Nasal Bliss, Kerala, 2004.
I decided to combine Day 2 and Day 3 because, well... I'm onto Day 4 now! Yay!
It's been fun so far! I can't believe how easy it's been and how energized I feel. The more I do it, the more I awe at the fact that I can get by without food, without dying! Silly, but true. So I'm currently paying attention and trying to see why I usually eat. If drinking fresh juices is enough to keep me going, then why do I always need so much? Why do I need munchies in the afternoon?
I noticed too, that even though this is about detoxing and health, the best reward for me has actually been on the emotional level. Just like food! I see myself enjoying the extra care I'm giving to myself. I'm thinking that I'm so damn cute carrying a bag to work with four different bottles (colorful and labeled!) filled with juices Rich and I prepared together... I'm enjoying the fact that people ask me about it and find it inspiring... I love the idea that maybe someone will try this cleanse and perhaps, get something positive out of it... And I'm mostly pleased about how nice I've been to myself. I confess that I haven't felt this proud or happy about myself in a long long time. (Maybe you're thinking: Come on... it's only been 3 days. What's to be proud?) And you're probably right. Many people have done a cleanse before... But not me. And I can't remember when was the last time I felt so in tune and content like now. I guess just knowing that I can access self control is very powerful! I feel very "hardcore" , as I joke with Rich. Okay. You can see how this has gone to my head! But that is the point. I'm feeling in control of my life right now thanks to a very simple shift and commitment. And isn't that the key to break inertia and create transformation? I think I need to apply this concept in every dept of my life, no?
All right, I know you also want to hear the juicy stuff. Am I starving? Is my belly growling? Do I have any cravings? Did I shave off any pounds yet? No. No. No. Yes! I did shave off 7 pounds in 3 days. From where? Not sure. But it's true. And I know... Maybe I'll get it all back... But hey, maybe I won't? And what a mood boost that is for now! So there you go. I see it as a bonus.
In terms of hunger, I'm not going to lie. I do feel a bit hungry everytime when it's half an hour to my next "drink"... But it's bearable, because I know that my next juice is going to satisfy me up until the next one and so forth. It's totally managable. If I feel a bit hungry in my belly, I just acknowledge it. I say to myself: Well, I'm hungry... Oh. Okay... Then I kind of ignore it, cuz I know the next drink will come soon enough. No need to panic! Plus, I noticed that if I give that hunger sensation 2 minutes (basically igonoring it), it becomes thirst! Seriously. And better, as soon as I drink water, the sensation goes away. And my god, I'm drinking so much more water than I EVER did before. The more I drink it, the thirstier I am. It's as if I've finally given room for that neglected need to speak up. Today I drank 4.5 liters of water. I cannot even believe it myself! On really busy days at work, it's very common for me to forget about drinking water and have maybe... 2 glasses all day (Shame on me!!)! The trick has been to walk around with a 1.5 liters bottle everywhere I go and... Chug Chug Chug. It works!
Finally, I have added nasal wash to my cleanse. I fill up half of the "Alladin" bottle (above) with warm water and a tiny bit of sea salt. I rinse as the picture shows, the water goes in one nostril and comes out of the other. I've been doing it every morning and I feel like it clears my head and wipes off the slate for a new day! This is something I learned when living in an Ashram in India and I swear by it. If you have any synus issues this is for you too!
Onto Day 4!
Comments (13)
Ok ...
This is a topic that is totally beyond me! I don't really understand forgoing food for juice - but lady, I so admire you for doing it if it makes you feel more happy and healthy.
Smile ... (it is posts like today that makes me read your blog).
Posted by lacithecat | May 3, 2007 10:37 AM
Posted on May 3, 2007 10:37
Well, first of all, I think that you should be incredibly proud of yourself, but this is the first time you have done this and you are doing an awesome job. (even if it were not the first time, you are doing an awesome job!).
Cean and I were talking about all of this last night over dinner (we got to go on a date)and I was explaining to him that doing this, as well changing the entire food orientation in our lives is a commitment and a huge change. As you say, it is redirecting your energy and concentration and basically creating new habits in your life. It is a big deal.
I think that the positive emotional side affects that you are experiencing are wonderful, and, quite frankly, exactly what I am hoping to accomplish when I decide to do this.
Hurrah for you..I am cheering you on and looking forward to more posts!
xoxoxoxo
Posted by ceanandjen | May 3, 2007 11:55 AM
Posted on May 3, 2007 11:55
Hi Alex -- Rich pointed me to your blog last night. Very cool! It's interesting to read about your experiences with the cleanse that you're doing. I've been considering doing one for the past couple months and between talking with Rich and reading about your experiences online, I think I will!
See you guys Saturday? I promise not to tempt you or Rich with good Belgian beer! ;-)
Cheers!
-- Matt
P.S. Excellent nasal wash recommendation. I have had problems with frequent sinus infections in the past. I now do a nasal wash regularly and suffer far fewer sinus problems. And it's a great feeling having all of that nasty stuff cleared out.
Posted by Matt Walker | May 3, 2007 3:39 PM
Posted on May 3, 2007 15:39
Oh, I love the picture! Kudos to you, Alex, for sticking with this and really honoring yourself!
You're my hero!
xoxo
Posted by Regina Clare Jane | May 4, 2007 11:59 AM
Posted on May 4, 2007 11:59
Linda! Of course you should be proud of yourself. I am quietly proud of myself that my 21 challenge for morning seated meditation has now lasted 70 days, when we honour a commitment we made to ourselves it is always a cause for celebration. I love reading about this goodness you are doing to yourself.
x
Posted by Frida | May 4, 2007 8:23 PM
Posted on May 4, 2007 20:23
that photo is adorable and i
notice how fresh your complexion is looking!
I am printing out your info and will start it this week -
hugs!
Posted by maddie | May 5, 2007 10:25 AM
Posted on May 5, 2007 10:25
I find this cleanse fabulous! I've read alot on juice cleansing, but haven't had the nerve to stay with it for more than a day. I'm currently following Dr. Joshi's holistic detox.....but what you are doing is inspiring me to get my juicer back from my friend I lent it to and go one step further with my detox! Thanks for sharing your personal experience with it!
And nettie pots rule!!!
Love your whole blog!
Posted by Bohemian mom | May 5, 2007 12:28 PM
Posted on May 5, 2007 12:28
you rock that neti pot! i've heard it is hard to use. kudos to you for connecting so wonderfully and meaningfully with yourself :) xo, mindy
Posted by wishstudio | May 5, 2007 1:03 PM
Posted on May 5, 2007 13:03
I'm so proud of you Alex and so happy that you seem so fresh and alive with all of this! I've had both experiences with cleanses: the energetic feelings and the yucky ones. you look pretty cute using that Neti pot too!
Posted by rubyslippers | May 6, 2007 11:26 AM
Posted on May 6, 2007 11:26
Hah! Oh, this photo cracks me laughing! It's awesome and deserves to be on your fridge. Well, maybe not the fridge. Maybe framed on a bathroom wall? Thanks to you, Oprah and Dr.Oz on Oprah, I tried out my own version of a neti pot/alladin pot this morning. I reused a plastic water bottle filled with warm salt water. The experience was odd but refreshing. I'll give it a whirl up my nose tomorrow, too. :)
Posted by susanna | May 10, 2007 6:42 PM
Posted on May 10, 2007 18:42
Woww! At least it doesn't have to be tasteless-I mean, pure fruit & veggie juices are extremely tasty. So you have to drink it with the pulp, though, right? For the fibre? Would you recommend a total cleanse? I think I might try it.. My mom is a nutritionist and a doctor, and into all this all-organic, all-natural stuff...so I'm interested in this stuff too.
Posted by [a} | May 11, 2007 11:42 AM
Posted on May 11, 2007 11:42
You're right about the nasal thing. After I had sinus surgery I started doing a similar nasal wash with saline solution and it's helped keep the colds at bay. I think it's wonderful that you've done so well with the fast and are enjoying the benefits. I'm really inspired to try it myself soon.
Posted by Paris Parfait | May 17, 2007 2:41 PM
Posted on May 17, 2007 14:41
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Posted by kvjeulhmiv | January 24, 2008 2:51 AM
Posted on January 24, 2008 02:51