Cleanse Forever
ARE YOU DONE WITH YOUR CLEANSE YET?
"Are you done with your cleanse yet?" my friend asked me last month. "And can you eat again?" I laughed and said, "This is a forever cleanse! And I'm still eating, just not everything."
I had embarked on my New Year cleanse journey like I do every year, intending to document every step. My usual go-to is an elimination diet, kind of like Dry January, Whole30 and keto, all rolled into one.
This time 90 days for the “ultimate lifestyle transformation”. Each day begins with protein pills followed by a green smoothie packed with superfoods, with simple and wholesome meals and snacks throughout the day. But the elimination part is pretty strict and I don't like rules.
However, I was determined to see it through. With each day, I noticed improvements in how I felt.
Initially, I was doing well, except for the part where I was going to write about it. As I scrolled through social media, I couldn't help but notice friends flaunting incredible before-and-after photos, seemingly with entirely new bodies. Meanwhile, my progress felt minimal, barely registering on the scale. No one cares about a tiny transformation I told myself.
Doubt crept in, and I questioned the effectiveness of my plan. Moments of weakness ensued—I indulged in wine at a birthday party, succumbed to chocolate offered by a friend, and didn't resist the temptation of the bread basket at dinner. It seemed easier to revert to old habits.
That's when my mentor offered a simple yet profound piece of advice: "Don't worry about removing the bad stuff; focus on adding the good stuff." So, I stayed committed to my routine of protein and superfood supplements, shakes, and mostly clean eating.
And guess what? It's paying off. The moments of weakness have become less frequent, and I find myself making better choices every day.
And the miracle is that persistent chronic pain I used to endure 24/7 has subsided significantly, only making occasional appearances (Let's face it...my pain is in direct relation to when I fall off the good food wagon). I still allow myself small indulgences, knowing there might be consequences, but I always return to healthier choices and "the system".
I've come to realize that it's not about all or nothing. This isn't just a "forever cleanse"—it's a forever lifestyle that I have the power to shape according to what works for me.
Here's what I've learned: My transformation goes beyond physical appearances; it's about how I feel on the inside. If there was a before-and-after of my pain scale you would agree that I have cracked the code. After a decade of detoxes, I've gained insights into healthy eating that many people have not.
I'm here to share my knowledge and help others feel better too. It's not as hard as it seems, and you can do it too. Reach out if you're ready to start feeling better too.