my parents when they got back from dinner, and they confided that they thought I'd only last two days, so they were already impressed. That's the kind of thing that motivates though-- people thinking you can't do something.
I know I'll absolutely make it 10 days; I wouldn't have started a blog if I thought I'd fail. At this point I'm hoping I feel like I actually can stop at 10 days. I mean that in two ways. a) I've read about what you're supposed to expel from your body while on the Cleanse, and I very much want that to happen. It's one of the primary reasons I'm doing this. So if my body needs more than 10 days to do it, then I will continue to do this for more than 10 days. Although I can't foresee 20. That would be bonkers for me. And, b) I don't want to stop this before I feel like I truly have a grip on how I want to proceed. It's almost silly how much easier it is to have self-control when you have such restriction. People keep telling me they could "never" do this, but to me this is waaaaaay easier than figuring out how to 1) avoid processed food 2) eat smaller portions 3) avoid too much caffeine, sugar, alcohol, meat, dairy, etc . Thinking about post-cleanse is scary because I don't wanna fuck it up. Doing this is a big step in the right direction toward better health, and I don't want to back peddle. Tonight I was around both beer and pizza, and of course I wanted both. Everyone else was having both. In two weeks when I'm not doing this anymore, handling those types of situations will be more difficult than it was tonight. And tonight it was difficult.
The best thing I can do is keep reading books and articles that reaffirm what I'm doing, and keep myself motivated. I've certainly never felt this motivated before.
Early evening I went to the mall with a friend and was gone about two hours. By the time I got back I was in dire need of some limeade, and I felt cranky and sort of emotional/frustrated. Two separate opportunities to go out to dinner, and I had to miss it. For what? To sit and read in my room? Lame and boring.
Back to the pluses though, today marks the halfway point. I was being kind of pitiful to my parents when they got back from dinner, and they confided that they thought I'd only last two days, so they were already impressed. That's the kind of thing that motivates though-- people thinking you can't do something.
I know I'll absolutely make it 10 days; I wouldn't have started a blog if I thought I'd fail. At this point I'm hoping I feel like I actually can stop at 10 days. I mean that in two ways. a) I've read about what you're supposed to expel from your body while on the Cleanse, and I very much want that to happen. It's one of the primary reasons I'm doing this. So if my body needs more than 10 days to do it, then I will continue to do this for more than 10 days. Although I can't foresee 20. That would be bonkers for me. And, b) I don't want to stop this before I feel like I truly have a grip on how I want to proceed. It's almost silly how much easier it is to have self-control when you have such restriction. People keep telling me they could "never" do this, but to me this is waaaaaay easier than figuring out how to 1) avoid processed food 2) eat smaller portions 3) avoid too much caffeine, sugar, alcohol, meat, dairy, etc . Thinking about post-cleanse is scary because I don't wanna fuck it up. Doing this is a big step in the right direction toward better health, and I don't want to back peddle. Tonight I was around both beer and pizza, and of course I wanted both. Everyone else was having both. In two weeks when I'm not doing this anymore, handling those types of situations will be more difficult than it was tonight. And tonight it was difficult.
The best thing I can do is keep reading books and articles that reaffirm what I'm doing, and keep myself motivated. I've certainly never felt this motivated before.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Day Four- Smooth Sailing
I feel like I don't have much to say about today other than it was pretty decent. It wasn't anything like yesterday. I woke up starving though. So I think I've probably had more limeade in days past. I feel like limes have more juice in them than lemons despite being smaller. I seem to go through less of them when I juice.
I have to make a confession though. Like I said I woke up hungry and while I was making a batch of limeade I licked the maple syrup spoon. More than once. It tasted magnificent. hahaha. Is that cheating? I don't know, but I don't regret it.
I also thought I might add something I've been doing basically every day so far. I don't know if you've ever seen the glorious cultural nugget that is Wife Swap, but it never fails to entertain. I saw this episode once about this raw-vegan lady in Arizona who thought staring at the sun & sunbathing was a natural cure for world hunger. She did it everyday for hours, and talked about how she realized she couldn't sustain herself on sun alone, but if she could she would. I scoured the internet this afternoon looking for a clip, but to no avail. Anyway...
This episode popped into my head the other day while I was lying in the grass with my dog. Even though sunbathing as a cure to world hunger is about the stupidest crock of shit thing I have ever heard, I do think there is a bit of valid advice in suggesting fellow master cleansers sunbathe a little. Who wants to eat after being hot or in the sun? No one. I also just feel like it invigorates me a little. I don't do it for very long (primarily because I am pasty), but also the sun can be draining. However, thirty minutes makes me feel better and more awake.
One thing about today (and actually last night as I was trying to go to bed) is I have been having some serious cravings. I haven't considered actually eating, my "food noise" hasn't gotten that bad yet, but more just food fantasizing. Let me tell you, when this whole thing is said and done and I can handle dairy again, I cannot wait to make a sandwich on grainy, crusty bread with juicy tomatoes, balsamic & oil, ripped basil and smokey mozzarella. Oh, with a little salt & pepper too. It's on my mind like whoa. Doesn't that sound delicious?
Time to go drink my tea...
I have to make a confession though. Like I said I woke up hungry and while I was making a batch of limeade I licked the maple syrup spoon. More than once. It tasted magnificent. hahaha. Is that cheating? I don't know, but I don't regret it.
I also thought I might add something I've been doing basically every day so far. I don't know if you've ever seen the glorious cultural nugget that is Wife Swap, but it never fails to entertain. I saw this episode once about this raw-vegan lady in Arizona who thought staring at the sun & sunbathing was a natural cure for world hunger. She did it everyday for hours, and talked about how she realized she couldn't sustain herself on sun alone, but if she could she would. I scoured the internet this afternoon looking for a clip, but to no avail. Anyway...
This episode popped into my head the other day while I was lying in the grass with my dog. Even though sunbathing as a cure to world hunger is about the stupidest crock of shit thing I have ever heard, I do think there is a bit of valid advice in suggesting fellow master cleansers sunbathe a little. Who wants to eat after being hot or in the sun? No one. I also just feel like it invigorates me a little. I don't do it for very long (primarily because I am pasty), but also the sun can be draining. However, thirty minutes makes me feel better and more awake.
One thing about today (and actually last night as I was trying to go to bed) is I have been having some serious cravings. I haven't considered actually eating, my "food noise" hasn't gotten that bad yet, but more just food fantasizing. Let me tell you, when this whole thing is said and done and I can handle dairy again, I cannot wait to make a sandwich on grainy, crusty bread with juicy tomatoes, balsamic & oil, ripped basil and smokey mozzarella. Oh, with a little salt & pepper too. It's on my mind like whoa. Doesn't that sound delicious?
Time to go drink my tea...
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Day Three - The Day I've Been Dreading Most
The moment I woke up I knew today would be harder. What's really interesting about it though is that it literally has NOTHING to do with food. What it had to do with today was just feeling crappy. It may have started last night though...
I drank my laxative tea too early last night and stayed up too late. As a result, I got hungry before falling asleep, and opted for a second cup of tea because I was out of lemonade. Early this morning, I was awoken by stomach gurgling. After spending some quality time in the bathroom I went back to bed and didn't move again till almost one (I usually wake up around 10:30). Getting out of bed was hard. I felt achy and weak.
The SWF seemed saltier today, but that could be my imagination. My brother was a nice guy and went to the store for me to get more water. The limes taste a little better to me than lemon, but I would say that any day of the week in any context comparing the two.
Pause.
I have yet to touch the "what goes on in the bathroom topic" and ya know, I'd like to be a lady and such, but I feel like everyone I talk to about the Cleanse asks me about it. It's also what I was curious about before starting the Cleanse. So, I'm about to talk about it. You've been warned.
The next several hours consisted of me moving from my bed to the bathroom. I don't want that to sound too dramatic though: my bed was made, I was having fine conversations with people on facebook or watching TV, but I had zero desire to move. And the bathroom situation extended at least an hour longer than it has in previous days and at this point there is nothing newly solid in me, it's basically just lemonade. It's literally like the sun shines (falls?) out of my ass.
Taking a jacuzzi bath made me feel a lot better though and by five o'clock I was ready to be a somewhat normal person. That's about the time I had my first glass of limeade. Earlier I had just been drinking water because I felt so dehydrated. The limeade really feels nourishing though.
There was no cooking going on in my house tonight, and it was nice not to have to see or smell food or feel like I was missing out on something. Late this evening, I was a little bit weary about driving to go to the movies, but I felt fine when it was time to do it. I drank limeade on the way there and water during. While there, I noticed I have a really achy lower back. I was calling the problem my kidneys, but let's be honest, I have no idea where those really are. It still kinda hurts, but it's a little more dull.
One more thing I feel like I need to mention is the whole situation that is my mouth. My teeth feel like they're covered in a fleece blanket. Same could be said about my tongue really. It's covered in white gookiness. Very gross, but apparently normal. Toxins leaving?
I've read things about day four being hard as well. I'm expecting more aches and pains, but hoping for more energy than I had today.
I drank my laxative tea too early last night and stayed up too late. As a result, I got hungry before falling asleep, and opted for a second cup of tea because I was out of lemonade. Early this morning, I was awoken by stomach gurgling. After spending some quality time in the bathroom I went back to bed and didn't move again till almost one (I usually wake up around 10:30). Getting out of bed was hard. I felt achy and weak.
The SWF seemed saltier today, but that could be my imagination. My brother was a nice guy and went to the store for me to get more water. The limes taste a little better to me than lemon, but I would say that any day of the week in any context comparing the two.
Pause.
I have yet to touch the "what goes on in the bathroom topic" and ya know, I'd like to be a lady and such, but I feel like everyone I talk to about the Cleanse asks me about it. It's also what I was curious about before starting the Cleanse. So, I'm about to talk about it. You've been warned.
The next several hours consisted of me moving from my bed to the bathroom. I don't want that to sound too dramatic though: my bed was made, I was having fine conversations with people on facebook or watching TV, but I had zero desire to move. And the bathroom situation extended at least an hour longer than it has in previous days and at this point there is nothing newly solid in me, it's basically just lemonade. It's literally like the sun shines (falls?) out of my ass.
Taking a jacuzzi bath made me feel a lot better though and by five o'clock I was ready to be a somewhat normal person. That's about the time I had my first glass of limeade. Earlier I had just been drinking water because I felt so dehydrated. The limeade really feels nourishing though.
There was no cooking going on in my house tonight, and it was nice not to have to see or smell food or feel like I was missing out on something. Late this evening, I was a little bit weary about driving to go to the movies, but I felt fine when it was time to do it. I drank limeade on the way there and water during. While there, I noticed I have a really achy lower back. I was calling the problem my kidneys, but let's be honest, I have no idea where those really are. It still kinda hurts, but it's a little more dull.
One more thing I feel like I need to mention is the whole situation that is my mouth. My teeth feel like they're covered in a fleece blanket. Same could be said about my tongue really. It's covered in white gookiness. Very gross, but apparently normal. Toxins leaving?
I've read things about day four being hard as well. I'm expecting more aches and pains, but hoping for more energy than I had today.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Day Two - It’s Getting Easier?
This morning was at least a little bit easier. The SWF took less than 15 minutes, but more than 10. I gagged once, but not to the point of actually throwing it up-out of my mouth. I got it down. I only made half a batch of lemonade today (30 ounces) which if you’re keep track is less than the SWF, but I had probably 15 ounces leftover from yesterday. Tomorrow I will try limes!
As far as me goes, I’m really up and down. I was awesome during the day. I wasn't even “hungry for lemonade" until after one o’clock. I was laying really low--- hanging out with Dixie, interneting, reading and sitting in the sun. Around 4ish I had to drive to Elgin to the new Outback I’ll be working at. There was traffic there and back, and by the time I got home (quarter to six) I felt pretty wiped. Like a 65 percent wiped, I'd say. I was hungry and lightheaded. Really though, drinking the lemonade gets me back to good. Within the hour, I felt all right again. I should know better than to leave the house without the lemonade or at least water. I’ll remember next time.
The lack of dinner time is kinda killer though. The biggest thing is smelling it. Attack of the senses! I want, I want, I want goes through my mind. The thing is though in stopping and asking myself “Am I really hungry?” the answer was no. I had drank lemonade roughly 15 minutes before the smells hit. So it’s nothing I couldn’t handle, but an hour later when I went to get more lemonade, I saw cheeseburgers. There they were just sitting on the island awaiting my brother’s return from work. I definitely pouted as I poured my lemonade, but no harm, no foul. Later on, I actually saw my brother eating french fries and could smell the greasy goodness. My point is seeing and smelling food makes me want, want, want. No doubt, that’s when the cravings are most intense. This would be much easier if I still lived alone without the temptations staring me in the face...
Or would it? The fact that all three members of my family are verbally supportive helps a lot. I appreciate that when I ask my brother “how do those fries taste?” He tells me they taste terrible and to leave the room. My mom suggested I chew gum and I’ve been considering it (especially because of the intense citrus-sour breath I’ve been noticing, ugh) but I’ve not gotten that desperate yet. Tomorrow? We’ll see. I’m going to have to go to the grocery store for more filtered water, and it might stare me in the face.
As far as me goes, I’m really up and down. I was awesome during the day. I wasn't even “hungry for lemonade" until after one o’clock. I was laying really low--- hanging out with Dixie, interneting, reading and sitting in the sun. Around 4ish I had to drive to Elgin to the new Outback I’ll be working at. There was traffic there and back, and by the time I got home (quarter to six) I felt pretty wiped. Like a 65 percent wiped, I'd say. I was hungry and lightheaded. Really though, drinking the lemonade gets me back to good. Within the hour, I felt all right again. I should know better than to leave the house without the lemonade or at least water. I’ll remember next time.
The lack of dinner time is kinda killer though. The biggest thing is smelling it. Attack of the senses! I want, I want, I want goes through my mind. The thing is though in stopping and asking myself “Am I really hungry?” the answer was no. I had drank lemonade roughly 15 minutes before the smells hit. So it’s nothing I couldn’t handle, but an hour later when I went to get more lemonade, I saw cheeseburgers. There they were just sitting on the island awaiting my brother’s return from work. I definitely pouted as I poured my lemonade, but no harm, no foul. Later on, I actually saw my brother eating french fries and could smell the greasy goodness. My point is seeing and smelling food makes me want, want, want. No doubt, that’s when the cravings are most intense. This would be much easier if I still lived alone without the temptations staring me in the face...
Or would it? The fact that all three members of my family are verbally supportive helps a lot. I appreciate that when I ask my brother “how do those fries taste?” He tells me they taste terrible and to leave the room. My mom suggested I chew gum and I’ve been considering it (especially because of the intense citrus-sour breath I’ve been noticing, ugh) but I’ve not gotten that desperate yet. Tomorrow? We’ll see. I’m going to have to go to the grocery store for more filtered water, and it might stare me in the face.
Day One and Still Standing
I woke up hungry, but excited to start this whole thing. First thing’s first: the salt water flush (SWF). An entire QUART of water with two teaspoons sea salt. Ughhhhh. I’m shuddering at the thought. There’s no mincing words about it: the taste is horrendous. Perhaps the worst beverage I’ve ever consumed, and there is just so much of it. 32 ounces! That’s four glasses of water! It took me 15 minutes and two stifled gags to get it down, but I did. And I felt fucking proud of myself for it. During the water drinking, I was making the “lemonade”-- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3/4 cup organic maple syrup, 60 ounces of water and a half teaspoon of cayenne. The first glass tasted great.
The first few hours weren’t too bad. It was really the only time my stomach growled today. I can’t say I haven’t been hungry, that’d be a lie, but it’s not unbearable hunger. It’s more similar to that dull, nagging hunger you get in-between meals. It’s there and it is real and it could probably be satisfied by a snack, but if you occupy yourself, you can ignore it.
So to occupy myself today, I went to the book store with my brother (I picked up In Defense of Food and Naturally Thin to keep me reminded of why I am doing this--- to get the processed poison OUT). Unfortunately, after the book store my brother was hungry, and he was hungry for Chipotle (forehead smack). So naturally I bitched a little, but ultimately, people eat food. It’s gonna happen and the only thing I can control is what I do. I stayed in the car while he got it and I never saw him eat it when we got home. Several hours later though, I had to endure the delicious smells of pork chops emanate up to my room. That was significantly more difficult to bare than the Chipotle. No doubt. But I just stayed in my room.
Drinking the lemonade tonight was harder than this morning. The cayenne kick is hitting the back of my throat, the acid from the lemonade is starting to affect my tongue as well as offering some slight acid reflux. I don’t find it very encouraging. The senna tea though is pretty mellow and pleasant. It has a lovely, mentholly finish that was really refreshing.
I have a dull headache at the moment, which is supposedly a normal side affect. Overall though, I don’t feel bad and my mind is very clear about the goal in mind. They say if you can make it through the first three days, you can do it. Most people apparently don’t survive day one; presumably because of the SWF, but I don’t know.
The key to tomorrow is staying positive and occupied. I think I can handle it.
(Originally written 8/10/09)
The first few hours weren’t too bad. It was really the only time my stomach growled today. I can’t say I haven’t been hungry, that’d be a lie, but it’s not unbearable hunger. It’s more similar to that dull, nagging hunger you get in-between meals. It’s there and it is real and it could probably be satisfied by a snack, but if you occupy yourself, you can ignore it.
So to occupy myself today, I went to the book store with my brother (I picked up In Defense of Food and Naturally Thin to keep me reminded of why I am doing this--- to get the processed poison OUT). Unfortunately, after the book store my brother was hungry, and he was hungry for Chipotle (forehead smack). So naturally I bitched a little, but ultimately, people eat food. It’s gonna happen and the only thing I can control is what I do. I stayed in the car while he got it and I never saw him eat it when we got home. Several hours later though, I had to endure the delicious smells of pork chops emanate up to my room. That was significantly more difficult to bare than the Chipotle. No doubt. But I just stayed in my room.
Drinking the lemonade tonight was harder than this morning. The cayenne kick is hitting the back of my throat, the acid from the lemonade is starting to affect my tongue as well as offering some slight acid reflux. I don’t find it very encouraging. The senna tea though is pretty mellow and pleasant. It has a lovely, mentholly finish that was really refreshing.
I have a dull headache at the moment, which is supposedly a normal side affect. Overall though, I don’t feel bad and my mind is very clear about the goal in mind. They say if you can make it through the first three days, you can do it. Most people apparently don’t survive day one; presumably because of the SWF, but I don’t know.
The key to tomorrow is staying positive and occupied. I think I can handle it.
(Originally written 8/10/09)
Deciding to Take on The Master Cleanse
Deciding to take on the Master Cleanse was somewhat sudden. I stumbled upon someone’s blog, and among Sayward's posts of homemade deodorant and vegan cooking was also the documentation of her first Master Cleanse. I read the whole thing in the time I was waiting to be picked up for a thrift store venture. I’m glad my friend was late.
I hemmed and hawed over whether or not I thought I’d be able to pull it off. I mean ten days. No food. Conceptually for anyone I think that is intimidating, but also, I make no secret about my love of food. Cooking, reading food blogs, going out to eat and of course, eating are in my top hobbies, but reading over the alleged benefits of the Master Cleanse was alluring. Alluring, while also sounding physiologically disgusting... but it's in that grossly fascinating kind of way. Learning what my body has been storing and now what it could potentially expel? Sign me up. I need an experiment and I want the poison out.
At this time in my life, I've currently got nothing but time on my hands. To me, this is a spectacular time to mentally and physically test and improve upon my own self-discipline.
In addition to harnessing some self-control, the primary goal in all of this is to wipe the slate clean. Cleanse my body, listen to it throughout this process and reintroduce myself to a new way of eating. Going on a ten day fast (hopefully) means you don’t leap back into mindless eating, emotional eating and boredom eating. The time out from food means time to map out the role food should play in my life. I’m excited about it. I’m also hoping for the other byproducts that accompany the Master Cleanse which include weight loss, increased energy, clearer skin, relief of minor body pains, a better palate, etc.
Post-cleanse I'm hoping to guide this toward being a food blog. I think it's only a matter of time before an aspiring foodie and cooking enthusiast puts fingers to the keyboard and goes for it. We'll see how it all develops.
(originally written 8/9/09)
I hemmed and hawed over whether or not I thought I’d be able to pull it off. I mean ten days. No food. Conceptually for anyone I think that is intimidating, but also, I make no secret about my love of food. Cooking, reading food blogs, going out to eat and of course, eating are in my top hobbies, but reading over the alleged benefits of the Master Cleanse was alluring. Alluring, while also sounding physiologically disgusting... but it's in that grossly fascinating kind of way. Learning what my body has been storing and now what it could potentially expel? Sign me up. I need an experiment and I want the poison out.
At this time in my life, I've currently got nothing but time on my hands. To me, this is a spectacular time to mentally and physically test and improve upon my own self-discipline.
In addition to harnessing some self-control, the primary goal in all of this is to wipe the slate clean. Cleanse my body, listen to it throughout this process and reintroduce myself to a new way of eating. Going on a ten day fast (hopefully) means you don’t leap back into mindless eating, emotional eating and boredom eating. The time out from food means time to map out the role food should play in my life. I’m excited about it. I’m also hoping for the other byproducts that accompany the Master Cleanse which include weight loss, increased energy, clearer skin, relief of minor body pains, a better palate, etc.
Post-cleanse I'm hoping to guide this toward being a food blog. I think it's only a matter of time before an aspiring foodie and cooking enthusiast puts fingers to the keyboard and goes for it. We'll see how it all develops.
(originally written 8/9/09)
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