When I tell people I'm on a detox I get all sorts of funny looks.
I'm realizing the words "cleanse" and "detox" come with lots of pre-conceived notions and sometimes fear and disgust - or at least the phrase "wow - I could never do that!"
Except you could.
And I am not currently surviving on limited calories and liquid.
Therefore, based on conversations I've had and questions I've been asked here are a few misconceptions about what I'm doing for the next 15 days.
Disclaimer: I am NOT a health professional, there are lots of different varieties of detoxes and cleanses and I encourage you to research and talk to your health care professional if you have questions...the answers below are based on my experience and the detox I am following through my naturopath!
Misconception 1: You will not be able to stray too far from a bathroom for the next 15 days...
I have never experienced this while on the detox. However, I can sympathize with the fear because I know that feeling...that feeling that creeps up and then demands NOW or FIVE MINUTES AGO and you lose all color in your face and your heart races because you are just not sure how you are going to survive this and haven't mastered denying the law of physics. Yeah I've had that after a big ol' loaded hotdog or indulging in cheese enchiladas and refried beans and rice at that questionable, but loved Mexican restaurant down the street.
As for fruits and veggies? They kind of help you out.
Misconception 2: I don't want to always be hungry!
Good! Me neither!
My naturopath said: "If you are hungry: EAT! Just choose options on the "Go To" list and not the "Leave" list - so far my snacks have consisted of a raw nut mix with dried mangos-no sulphurs or added sugars- & raisins. Dried mango. Fresh mango (I really love mango...but go easy or see misconception #1). Apple with unsalted almond butter. Misc fresh fruit / veggies. And on the list that are a few favorites when I'm craving salty: kale chips (easy on the sea salt) and sweet potato fries (drizzle a little bit of olive oil, a few sprinkles of sea salt and bake!) The particular protein powder we're using has 32 grams of protein per serving, plus I am full with fruits and veggies and in the last two days I've actually grabbed a bit too much for lunch / dinner as I am full before the plate is licked clean. I even skipped dessert last night (medjool dates...yummmm!) and I love those, but I was too full to think about eating more!
Misconception 3: I don't have the discipline to do that.
Sure you do! But, it helps to know exactly what you're getting into and have a solid reason why.
What it does require is planning ahead and a bit of time. Work gets busy, week nights slip away before you blink and weekends are full of everything else that couldn't get stuffed into Monday thru Friday and the only way the detox is going to be beneficial to you is if you allow enough planning and time to follow it reasonably well (hey, we all need some grace!) And the detox is not meant to last for ever, it's not sustainable or healthy - but 15 days? You can do it. But this involves planning meals a week in advance, shopping for said meals a week in advance, cooking it up in a big batch, setting out breakfast and lunch and having snacks on hand. Or, when all else fails head to the PCC deli - they've got lots of goodies that will fit the bill. Does this mean it comes easy? No - you have to work at it so you do have to be motivated, but don't discount your focus and determination: it's in there!
Misconception 4: Detox/cleanse is only to lose weight.
There are some that are probably designed or marketed for this purpose, but not this one. This one is to do as it says - help remove toxins from your body! Give yourself a fresh start and create some new habits that give your liver a break. That being said, some do lose weight and there are a few things to tweak if you want to add that to the experience...but that is not my goal.
So why am I doing this (for the third year in a row)?
Because it feels a bit like spring cleaning. Emerging from the fog of winter - dusting the cobwebs and clearing out space with the spring sunshine in anticipation of warm summer days. In the winter I tend to slump into a few habits that don't treat my body as kindly. The convenience of boiling pasta, toasting frozen waffles and microwaved instant food just doesn't give me the energy or make me feel the same. Remembering to slow down again and prepare and enjoy food and use it as fuel, not an anvil you drag around behind you. And hopefully a few of those healthy habits to rub off and stick around until Thanksgiving and the holidays hit again :) And
these reasons too.
