Hello Everyone! I hope you are all taking care of yourselves. Last week, Many of us were thrown for a loop when the dust finally settled from the election and stress levels were high. It’s important that we all take care of ourselves regardless. I thought I might start a weekly series that features some of the many things I have learned with regard to greater wellness. My hope is that my journey might invite you in big or small ways to embrace some new changes to your nutritional habits and well being.
I am currently in the final week of the 21-day Clean Gut Cleanse. For those who are new to my blog, back in May of 2015 I embarked on my first cleanse. I was actually one of those people that wrinkled up her nose when I read or heard about a cleanse. I would say,”All I need to do is eat in moderation and all will be fine” and then I would drop the subject. For a year, prior to that first cleanse, I had already incorporated daily smoothies in my routine. I think that was what really opened me up to the possibilities of a cleanse and prepared me for the opportunity.
One day, I was on my Overdrive app on my Kindle and I came across the audio book called Clean Gut by Dr. Junger called and I checked it out and while I worked in my garden, cleaned in the house, and folded laundry, I listened to his story and gradually began to open to his philosophies. I made the decision that I wanted to try a cleanse to see what effects it would have on my life and I went for it. You can read about the basics and the start of that journey here.
So since that time, I decided that I would do this cleanse every 6 months. This will be my fourth time. I like to do it this time of year right before the holidays and our cold winter when I tend to dive into comfort foods. Then the next time will be in May before summer hits and I have to trade my oh so comfy sweaters for shorts and bathing suits. Although the primary reason that I do this cleanse is to allow my body to have time to truly care for itself and to identify what are my trigger foods, I do always lose weight because I can’t eat the offenders I love like dark chocolate, chai, chips, and alcohol among other things.
This time around, I had a bumpy start due to traveling the weekend before the cleanse began and not shopping ahead of time for week one. But week two went great. The food as you can see is quite yummy.
Whether you ever decide to do a cleanse for 7-days or 21 days like I do, please take time to look at what you put into your body. Because our bodies are constantly bombarded with all the external toxins in the air, lotion and perfume we put on our skin and the food we ingest into our bodies. The magic that our bodies perform to keep us well can only last for so long and then things start to go bad in your body and illness begins. So even incorporating a clean recipe into your weekly rotation and taking more precautions will lead to a healthier life.
Once I complete the program and go through the re-introduction program, I find I am more mindful of what enters my body. That is not to say that I won’t have my Chai or other items, but that I will slow down and listen more to my body. That I will question the ingredients in my food. That I will take time to incorporate more variety in my choice of vegetables that I eat more regularly.
Dr. Junger also has another cleanse called, The 21-day Clean Cleanse and I have done that one as well. But due to my reaction to some of the restrictions, I prefer the Clean Gut Cleanse. He also has a fantastic cookbook Clean Eats that helps with finding clean recipes that meet both cleanse requirements.
You can also search Pinterest for great Clean snack and meal ideas so don’t hesitate to see what you’re missing.
Have a blessed day my friend!
Belinda
Well I have gone and done it again. Went MIA on my Happy Monday Musings. I had every intention of sitting down and writing a post on Monday but it was Halloween and I started day one of the 21-day Clean Gut Cleanse (later on that). I went away for the weekend to Newport Rhode Island with my family and neglected to shop prior to Monday for the cleanse. So grocery shopping and preparing for Halloween to the front stage. But let me slow down and catch you up before another Monday sneaks up on me.
First, we took the boys and my in-laws to Newport Rhode Island for a weekend getaway. I had visited a few years ago for a sister’s weekend with my sister Bernadette ansd boy did we have fun. But aside from me it was everyone else’s first visit. Saturday was a bit windy and cool so I had planned an indoor activity to keep things moving. I found a glass blowing place that teaches you how to blow glass and we made our own ornaments.
We all weren’t sure what to expect but was so pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was. Being a crafter, I knew this would be something we would all remember and have something amazing to look at and remind of our special time.
The guy that taught our lesson was really fun and relaxed so that helped set everyone at ease.
We drove around to peek at the mansions (we are saving them for another visit) and then rode along Ocean Drive to “oh and ah” over the amazing views and the enormous homes. We had lunch at Panera because it’s Apollo’s favorite. Then I even researched and found a local comic book store to take Nick to see. He was quite pleased. Then we checked into The Marriott and it didn’t disappoint with the ocean view, modern furnishings and amazing balconies. The boys love staying in hotels so that in itself is always a treat.
I don’t know about you, but I am ready for the weekend! I will do better next week. I’m still reading like crazy and need to put up a review.
Uh oh…I apologize for the email spam yesterday for those who subscribe. I was shutting down my computer yesterday and accidentally posted the rough draft of this post. I quickly pulled it before it went live but unfortunately, I can’t stop the email once they are sent.
