Cleaning up

[batskeets]

Today is DAY ONE of my anti-inflammatory cleanse. I’ve done a cleanse once before, a little over a year ago, and I have to say, the results were pretty staggering, and in that good way–I had ridiculous amounts of energy and felt generally awesome. Unfortunately, the holidays and the massive lifestyle changes of 2011 beat my good habits into submission, so it’s given way to way too many grab-and-go meals and too many pastries. But, NO LONGER! I’m ready to stop making excuses, and stop feeling like crap.

I kind of hate using the word, “cleanse,” because that makes people assume that I’ll to be living on cayenne pepper and lemon juice for two weeks, and that’s not what it’s about. Spending two weeks starving is the direct opposite of what I’d consider Healthy or Fun. That said, it won’t be easy, either–these are the things that I need to avoid for the next two weeks:

• Soy
• Gluten
• Dairy
• Sugar
• Processed Foods
• Citrus Fruits (except lemon)
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Peanuts
• Corn
• Hydrogenated Oils

…yeah, that’s not a short list. And, in all honesty, I don’t really have sensitivity to a lot of foods--sugar definitely makes me wonky, and I’m considering continuing gluten-free for the rest of the month--so a lot of these things will probably come back into my life post-cleanse. I mean, I like cheese. It doesn’t make me feel crappy. I’m going to keep eating it. But, if I can rein it in with a few of these things, I know I’ll be a lot better off.

Anyhoo, yeah, it’s Day 1, and I kind of feel like crap. I miss my coffee. But, that’s normal, and if my previous cleanse experience was any indication, I’ll feel like kicking the ass of everything in a few days.

Kind of wish I could just fast-forward to that, really.

And on the plus side? I ran THREE WHOLE MILES yesterday. That's the first time I've done that since well before spraining my ankle. My legs work! Woohoo!

Comments

[helloandie.livejournal.com]

my interest is piqued. what WILL you be eating? is there a website with details? recipes? i totally feel like kicking the ass of everything right now and i know i got a little(LOT) lax with my eating habits the past 2 months or so...

[skeets.livejournal.com]

Well, here's the list of stuff that's recommended! Larabars are also okay, in a pinch. :)

Non Gluten Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Quinoa, Oats, Buckwheat, Kasha, Amaranth
Homemade granola with brown rice syrup is acceptable

Produce: Any type of vegetable outside of nightshades are encouraged, especially anything green
Kale, chard, broccoli, mustard greens, bok choy
Zucchini, squash, pumpkin, sweet potato
Cucumbers, asparagus, avocado
Onions, shallots, scallions
Apples, pears, peaches, bananas, berries

Proteins: lean meats and vegetarian proteins are almost all accepted outside of soy and peanuts.
Chicken, turkey, fish, shrimp, scallops, eggs
Lentils, beans, quinoa
Cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans
Nut butters

Healthy Fats: Oils, fish, avocadoes, nuts
Olive oil is never used when cooking, only in dressings and sauces
Walnut oil, coconut oil, sesame seed oil or grapeseed oil to cook with
Any nuts and nut butters outside of peanuts
Flax seeds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
Avocadoes
Fish

Spices and Sauces: Garlic, onion, scallions
Lemon pepper
Salt, used minimally
Raw honey and brown rice syrup can be used in moderation
Cinnamon
Bragg's Amino Acids
Vinegars and oils
Cumin, turmeric, basil, mint, cilantro

Canned exceptions: Canned beans, rinsed and soaked for about 20 minutes
Kombucha
Nut butters
Nut milks and rice milks
Hummus from King Harvest
Aloe Juice that is unsweetened
Coconut water and coconut milk

[helloandie.livejournal.com]

wow, thanks for taking the time to list all of that! grocery shopping tomorrow or thursday so it's good timing to try it! :D

[smartasskicker.livejournal.com]

Fat sale on coconut water at NS right now! FYI!