Retoxification after the detox

Some have asked about a follow up to the detox diet I did for two weeks. I should clarify that it was an elimination diet primarily, so you could eat more than some detox diets that consist of water, fiber, fruit, etc, but detox was definitely a part of it. You can find it here:

http://www.womentowomen.com/detoxification/detoxdiet.aspx

Now, believe what you may, detox diets are controversial in that some think they are the answer to everything (curing chronic disease, easing menopause) and some think they are actually unhealthy or at least unnecessary. As with many things I'm somewhere in the middle, but my overall opinion is, if you are generally healthy and it isn't too extreme, it can't hurt and you do learn something about yourself you might not otherwise...here's my thoughts post-detox diet.

Pros

Pros for me have more to do with the psychology of eating and my awareness of how food affects my body. It is a lesson in "food as fuel vs. food as enjoyment."

I found that refined sugar actually makes me nauseous most of the time but I tend to eat it because, well, its sugar and its in many things I enjoy. But without it I feel pretty damn good once I get over the cravings the first week. I learned I enjoy a few low glycemic sweeteners like NuStevia for smoothies and in tea with rice or soy milk. I also managed to substitute and feel as though I was getting sweetness in my day without ever getting a sugar high (and subsequent low) with Brown Rice Syrup, Blackstrap Molasses, and Agave Nectar. I decided, if i had to, I could totally live with just those indefinitely. I even made cookies that don't give you a sugar high (and were extremely filling after just one with all the oatmeal and whole wheat flour). The problem is, I dont have to live with those drastic changes, and so my motivation to be ultra strict with it comes and goes. I think over a lifetime those little changes here and there, even if not strictly followed, make a difference. And I'm here for life with my health so I try to never get into the trap of beating myself up for one unhealthy thing or another, I know overall I would rather be inconsistent than have a perpetual bad habit. At least I'm inconsistent with bad habits too:) OK I'm digressing. Next pro...

Of course with a less exciting diet and all that goes with detox you do consume less calories and take in more fluids which makes you less bloated. Any girl knows that's always a plus. But that's temporary.

Also having to be more mindful about preparing food and all that makes more conscious in general of eating, eating patterns, and our body's hunger cycles. Like Paul McKenna says, "eat consciously."

My skin did clear up which is a pro, but it got worse first. Just fyi.

You get to learn about new foods. I learned how to make a tofu cream sauce (after I could add tofy back in again) that was pretty decent and I learned about nutritional yeast and used it in a few dishes. I also now know that some of the sweeteners are just as good as Splenda but natural, so it will be an easy switch from now on. Also, I found I think I actually like Almond Butter (ingredients: almonds and salt) better than Peanut Butter (with preservatives, sugar, etc), and I used to be a Peanut Butter fiend! Knowledge is usually always good.

I think with any ritual, and this would qualify as a ritual in my mind, it signifies *something* (insert what you want) and that can be powerful. Whether you want to signify a new beginning, or moving on from something in your past, a health overhaul can be instrumental.

Last but not least! My PMS was virtually nonexistent. The second week of the detox I should have been in full force, esp bloating, headach, tender muscles, neck tension, and mood changes. Yeah those are typically normal for me and I had very little if any at all. Interesting...

Cons

Expensive! PCC loves me, though!

Limited nutritional value over the long run. Of course when on such a strict diet you miss out on trace this and vitamin that like you get when eating a well rounded diet. I would definitely burn out on it in the long term although some with food allergies stay on it indefinitely. I have a lot of respect for them. But I would miss cheese.

You can't eat out. At all. I tried.

So much fiber! Need I say more.

The best part of it all is, of course, the first day back to normal when you can have what you want. Its like when Scrooge woke up on Christmas Day; you wanna throw open the curtains and....pop open a Guiness with your pizza.

Well that's it. Next topic under health is my pilates teacher certification which is in full force. Til next time!

Live well,

B