Flowers on my walks, Spring 2007, San Francisco.
As I write this I am onto my Day 8 -
But by now... You were probably wondering if I made it, right? Sorry for the delay on reporting... I'm still cleansing!! Yay! And I'm still holding up just fine. I just have not been able choose computer over outdoors lately. The weather in San Francisco has been absolutely gorgeous. I've been walking, hiking and laying out in the sun... (Need to get my Vitamin D, right?)
On days 4 &5, I found myself completely adjusted to the new routine. Don't they say it takes 3 days to create a new habit? I guess that is true! I was hardly bothered by being on liquids by day 4. I mean, there is no question the "animal crackers" kept staring at me all day at work... But I was trying to be humorous about it. They looked at me and I looked back at them... Sweet temptation... Nonetheless, we had the understanding that "we were taking a break" from our relationship... hehehe... We still are...
The best thing about the fast was that I took up long walks at lunch time, over the usual rush to grab a bite. I actually did not miss having to get in the car, drive off somewhere, eat lunch quickly and run back to my desk filling overwhelmed. It took me only 10 minutes to drink my juice, so there was a lot more time to move, breathe and relax. Also, my break felt longer and I didn't get full, which kept me alert all day. In general, I felt a great sense of expansion!
I liked the whole thing so much, that I'm now considering to bring food to work more often instead of eating out. Especially healthy raw snacks and juices. Can you believe I've never done that? I always eat out. In rare occasions I've brought in a leftover from home... But after doing this, I definitely want to commit to the extra care to myself for longer. I want to invest in the preparation of something yummy and healthy that will nurture me and keep my energy up. After all, I need my stamina to hold onto the those fabulous personal projects in my spare time!
At the end of Day 5, as planned, Rich and I broke the juice diet with a delicious miso soup, with tofu, seaweed and green onions. It was wonderful to have something a bit more salty! I've always been more into salty snacks than sweets...
I don't know if I mentioned before, but this fast should last 3-5 days only. So, I am actually finished with the liquid phase! Yay!
Now, we're following up with the "rebuilding phase". This phase includes taking "GAIA's" herbal detox supplements and adding one or 2 light meals a day (green salads, raw or lightly steamed veggies, fruits, tofu, whole grains and even white fish).
If you're interested in following the same program, you should be aware that it is really a 4 week commitment.
Week 1 - prep (say no to: sugars, caffeine, red meat, wheat, dairy)
Week 2 - liquid fast as described in previous posts (primarily colon cleanse)
Week 3 & 4 - rebuild phase (with GAIA supplements - cleanse colon, lungs, kidneys, liver and blood)
*****
Day 6 & 7 were easy breezy. For the rebuild you can check the book/site "Cooking for Healthy Healing" for menu ideas. Our menu consisted of:
* before breakfast: Take 1 heaping teaspoon of GAIA Rejuve Powder (pysillium husks) in 8-10 oz. of warm water. Shake well and drink quickly before the liquid thickens.
* breakfast with a small cup of plain low fat yogurt and fruit (strawberry, blueberry and banana)
* mid morning: GAIA herbs + organic fruit juice (apple)
* lunch: GAIA herbs + raw veggie salad. A dessert plate of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, green peppers, sprouts, a slice of tomato and a couple of slices of avocado (I love avocado!).
* mid afternoon: GAIA herbs + juice or fruit or veggie snack
* dinner: GAIA + a dessert plate of steam veggies with tofu + sm salad
And it pays off to be good! As part of our detox program, on Day 7, we decided to indulge in 1hr massages at my favorite spa in San Francisco! Mmmm... I am so glad Rich and I are sharing this experience together!
Onto Day 8...
Comments (13)
congrats on a wonderfully successful inward journey :) sounds like a really great experience shared by you and your honey. you both should be really proud! xo,mindy
Posted by wishstudio | May 7, 2007 12:28 PM
Posted on May 7, 2007 12:28
Hurrah! You have done an awesome job. Thank you for your continued updates; this cleanse seems like a very do~able thing.
Have a fabulous week!!
xoxo
Posted by ceanandjen | May 7, 2007 1:09 PM
Posted on May 7, 2007 13:09
Wow! Congrats on getting through the liquid phase. As soon as I leave Arkansas I am going to try this...you have made it seem attainable. Thanks Alex!
Posted by Stacie | May 7, 2007 6:42 PM
Posted on May 7, 2007 18:42
I ordered the book - waiting for it to arrive:)
Posted by maddie | May 9, 2007 5:30 PM
Posted on May 9, 2007 17:30
Oh my gosh, I'm soooo impressed! I would've caved the first morning I passed by a Starbucks! My husband and I were eating organic vegetarian meals for the past two weeks (we broke that record tonight when I made a thai dinner with chicken) and we loved how we felt after eating the vegetarian meals. Good for you for having such patience and willpower!
Posted by susanna | May 10, 2007 6:38 PM
Posted on May 10, 2007 18:38
I'm glad this is working so well for you. You sound rejuvenated.
I've been away on unexpected travel for a few weeks.
Oooh, I'll need to check out that spa link in Frisco. We hope to be going to California in the summer.I'd LOVE to bump into you then!
Posted by GeL (Emerald Eyes) | May 11, 2007 2:45 AM
Posted on May 11, 2007 02:45
Amazing. I could never last that long! So have you noticed any changes yet? Or is too soon to ask? Anyway, g'luck with this.
Posted by [a} | May 11, 2007 11:37 AM
Posted on May 11, 2007 11:37
It all sounds fabulous, Alex! I am so glad it was a success for you!
Posted by Regina Clare Jane | May 11, 2007 2:39 PM
Posted on May 11, 2007 14:39
I am so jealous! Have you noticed a change in your skin.
Posted by Maryam in Marrakesh | May 11, 2007 2:44 PM
Posted on May 11, 2007 14:44
I'm looking for a juicer now...but am still a little worried about this - is there an even 'lighter' version of this cleanse? I've never done anything like this before but would like to get back on the road to good health...
Posted by homeinkabul | May 12, 2007 3:32 PM
Posted on May 12, 2007 15:32
oh, i meant to add - i like your blog.
Posted by homeinkabul | May 12, 2007 3:43 PM
Posted on May 12, 2007 15:43
HI! I’m Adriana, and I’m writing from Croatia, Europe, so my english is not so good, but I’m sure you vould understand what I want to say! ;)
I have question for you!
I would like to go to universety in America after my highschool and my question is; do prosperative and hardworking american studens have stpendium?
please answer me, ‘ cause I realy whant to go to american universety and live there some day! thanks! adriana
Posted by adriana | May 13, 2007 11:19 AM
Posted on May 13, 2007 11:19
I'm so impressed that you're doing well with your fast!
Posted by Paris Parfait | May 17, 2007 2:38 PM
Posted on May 17, 2007 14:38