Adventures in Cleansing :: Part Deux

And now for Part 2 of my “Adventures in Cleansing” saga.

Thanks to all of you for reaching out to me after last week’s post ~ I love hearing your stories, so please do keep on sharing!

Phase 2 :: CLEANSING DIET

After the 8-days of raw milk, I entered into phase two of the cleanse; eating a modified low-fat diet for the next four weeks.
Before we move on to that, I have one surprising thing to report :: I was sad to leave the milk phase behind.
Say what?!
You’d think that I’d be anxious to eat a meal again. But I wasn’t really all that excited.
It was so easy to not have to plan and prepare meals everyday.
To not have to stand in line at the grocery store.
To not sift through the array of edible choices.
There was something incredibly freeing about having a simple regiment to follow everyday.
In fact, it was awesome.

Ok, back to food.

The modified low-fat diet is designed as a liver and gall bladder cleansing program.
It’s not as harsh as the popular gall bladder “flush” programs out there. But is still detoxifying.

I had to eliminate all dairy products (including butter + eggs). All fats and oils (with the exception of raw, cold pressed olive or flaxseed oil). All fried foods or heated oils. Yeast (so no pastries, cookies, bread, etc.). All alcoholic beverages. Nuts. Seeds. And no sugar.

So what CAN I eat?
Unlimited meat, poultry, fish, beans, gluten-free grains and fruits + veggies (cooked or raw).
And it’s also required that I drink 2 quarts of purified water daily.

Based on the list above, it would seem that I’m not lacking for much on this “cleanse”.
In fact, it’s rather generous.
However, the preparation of the foods is what has made the process a little more challenging, at least for me.

I didn’t realize how many dishes I cook (or that I eat out) are prepared using oil of some kind.
Almost every dish that I’ve ever prepared at home, uses heated oils. I’m conscious of not using the “bad” oils, but we always sauté with extra virgin coconut oil, pastured butter or even olive oil (on low heat of course). I never realized how much I heat oils until I couldn’t any longer.
For a great breakdown on what oils to use when peep this great article via the NY Times.

So, how am I preparing my foods?
Low and behold I’m using the oven again! My favorite methods right now are baking, roasting, poaching and making soups and stews in the crockpot.
Surprisingly it’s rather easy to cook your greens and veggies without heated oil. I put a bit of water in the bottom of the pan and let them steam away.
I do miss butter (who wouldn’t), but I’m committed to this 4-week process (and haven’t strayed once).

What I most looking forward to after this program is completed?
Without question, eating out.

I’ve only been able to eat out at one restaurant so far – Cafe Gratitude – which is vegan and mostly raw.
They are more than willing to accommodate my many dietary restrictions right now, in fact, they don’t even blink twice.
It’s refreshing to actually sit at a table, across from a dinner date, with people all around you and share a meal. I’ve missed that. Through this process I’ve realized how important the community aspect of food is to me. I want to be around other people who are eating, enjoying, socializing. It makes the dining experience so rich.

What I plan to carry forward with me after the cleanse, is cooking the majority of my meals at home – and making eating out a treat. I know this is easier said than done. Both my boyfriend and I work insanely long days and eating out is often the easiest solution at dinner time. But with a bit of planning and a strong commitment to my own health and well-being, it’s definitely possible.

How am I feeling on this restricted diet?
Well as of today (I’m 18 days into the 4-week diet), I feel great!
I like what I’m eating. The planning portion is a little annoying. But after I cook the meals and eat them, I feel great. Full but not heavy. I’m no longer bloated 24/7. And my digestion is definitely on the mend.
I’ve lost about 10 lbs since starting this journey. Though losing weight was never my goal, I must say that fitting into my Rag & Bone jeans again is definitely a perk!

The biggest change? I don’t have cravings anymore.
I still have lustful moments of wanting to eat at my favorite restaurants. And certain dishes sound mouth-watering good. But I don’t CRAVE them.
This was a big issue for me before the cleanse. Especially with sweets. And potato chips. And pasta. And ice cream.

I have recognized over the last month that most of these cravings are emotional ones.
For my whole life, food has been my go-to when I’m feeling down, depressed or less than stellar. Somehow, by doing this cleanse, I’ve become more aware.
I no longer crave stuffing my feelings down with a bag of Spicy Thai Kettle chips (even though they are damn good).
I’m taking better care of myself. Sleeping longer. Trying to stay positive, present and focused. And celebrating my wins each day.

The only area that I know still needs to be finessed right now, is exercising + doing some kind of meditation regularly.
These two things alone would take this cleanse to the next level. But just like everyone, I’m a work-in-progress.

“If you pay attention to when you are hungry, what your body wants, what you are eating, when you’ve had enough, you end the obsession because obsession and awareness cannot coexist.”
~Geneen Roth from Women Food and God

I’ll report back in a few weeks, once I’m finished with all of this and let you know some concrete results that I experienced. In the meantime, I hope this story has inspired you to examine your own health, and also your emotional wellness.

It’s the perfect time of year to evaluate your life, your health and your dreams.
What do you want for 2013?
How can you start taking small steps towards better health? I’d love to hear your plans!

xo

P.S.
Did you hear?
I’ve got a brand-spankin’ new site launching in a few weeks. I’ll be moving all of my consulting + coaching work over to that site.
If you’re a filmmaker, musician or creative-minded entrepreneur and want to get the scoop on making $$$ doing what you LOVE, then be sure to get signed up on my NEW mailing list to be the first to see my 2nd home (and get a few FREE goodies to boot)! Click here!

Tagged as: health, Los Angeles, personal growth, wellness