*After The Cleanse* [Archive] - The Master Cleanse / Raw Food Bulletin Board

Res

May 25th, 2006, 11:16 PM

Hi Anne!

I'm doing really well. I'm glad you're here and that you're enjoying "food" again. Yes!! :)

Well, I made my first "Green Smoothie" and I must say, as I'm uh, sipping, chewing whatevering it - it's VERY interesting. AND I'm not sure how I feel about it yet.

At first it wasn't working in my blender. I used 2 pretty big leaves of kale, 1/2 a mango and 1/2 a banana. I think kale was a bad idea to start out with although I love eating it. It's quite a strong flavor.

When they say "Green" smoothie they mean GREEN smoothie. This thing is toxic green and scaring me! :o I'm sure experimenting with the different fruits and veggies will render something a little less...uh, thick and - the truth is, I'm forcing myself to drink\eat\swallow it because well, it's good for me. ::) It's a bit "foamy" and that's really bugging me.

Sorry, I'm drinking while typing and it's getting worse and WORSE! BLECH!!! I think I'm done...

You guys want to keep the weight off? Follow my recipe above and drink this for dinner every day. You'll definitely lose weight cause you won't want to go near the stuff!

Ew....has anyone ever driven by a hay\alfalfa field? Well this tastes like that smells. EXCEPT I like the way the field smell!!! Yuk, I hope this doesn't come back up. Seeing it once is enough! Oh geez, when I breathe out my breath smells like I just ate grass, and that would be OK except for the TASTE! Well that's it for me for the night! Oh crap I just burped. YUCKKKKKKKKK!

Sorry, talk about an idiot... ;D

Well that was fun....gonna pour the rest of it in the garden.

I hope everyone is doing well tonight. You guys are all Champs! :)

Love you,
~Res

Willing to work for decent green smoothie recipes

LadySue

May 26th, 2006, 09:56 AM

A really watered-down OJ worked ok yesterday and I picked up other fruits and veggies on my way home. Res, I will try your kale recipe today. I think rather than eat/drink soup, I would prefer veggie juices maybe watered-down at first. After the initial OJ yesterday morning that upset my stomach, I watered it down and was quite fine the rest of the day.

Sadly, I am off to a funeral this morning for my 91-year old grandmother who passed away on Tuesday, so I won't be back again today.

I wish you all a great day and a great start to your holiday weekend....

Sue

Res

May 26th, 2006, 12:17 PM

Sue: I'm sorry about your Grandmother. *hug* My thoughts are with you today.

DON'T - TRY - THE - KALE - RECIPE!

I happen to like you. Now if I didn't it might be a different story. ;)

Love,
~Res

lcgrey

May 26th, 2006, 01:21 PM

Hello fellow eaters :D

I woke up this morning feeling like I might be getting sick...I hate that feeling. So it's gypsy cold care tea for me, with my oj. I've got a crazy weekend coming up.

Seattle Folklife Festival!!!!!!! YEAH! My kids LOVE folklife. We generally have a blast people-watching and music-listening and food-ea...hmm, that won't happen on Saturday will it? That's my soup day...waah. :(

We have a local street festival on Sunday and I've got a booth to set up and run. And then Monday is back to folklife to catch our all time favorite marimba band, Anzanga!

Sue, I'm sorry for your loss...were you close to your grandma?

Laurie

Res

May 26th, 2006, 02:08 PM

Green Smoothie Take II

Now, this is a bit more like it. New recipe yielded something that tastes MUCH better but still has that weird frothy attitude. Perhaps if I let it sit for a bit?

I have tons of Swiss Chard growing in my planter box so I grabbed two huge leaves and used a whole mango and it actually tastes pretty good. The texture however is going to take to a while to get used to - or not.

Anyway, I hope everyone is doing well now that we've headed into the Foodie Zone. :)

Check in!

~Res

queensharon

May 26th, 2006, 02:52 PM

Hi All! I went 9 days on the cleanse and chose yesterday to come off today, so I can be ready for real food this weekend when my folks are here from Arkansas.

I lost 12 pounds on the cleanse and really enjoyed it. I want to start back on June 1st for another 10-dayer.

The orange juice is delicious, but also not satisfying, as someone said, so I'm going to drink some lemonade for sure. I have some veggies to steam and I'm going to add in some baked chicken too tomorrow. I know raw is great, and I've been reading her books, but my body just isn't ready for that yet.

I've done tons of recreational drugs over the years, and prescription drugs and bad foods, etc. etc. etc., I need to keep doing cleanses to get my body back in some kind of decent shape before I go too crazy with trying to change my diet, though I AM off of Diet Soda now, for good! (please God ha). I've been an addict of this, and this 9-day cleanse I feel I might have finally kicked it. I know I'll miss that carbonation now and then, but I really want to keep those chemicals out of me. Baby steps :D

I also have this drink called Super Greens that is a powder form of a bunch of grasses and herbs and such, that you mix with water. Wouldn't that be about like the green drink they talk about? It's touted as a health drink, and though it might not be as good as the "fresh" stuff, I think I"ll start drinking some of that each day again too, which will be another way of getting in more water too. I also have the probiotics, but I can't find the box! haha (we moved recently, and I bought them before we moved), but I want to add those in too.

Is anyone going to do a liver cleanse.. you know, with the apple juice, the virgin olive oil and grapefruit juice? I really want to do one of those, but am not sure when I'll be able to devote a day to that.. maybe when I finish the next cleanse.. Have a good day all :D

Mary_J.

May 26th, 2006, 03:05 PM

QueenSharon: Please tell me where I can find this liver cleanse you talk about. I want to do it. Is it on the site somewhere? Thanks honey.

Mar.

queensharon

May 26th, 2006, 03:23 PM

Hey mary! Sure, here is the one I'm going to use:

Several conditions such as: insomnia, allergies, heavy periods, poor night vision, abdominal, side and pain between the shoulder blades, and gallstones have been linked to impurities in the liver or gallbladder.

ONE DAY LIVER AND GALLBLADDER FLUSH
FOR 1 DAY Only
Printable Version (by permission only)
No eating or drinking all day EXCEPT:

Drink one gallon of apple juice.

1/2 hour before going to bed..

Drink 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice.
Then 1/2 cup cold pressed olive oil (also called extra virgin, double virgin or 1st pressed olive oil).
Lay on right side with hip elevated (use pillow).

IMPORTANT !!!!!!!!!
Next 2 days make sure bowel moves at least 3 times a day. (If you don't your body might absorb the chemicals flushed out of the liver which is highly concentrated and it can make you very sick.)

Check with a competent Health Practitioner when trying to decide if this is for you.

THEORY OF HOW IT WORKS
The apple juice acts as a pre-soak loosening foreign substances in the gall bladder and the liver.

The lemon juice will help shrink stones and acts as an astringent.

Laying on your right side tilts the liver and gallbladder emptying them.

The heaviness of the cold pressed olive oil when back washing through the liver and gallbladder washes any loosened foreign matter, emptying it into the stomach to be vomited or into the bowel, which then gets passed with feces.

CAUTION!!!!!!!!
The liver/gallbladder flush should not be done during gallbladder flair up or if the liver is weakened or disease. It also should not be done if you are pregnant diabetic, hypoglycemic, or physically weak.

A possible preparation to the flush could be HYDRANGEA for gallstone softening. It might be advisable to build or nutritionally support the liver beforehand. I would suggest BLG-X and LIV-A.

Some people take Slippery Elm before the flush to help settle the stomach.

Res

May 27th, 2006, 01:00 PM

If anyone is having issues with "eliminating", may I suggest a Green Smoothie... Just make one that doesn't taste like hay and you'll be happy you did, uh, once you get past the texture.... gag ::)

See ya all soon!

Cheers!

Guest

May 28th, 2006, 09:47 PM

hey gang,

it's moi! today is my 10th day and soooooooooo proud of myself. go, me.
i NEVER thought i could do this, and there are definitely some seismic changes that have occurred in the process.

i'm not going to go raw all at once, but i'm headed in that direction. for the next little while, i'm going to start by making some basic changes - many of which are big for me. ixnae on the diet coke. i'm finished with caffeinated coffee. i'm going to replace mile with soy milk. and i'm going to cut most of the meat and bread out of my diet altogether.

i'm also considering continuing to use the lemonade as a meal replacement for two meals a day, plus a light supper, though that makes me a little confused about how to come *off* the cleanse? hmm.

right now i'm headed out to whole foods to pick up my oranges and soup ingredients for tomorrow! i'm looking forward to eating, but i feel so go - i'll definitely do another cleanse this summer. at the moment the scale says i've lost nearly 20 pounds in 10 3/4 days on the cleanse (woulda been 11 were it not for my binge!). i'm PSYCHED about that and finally think i may have found something that's going to help me kick my weight issues for good!

as for that green hay smoothie res has been talking about, not sure if i'm ready for THAT! maybe i should add a little cayenne pepper and get an air sickness bag before i try it? yeah, that's the ticket...

will ;)

LadySue

May 28th, 2006, 10:26 PM

Hi everyone...

I've been gone a couple of days and have to say that my eating habits are...ahem....not so great...BUT... tomorrow I start the MC again for another 10 days, so I guess I can't come back here until after then.

Will, congratulations on completing your first MC! I am also totally off of caffeine and don't even miss it.

Thank you all for your sympathies. I sorta inherited my grandmother 10 years ago when my father died, so I have been responsible for her care. And even though she lived in a nursing home, now that I no longer have to manage her care, I actually feel quite lost.

Anyway...enough about that. Res, I've been looking at your recipes. There are quite a few I would like to try after this MC.

Good luck to everyone... and I'll see you in 10 days.

Sue

Guest

May 29th, 2006, 05:02 PM

well gang, since i'm going to keep doing a variation of the MC for the next month or so and see how i feel, i came *off* of it a little faster than is recommended. i did the OJ yesterday afternoon and all the way till today at lunch, and then i had a few small bites of homemade vegetable soup that more or less follows Burroughs' recipe. I also cooked some organic lima beands and threw them in - man, is it nice to CHEW something.

HOWEVER, i am committed to no coffee or diet coke. i already switched (back) to soy milk. and i'm going to try and eliminate bread from my diet, too. it's a journey for me, and i can't go vegan or raw all at once, but i'm definitely headed that way. and yesterday, while i was shopping at whole foods, i had such a sense of peace and control - very different for me - it was really cool.

quick question: does anyone know of some good cookbooks for vegetarian cooking for families and kids? others?

keep on rockin' in a free world,
will

lynee

May 29th, 2006, 11:53 PM

I have just completed 19 days of MC. I wanted to go to 21 but have been obsessed totally by all of this and the juice is now tasting a bit bad to me! This is my first time in both posting here and doing this.....I went to Trader Joe's and bought all kinds of fruits and veggies (to make soup mostly) I don't have a juicer but bought their OJ (which is delicious) and a lot of green juices and carrot juice.
I hope this transition is a good one......
The MC went really well.......I was shocked......everyone else is too for that matter. I took a whole lot of flack for this one!
Oh well get over it people!
I haven't felt this good in I don't know how long

Res

May 30th, 2006, 12:59 PM

Ooooooookkkkkkkkkkkay. So, we're not going to discuss the weekend. ;)

Back to reality... Oh! I almost married a mango on Saturday. Oooh, the flavor. It was amazing. :o

How's everyone doing? Anyone have a Fantastic Green Smoothie Recipe to share with all of us? ::)

Love & Smooches,
~Res

OffBase

May 30th, 2006, 03:07 PM

The weekend was a nightmare for me. :( I gained 8 pounds in one day. I am not sure how that is even possible, and yet I achieved it.

I had ended my cleanse on Wed and done juice/vegies until Saturday. On Saturday, I had a bit of soup/salad. Sunday morning, I felt great and weighed just 1 pound more than on Wednesday. Sunday afternoon, I went to a BBQ and ate 'normally' (though still mostly vegetables, some tempeh, fruit, etc.) Monday morning, I weighed 8 pounds more than Sunday morning.

I'm just bewildered. :(

Res

May 30th, 2006, 03:49 PM

I'm almost inclined to believe it's the food making it's way through your intestines but not out of your system yet.

Do your clothes basically fit the same?

OffBase

May 30th, 2006, 04:16 PM

But, but... I didn't eat 8 pounds worth of food on Sunday! :( Though I did drink lots of fluids. But, and, uh, uh... stuff's definitely already come out.

Clothes: not fitting so well in the ass/waist. LOTS of bloat/gas. :(

Wah! What is WRONG with me! :(

Guest

May 30th, 2006, 04:27 PM

Offbase - I FEEL your pain. I'm not going through that presently, but I've been there.

I came off a 10 1/2 day MC (my first!) more less as recommended in the book. I accelerated just a bit, but my body was fine. HOWEVER, I've already started to make some changes in my diet and feel pretty good. No caffeine, milk, bread, snacking between meals, etc.

What I'm a bit concerned about is this: after I started eating soup, salad and vegetables I have continued to have MANY bowel movements. It's as if a lot of stuff is still moving through me. In the last 18 hours I've probably gone to the bathroom five or six times and am getting rid of a lot of solid stuff. Is this common AFTER a cleanse. It seems as if my system is still cleansing itself of a lot of guk - moreso than when I was on the cleanse. Sooooo, I'm just wondering if anyone else has had or is having that experience?

Res

May 30th, 2006, 05:44 PM

Offbase Buddy: I'm not sure what's up with that. Perhaps you should email Peter. I wish I knew. Keep an eye on things this week and then weigh in again on Friday. What's your current plan for eating?

Will Each cleanse is different for me, but I went through what you're going through 2 cleanses ago. It can't be a bad thing if you think about it. I felt fine, just got tired of the frequent bathroom visits. It balances out though.

Are you doing what you though you would? Drinking 2 meals and eating for one?

Guest

May 30th, 2006, 06:05 PM

hi res,

it's just amazing how much yukky guk is still coming out of me. but it's substantial - more than the lemon-y water we all poop out during the cleanse. and you're right - i'm tired of going to the bathroom (and a little sore!), but it feels good.

today is my first day of experimenting with using the lemonade as a meal replacement for two meals of the day. I am allowing myself to have a bit of decaf coffee and fruit as needed, however. But to make sure I'm not inadvertently eating more than I should in terms of calories, I worked out the actual points total of a glass of lemonade using the Weight Watchers model.

I was doing WW before the cleanse, so until this becomes natural I am writing down everything I eat to make sure i'm well within their daily point recommendations for my weight (which I suspect are far too high due to current thinking about the SAD).

If I can just find a formula that helps me maintain...or maybe even shave a bit of weight off for the next month, until I do another MC, I'll be happy. It's a work in progress - I'll keep you posted.

Skipping off to the loo again...

will

p.s. HOW do you add smileys on this thing?!!

Guest

May 30th, 2006, 06:08 PM

RES - forgot to ask you tell me more about your experience when you had the same frequent trips to the b'room. how long did that continue? do you think that was plaque and other junk that had been loosened during the cleanse process and needed to be flushed out? Any thoughts will be appreciated, as I'm going to the market later and am trying to figure out how much toilet paper I should buy. Hell, maybe I'll just pick up a case...

will :)

Res

May 30th, 2006, 07:14 PM

LOL, yeah not a bad idea to invest in TP. :)

The frequent trips lasted about 2 days. It's kind of great that you're still going because you're doing a Roto-Rooter to your body and getting all the junk out! Better out than in. ;)

If you continue to eat right, you're body will work better than it has in a long time. Remember this, there are YEARS worth of feces impacted on the colon wall. It takes years to build up and a long time to get it off. It comes off in layers. The LAX tea softens the stuff up and the SWF rinses it off. It went on in layers - it comes off in layers. It could take several cleanses to do this.

You're doing great. :) Keep checking in with updates.

~Res

OffBase

May 30th, 2006, 07:23 PM

will_power: Do you have Costco or Sam's Club where you live? You could get toilet paper by the flat... 48 rolls at a time. ;) You'd think that would last a while... but while on the cleanse, I don't know! :P

Res: I'm going to take Burroughs' advice and do a few more cleanse days. I think that a lot of this is gas/bloat - right now I have a 'beer belly!' It's crazy!
If that helps over the next few days, I'm just going to take it really easy with nothing but raw/juice, and write down everything I'm eating to see if the bloat happens again. :(

Res

May 30th, 2006, 09:06 PM

Offbase: I like the direction you're going. :) I'd also like you to keep me posted. I'm interested to see if being back on for a few days helps.

I have to develop my own plan. If left to myself I'll veer off and just flail around food-wise. I really like Fit for Life but my book is in pieces from using it so much years ago. So, I'm going to pick up another one. I like the menu and the way I feel eating that way. It takes the guess work out of it as well.

What I Originally planned was eating really light during the week and being good. Then on the weekends leave myself open to eating things I normally wouldn't just for the freedom aspect of it. But I'm more prone to needing a plan so that's what I'm going to do. One of the Fit For Life recipes is for a "Red Pepper Sandwich". It's so good!

*You roast the red peppers under the broiler and then peel them. Then you lightly toast 2 pieces of whole grain bread (like Ezekiel bread). Then slather on Hollywood mayonaise, add the red pepper, tomato, cucumber salt & pepper and sprouts or lettuce (you can even grill a few rounds of eggplant and add that. I've done it. It's a totally satisfying meal).

Fit For Life kicks a....butt and you really don't feel like you're missing out on anything. The food is quite satisfying. Mainly they tell you to make sure that 70% of what's on your plate is raw. EVERYONE is convinced that their way is the best way to eat, live etc. I take what I think is the best for me and incorporate it accordingly. Somehow I do have the lose the bag of Cheetos though. ;)

~Res

Res

May 30th, 2006, 09:08 PM

For Will: ;)

http://www.parastarmedical.com/images/products/toilet-paper.jpg

Res

May 30th, 2006, 10:58 PM

If you want to read about a bunch of amazing people just like you, check out this thread, "GOING 40 DAYS-ANYONE CARE TO JOIN ME?". Killer.... I wish I had more weight to lose just to join up with them! Sounds weird I know. ;D

So, foodie-wise, how's everyone doing? Did we lose a few of you? Check in! :)

Love,
~Res

Res

May 31st, 2006, 11:28 AM

Mornin! ;D

Another day with a WHOLE bunch of choices before us. ;) How's everyone doing?

Fit for life has this amazing "shepherds pie" recipe that omits the meat (although I do eat meat) but it's fantastic with the Mushroom gravy. When I get home I'll post it. I'll also post the Teriyaki Broccoli recipe that my sons used to devour. Oh, oh and the homemade crouton and Cesar salad recipe. Oh, oh and .... ;)

Have a great day everyone!

Love,
~Res

MSamm

May 31st, 2006, 05:26 PM

I am having some issues with stomach gas after breaking the cleanse on Sunday.

I am juicing in the morning- carrot, apple, wheat germ and a splash of soy milk. Then for lunch I am having dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, raw cashews, dried apricots and maybe some raisins.

This is day two that I have experienced gas all afternoon after eating the lunch especially.

What is causing the gas? I feel that everything I am eating is easily digestible. I am confused!!! and uncomfortable!!!

Res

May 31st, 2006, 05:51 PM

Apricots is ringing a bell for me. Even unsulphered causes horrid gas....I'd cut out the apricots, raisins, wheat germ and maybe the cashews for a day and see if that changes things.

Try eating salads or even lightly cooked veggies for a few days. I hate to say all that to you but even the soy milk at this time would take a lot to digest. The key is to E A S E back into eating to minimize the feeling of being uncomfortable. :)

Hope that helps!

Love,
~Res

Guest

June 1st, 2006, 01:43 AM

LAUGHING MY *SS OFF OVER THAT TOILET PAPER VISUAL. THANKS FOR THAT!

So far, the first week off the cleanse has been good. I've been totally comfortable with no caffeine, regular milk, splenda, bread of meat. We've got a great raw food restaurant in our neighborhood - went there today for a salad with flax crackers on the side. Yummy.

I'm basically doing lemonade for two meals a day, and a light supper. I supplement that with water, decaf coffee and a piece of fruit here and there if I need a snack. Are you guys getting tired of me saying this? I know I sound like a broken record, but it takes REPETITION to develop new habits!

We're going to Kauai on Friday and I plan to do the same over there. Then, after I get back, I'm contemplating a 15 day MC sometime in July.

Have those of you that recently came off the MC been able to keep your weight more or less about the same?

will ;)

Res

June 1st, 2006, 12:48 PM

Will: No one will tire of your story. It's what helps and feeds the rest of us. :) Sounds like you're doing great!

*If* we continue to eat correctly *after* the cleanse, the weight will stay off and you may even lose more weight. If we go back to the same way of eating the weight will come back. Makes sense doesn't it? I fluctuate by about 4 or 5 lbs. And I fall back into eating things I shouldn't....but I'll pull myself out of it once it's run it's course. I'm still learning. :)

~Res

anne33

June 1st, 2006, 08:15 PM

Hi everyone,

I haven't posted in awhile...been busy at work and went out of town for the long weekend. Well, I haven't been doing so great with my eating habits. I am hoping to do another MC in a week or two. I've gained about 5 pounds back and I want to lose it before I go on a trip at the end of the month. How is everyone doing?

Anne

Res

June 1st, 2006, 09:20 PM

Hi Anne:

Welcome to, "How to learn to eat right consistently 101" and "Who can I pay to do this for me?". *We're in class right now learning how to do this. I don't believe I know ANYONE who has it downpat, except for maybe Peter, but I don't really know him. *;) *nyuk, nyuk

I think I have to admit that I *love* being on the cleanse because it's basically "mindless". *Once you get into the routine you're just "there" and there's where you exist for 10 days or more and you don't have to stress over WHAT to eat. *So, you just follow the rules and lose a ton of weight and feel good, bad, good, bad, bad, good, good, good. *::) *THE HARD PART IS EATING AGAIN...geez.

I'm hoping THIS thread can produce some REAL answers and successes for "inbetween" the cleanses because I'd rather be doing the cleanse than figuring out what to eat. *:(

My plan is to do Fit For Life by picking out food days that I like and are easy and mixing em up. *OR - it might be fun to do Fit for Life with others here.

What's your plan? *:)

~Res

Guest

June 2nd, 2006, 05:55 AM

Hi everyone,

So I've got a progress report to share. Since finishing the cleanse on Monday, I've been using the lemonade for a replacement, two meals a day.

Well, like Anne...and so many of you...I'm nervous about gaining weight in-between cleanses. So, I've gone right back to tracking everything in my Weight Watchers food diary - just like I was doing before the cleanse. The only difference is, I'm only eating one meal a day, plus healthy snacks like decaf coffee and soy, fruit, water, etc.

Well, I went to Weight Watchers again today to see where I am, cuz I'm really watching this closely, and I've lost another three pounds! This is thrilling to me. Because, if I can find a way to simply maintain my weight...or even shave a bit off between cleanses...then I'm confident I can keep working my way toward a normal weight by doing 10-to-15 cleanses every month or two.

I'll keep tracking it and let you know how I'm going. Tomorrow starts the real test - we're going to Kauai for 9 days. But I'm dedicated, and so far I have not been missing the crap I cut out of my diet -- dairy, meat, soda and semen.

Okay, I was just kidding about the semen thing. Those of you who have read the sex thread will laugh at that. The rest of you probably think I'm a freak, but c'mon -- lighten up!!!

Will ;)

Res

June 2nd, 2006, 01:30 PM

OMGosh, you found and read the sex thread? I thought that thing was laid to rest! Yikes! :o Threw me for a loop there. :P

Congrats on sticking to your plan and losing more weight! Yay! ;D

Hey, in Kauai eat Pineapple, mangos and coconuts! Oooh oooh and fish! Have a great time and we can't wait to hear about your vacation when you get back.

Talk to you soon!

Aloha!

~Res

anne33

June 2nd, 2006, 03:52 PM

Hello everyone,

Res: I don't really have a plan set in stone but I am just going to try to eat in moderation and pretty healthy for the next week. I really lost it over Memorial Day weekend. I guess I just missed food so much that I ate everything in sight. It didn't help that I was at my parent's house and my mom is a great cook. She made homemade scones and jam for breakfast every morning and amazing dinners. I've also been drinking again which never helps. So, for the next week I am going to work out and eat well. Then on June 12th, I'm planning to start the MC again. I'm not overweight but could definatley stand to lose 10 lbs and keep it off.

Will: Congrats on staying stong and losing more weight.

Anne

Res

June 2nd, 2006, 06:17 PM

Scones and jam....that does me in every time. But my real downfall = scones and clotted cream. ::)

sopheetsa

June 2nd, 2006, 11:59 PM

I know this is the "after the cleanse" board-- and I'm still on the cleanse-- but-- I have to chime in and talk about food. I have gone for some long spells without craving anything-- but now it is getting me-- and the world of food is beginning to allure. OHMYGOD-- today I thought about spaghetti--- and of all things (I've been a long term vegetarian, (20+ years) and even though now I sometimes have fish-- I nearly never (to my recollection) have red meat-- well- I craved SLOPPY JOES today. and just the idea of eating appeals to me.

this makes me worry about-- coming off the cleanse-- till now my thoughts have been "pure" but no longer. hope y'all keep this thread going by the time I'm ready to join-- sometime this week coming up.

ciao!

queensharon

June 3rd, 2006, 01:48 AM

Hi all, just a quick "hi". I went off the cleanse right, and then immediately went back to my old habits and cravings. 2nd time that happened. I'm a bit discouraged, as one of the things the cleanse is touted to do is elminiate our cravings. I know we can force ourselves to eat healthy and not give into cravings, but one of the things they talk about the cleanse doing is reducing cravings when you go back to eating... and so far that hasn't happened for me at all, not even a tiny bit. DURING the cleanse I had high hopes and ideas for how well I wanted to eat, etc. and I think most people do that too, but afterwards I hear of very few who HAD cravings before, but didn't have them afterwards.

I even started a thread on it and basically got no posts ha so I don't think there are that many people who used to eat junk food, but stop eating it after the cleanses. I'd love to hear from some who do :D

I'm going to go back on the cleanse soon, as I do think it helps to detox, but I'm not counting on it reducing cravings or allowing me to keep the weight off that I lose during a cleanse any more. It's just not good for that, IMO. and I ordered some of that bentonite clay and am anxious to use that too, as I really enjoyed reading about the great stuff that was helping people with. Going to do the ole P&B shake. Does anyone in here do those?

Hope you're all doing well and feeling healthy. Love and hugs :)

sopheetsa

June 3rd, 2006, 02:48 AM

hey there queensharon:

I think that in part it's that "old habits die hard".... and I too have had difficulties post cleanse...which is why I am so thrilled about this thread.

I went for a while (after my first cleanse) without eating or craving "bad" foods or junk-- but as I allowed myself to eat them-- it got harder and harder not to. I think this is why it is so all important to support each other on this thread.

I also have "high hopes" on the cleanse-- ...

I think that we have to remember that "cravings" DURING the cleanse are "detox symptoms"-- and when we don't cleanse "all the way" (whatever that means) many people may continue to experience "detox symptoms" even after ENDING the cleanse. So it is a bit confusing to understand what the cravings are-- even post cleanse-- but what they usually say-- is that with each successive cleanse- you get closer and closer to being able to let go of these "cravings".

Now that's what THEY SAY. As for me-- I DECIDED to blow it-- right in the middle of my MC 2 this go round, for no particular reason-- not even because I was having cravings. It maybe that I was working something through, having to do with my at times out of control eating. In any case-- I went hog wild on day 12 of MC2 and paid the price at the time. When I subsequently (with help--from Res) decided to go BACK ON the cleanse--I've been pretty much thinking and scheming-- every day-- how NOT TO LET SOMETHING LIKE THAT HAPPEN AGAIN.

Who knows if I will be successful-- that's part of why I was dismayed today-- finding myself thinking about eating indiscriminately.

My ardent hope is that when I start eating I will do something like I did after my first MC, but this time really be strict with myself (like you're talking about having to do) and not allow the stuff that gets me into trouble. I also think I have to start eating-- in a very slow and careful way-- and really do it by the book, something like what Kira Moon has been talking about in the "going over 40 days" thread... I can't quote it exactly right now-- but there's a certain number of days you take to go off the cleanse-- depending on how long you've been ON the cleanse...

I hope that you will find better results on your next cleanse. For example, there HAVE been people who've been able to keep the weight off, very successfully -- (including Res and Kira Moon). I myself-- did gain back weight after my first MC, which is part of why I started my second (and serial 3rd) and I hope and intend to keep this weight off now. It has been too hard won- AND I like the way I look and feel MUCH better than the way I was before. I currently weigh just shy of 130 lbs-- Before starting the cleanse this January-- (and a bit before starting juice fasting) I was over 175.

I read alot about fasting --before and during my first MC, and one of the warnings is that people often gain back the weight they lose. The reason has to do with many things-- including that our bodies have a kind of "memory" that makes them want to go back to pre-weight loss weight especially if the weight loss is relatively sudden. There are a lot of things you can do to help keep the weight off--and one thing that helps is exercise-- because it helps to raise the metabolism and also builds muscle mass, which also keeps you burning calories at a higher rate and helps to retune the body to the new "set point".

I think these things are really tough-- especially when we are constantly bombarded with food choices that are not the healthiest-- so I hope to hear from everyone on their thoughts and successful strategies! Lots of love to all...

Soph

LadySue

June 3rd, 2006, 10:32 AM

I know I shouldn't be here yet, I still have a few more days to go...

I think the MC should not be looked upon as a fix all, cure all. For people who want to change their eating habits and lose weight, it can't be perceived that if we do this for 10 days, we will suddenly be cured of all our bad eating habits. Instead, I think it should be viewed upon as a 'jumpstart' to better eating.

Like an alcoholic who detoxes or a smoker who tries 'the patch' or 'laser' or 'hypnosis', these are all jumpstarts to carving a healthier lifestyle.

The real work comes from within. Once we detox, it's up to us to find the solution that keeps working for us.

Alcoholics struggle with the same demons. Can I drink responsibly or not? Often it takes several attempts (practice runs) to understand that it doesn't work to go through detox and think that one drink won't hurt. It doesn't work to quit smoking for months or years at a time and think that having one cigarette won't hurt.... and it doesn't work to think we can MC for 10 days and have that Big Mac and it won't hurt.

The cravings for that drink, that cigarette, that Big Mac could always be there. We are all different. But they get weaker and weaker with each denial and with each denial we get stronger and stronger, to the point where the craving is a quick and passing thought.

I know that because I used to be a smoker and 20 years later, there are times when I could kill for a cigarette.

The MC is not a quick fix. It is a tool that can be used to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle. After that, like an alcoholic who goes to AA, we have to believe in ourselves and use the tools that are offered to us to keep going in a positive direction.

This board and in particular, this thread can do that.

I think it unrealistic to believe that a 10 day detox will remove all cravings and you are suddenly cured and ready to eat healthy foods.

The real hard work comes from us, not a glass of lemonade and that is what makes it so amazingly fulfilling when we succeed.

Res

June 3rd, 2006, 02:49 PM

Gawd you guys are SO good! :o This is where the rubber meets the road!

Soph: You can be anywhere anytime on this board. You're ALWAYS welcome! :) Everyone is. :)

I love what you're all saying. Sharon, the cravings WON'T go away and I've found this out as well. I mean in reality, during the cleanse you struggle with not eating and I suppose people dying for a taste of french fries when they haven't had them for 6 years or don't even LIKE them equates to just being hungry and the smell of food being amazing. We're meant to eat!! But french fries are proven to be a really bad choice because of how they're made and what they're fried in. It's easy to drive through and get a giant box of those greasy things. It's more difficult to come home, cut the potato, dip into olive oil, sprinkle with spices and sea salt and bake for 40 minutes or whatever.... it's all about making choices based on what we know is better for us. It isn't easy. We're all still learning. ::) Hats off to those who have this honed. :)

We spend our lives either being raised not eating properly or we develop bad habits for whatever reason. It's going to take time and us training ourselves to eat properly and make right choices but being realistic and knowing we're going to make bad choices as well.

On this board, I either see people coming back with their tails between their legs because they've put weight back on or I don't hear back from them at all or some of us just feel like crap and we're up a few lbs cause we're still not doing it right. There are so many reasons for this: emotional cave-ins, addiction to food, simply making bad choices ______ fill in the blank.

Being kind to ourselves and supporting one another is a huge part of what this is all about as we get closer and closer to doing it right.

LadySue: Thanks so much for your input!

I love you guys so much!

~Res

Res

June 3rd, 2006, 08:21 PM

If you're not into Cheese, then please don't read this. Uh, yeah, right. I will never (well probably not by choice) eat cheese made in America ever again. I got spoiled rotten by picking up an Irish (imported) cheese and can't imagine why I'd want to eat the oily tasteless orange colored blob that I used to refer to as Cheese.

Anything by Kerrygold is AMAZING: http://i4.peapod.com/c/GA/GADDZ.jpg

I made a cheese sauce for Easter. Usually I'll grate cheddar and plop it into the sauce and stir, and stir, and stir until it melts....then ignore the oil slick on the top. Well, this past Easter I used Kerrygold Cheddar. After grating it I dumped it into the cream sauce and walked away for just a minute to do something else. When I came back it was GONE! Melted into the sauce. JUST - LIKE - THAT! And the taste?? Holy Crap it was as if I was eating living cheese or something. I mean it was an experience! Not just the same old cheese sauce. My family went nuts over it and that's the only cheese we eat now. I've bought all 3 kinds of KerryGold cheese, dubliner, cheddar and uh, can't remember the other one but they're each unique and amazing! I did a taste test with my family and they were amazed at the difference. If you eat cheese, you owe it to yourself to try this - or not. Cause once you do you won't be able to go back to the orange rubber sold here in the states.

Oh, a brit told me about KerryGold butter last year. I went out and bought some to try, (cause I'm a butter connoisseur.) He said our dairy here in the states is pretty bad. I'm listening to him thinking, "mmm hmm". Well, after tasting the Kerrygold butter I *DON'T* buy the other stuff - EVER! If you're a butter lover, do yourself a favor and buy some Kerrygold. The difference isn't just in the taste. The texture is Completely different from what we have here. Now I look at the other butter and wonder what the heck the makers have done to it besides taken all the flavor out!

Geez - this is like a commercial. ;D So, get out the olive oil, zucchini, onions, mushrooms, broccoli, bell peppers and stir fry for a few minutes. Then plop a glob of Kerrygold butter on those veggies, some cracked pepper and a bit of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon. *Heaven* ;)

Now returning you to your regularly scheduled program. http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/happy075.gif

Love,
~Res

queensharon

June 4th, 2006, 01:43 AM

Hi All! Yes, I agree with all that you've said about it being up to us, and it jumpstarting healthier habits, etc...

I just wanted to make it clear why I was talking about this. The very first line on the very first page of this web sites claims:

Lose cravings for unheatlhy foods

It does not say "after several cleanses" or anything like that. So it seems odd that so many of us do NOT lose our cravings for unhealthy foods, even after many cleanses. Do you see where I"m coming from? I think that just might be an unrealistic claim, and shoud state after it "may take up to 30 days on the cleanse to achieve this..." or something like that. I think it's the reaon so many people get frustrated with the cleanse, (as I've read in MANY posts), because they assume it will do the VERY first item it claims in its list! ha within the 10 day period. There isn't anythign to say otherwise... ya know?

In any event, Peter take this as advice if you wish, I'd love to see that first page changed to indicate that you may NOT lose cravings to unhealthy foods until you do several long-term cleanses...

Many people who come to the cleanse come because they've been eating junk food and are overweight and sluggish and wanting to change their life and have that jumpstart, and it may do that for some, but it seems that many people are not finding it to be true.

With all of that said, I DO feel it's a good detox program, and I will be starting it again on Wednesday... for how long, I don't know. I'm not putting any demands on myself for how long I do it, or anyone else's "magic number" for what will be good for me ha I will be listening to my body and my heart and taking it one day at a time :D

Much love to all! :)

Res

June 4th, 2006, 05:34 PM

Hmm, ya know, I don't really think I set my focus on being free from cravings. I know it says that - but (remember I'm weird) I believe in moderation. There are foods that I'm just not going to give up - but I do know that some of these things are bad for me so I just plan on not making it a lifestyle to abuse my body with bad choices. BUTT, sometimes I really want a piece of cheesecake or something worse. But I'm not eating this stuff for breakfast lunch and dinner like I was last year BEFORE the cleanse.

I've been "enlightened" and now I'm responsible for making the "right" choices.

I was driving home from work on Friday - about 2 miles from home I could smell French Fries in the air (I swear they blow the smell towards the freeway on purpose to seduce the senses ::)). I WANTED french fries then and there - like NOW! Kind of like....well, nevermind. Then I reminded myself of the article I read about the worst FAST foods being 1.) Donuts and 2.) French Fries so I pouted all the way home but in the end I knew it was the right choice.

Maybe I don't know the difference between cravings and just enjoying food that I've grown up with. For instance, the Del Mar Fair will be in full swing shortly and I usually go there for;
1.) the animals
2.) the gardens
3.) the food - and not necessarily in that order! I love EVERY smell there and want to taste EVERYTHING. It's fun! But I don't eat like that everyday and I'm sure I do some damage to myself...but I also "don't" eat everything...I actually do make some good choices.

So, I'm still learning.

I think I'm blathering on because I just had coffee...newbies, ignore this and you shouldn't be reading this anyway if you're still Cleansing!! :P

This is a great time of year for fresh berries, fruits and veggies so dig in.

I found a new recipe I'm going to post in the recipe box.

Oooh, Will is in Kauai!!! I hope we hear back from him in about a week and a half. Have FUN WILL!! *Aloha*
http://www.waldorfhomeschoolers.com/coconut_drink_sm.jpg

I hope everyone is doing well!! :)

Love,
~Res

Jules

June 4th, 2006, 11:39 PM

Hi everyone...

Well today is June 4th and I've officially been off a 21 day cleanse for 11 days. I've have been extremely tired and haven't felt like working out (nor have I worked out) since going off the cleanse. I felt soo good while I was on the cleanse my skin cleared totally up, the pounds just melted away.. it was easy...but I'm having trouble. I am considering going back on the cleanse, but my hubby thinks it's a bad idea... he even threatened to "tempt me" with food every day if I did.

I am terrified of gaining back the weight I lost... I've already gained back some I'm afraid. But he says don't do it for weight loss - only for cleansing... I would have stayed on the cleanse, but by day 21... I was starving... I even took sushi making lessons, made cabbage rolls and gladly cooked all the things I was craving for my family... just to hear them tell me how good it was... :)

I was reading one of your posts Res, about how you now weigh 113-117lbs as opposed to 165lbs... can you tell me how you have done it and did you lose it all at once or in stages... I figure I have to lose 15lbs... which isn't much but to me it's still alot... and this time I want to keep it off!!!

I need some advice or encouragement... :(

Any advice will help !! Thanks.

Res

June 5th, 2006, 05:56 PM

Hi Jules:

Yeah, this is the part we all have to learn. How to be OFF the cleanse is harder to me than being on it. At least it's that way for me right now.

I have made changes to my diet over the past year. It took me 7 months and 4 or 5 cleanses to get the weight off, LOTs of self talk and falling off the wagon. You get back up and "learn" from your mistakes. Everyone makes them but repeating the same mistakes is insanity.

We really can live with a lot less food. I learned this from Paul Bragg and a book about fasting. I learned it first hand by doing the cleanse about 7 times. It's digging deep and asking ourselves "why" we're eating so much or eating certain things.

I'm related to someone who would make 2 butterscotch pies and eat them both in 1 day - by herself. I was a skinny kid and have been that way almost my whole life, but health issues beyond my control and a bad example growing up affected how I dealt with health and emotional issues. People aren't always there for you but food is. <---- This is bad. Don't subscribe to it anyone. ;)

It's all about balance and moderation. If you deny yourself, you're going to binge until you learn moderation. I'm still learning. You should see what I can do to a bag of Cheetos! :) I'm really not a masochist though and usually stop shortly into my "out of control" moments. I realize it's not about the food - and then I try to deal with it. Again, it took a long time to get to this place of "relying" on food so it's going to take a while to unlearn it.

Having support helps and that's why this board is great.

I hope this helps somewhat.

Love,
~Res

LWW

June 5th, 2006, 07:27 PM

Hi EVERYONE!!!

I just completed my 35 day cleanse!!! I am on my first day of brekaing the fast. Today I took my probiotic and had one lemonade. THen i drank a class of OJ...my tummy feels a litle funny but i think im alright.

Question: For drinking the OJ, is it alright to have some of the pulp in it? Cuz even if i juice it some parts of the pulp fall in. I can't wait to have veggie broth on wednesday=)

- Laura

Jules

June 5th, 2006, 10:26 PM

Hello to everyone,

A big thank you to Res for your reply. I appreciate your kind words. I can totally relate to being a "skinny kid" and having a "relative" who sounds suspiciously similar to yours however, my "relative" would just go out to eat all the time and not cook at home.

I'll tell you about it .. do you have a "couch and a thick notepad" ;)

Oh yes, and Cheetos... that stuff should be banned!!! it's addicitive :) I was reading a book recently regarding what the larger food corporations are doing to the highly advertised brands of food they sell. Apparently, they hire Chemists to create addictive qualities to highly marketed foods!! Addicitive so that people actually craaave them. Isn't that sick!

Generally, I don't eat reeally bad food, more so I tend to eat pasta with just tomato sauce or suuushi... mmm

Perhaps the problem is, I go too long without eating something, and then when I do get hungry, I'll eat whatever is in sight or quick to prepare, 'cuz at that point I'm starving. I'm pretty careful not to have "junk food" around but a handful of almonds here... two handfuls of shelled sunflower seeds there... then dinner... you get the idea. Constant grazing.

How long did you wait in between cleanses? I've been off for 12 days now, but I wanted to start again soon!! I'm just not sure my body could handle it. What are your thoughts?

I too picked up Bragg's book I think it's called 'The Miracle of Fasting' maybe I'll flip through it again.

I've read many of your posts on here and found them to be uplifting and inspirational. Thank you so much. Perhaps your upbringing has enabled you to see very clearly both sides of the fence. That is a gift, because the kind and supportive words you offer everyone here are making a difference.

Keep up the good work. I'll keep you informed of my progress... Right now I am going to self talk my butt onto my Eliptical machine and get moving for 45 min :)

Cheers!

Guest

June 6th, 2006, 03:55 PM

Woo hooo! I finished the 10 days! My concern now, however, is that I've gotten used to going to the bathroom everyday (more than once a day) and now that I'm drinking OJ, I'm afraid I might not even go poo today. I really don't want to do the laxative tea anymore and the SWF but perhaps, that's what needs to be done until I eat solids with fiber again? What have you guys done to ensure regular BM's (i.e. at least once a day) after the cleanse?

Res

June 6th, 2006, 10:40 PM

LWW: Sorry for the late response, but I think the answer is Yes to the pulp. How are you feeling and doing? Do you have an eating plan in place? Keep us posted. :)

Jules: Couch is all set up. Lots of soft blankets, pillows and stuffed animals. No notepad though. It's in the trash. ;)

Yes yes! The Miracle of fasting IS the name of the book, BUTT water fasting can be really dangerous. I was cautioned by an Iridologist about this particular fast so I didn't do it. I do however read the book ever other time I cleanse. It helps to keep me on track and reminds me why I'm doing it.

If I remember correctly I believe that after I finished a cleanse I waited 4 weeks then started up again and did this 4 or 5 times until I was where I wanted to be weight wise. I'm a bit fanatical about it now though, not sure how good that is, but if I feel myself putting on weight (and I know when I'm being bad. Scones and clotted cream are not healthy diet material) I'll cleanse again. I know this probably sounds to some like it's the yo-yo syndrome but I know for a fact it isn't. I'm "Still UN-Learning" bad habits. The most I've ever gained back was 8 lbs.

Until a few months ago I would fluctuate by a few lbs....no big deal. I'd skip breakfast or eat a salad for dinner and the weight would fall off. However I had a few intense things to deal with these past few months and turned to food. Hence the 8 lbs. Some people are happy fat. I'm not. So I do something about it. It goes back to what so many people here have said, "What's worse, doing without food to try to rid our bodies of toxins and mucous, or being obese?" I've made my choice. :)

Hey, shhh about that elliptical. Mine might hear you and wake up! :P Actually I think there's a 2 inch thick layer of dust on it. However I have been eyeing it lately and I'm *ALMOST* to the point of getting on it and getting busy. I'm hoping to make a trip to Europe next year and I'm backpacking it so that's incentive to strengthen my body and I will. I'm tenacious that way.

I'm so glad to hear that you're sticking with it and doing well AND exercising! *Remember to make up a meal plan *Before* you end the cleanse so that it's all laid out for you. It really helps. :)

Love,
~Res

Res

June 6th, 2006, 10:46 PM

Ylen: Congratulations on making it to Day 10!! ;D

Everybody's different - so, break the cleanse according to Burroughs and you should be fine. I stop the swf and LAX tea on Day 10. Sometimes you'll go the next day, or sometimes it will take a day before you eliminate. I hesitate to say, "Keep us posted" but let us know how you're ...dooing? ::) (I can turn so sophomoric at times like these. ;))

Take care! :)

~Res

LWW

June 7th, 2006, 03:58 AM

Hi RES!!! Great to see some familiar names across the after cleanse board!!! I'm doing great after the cleanse.. tho a bit hungry but im staying as strong as i can!! Yesterday, my first day off the cleanse, I was feeling a bit queezing when drinking my OJ and Grapefruit juice but i was ok today =).

Question: I did a 35 day fast and i am planning to stick with liquids like fruit juice ( OJ, Grape fruit, lemonade, and green smoothies) and the veggie broth for ATLEAST a week. I have stopped the SWF and Herbal lax tea. I have not had any eliminations since I stopped the wate elimination methods .. is that normal? In your previous post you said to wait a day or so... but if im sticking to liquids for a longer time will my eliminations only start after i begin inputting solids?? Should I keep the herbal lax... or what would u advise for the best thing to do? THANK YOU for your help!!

-Laura

Res

June 7th, 2006, 03:09 PM

As long as you're feeling fine, don't do the tea or swf. Your bowel just needs to get used to having food in there (juices, soup etc) and will work on it's own when it's ready. Remember, with the Lax tea & swf, you were *forcing* it to work. It could take up to a couple of days to start functioning on it's own and that's completely normal. Do exactly what you said you were going to do....taking it light will help the bowel ease back into a normal pattern of elimination. You get into trouble when you break the fast the wrong way and cram yourself full of food.

*Be good to yourself* and your body will respond naturally. WAY TO GO!! ;D

Love,
~Res

JCgirl

June 7th, 2006, 04:10 PM

Res,

I wanted you to know that I told my mom about the Kerrygold butter and cheese. She got some of the butter(couldn't find the cheese---yet) and said it tastes like the butter they made when she was growing up. It really took her back to her childhood! She said she had the best toast this morning she has ever had.
Thank you so much for the tip; I really appreciate it(and so does she!).

By the way, I couldn't try it....I'm on MC2, day 7(going fine). I could hardly read about it, it sound so good! I cannot wait to try some of your recipes in about, oh, 33 days!
Thanks for your support of people on this board. You do a GREAT job.

Steph

...for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking...
Romans 14:17-18

Res

June 7th, 2006, 08:09 PM

I'm getting ready to make an attempt at what I lovingly refer to as, "Giving the Green Smoothie another chance", or "How to ruin a perfectly good piece of fruit".

I'll let ya know in a minute. *;)

Res

June 7th, 2006, 08:18 PM

Hiya Steph!

Told ya! *Told ya! *;) *How cute that it took her back to her childhood. *That's totally sweet! *:) *
OH SHE HAS TO TRY THE CHEESE!!!!! It's *Magical* http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/rpg012.gif

Thank you for your kind words

Day 7! * Yay! *You go girl! ;D *It's worth every bit of not tasting. You're going to be so happy when you're done. *So you're going for 40 huh? *Well I'll cheer you on the entire way! *http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/gen013.gif

Love,
~Res

Res

June 7th, 2006, 08:45 PM

So, regarding the green smoothie; the mango is nicely digesting right now and the green chard is sitting in the bowl of water. A little later I'll eat a raw spinach salad. Afterwards I'll jump up and down about 30 times to simulate a blender. There's my green smoothie. ::)

LadySue

June 7th, 2006, 08:57 PM

Well, I'm back after another 10 days on the MC. I have to say, I was not as focused the second time around, I think because I didn't put enough time in between. I barely had a taste of food when I started again and all I thought about for the past 10 days was eating.

I have been looking at some of the juicing recipes and I have been absolutely craving some of the mixtures almost imagining how it would taste, so I can't wait to try that.

I think I will do what Will is doing. Drink lemonade all day and eat a light supper.

I also think I would like to lose a few more pounds but I'm not going to force it. As long as the scale doesn't go up, I will eat as healthly as I possibly can. I have to say, I am not craving any of the old foods I was eating, I am actually craving some of those juices even though I have never tried them.

So tomorrow I will most probably sip grapefruit juice as I found the OJ upset my stomach last time, and perhaps have a few blueberries in between.

Looking forward to it....

Sue

Res

June 7th, 2006, 09:51 PM

Hi Sue: *Nice to see you. :)

The OJ was a bit hard on me as well. *Yay for the blueberries. *;)

I'm too am doing what Will is doing and I've dropped 3 lbs (which cracks me up) and the pressure is off too. If I decide to eat a banana at work I don't freak out about it. *I've yet to eat a banana at work but the almost brown one keeps looking at me. *Plus, I have raw cashews in my bag that I haven't touched yet. *It's there just in case, so that I don't eat something like a twinkie if they're passing them out.

Keep us posted on how you're doing. *

Love,
~Res

Jules

June 7th, 2006, 11:53 PM

Hello again all :)

Res,

Thank you for your response to my post. I'm glad you have stuffed animals and "no notepad" hehe :) That was cute!

I've decided (as of 3 minutes ago) to start my 2nd stage cleanse ( to lose some more poundage) tomorrow. I've got everything I need, save for LEMONS because my hubby hasn't stopped making lemonade smoothies since he quit and he keeps using them all up!! **grr** Maybe I'll have to resort to hiding them under the bed or something. **hmmm not a bad idea**

I plan on doing another 10 days (at least) but I've got to go out of town for a wknd away on the 23rd soo I think I may have to end it a couple days ahead of time... we'll see how it goes. I wonder if I'll get another caffeine headache since it's only been 14 days since I went off my last one, but that headache was brutal!!

I have really noticed a difference in my cravings though. I really don't or haven't been craving sugar which was a really bad one for me - (Nibbs and licorice all-sorts during pms - I could eat a whole bag right around that time) Now I am finding that I have more control at least over the sugar thing. It's a wonderful feeling. I've also noticed that when I eat fruit, it just goes right through me. When I eat meat everything slows riiight down. So I've been trying to eat more fruit. In fact, my sister brought over a bag of Doritos today and I was very surprised to discover that I didn't want any, they just seemed "unnatural" if that makes sense. THAT was very weird. So instead of eating the nachos, I went in the house, sliced up a few Granny Smith Apples and ate those as a snack instead.

One thing I can say for sure, is that when I finished my last MC, my tongue had not cleared up yet - even at day 21. So I think I still have more work to do. I definately agree with your comment about

" Some people are happy fat. I'm not. So I do something about it. It goes back to what so many people here have said, "What's worse, doing without food to try to rid our bodies of toxins and mucous, or being obese?" "

That is SUCH a true statement, I am NOT happy with ANY extra weight. It makes me feel unattractive and miserable. Sorry if that comment offends anyone but from my personal opinion, it's absolutely true. It affects the way I carry myself, everything. In fact, when I was heavier, I couldn't believe how badly people would treat me, it was shocking and quite sad. (And I wasn't even that heavy) I can't imagine what some people face. It DID teach me to have even more empathy that's for sure. I "get it" now. It's not a lesson I want to learn again any time soon. So off tomorrow to cleanse some more, learn even more about what my body likes and dislikes. I'm really thrilled to notice that particular aspect of the cleanse. I read other peoples posts about it, but I didn't truly believe it until it happened to me. I mean we're talking DORITOS... and I really didn't want them. YAY!!! **jumps for joy**

Somehow, somewhere, I believe that the Master Cleanse is the key to my freedom...

As I slid into my size 4 capris with a HUGE smile on my face... I thought to myself, "finally, something that truly does work" Now I only have 15 lbs to go.

**gets out her lemon squeezer**

Let's get down to business :)

Lots of Love,

Jules

p.s

I posted the recipe for the Lemonade smoothie on the main Master Cleanse board. In case you're looking for something different.

**caution** you may have to resort to hiding the lemons at your house - that is if your hubby is anything like mine :D

LWW

June 8th, 2006, 04:20 AM

HI EVERYONE!

I am doing aboslutely terrific!!! As each day passes of breaking the cleanse i am feeling more more raidant than ever!!I have so much energy its scary I have no idea where it is coming from!! I am so thankful for doing the cleanse.. all the torturous detox days have been SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WORTH IT!!! Well I'm gonna get ready for bed... I'l update more tomorrow!! Hope everyone is is doing well too!!

P.S. *Res*- Try this Green Smoothie. i am going to try this myself tomorrow but I have heard great things about it. Its called Green Lemonade:

Makes 1 serving

1 head romain lettuce or celery
1 bunch of spinach or chard
1-2 apples
1 whole organic lemon w/ or without peel
1-2 inches of fresh ginger (optional)

Dump all ingredients in a juicer and drink all =)!

- Laura

JCgirl

June 8th, 2006, 12:06 PM

Laura,

I'm on day 8 of 40 and what you wrote is greatly inspiring.

Thank you!

Res,

Thank you for your reply. You do so well keeping up with everyone and you're so patient and encouraging.
You're very much appreciated.

Jules,

I love reading your posts! The way you write is so neat.

Much love,
Steph

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for
those who love Him.
1Cor.2:9

LadySue

June 8th, 2006, 09:02 PM

Day 1 of breaking the fast and I spent the day sipping grapefruit juice and sucking on blueberries. I feel so much better than when I sipped the OJ last time and it's nice to have a different taste.

As I mentioned yesterday, I plan on continuing the lemonade during the day and having a light supper.

Believe it or not, I am looking forward to trying one of the many variations of a Green Smoothie! Even in their most awful state, they appeal to me in a very healthy way.

I called our local bookstore and had them put aside The Juicing Bible which I will pick up tomorrow, so hopefully by the weekend I'll be able to try a few new juices out.

It's nice to be back here again...I think because I identify this thread with eating! Also, everyone is so positive and supportive...which is what it's all about...

Sue

Res

June 9th, 2006, 10:25 PM

Hi Jules: I'm glad to hear that you're embracing the cleanse. It really is a life-saver! :)

Laura Thank you for the recipe. :) Now, do you mean to put all of this through a "juicer" or a "blender"?

Waves to JCgirl: http://www.kurts-smilies.de/wink2.gif

Sue: Wanted to follow up with you to see how you're doing after breaking the cleanse. How are you doing? :)

I'm gearing up for a concert on Saturday. It's concert season here in So Cal. My new favorite band is in town and I'm pretty excited about seeing them. The venue is sort of small, so I'll be up close. http://www.kurts-smilies.de/rock2.gif

Hope everyone is doing well! ;D

Love,
~Res

sopheetsa

June 10th, 2006, 06:46 AM

hi EVERYONE:

I'm here (I think)-- I've been making my way (backwards) through the posts in this thread-- and THANKS to all-- for your thoughts & inspiration.

Laura-- I'm gonna try your green smoothie--THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!

still don't have a "plan" in place-- this is day 1 AFTER my MC2-3=11+22 cleanse days separated by 2 days of rampant eating. YIKES! I'm gonna have to be checkin in here! (but I have a work deadline-- this weekend-- so it may only be to READ what you all are sayin...)

the good news: my first batch of farm food came in-- lotsa greens-- a bunch of carrots-- WITH THEIR TOPS-- hurray! ... radishes (also with their greens)...can't remember it all-- some spices-- and even a plant. something called garlic "scapes". now the last thing i want to do -- is juice these beautiful greens. what in heaven's name do i do?

love to all,

soph

sopheetsa

June 10th, 2006, 02:56 PM

hey-- couldn't resist sharing- while trying to look up how to spell "lettuce" (I'm a terrible speller-- and often strike out with electronic dictionaries)-- so I went online and came upon this:

http://www.lettuceladies.com/images/lizberkley.jpg

http://www.lettuceladies.com/
Check it out!

Already had some lettuce btw-- sorry Burroughs-- Day 1 post cleanse. And miso soup...and... well-- I'll spare you the rest. :)

Hope everyone's doing well.

LWW

June 10th, 2006, 04:25 PM

Hi Res!!

WOW, your concert sounds pretty fun... I havent gone to aconcert in soo long! I hope you have fun =) Also the Green lemonade ingredients are to be put through a "juicer". Hope you will enjoy this one =).

Have a great weekend EVERYONE!!!

<3,

Laura

Grand_Mommy_Kira

June 12th, 2006, 11:23 AM

GOOD MORNING LEMONHEADS!!!

I graduated!!!
I get to "post and play" with you on this Thread now! YIPPEE!
I finished my 46 Days on Friday and I am now on the 3rd day post-cleanse. I am soooo excited to have company and support during the "After the Cleanse" stage. HURRAY!

I have to run for now. I just wanted to say "Good Morning" and let you know I am joining your "Circle" now. It is nice to see some of my old buddies here like "Goddess Res", Laura, Soph, LadieSue, etc...

More later...

I love you guys!

Kira Moon

LadySue

June 12th, 2006, 01:17 PM

Hi ladies...and welcome Kira Moon, you must be feeling awsome! WOW!

Having ended my 10 day MC last Wednesday, I am pretty much back to eating normally, minus the junk. We had another rainy weekend so I found it difficult not to eat all weekend and even though I probably ate more than I wanted to, it was healthy. I am loving my juicer!

Res, I tried a recipe that I found in the Lemonhead Recipe Box from you. It had carrots, beets, celery, zucchini, garlic, apple, pineapple and lemon... it was absolutely delicious...! Quite a party in my mouth!

Being back to Monday and of course, sunshine, I am attempting the 'Will' strategy, drinking lemonade all day and having a light dinner.

Hopefully tonight I will also be able to go for a walk/jog now that we are having nicer weather.

Take care everyone...see you soon... and...

Happy healthy eating...

Sue

LWW

June 12th, 2006, 02:57 PM

Hi EVERYONE!!! How was everyone's weekend???

Well so far it is day 8 coming off the MC and all is pretty well. I havent moved completely to solids yet sicne i did a 35 day cleanse and I'm moving to day 4 off the cleanse tomorrow. I have been taking the stages of breaking the MC and multiplying them by 3 to tests my limits, since my cleanse was a longer one.

Coming off the cleanse has actually been more successful for me since I feel I am losing weight faster than when i was on the cleanse. Can you believe it? I lost 5 lbs last week and I was juicing like a mad woman cause I was so hungry and yesterday I acutally was able to eat prunes, dates, and papya and my stomach felt ok. Although...........I have not had a bowel movement in 8 days!!!! I felt constipated last night =)( like something wanted to really come out but couldnt. I was relaly REALLY TEMPTED to take a lax tea but didint in fear of it interfering with my recouperating stage. I have been drinking green smoothies for 2 days too =(. Has any one had any of these problems?? Any advice would greatly be appreciated =) WEll I'll be back to chat later... GTG LOVE YA ALL!!!

love,

Laura

Res

June 13th, 2006, 01:19 AM

Kira: Yay! Congratulations! ;D Hows the transition going? *Smooches & Hugs* (I'm so glad you're on this side now ;))

Sue: That juice is amazing isn't it?? I'm going to have to get out the juicer and pick up the ingredients. It's especially wonderful during the summer when the pineapple is ripe, juicy and sweet. mmm....have to have it now! :o

Laura: How odd that you're constipated. Sophie went through the same thing and believes it was the Green Smoothie but how can that be? Fruits and veggies should go right through you? And I believe you both, it just makes no sense to me. No BM in 8 days? Yikes! Nothing?? I don't know what to tell you. Maybe - because you're not eating junk but eating nutritious foods, your body is actually "using" it all and not producing any waste? That's my theory. Still strange though.

Well, I'll be back tomorrow and blab a bit more. Really tired tonight.

I'm so proud of all of you! ;D

Love you,
~Res

LWW

June 13th, 2006, 02:11 AM

Hi EVERYONE!!

Res: I finally had 3 BMS today!!!! WOO HOOO!!! I had a spinach aple and Lemon green smoothie. Within 10 minutes of finishing it I had a BM and then ANother and then ANother. THough the BMS were kinda difficult to go through....Its odd... I dunno why i was constipated for so long either. Anyways I'll chat with you guys tomorrow =) Bye bye for now!

<3,

Laura

Will_Power

June 13th, 2006, 05:54 PM

Hey all,

I'm BACK from nine days in Kauai and feeling great. On the trip, I didn't eat any milk, meat, diet soda or caffeinated coffee, which is a seismic shift for me - and I felt great.

I really think this is the beginning of a whole new way of being in my life, and the MC and this BB are giving me a whole new context and understanding of why I want to live more of a vegetarian/raw foods lifestyle.

Overally, I've lost 32 pounds now - 12 on weight watchers, the rest on the MC and my 2+1 approach to meals since I finished. I used the lemonade as a meal replacement in HA when I felt like it, and then ate a total vegetarian diet the rest of the time.

I'm also starting a new 10-day cleanse today and feel good about it. People seem to have different ideas about how soon you should resume a new cleanse after a prior one, but I have much weight to lose and feel great, so what the hell, right? If Burroughs says you can 40 days or longer without harm, and I only went 10 my first time, I feel like it's safe - especially since the benefits of getting more weight off far outweigh the alternative.

So, event hough I'll be cleansing for the next little while, I'm going to keep coming back here daily because now you guys are my peeps!

Aloha and mahalo,
will :)

Res

June 13th, 2006, 08:32 PM

Laura: Isn't it funny how we can be so happy for each other when someone has a BM? ;D lol

I'm SO interested in your "spinach, apple, lemon" Green smoothie! How much of each? It sounds great, I'd love to try it. I was supposed to pick up the ingredients for the other smoothie but made a B-line for home. I just REALLY wanted to come home. :) So tomorrow.

WILL - DUDE! Did ya hang ten! Huh, hUh? Was it Sweet and Narly over there? ;)

Aww, we're your peeps! :)

I'm so glad to hear about the "new life". I agree completely and isn't it great to find something that finally works? ;D

Regarding starting the cleanse again, I'm of the mind to say do it as often as you need to, but inbetween keep doing what you're doing and make sure you're getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs. I was severely deficient in B vitamins so I supplement inbetween cleanses. (Hey, isn't chocolate high in B vitamins? <wink, wink> Well! It grows on trees doesn't it! :P)

Anywayz, we're glad you're back and posting again! Check out the "going for 40 days" thread. Kira just finished 40 and Sophie just finished something like 33 or 34. They both did it and persevered with great attitudes. I may have left a few other people out but others were going past 20 days as well. It's like going back to school, it takes a short time to get used to it but you do and then it's a breeze...until you get to the end and want to eat something!

Peace out, brother! ;)

I just love the heck out of all of you!

Love,
~Res

LWW

June 14th, 2006, 04:26 AM

Hiee Res!!

Yea my green smoothie is great! Well its actually green juice since I put it through a juicer. I put one bunch of spinach 1 apple and 1 lrg lemon. The lemon totally cuts out the taste of the spinach so I like it. Today i drank about 32 oz and was full till late afternoon =).

I had another question, how long should I take the probiotics for?I bought the daily dophilus, the same one peter has on his site, and am currently taking it now. Do i just need one pack or more?

Thanks a bunch!!

<3,

Laura

LadySue

June 14th, 2006, 09:42 AM

Hey Will...welcome back!

I'm glad this MC has been so life changing for you. I feel the same way and have adopted the 2+1 approach. In the week that I have been off the MC, I have lost another 3 lbs.

Laura, Res, I agree... that spinach, lemon, apple juice sounds quite yummy. I think I will give it a try...

My general practice is to eat mostly whole foods although, I won't refuse other choices if I am out. It's surprising how after not eating for a period of time, a baked potato tastes SOOO amazing. I used to think it was bland.

I think it's all about balance and if I can manage to pull it back together when I am at home, I think I will continue to see and feel great results.

Looking at my calender, I see another window of opportunity to do the MC starting July 9th for 10 days and hopefully it'll work out but if not, I will probably do it again after Labor Day.

The weather is finally beautiful and sunny and warm here, which puts a spring in our step and a smile on our faces. It's so much easier to stick to a plan when the days are beautiful. it's encouraging.

Have a great day all......

Sue

Res

June 14th, 2006, 03:45 PM

Laura: Sounds great. I have all the ingredients and I'll try it when I get home.

Hmm, I'm not certain regarding the probiotics question. Anyone?

Sue: It's sounds as if you're doing great. :)

Take care everybody! ;D

Love,
~Res

Res

June 14th, 2006, 08:49 PM

Laura! :o Just had my 2nd sip of the Green Smoothie .....Whoa Baby! YOWSA! http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/shocked003.gif Can you say Pucker Up?

I'm a wimp (this cleanse is not for wimps :o) I had to use TWO APPLES....and I was having Nickelodeon flashbacks from that Toxic Green Color which is what ALL the Green Smoothies so far have looked like! Hence the "Green" in Smoothie, right? ;) I get it..... ::) No really ... lol

Just finished it. I think I would've liked to add a clove of garlic. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe! Try it everyone! :)

Love,
~Res

LWW

June 15th, 2006, 04:17 AM

No problem Res!!! I am glad you enjoyed it ! YAY I went to Magic Mountain today.. it was SO FUN!!! I treated myself to the roasted corn today!!! OMG IT WAS SO GOOD!!! I had the nice roasted corn with lemon juice and chili pepper, lemon pepper, and garlic seasoning. I even made sure with the guy twice that there was absolutely NO BUTTER to make it more healthy for me.. hehehe. YUM YUM!!! That was my treat !!! Hopefully I did not gain any weight. I am so happy I am back to eating solids now... my stomach is feeling fine and I am felling great!!! I am doing green smoothies and juices in the day and having a nice dinner or snack and dinner now...more heavy eating during the evening. Anyway...I hope everyone is doing well and I'll chat with ya'll tomorrow! 99!

<3

Laura

LadySue

June 15th, 2006, 11:33 AM

I was trying to decide on a juice for tonight, so I will try the spinach, lemon, apple juice. I also think that garlic might taste good in it... I will let you know.

sopheetsa

June 15th, 2006, 01:14 PM

Laura

MMMMM your roasted corn with lemon juice and chili pepper, lemon pepper, and garlic seasoning-- sounds ammmmazing. *I haven't exactly been slouching- in the eating dept-- and w many a food that probably should go unmentioned here--- but I will say along w Res:

Laura! *:o *Just had my 2nd sip of the Green Smoothie .....Whoa Baby! YOWSA! http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/shocked003.gif Can you say Pucker Up? *

I had to use TWO APPLES....and Nickelodeon flashbacks from that Toxic Green Color Just finished it.
Thanks so much for sharing the recipe! *Try it everyone! *:)

Love,
~Res

them green smoothies-- take a whole lotta -- err-- gettin used to-- ;) and probably AT LEAST 2 apples!

I just had my first post serial MC 2-3-- green smoothie.

I made it at work, in full view in the "kitchen" which turned some heads and occasioned comments as people were piling in to get their free bagels & cream cheese for the morning talk. (wanted to be in earlier & not on display --but high rush hour NY traffic on the roads made it impossible)

During the talk, rather than bagels & coffee, i sipped the smoothie out of my shockiing pink starbucks *water bottle (to divert at least some attention from the neon green color). As Res says, the initial mix-- with only 1 apple & 1 kiwi & a combo of greens including radish tops as well as 1 entire lemon -- really was well--a turnoff, but after throwing in another apple it was ---(I say this grudgingly) not too bad.

hope everyone keeps on GREEN "JUICIN" & "SMOOTHIN" :) (and comes back to tell us about it!)

http://img493.imageshack.us/img493/4918/keepontrucking0eh.gif

Grand_Mommy_Kira

June 15th, 2006, 01:50 PM

Hellooooo LEMONHEADS!
Hey Res, Soph, Laura, LadySue, and nice to meet you Will (back from my favorite place "KAUA'I!!!)

I am back!
This week has been emotionally draining.
My cousin is in the ICU and we have all been kind of "out of it" this week. She suffered through a cardiac arrest yesterday. Fortunately, she woke up this morning and says she is ready to go home now! Way to go cuz! Course, the doctors have other plans for now, however, things are obviously looking a lot brighter. Whew!

Back to the "After the Cleanse" chat...

This is Day 6 post-cleanse for me. I have to tell you I am enjoying the oranges, watermellon and various soups! I have not tried the green smoothies yet. I am carefully reading your posts about what you like and "do not like so much" to determine which ones to try. I am still not sure which one I should try first. Any suggestions?? I guess I just have to convince myself that it is good for me and suck it up...hehehe. I will let you know when I try one.

I have had BMs during the post-cleanse everyday without any lax's. This is a big deal for me. I have IBS and I've had issues with constipation and being addicted to the lax before. Sooooo, I did do something to help this along. It is called eating two quarter-sized blueberry pancakes with maple syrup! Yes I did it! I've had two every morning since Sunday when hubby made them. They move my BMs. And...I have not gained any weight. I ate the last two today, so I am finished with that little diversion. Other than that, I have been diligent. I bring my fruit and soup into the office. Oh my...look at the clock...it is a perfect time to have some soup!

I will chat more later or tomorrow. I am leaving early to go back to see my cousin.

Have a wonderful day!
Thank you for your support in this "After the Cleanse" circle. Geez, it is just as important as the MC stage.
I love you guys!

Peace & Hugs!

Kira Moon

Res

June 15th, 2006, 05:17 PM

Kira: I have 2 minutes to type this and send it then I'm back on phones! THIS is my favorite juice. Try it and tell me what you think!

Rev up your Juicers! This is so good.

6-8 Carrots
3 stalks celery
1/2 beet
1 clove garlic
1 zucchini
1 apple
1/4 fresh lemon with peel
LARGE 1" ring of fresh pineapple with rind

Wash ingredients and don't peel. Cut in sizes that will fit the juicer. JUICE IT!

Don't omit any ingredients (they may sound like a weird combo, but you have to taste it to believe it).

*Note, the greens can be interchanged, i.e., celery and zucchini can be replaced with broccol, spinach etc, but I like it as is.

LadySue

June 15th, 2006, 05:23 PM

I can vouch for that... it's absolutely delicious!

Kira, so sorry to hear about your cousin but am happy to hear things are looking up.....

Res

June 15th, 2006, 06:42 PM

omgosh Kira, I just popped in a for a second and saw that "two quarter sized blueberry pancakes -with maple!" and cracked up!! How cute! :) Sounds like you have a wonderful hubby. So how'd they taste? :) Isn't it fun to be chewing again? ;)

Now how bout those grilled artichokes!! :o

Have to run.

Love,
~Res

Res

June 15th, 2006, 08:41 PM

Oh, this is SO good I can't describe it but I'll try!!!

1 mango sliced and into the *blender
small handful of raw spinach in with the mango (to keep it company)

2 bunches of raw spinach into the *Juicer
1 apple
1/2 lemon
1 clove garlic
a manky peach
Finish off with a zucchini -

POUR into the blender with the mango and handful of spinach. Frapee.

While Frapeeing throw in a large handful of frozen blueberries and watch... TOXIC GREEN turns into DEEP DARK CHOCOLATE PUDDING BROWN. It's kind of scary at first....I will hold the comment I was going to make... ::)

Pour into a fancy wine glass or something similar and enjoy. It can be improved on but OH it's so tasty. No one would EVER know they're drinking spinach and zucchini. Mmmmmmm

Next time I'd like to experiment with more peach.

How's everyone doing? :)

Love,
~Res

LadySue

June 15th, 2006, 08:54 PM

YIKES!!! I just drank the spinach, lemon, apple juice...! I really like tart and I have to say, it didn't let me down. I tried it with garlic and it took away from the tartness a bit and it was still delicious...

Res, your juice above sounds quite good, I will try it over the weekend.

Res

June 15th, 2006, 09:25 PM

Me again. :)

I'm SO SO glad you guys are onboard. I feel really encouraged. I just threw tomorrow's lunch together:

mobs of fresh spinach
an avocado
a lemon
virgin olive oil
(I have sea salt at work)
raw cashews

That's lunch...

For breakfast I'm taking in:
banana...(wait, no I'm not the banana is manky too).

Okay, I'm taking in about 1.5 cups of frozen blueberries and some dates... and maybe an apple... and some celery...and some (kidding).

*Smooch* ;)

Res

June 15th, 2006, 09:32 PM

Hi Sue!! *;D

Yeah that spinach juice has quite a kick! *I like it!!

I thought of something on the way home. *As the weather turns hotter and hotter down here (ugh) and I usually drink my lemonade hot....AND I have tons of mint growing...I'm gonna, JUICE the mint (or not) and make the lemonade smoothie someone here talked about...was it you? *Anyway, instead of adding water I'll just use the usual measurements only throw in ice instead and top it off with the mint. Kinda like a Mint Julip\Julep...or not. *And then pour it into a fancy glass and stick a sprig of mint in it.....then while drinking I'll play a bit with the mint (smash) for the aromatherapy effect. *;) *Or I might blend it all together mint and all and save a step. *Mmm....there's so much we can do with this "After The Cleanse" thread. *:)

LadySue

June 15th, 2006, 09:44 PM

I would love to take credit for the lemonade smoothie, but I can't. I also read it but I don't remember who wrote it but I think she was making them for her husband who didn't like the plain lemonade very much... something like that anyway...

You are so inventive with your recipes and ideas. I'm just the tag along...if it works for you, it'll work for me too! Notice I only try the good stuff....? I never made your kale recipe... haha....

Res

June 15th, 2006, 10:21 PM

OMGosh that Kale thing....gag! Even thinking about it...eww. You're smarter than I am. You had the brains to NOT try it. ;D

scf

June 16th, 2006, 02:05 PM

Res: OK, I took your advise to come check out this thread. I'm not all that happy I did because as you know I'm only able to drink apple juice for another 3 days and everyone here is talking lovely, lovely food. But 12 days in I'm not quitting now.

Grand_Mommy_Kira

June 16th, 2006, 05:06 PM

HELLOOOOooooo LEMONHEADS!

My cousin is doing so much better today. Thank you for your thoughts. HUGS & KISSES!

Res, I finally wrote up the Artichoke recipe! I love artichokes and usually steam mine. The grilled artichokes came from Whole Foods. I've been waiting for them to get my order in to confirm the recipe and they are taking too long. So, I asked for the recipe. Here it is below as it was given to me. I am going there today to buy my own artichokes and grill my own tomorrow (after I marinate them overnight). I can hardly wait!!!

GRILLED ARTICHOKES:

According to Whole Foods, do it this way:
1. Trim Stems.
2. Marinate artichokes in large bag overnight in refrigerator with fresh lemon juice, thyme, olive oil, sea salt, pepper (can add Tbsp of minced ginger)
3. Cut in half and remove fuzzy center and any purple tipped petals.
4. Grill for 15 minutes
5. Bake for 10 minutes to finish off (otherwise need to leave on grill longer)
6. Enjoy as is or with favorite dip!

Other recipes I looked up used a different technique:
1. Trim stems
2. Boil or steam artichokes until bottoms pierce easily or a petal pulls off easily.
3. Drain artichokes. Cool. Cut each into half lengthwise and scrape fuzzy center and purple tipped petals.
4. Mix ingredients in a large plastic bag. Add artichokes and coat all sides. Marinate for 1 hour or preferably overnight in refrigerator .
5. Drain artichokes. Place cut side down on grill and cook on medium until lightly browned on the cut side, 5 – 7 minutes. Turn artichokes over and drizzle some of the remaining marinade over. Grill until petal tips are lightly charred, 3 – 4 minutes more.
6. Serve hot or room temperature.

SOME DIP RECIPES:

HERBED MAYONNAISE:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp each chopped parsley and chives
¼ tsp chopped tarragon
mix all ingredients well

LOW CALORIE DILL DIP:
1 cup plain yogurt
¼ cup reduced calorie mayonnaise
2 tbsp minced green onion
3 tsp chopped cappers
¾ tsp dried dill weed
Combine all ingredient. 4 servings/104 calories

CREAMY THAI DIP:
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 tbsp cider vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
18 tsp ground ginger
Combine all ingredients and mix well.
For Oriental Dip-omit peanut butter.

Love & Kisses!
Kira Moon

Grand_Mommy_Kira

June 16th, 2006, 05:26 PM

I'm back!

I just know you can only post so much before you lose your post. Anyway...I am also going to try the Green Smoothie recipe you gave me Res. Thank you! This weekend is looking like lot's of greens and fruits for me! yummy! I am laughing about the tiny blueberry pancakes...hehehe! I knew you would get a kick out of that.

By the way, Res...I made the brocolli and cauliflower soup recipe you posted. I have been using it as a dip. The hubby likes it too. I used almonds instead of avocado (remember I hate those things-yuk) anyway, it is good. And yes! I am enjoying chewing my foods now. Wow! I forgot how much fun it is to chew foods!

I have to tell you guys that there is a Waterfront/Jazz festival in my area this weekend. There will be lot's of food and fun as you can imagine. The only thing that I am thinking about is the "kettle corn!" I can only get that at events like this one and the Octoberfest in the Fall. Just twice a year...that is the only time I eat it. Sooooo, I will probably have some. I will make whatever adjustments necessary if I do. Like drinking lemonades again. I will let you know. So far, the scale has only moved up and down 3 pounds.

Have to run for now. I will chat with you all on Monday. Have a wonderful and very "green" weekend!

Hugs & Kisses!

Kira Moon

LWW

June 16th, 2006, 05:48 PM

Hiee Everyone!!!

I'm glad to hear that everyone is doing so well!! YAY Kira you can finally start eating solids again and that grilled artichoke sounds AWESOME!!! Kira, I was also wondering how long am I suppose to be taking the probiotics?? Is it just after I finish the entire box??

Well everyone I gotta run cuz there are a million errands I gotta do. YEAY its friday!! WOO HOO... ok ok talk to ya'll laters. Bye Bye.

<3

Laura

Res

June 16th, 2006, 09:30 PM

Hi Laura: Gosh, I still don't know about the probiotics. I think I took mine for a week (and that could be bad as far as I know). Yikes! Why don't you PM Peter? He's the probiotics Guru and he would know for sure. If you do, let me know cause I'm curious too. :) How are you doing? How's the foodie side of life? I'm thinking about getting into the raw soups posted in the Recipe box. Think about it, soup in minutes with no cooking...ahhhh. :) I let you know what I try and what I really like and don't like.

Kira: YUM, that sounds so good. I'm going to pick up artichokes this weekend and grill em! The dips sound fantastic too!

Getting ready to dive into a Butter lettuce, onion, garlic, (whispers avocado for Kira's sake ;)) sea salt, olive oil, lemon, crushed pepper salad! Heavenly. AND I'm really enjoying juicing the spinach (comes out like pudding) or rather I'm enjoying not tasting KALE but getting the mild flavor of the spinach. This juicing\green smoothie thing is really cool actually. ;D

I'm so glad you're back to eating again. :) And I'm happy that you're going to eat some Kettle korn. It gets way too cult like if you don't have things that you enjoy eating - plus, festivals or fairs have a "feeling" in the air and the food goes with the feeling. It's nice actually. :) It's possible to not overdo, but if it happens to anyone they know what to do.

scf: But just look at what you have to look forward to!! You can drink your apple juice while reading and planning your menu. ;) And WE the guinea pigs will be able to tell you to STAY AWAY FROM THE KALE SMOOTHIE!! Blech! lol ;)

I hope everyone is doing well. Today was a GREAT day at work. THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY! ;D And it's even better now AWAY FROM WORK. lol

Love you all,
~Res

Res

June 16th, 2006, 09:36 PM

This is from the recipe box: So simple. I'm gonna try it this weekend.

Popeye's Garden Tonic

Handful of spinach
3 stalks of celery
2 stalks of asparagus
1 large tomato
1 cherry tomato for garnish

1. Bunch up spinach and juice with celery.
2. Juice asparagus with tomato.
3. Mix juices in a tall glass and garnish with a cherry tomato

LadySue

June 19th, 2006, 01:20 PM

Well! It's nice to be back! I go away for a weekend and everything changes!! I come back to a new BB that won't let me log in...! Anyway, I am glad to discover things are back up and running (hopefully) smoothly...Nice new BB - quite lemony...

I think I am hooked on that spinach, lemon, apple juice. I've been making it every day, but I suppose I am ready for a new taste. Any suggestions for a new veggie juice to try out?

I hope everyone had a great weekend and is continuing to do well.

Sue

Res

June 19th, 2006, 03:35 PM

Welcome Back Sue: :)

Ignore this, I'm just trying a few things here. *imagine beautiful yellow lemons here* So evidently "images" don't work. Just checking. Highlight the invisible message above to see it.

sopheetsa

June 19th, 2006, 05:27 PM

yup. tha's right Res

nice to see ya here anyway-- even if we can't see them lemons.

u know i loveya!

s

sopheetsa

June 19th, 2006, 05:35 PM

i feel like a fish outta water-=-

how's everybody doing?

I wrote back to Res and it appeared ABOVE her message--

Right now-- I just want to say KALE IS GREAT-- at least in a salad-- had some today-- marinated in virgin olive oil & lemon w a sprinkling of pumpkin seeds, chopped up carrots, garlic & cauliflower. been stirring it into my other lettuce based salad-- mmm good!

as for the smoothie-- made w the kale stems-- and lots of pick me uppers including banana, apple, mango-- ... not so good. help me! can't take it-- and I have 1/2 a gallon to go. :) is that my smiley for the day?

Res

June 19th, 2006, 05:39 PM

It's nice to see you too! You got in! :) I suppose I should remove that link so that it doesn't look so crappy. Yeah, I'm gonna.

*Smooches to you!
~Res

sopheetsa

June 19th, 2006, 05:43 PM

Res:

I CAN'T EDIT MY messages. I try=-- but they fall into a black hole! I hope you figure it out & tell us what to do. :)

nice ta see you anyway!

ok, I just figured out how to edit-- still don't know how to edit my profile....

sopheetsa

June 19th, 2006, 06:06 PM

public confession:

OK-- so i'm doing my first food no-no of the day: got my 2nd "JIMs Perma Lean Protein (so called) 100 % Natural 100% Tastee" CHOCOHOLIC CHOCOLATE!" candy bar here-- which claims it is an excellent source of vitamins C, E & calcium -- as well as 21 grams of protein, 3 net carbs & only 190 calories--

AND I'M EATING IT. it was melted in my handbag-- and now it's all smeared on my track pad.

loving it-- and lovin you all! good luck figuring out this thing-- (the bb) and if anybody does and can tell me how to edit my profile-- I will-- and get rid of those unsightly URLs down below!

OK-- I figured it out-- on to the next thing... :)

now let me see if I can get away with this :P

LWW

June 20th, 2006, 03:39 AM

HI EVERYONE!!! How was everyone's weekend. You know what... the weirdest thing is happening to my body. Its like the more I eat and the more I dont exercise I lose more weight. I'm happy that im losing more weight but now im wondering if my scales are wrong cuz i weighed myself on 3 different scales. I've been eating lots of snacks and sugary carbs. ESPECIALLY on father's day. But then today it hought i forsure would gain weight but i lost 2 lbs! since friday thats insane! I dont understand because when I was eating just salads and juices I did not lose weight as fast. I am not complaining at all. but i thought I would like to share this peculiar excitement cause its so surreal. hehhe cause all my life I have not been able to eat whatever i want and still lose weight! hahhaNow i am 125 lbs. I am about 5-10lbs from my goal of 115-120 llbs. WOO HOO. Well anyways... I hope everyone is well and I will chat with ya'll soon!!!

P.S. I am trying out a ballet class tomorrow.. i'll tell ya'll how it all goes

<3,

Laura

sopheetsa

June 20th, 2006, 09:16 AM

Laura:
I'm totally jealous! I was down to 123 at the tail end of my MC 2-3 (June 9)-- and was hoping to maybe get below 120 to like 115. I ended it all wrong-- and have been gaining ever since- now I'm 131.8. I think it was because of what I did when I ended it. I know it was all wrong...

More power to you! I thinkI should have done what you did at the end of your MC, and it is exciting to hear you're STILL losing weight now! FANTASTIC!

---
Today I had "carrot tops" for breakfast. It is a not quite but "almost raw" thing-- feel free to modify:

How to prepare carrot tops for an interesting "meze"

Start with carrot greens-- diced fine. I soaked them for a while first-- they're quite tough. Sautee in virgin (organic, cold pressed) olive oil-- but barely just enough to soften 'em up-- and get the pan hot for when you add water (for quick steamin). I also sauteed some chopped scallions as well -- and one other thing like that-- but don't know what they're called-- have to find out & get back to you. Then-- sprinkle with water while the pan's hot and a dash of soy (is that also not raw?). Cover & mix with raw tahini and raw unhulled sesame seeds.

Kept 'em in the fridge last night. Had 'em this morning. Not recommended for weight loss-- just for food maniacs on a binge like me!

love you,

s

Res

June 20th, 2006, 11:21 AM

Yum, Soph! Sounds great! :)

We're all in this together and we'll figure it out Soph. *smile* geez

Laura: proceed with caution my dear cuz it will catch up with you. I've done what you're doing and had the same result...but it doesn't last, sadly.

For breakfast today I brought in my banana, chopped dates and chopped celery. You mix it together and eat. That's it! It's really good and simple.

Love you all and hope you have a great day today.

~Res

twinkletoes2

June 20th, 2006, 11:33 AM

hey guys!

yum.... reading all the little recipes here is making me huuuungryyyy hee hee.... cant wait to try some of this stuff out....

sitting here drinking my first glass of fresh squeezed OJ.... normally i hate orange juice.... never drink it.... but after all that salt water for the past 10 days, this actually tastes GOOD.... i think i got lucky with the oranges too, they're extremely sweet....

what an experience this cleanse has been.... something tells me i'll be doing it again in a few months....

i went pretty crazy at wholefoods yesterday and spent $150 on all sorts of nuts and seeds and flavorings and other condiments.... i must have spent a couple hours looking around and getting familiarized with where everything is located hee hee.... i also ordered a small dehydrator online a few days ago, it should be arriving this week.... it turns out there are a ton of farmer's markets in my city and i plan on making it to at least 1 of them in the next couple days :)

i'll keep you guys posted... and who knows, maybe soon ill have a recipe or two to post here as well!

you guys all rock!

sopheetsa

June 20th, 2006, 11:37 AM

Yum, Soph! Sounds great! :)

We're all in this together and we'll figure it out Soph. *smile* geez

Laura: proceed with caution my dear cuz it will catch up with you. I've done what you're doing and had the same result...but it doesn't last, sadly.
~Res

dear Res

thanks for the encouragement AND the cautionary note.... I'm gonna try to.

hey-- also happy to see u using your smiley allotment. (can u tell what a crab I am --- long day ahead) : )

twinkletoes glad you're enjoying the OJ, that's what I should have done-- instead of rushing headlong into the food! take it slow if you can-- wish I had... oh well, live and learn!

Res

June 20th, 2006, 11:45 AM

darn double post....

Res

June 20th, 2006, 11:47 AM

Twinkle: Congrats!!! Yeah it's amazing what tastes good *after* the swf. lol I love whole foods!!! I can drop a ton of $$ there as well.

Soph: So ya think if I don't post ANY smilies I can save em all up and post a bunch? wink, wink.... anywayzzzzzzzzzzzzz I don't feel like working today. I just want to play and bang on my drum all day. ;) <-- uh oh.

I just realized why: It's from the exercise yesterday. I feel like I've been run over by a steamroller. Well, onto becoming flat!

LOVE YOU GUYS!

~Res

sopheetsa

June 20th, 2006, 11:52 AM

Res--you're cracking me up. thanks for that! keep up the exercisin -- u know-- they say if you keep doing it -- it helps ...(btw just noticed a new feature I LIKE: the latest posts are at the top so you can refer to them more easily -- instead of having to scroll 10,000 pages down.)

so um-- yea-- (besides everything else...) exercise-- keeps the blood circulating and actually HELPS w feeling sore... which is due to lactic acid build up. hear me talk the talk, but not do the walk! oh well. I'm workin today. workin out- -maybe another day. I hope you all know I love you no matter what I say! here's my smiley for now--:)

just testing:

:) ;) HA!

Res

June 20th, 2006, 01:41 PM

Hey I'm jealous!! How did you post more than your smilie allotment???

:) ;) :(

Holy Crap! Now I'm able to as well!

oooh see the purdy colors....

LWW

June 20th, 2006, 03:22 PM

HI EVERYONE!!!

It is such a beautiful day today! I just came back from ballet class... man... its been a while!!! I use to dance ballet for years as a kid and was in a competitive company but quit in my jr yr in high school. Its been about 7 years since Ive been dancing ballet. I AM OUT OF SHAPE!!!! Hopefully I can whip myself into shape.

Soph: Don't worry hun i'm sure just returning to healthy eating and routine exercise will get you back on track!

Res: Thanks so much for the cautionary note!!! I think I am taking advantage of the surreal situation. Naughty naughty me !! Yea yesterday I ate an ENTIRE LARGE GRAB BAG OF DORRITOS... I DONT KNOW WHAT GOT OVER ME.. I just had this huge craving to eat nach cheese dorritos.. how many calories is that liek 1000. EvEN THOUGH I did not gain any weight I better STOP!!!! Cause While I take advantage of this situation like you said it will CATCH UP TO ME and then it will be OVER!!!! I WILL GAIN WEIGHT AND BE DEPRESSED.

So why are our bodies liek this Res??? Like you said you did what I did and that happened to you but then it caught up... I dont understand this initial too good to be true state. I'm gonna be good as I can today.... atleast try my hardest. THANKS again for the heads up hun!

Hope everyone has a great day!! :D

<3

Laura :)

sopheetsa

June 20th, 2006, 03:47 PM

Laura:

Thanks so much for the encouragement-- but to be honest with you-- this has been quite a struggle with me. After my first MC (52 days) -- I lost quite a bit of weight-- (starting at over 175) and got myself down to about the weight I am now (~132)-- but then-- after much--- err --misbehaving-- the weight climbed up -- to an intolerable 145. Then-- I decided to take SERIOUS measures-- and went on MC 2--which I THEN BLEW--- after 11 days with 2 days of completely reprehensible-- pigout. After that-- and much thanks to Res I CONTINUED onto "serial" MC 3 (another 22 days) and got down to BELOW my current weight.

But, I HAVE NOT been able to maintain that weight (122) just by "healthy eating & routine exercise". Admittedly I'm in relatively new terrain right now-- I'm at a MUCH LOWER WEIGHT than I started out. I DO LOVE to eat-- and I also LOVE exercise-- but finding the "proper balance" is still a BIG STRUGGLE. That's why I'm HERE (on this thread). Thanks for listening!

love, :)

soph

LadySue

June 20th, 2006, 03:59 PM

I hear what you are all saying! I did two MC's for 10 days each almost back to back and lost about 16 lbs. It seems that as long as I am eating healthy (whole foods, fruits, veggies) my weight goes down.....until Friday's! On Friday, my intention is always to start the weekend off right but by the time I get to Sunday, I could easily have gained 8 lbs.....Come Monday, when I go back to eating properly, the weight slowly drops off until the cycle starts all over again on Friday... I keep losing the same 8-10 lbs over and over again. The touble is, I want to continue losing more weight, perhaps another 10-20 lbs, but I am caught in this vicious cycle.

Res

June 20th, 2006, 05:17 PM

Precisely Sue, Soph, Laura!! And THAT'S why we're here. So you thought the CLEANSE was tough huh? ;) Let's see everyone try to maintain their weight INBETWEEN the cleanse. THAT's where the rubber meets the road! ;D

But we'll do it. It's all about *learning* balance. I haven't learned yet, but I'm learning. I just watched a movie over the weekend and a father said to his son after the boy fell down, "The reason we fall down is so that we can get good at getting back up again". Ok, I could have screwed the line up a bit, but the gist is the same. ;)

I think we all know that this "out of control" eating goes deeper than food. And many of us are working on that as well. We'll get there...we'll do it. :)

I've been really good today food wise. Went for a walk at lunchtime. It was really difficult because of yesterday's exercise mania. Came back in and ate my salad at warp-pig speed so I'm feeling a bit bloated. Had to get back to work quickly. Won't do that again. ;)

I have to say that "exercise" is really important. I'm usually good about this but put it on the back burner the last few months. But I'm taking it seriously again. So, that's my emphasis for now.

I'm glad you're all here. :)

Love,
~Res

sopheetsa

June 20th, 2006, 05:38 PM

yea right-- and when we seriously backslide-- (like I did today) no time for details... but trust me it was bad news-- there's always-- the CLEANSE and THIS THREAD to come back to!

Glad we're all here-- and Res, thanks for sounding the cheer!

Res

June 20th, 2006, 06:19 PM

Something to keep in mind, "We're Strong". You can't do the cleanse (correctly) for as long as you have, or as many times as we have and not be strong/determined people. SO, we're on a different path (so to speak) a different journey now. There's something new to learn. And I'm determined to do so.

This subject could be a great asset to the newbies coming off the cleanse. As in something to WATCH OUT for.

I'm getting ready to leave work so more on this later. I think we're onto something here though. Just like we can identify all the bumps in the road on the cleanse, we're going to need to discover the bumps in the road OFF the cleanse. We'll compile the tools we need to do this right and USE them once identified. I'm excited about this! :D

Love you guys for your honesty! :)
~Res

Res

June 20th, 2006, 08:48 PM

SO! Just got done working out my upper body with weights. It's a great DVD by...what's her name...oh geez, Oh Joyce Vedral. No pink fluff. Just right to the point and 15 second rests in between so you're not suffering through her talking the entire time.

So, I'm on my workout bench doing an overhead press. Two hands, one weight. Hands above your head holding the weight. You drop it down a bit behind your head and back up. Well, my hair got caught on the weight coming up and I almost dropped the weight on my head! HAHAHA

My arms are REALLY tired. If they're tired now, that means I won't be able to lift my purse tomorrow. lol Oh, and the last time I did this I could barely lift my arms to type... Tomorrow will be fun. But here's my plan;

I've been thinking about this for months now. Probably since last year: I'd like to get extremely physically fit. Like, Over The Edge physicall fit. Whatever I put my mind to, I do. SO, since for the most part my weight is down, now it's time to go overboard on the physical fitness end. After all, our bodies were made to move and movement builds muscle, burns fat and keeps things working properly. --> I'm talking 6 pack - cut muscles. No jiggling. ;) Age doesn't matter - determination does.

For some of us, I believe "boredom" causes weight gain. We eat to pass the time. Well, most people have a DVD player. I can suggest a couple of Exercise DVD's and if you know of any good non pink fluff DVD's I'd love to check em out. Making sure you include exercise in your life everyday will be a big help. If I don't have a plan I flail about.

I have a million excuses for not exercising too, and I'm going to add a College class to that list of excuses shortly, but really we're talking about our health here and it's important.

Oh, after my exercise I rewarded myself with a snack while waiting for dinner to cook: Raw apple slices doused in cinnamon (Sophie, add lemon ;)). Check this out:

SixWise (http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/08/17/the_worlds_7_most_potent_disease-fighting_spices.htm)

Cinnamon

Health Benefits: Cinnamon is an anti-microbial food that can stop the growth of bacteria, fungi and yeast. A study in the August 2003 International Journal of Food Microbiology also found that a few drops of cinnamon essential oil added to carrot broth was able to effectively preserve the food and fight pathogenic organisms--all while improving the flavor of the broth.

It also has anti-clotting and anti-inflammatory properties, which help prevent unwanted clumping of blood platelets. And, it may help boost brain function.

People with diabetes should also take note that cinnamon is a useful tool to help control blood sugar. A study in the December 2003 Diabetes Care found that eating one to six grams of cinnamon daily significantly reduced blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, it also reduced their triglyceride levels, LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels.

Plus, a study in the February 2004 Hormone Metabolism Research found that this tasty spice appears to prevent insulin resistance even in animals eating a high-fructose diet.

And that's not all. Cinnamon is a powerful antioxidant. A study in the Journal of Nutrition found that out of all spices, cinnamon is one of the richest sources of disease-fighting antioxidants.

How it's Used: Cinnamon comes ground and in sticks, and can be used in Mexican, Middle Eastern and other ethnic dishes, curries, vegetables, tea, beverages, and of course, desserts.

Interesting Tidbit: In traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon is used in a tea along with ginger to fight the onset of colds and flu.

I'll end here. Want to see if certain formatting is working plus I'm incredibly long winded and think I overcooked the broccoli!!!

Check in and let me know how you're all doing!

Love,
~Res

Res

June 20th, 2006, 08:52 PM

Bitchen!! Uh, I mean, cool. The linking worked. Click on Sixwise on the preceeding post. ;)

sopheetsa

June 21st, 2006, 01:25 AM

Res: I have 2 (maybe 3) Joyce Vedral books-- and I used to do at least one of them religously-- back in the day-- as they say-- when people (erhum) admired my arms-- before...well anyway. I think part of how she gets me-- is she claims she can get you in shape in like 12 minutes a day-- Well-- I NEVER could do it in that short a time-- and I remember being all confused about how many reps etc-- it usually took well over an hour-- even when I TRIED TO CUT IT SHORT... :) but hey-- that's part of why it worked -- no doubt.

I totally agree our bodies were meant to move etc=-- and I LOVE THE IDEA OF EXTREME FITNESS!

finally-- you're so right- I add LEMON TO EVERYTHING!:) is anyone gonna figure out how to add lemons to these posts? I'd be impressed.;) till then -- sweet dreams everyone.

I did-- thanks to all this talk of exercise-- go to the gym tonight-- but the pudding flab remains untamed. oh & -- at some point-- maybe when & if the images come up-- I feel like doing a diatribe on KALE. I'm writing a paper (for work) on-- I3C, and DIM-- chemical ingredients which come from cruciferous veggies and can cure cancer. -- so let me tell you all about Kale! I wish I could eat some right now-- but I'm trying to lay off eating after 6 -- another rule I'll be breaking tomorrow. btw-- my pardons to the raw folk, but (despite the fact that I PREFER IT UNCOOKED) some veggies improve some aspects of their nutritional value when COOKED-- and I heard it from an expert that for this nutrient in particular-- cooking HELPS-- but it sounds like- for the most part-- cooking DOESN'T=- (I know all the raw folks are cheering!) but it is amazing that either raw or cooked VEGGIES HELP to fight cancer! yeay!

http://cebp.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/full/13/9/1422

love to all!

Ramona

June 21st, 2006, 03:29 AM

Okay, I'm gonna pay attention to this thread because I totally screwed up the last "after the cleanse" process. I'm having to do another cleanse after only three weeks off because I pigged out so much. I felt so incredibly bloated, and felt like crap for three weeks straight. Funny, because while on the cleanse I felt terrific. I'm on day 4 of cleanse #2, and will be checking in with you guys when I'm finished. My problem: bad childhood eating habits, that accompanies the mind set (given by mom!) "you must finish everything on your plate" and the ever popular "my stomach says I'm full, but I'm going to keep eating anyway!" I'm hoping that this next time around, I will take better care to not let that over rule my thinking. It truly is a mental battle I have to conquer!
Thanks Res for leading me to this section! :)

sopheetsa

June 21st, 2006, 06:18 AM

so glad you're here Ramona!
and we're many of us saying the same thing! maybe together we can figure it out! :)

LadySue

June 21st, 2006, 09:02 AM

Welcome Ramona! We're all learning... and sometimes it takes many practices to get it right, but I have to say that my eating has changed drastically over the past few months like suddenly something clicked inside. I feel very confident that this time, I will achieve what I want to, even with a few slip-ups in-between. :)

Exercise was the one thing I was always committed to although the past couple of months, I have let it slide. But I started exercising again two weeks ago and it's amazing how quickly my muscles are responding. I am trying to take advantage of the beautiful weather and go walking/jogging at least 5 times a week because before you know it, grumpy old man winter will be back.

I also like the idea of extreme fitness and may have to look at my schedule to see how I could fit in more weight training. I have always been a member of a gym but decided to stop for the summer, but could probably still manage it at home a few nights a week. ;)

Meanwhile, the eating this week is right on track (as it always is during the week). At this moment, I am sipping a green smoothie. This weekend is a long holiday weekend for us (St-Jean-Baptiste) on Monday and since I don't work on Fridays, I will be heading out of town for four days. Hopefully I will be able to stay on track, even though I am invited to a barbeque on Saturday. As I go into each weekend I am more determined than the last, so hopefully one day, things will just work out MY way!

Have a great day...

Sue

Wellheregoes

June 21st, 2006, 09:40 AM

Sue,

Watch out for that BBQ! Finished my first ten day late May and without this bulletin board, would have quit on day two but made it to ten. Did great on eating less for about three weeks and then the BBQ's started. Oh I'm so dissapointed in myself. Back up 8 of the 11 lbs I lost. Maybe I was trying to go too raw too fast and when summer BBQ's were in full swing I couldn't resist. Well now it's back to better eating. Today I'm starting a modified lemonade diet. I'll be doing SWF and some lemonade, but have too much in the garden and will juice what I have and have that for lunch and evening temptations. Will see how it works. Summer is soooooo hard to do this, just walking in the store with all that fresh fruit and veggies. I just have to stay away from hubby's BBQ and chicken. Wish me luck.

sopheetsa

June 21st, 2006, 11:07 AM

this is a test, this is only a test:

http://mrl.nyu.edu/projects/npr/painterly/images/cow-col.jpg

Res

June 21st, 2006, 01:10 PM

Oooh, it's so good to see all of you here. *Smooches Sophie* :)

Soph: Joyce Vedral is an interesting lady. I REALLY like the way she teaches, it's straight to the point. I hate waiting while watching someone blather on. She teaches us what she's learned from champion body builders.

I have the 12 minute DVD. Yeah, the problem with that is its like the dangling carrot. So you do your 12 minutes and she encourages you to go on to another 12 minutes and before you know it you're doing 50. Not that it's bad, but if you want that quick 12 minute workout don't bite the carrot!!

I have other DVD's by her - there really is something to resistance training and doing it in a short period of time.

The Callanetics DVD I told you about is pretty amazing. You don't use any weights. She has you working the muscles "deeply" and you can feel it right away. It's also gentle so if you have a bad back she caters to that. I get bored easily so I'm going to mix up the work out, plus walk at lunch.

Someone mentioned working at a computer all day, I do the same thing. It's possible to do leg stretches, suck in the stomach and hold, do kegles, point and flex the feet. This will still get the blood flowing without jumping around at your desk. I have to remind myself to do these things.

Sue: So glad to hear you've got a handle on the food part. :)

Ramona: I agree! We're so glad you're here. :)

Wellheregoes: Yeah, been there done that. That's why I think this part of the journey is SO IMPORTANT. The cleanse will always be a part of my life and I love the way I feel on it. I've been very consistent until recently. We never really fail because we get to keep taking the test over and over again. :)

Love you all,
~Res

LWW

June 21st, 2006, 08:35 PM

Hi EVERYONE!!!

How is everyone doing???? Welcome Ramona!! Yea its so great to come to this BB everyday and talk to each other about our diet, health, eating, and exercise. Res and Sophie I DEFINITELY feel you that this health diet mainitaining weight struggle is a never ending game. It seems like there is never one simple solution to maintaining weight. I too have battled weight for a LOOOOOONNNNNNGGG time .. almost all of my life. I have always been a more "healthy kid" but i always was active and play sports and stuff but i LOVE TO INDULGE IN ALL AND EVERYTYPE OF FOOD. NOt until college was where i started this vicious yo-yoing and having my weight fluctuate out of control. It seems like our bodies never like to keep consistent with our minds.. sigh. Even though I havent gianed anyweight since I've been off the MC, its been about 16 days now, i'm petrified of gaining weight. THough i catch myself craving and salvitating at old junk food like CHIPS!!! Wish there was a magic potion where we can just rid ouselves of any bad cravings or desires.hahah.

So, I wanted to ask everyone what is the eating regimen you are using to sustain healthiness and weight? For me, I am sticking with juices in the morning and just eating salads, seeds, nuts, fruits, snacks, soy and whatever im feeling for lunch. I tried a modified MC but frankly I can't stand the taste of hte lemonade anymore... booo... is there a specific calorie consumption everyone tries to stay under? I just try to stp when i think ive eaten too much. I feel now that my diet is not hitting all my necessary food categories. Like in any given day I wouln't say that I have starches, fruits, and vegetables, nuts and seeds, protein everyday....i just dont want to have repercussions later. What are your opinions on this?

<3

Laura

swineforkbeard

June 21st, 2006, 09:04 PM

Today marks the end of my first post-cleanse week. I did the cleanse for one month, and am not sure that even that was enough. There were still disconcerting things being eliminated from my system, but I had made my mind up that I would stop after 31 days. I had no complications other than the usual (slowed metabolism, cold extremities), nor did my body go into shock when I started eating again. I can't honestly say that the effects, positive or negative, have been dramatic. I seem to be over the cravings and emotional turmoil, but don't have a sense that 31 days of extreme self-denial have paid off as I had hoped.

Res

June 21st, 2006, 10:47 PM

Funny Soph: a cow? :p

I see your cow and I raise you a;

http://www.mypkhome.com/pig/pig-19.jpg

Res

June 21st, 2006, 11:06 PM

Laura: Some people are all raw - I'm not and never will be. I'm *usually* really good until recently. I took into account any recent life changes to understand why the 7lbs I'm up (with more inches than anything) feel like 20. Well, my son moved back home. The very simple food lifestyle I had before has changed and I'm back in "Mom" mode. It's not his fault, mind you. It's Automatic Mom mode, you know, cooking, baking, and making sure that there's food he'll eat in the house. Besides the occasional Cheetos that I indulge in I've been eating bits and pieces of this and that and then having days where I just don't care and eating a lot and the wrong things. I socialize around food with my family...most of the time I do great! :)

So I know it's possible to maintain the weight. I've did it for over a year. Until this morning, I hadn't identified the changes that lead to my weight increase. You might think 7 lbs is nothing but it's a lot. Again, the inches I've gained back is what's really bugging me. That "light bulb" has come on again and I know what I need to do and how to combat this. It just took me by suprise really.

I want to end on a positive note: You can keep the weight off. I've done it. I have to balance the food intake (good food), with exercise AND not overeat. I'm still learning....I'm no pro at this but I'm determined.

I really like the recipes in the book, "Fit For Life". As far as my own plan goes, I'm going to incorporate those recipes, green smoothies, juicing and eating a lot less again. I'm revving up the exercise because I know it's important. I want to look into that acid build up that Sophie was talking about. I'll pick her brain on that cause I couldn't remember the name to google it. And lastly I'll hang out here to find out what the rest of you are doing and incorporate things that fit into my lifestyle. I like the plan you have in place. :)

swineforkbeard: I'm curious, what results were you looking for? Did you lose weight? Do you feel better? Any things such as allergies or pains gone from your body? Congtrats on making it 31 days because that's a big deal. :)

Love,
~Res

Peter Glickman

June 21st, 2006, 11:21 PM

sopheetsa

June 22nd, 2006, 06:51 AM

Res: "Lactic acid"-- is a byproduct of exercise. Usually-- (when you're not putting out an intense effort) your energy needs are relatively in balance-- and can be supplied to your muscles via normal delivery levels of oxygen, but when you up the ante with high intensity exercise-- (such as doing weights or sprinting) your body can't get oxygen to your muscles fast enough to keep up with your energy needs. At that point, your body switches over to this other "mode" which is called "anaerobic" meaning that your muscles are not burning OXYGEN for energy. The down side is that you can only do this for a short amount of time, and what starts to happen-- is that your muscles start to accumulate "lactic acid", a by-product of this "anaerobic" process of getting energy. This results in you feeling a "burn" when doing weights. Buildup of lactic acid in your muscles is what causes you pain and soreness. GUESS WHAT-- I thought this was true-- and I just found a website that says the previous 2 sentences are false! go figure!

http://www.brianmac.demon.co.uk/lactic.htm

In any case, continuing to exercise on subsequent days-- (even after you're sore) helps to keep the circulation going-- which flushes out your muscles--This doesn't mean you should exercise at peak intensity (to clear out the lactic acid). If, for example, you got sore because you were doing sprints-- one day-- then-- the next day-- you should go for an easy walk. Alternating--peak effort-- and something less dramatic-- helps to keep flushing out the lactic acid from your muscles and speeds up the process of recovery to where you can go back to making that intense effort AGAIN. This is PART of why you're supposed to alternate muscle groups when you do weights. Another reason has to do with -- breaking down and building up muscle. Every time you work out-- you break down muscle a bit-- and it takes time to rebuild.
---
Laura: I hate to admit it-- I don't have a "plan"-- (part of why I'm here is that I'm trying to figure it out)... I like the sound of yours. I too-- can't quite get myself to do lemonade-- and would like to do more juices-- but even though I keep trying to-- don't yet seem to be able to-- in a sustainable way... Hope you keep teling us what you're thinking/doing...
---
swineforkbeard: you sound disappointed--I wish I knew more of what you hoped for-- but I have to say that your having undergone 31 days of "extreme self denial" is extremely impressive. To be over "cravings and emotional turmoil" is already a HUGE PAYOFF. CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU! I hope that with time-- you'll see more of the good that will come from this cleanse to you!

and Peter, thanks for the reminder-- I still don't take those probiotics enough!

LadySue

June 22nd, 2006, 09:15 AM

What I started doing right after the MC, was to continue with the lemonade during the day and having a light supper, but after the first week, I too, couldn't stand the lemonade.

So now, I have made my own trail mix, incorporating raw almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut, dried orange/lemon peel, cranberries and I have it in those individual little snack zip-lock bags. Every morning, I make my green smoothie and grab a bag for the day. I am still drinking the lax tea twice a day in the morning and evening and then for supper, I am basically eating whatever I want but in extreme moderation, for instance, last night, I had cheese pizza, a small salad, and a small piece of dark chocolate, but sometimes it's baked potato and carrots. I drink a lot of water.

After dinner most evenings, I go for my walk/jog. I find it very easy during the week. My challenges are on the weekends when my routine gets totally out of whack. I tend to stay away from the lax tea on weekends mainly because I am out of the house more and I am afraid it will kick in at an inopportune moment.

Overall, people are noticing my weight loss. I don't see a huge loss on the scale, but I see it when I look in the mirror and I feel it in my clothes. I am going away for the weekend and I had wanted to bring a cute little black skirt that I have only worn on occasion because most of the time, it doesn't fit. I month ago, I couldn't even pull it up past my butt, but last night I tried it on and I was able to pull it up, and do up the button and zipper. I think it's still too snug to bring away with me, but another week or two and it should fit nicely.

This weight thing has always been a struggle for me but I feel that after the last MC, I am finally over the junk food such as chips, gummie bears, french fries, etc. I now have to concentrate on portion control because once I start eating, I have a hard time stopping.

I have noticed that the scale is much more forgiving when I eat a large meal of cooked veggies, even if I add a tab of butter, than when I eat stuff like pizza. But even stuff like pizza, I try to eat it on whole-wheat crust, cheese in moderation, and with veggies....much more healthy than the pepperoni/sausage/extra cheese I used to eat!

Res

June 22nd, 2006, 12:49 PM

Sue:
A tiny word of caution about continuing with the LAX tea, it adversely affected one of our beloved members to the point where she ended up in the emergency room with internal bleeding. I'm not trying to scare you, but stating the facts. It's not intended for prolonged use. However, I know, I know you're a big girl and the decision is yours. I care and just had to throw my 2 cents in there. :)

Sophie:
Thank you for clearing up my Lactic acid question. :) And now I remember that bit about the muscles and burn and ripping. One of my son's is big into body building and always talks about letting the muscles "rest" after you 'tear' them because that's what causes them to build up. AND, I can add that I'm definitely "torn" today after working out with weights yesterday. I feel like I'm walking around like Arnold Schwarzenegger. My muscles feel sore and swollen. "I'll be bock".... um...er. Ok.

Peter:
Ahh yes, the probiotics. :) That seems to be a looming question with no direct answers yet. I haven't been able to find out HOW LONG to take the probiotics after the cleanse? Is this like taking vitamins and we continue?

Well everyone: Onward! :)

Love,
~Res

LadySue

June 22nd, 2006, 01:17 PM

Res...What if, instead of taking the tea, I do the SWF once a week or so....Or should that stop as well (until the next cleanse)?

gillmoli

June 22nd, 2006, 06:25 PM

Res~

A question about the lax tea:

For those of us who are still on the cleanse (day 12 for me, hopefully going to at least 21), is it okay to continue drinking the tea? I know it says on the box not to do it for more than a week. I'm still having the 2am trips after drinking my tea at 9:30pm with one BM, but the rest obviously gets totally flushed after my SWF. Should I discontinue the tea? Or rather, can I discontinue the tea?

And thank you for mentioning the probiotic question again. Still wondering as well and hopefully we'll find out from Peter soon!

Thank you!

~Lissa

LWW

June 22nd, 2006, 07:31 PM

HI EVERYONE!!! THANKS RES for the nice and long response! Its ok... about the 7 lbs.. u have will power and motivation like no other!!! Plus, you have a great mind set of exercising with extreme fitness that i really admire you for. I was exercising so much that it felt like a chore.. now i try to exercise whenever I feel like it and have time which is usually 2-3 times a week or if I over ate something bad. Speaking of eating bad...*gulp* :( I think I'm getting my period soon since my period skipped when I was on the MC but I ATE AN ENTIRE KING SIZE SNICKERS BAR... nota mini size which i should have done but AN ENORMOUS KING SIZE ONE thats not even IT.. I also ate AN ENTIRE BAG OF GUMMY BEARS AND ENTIRE WHOLE GIANT BRAB BAG OF FLAMING HOT CHEETOS.... I initially went into 7-11 to buy gum but then I havent had candy and HOT CHEETOS FOR SO LONG!!! IT WAS CALLING MY NAME!!!! I want to cry I am bloated and feeling O SO FAT!!! I AM IN TROUBLE I DID NOT DARE GO ON THE SCALE TODAY. I AM DOING A PARTIAL MC AGAIN to DE BLOAT AND ELIMINATE THE JUNK IN ME.. I EVEN DID A HERBAL LAX LAST NIGHT AND NOTHING CAME OUT!!! IM IN TROUBLE HUH!!! I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO SCARED!!! I do not know what came over me!!!! EVIL I TELL YOU!!! *SOBBING* I cant go to the gym till saturday too cuz I have CPA review class tonight and I just came back home from work and am about to go do some hwk.. hopefully tomorrow I can make it to the gym...but I work 2 shifts and the restaurant I'm waitressing at. GOSH I hate myself right now!!! Well, hopefully I eliminate soon its 3:30 right now...ok tlak to you all soon!! Bye ya'll.

<3,

Laura

Res

June 22nd, 2006, 08:55 PM

Sue:
"I'm not certain" but I think you actually CAN do the SWF once a week without it being a problem....I mean, what do they put into colonics anyway? I've never had one but at the risk of repeating myself, better down and out than up & down & out. Besides, the SWF isn't addictive or shouldn't mess up your bowel like the tea can.

Gillmoli:
You're fine. :) One of the members continued to use the tea after the cleanse and went for months. The tea should be safe for the duration of your cleanse. The longest I've ever cleansed was 23 days and I used the tea each night. :)

Laura!!
Oh geez, it's OK! You sound like a few other's I know of. ;) Those moments JUST HIT LIKE A TORNADO and before you know it you've got chocolate ringing your mouth and crumbs all down the front of you! :eek: I had to laugh because I can identify with what you just went through, but NOW is the time to rein it in...now that it's over do your darndest to not repeat it OR it will continue for days....so, fill the fridge with fresh fruits and veggies and have stuff made up already like this for instance (it's the filling for the raw apple pie posted in the recipe box). A few apples cored, peeled and sliced. Squeeze a bit of lemon on them and then sprinkle with cinnamon. You can keep this covered in the fridge. If you feel the urge to OD on junk food, EAT THE APPLES *FIRST* - and get dates and Figs too!! These will really hit the spot when you're ready to SNARF the bad stuff.

It's a weird type of mental psyche that I use on myself (uh, most of the time). So, I'll eat the good stuff first (when I'm in one of those voracious-eat-everything moods) get full - and then the junk doesn't look so appealing. No worries OK? But I want to help you nip it in the bud before the LBS come creeping back full force. :) I'm uh, getting ready to cleanse again.

Love you guys!
~Res

LWW

June 23rd, 2006, 02:08 AM

THANKS SOOOOOOOOO MUCH RES!!!! YOUR THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOVE YA LOTS TOO!!!!

<3,

Laura

azure

June 23rd, 2006, 04:54 AM

Hi everyone!

I'm still on my cleanse, day 8 at the moment, I plan to go eleven days. But a few days after the cleanse I will be going away to Paris for a week so I won't be here if I need support! And Paris! OMG! It´ll be hard not to eat bad things there, especially CHEESE! I try to eat a vegan diet as much as possible and I don´t miss eggs, milk or yoghurt, but cheese... I have always loved cheese and I don´t know if I´ll be able to withstand.

Before this cleanse my diet was healthy, I changed my eating habits a few months ago and had already lost 20 pounds before even starting the cleanse, so I really don´t want to gain that weight or the extra weight I´ve lost on the cleanse back.

I´ve been torturing myself looking up information on vegetarian restaurants in Paris, some of them sound delicious, makes me hungry!! But I´m definitely going to try to stick to fruit juices, vegetable soups and salads. I hope I´ll manage... I really like the way my body looks now!

And hey, my name is Laura too! :)

LWW

June 23rd, 2006, 01:59 PM

Welcome Laura!!! Wow Paris sounds so fun! I have also been trying to eat a vegan diet 1 month prior the cleanse and its about 3 weeks post cleanse for me now. Despite my junkfood urges I have been pretty good to stay away from all meats, eggs, and dairy, well i dunno if milk chocolate counts. YEA I LOVE CHEESE TOO!!! CHEESE AND CRACKERS AND BREAD!!! MMMMMMMMmmmmmmm especially in Paris I know they have the french baguettes with brie and cheese and wine!! Since your gonna be on vaca I'm sure you'll be walking A LOT!! Plus its ok to eat a little in moderation. I tend to actually lose a couple of pounds when I'm on vacation cause I'm constantly walking everywhere. I'm planning to go to China on July 11 till the end of July. I'm scared too cause I've never been there and I heard the food is AWESOME!!! I'm just going to try and count on my walking and will power heheh. Have a great day and good luck with everything. Talk to everybody soon!!

<3,

Laura

Res

June 23rd, 2006, 03:03 PM

Azure:
Paris!! :eek: All I can say is....lose the weight now and enjoy Paris, but try to eat in Moderation. mm hmm You know you're going to eat cheese! I WOULD! ;)

Laura:
Oooh, China how exciting! :D You guys are re-igniting the wanderlust in me. lol

I have plans for the UK and Western Europe next year. It looks like I may be going solo because my travelling buddies plans are changing. MINE ARE NOT. ;)

Can't wait to hear how it went when you both get back!

Love,
~Res

azure

June 23rd, 2006, 06:23 PM

China! That is really cool too! I'd love to go there one day, I've never been to Asia...

I've been to Paris before, for me it's only a six hour drive to the south, but it's been many years since I last went, I was still in secondary school then! So I'm really looking forward to it! Now I'm an adult and I can explore the place all by myself ;)

I will be walking a lot no doubt, but I do ride my bicycle a lot here (being Dutch and all hehe ;) ) so I don't think I'll get that much more exercise than usual...

I haven't actually lost a lot of weight the past week on the cleanse (two measly pounds), despite going to the gym and doing yoga and riding my bicycle everywhere! But for some reason my body is often slow to react to changes in my diet, so maybe the weight will come off after the cleanse. I hope so...

I'm really going to try to avoid cheese as much as possible... I'm travelling with a strict vegan, so hopefully that will make things easier.

I hope you can go to Europe next year Res, there's a lot to see and do here! I've really travelled a lot within Europe and I still feel like I've only seen a tiny bit!

I'm drinking my tea now and will be off to bed soon.

Enjoy your weekend!! :)

Res

June 24th, 2006, 12:07 PM

Do Healthy Diets Really Prevent Cancer?

This is really worth reading. If you're interested click on "Mercola" (http://www.mercola.com/2006/jun/24/do_healthy_diets_really_prevent_cancer.htm) to read the short article.

I'm not sure about the rest of you but I need all the help I can get to "remind" me AFTER I've cleansed why I did it. "Health" is the primary...but it goes hand in hand with weight loss or maintaining a low weight, feeling better, preventing illness, all that stuff. If that isn't at the forefront of my mind, then overeating creeps back in. Hopefully that's what this section of the board is all about. :)

Feel free to post links to anything you find that will benefit the rest of us.

Love,
~Res

LWW

June 24th, 2006, 03:40 PM

Thanks so much for the awesome article RES!! I am really looking into reading on the metabolic type. My friends and i always find it trialing why some people can lose weight on certain diets and others won't budge a pound. For instance, prior the MC I worked out liek a gym rat and ate less than what I do now. I barely lost any weight! I worked out intensely 5-6 times a week killing myself in the gym and eating high lean protein and not enough veggies and fruits. I dropped prolly 5 lbs a month. But the MC after the cleanse i was so happy to finally have something work for me. Even eating some of my guilt foods sensibly I'm still able to maintain a considerable weight range; in addition to feeling greater and a lot less irritable than I did in any other million diets I've done over the years.

But yea, I'm really interested in what type of metabolic type i am. I also readsome where on this BB that there is a blood type diet. Have you heard anythign about it??? If i have the chance to do some researhc on it Ill definitely keep u updated :). Alrighty have a fab weekend!! Oh yea by the way, you live in so cal right?? I think I remeber you saying that.. not sure. I live in the greater los angeles area in pasadena;). OKee ttyl.. today is HOT!

<3 always,

Laura

Res

June 24th, 2006, 05:50 PM

Hi Laura,

You're welcome. :) I'm trying to find my Metabolic Typing Questionnaire but to no avail. I have it in print but not in any folders on my computer. It's kind of amazing really.

I have heard of the blood type diet and even bought the book. Some people swear by it, other's call it bunk. Sound familiar? I gave mine away. I really like Fit For Life and the recipes they provide. I also REALLY like Dr Mercola's recipe book. PLUS, I really like something Peter said recently about the percentage of raw he eats. His comment brought a fun new freedom to my way of thinking and is something I'll incorporate when I'm eating again.

Yes, I live in Southern Ca. It's very June gloom here right now (which I love), overcast, cloudy, sort of warm with a cool wind too. Sorry it's so hot up your way but Pasadena is known for it, isn't it?

*I was thinkin it might be fun on some weekend to maybe have some of the So Cal girls meet up somewhere central (like on a Saturday) for lunch and then a bit of hanging out for a few hours in the afternoon (walking perhaps) and just doing a bit of blabbing about anything over tea (not LAX... ;)). I'm tossing it around with nothing solid. Just one of those ideas...plus, I'm working on a 1 week menu that suits my fancy for the week AFTER THE CLEANSE and if I get it done soon I'll post it here just to give everyone ideas. I'm open to anyone else wanting to do the same.

Well I hope you don't fry up there! Take care and have a great weekend! :)

Love,
~Res

LWW

June 26th, 2006, 03:40 AM

A little get together sounds like a GREAT IDEA!!! I would totally love to do that! i will definitely look into the Fit for Life and Dr. Mercola books. Also, I htink I missed what Peter said about the percentage of raw that he eats. I have been trying to eat as much raw as I can at least till dinner time. The only thing I love cooked is roasted nuts. Especially the exotic blends I find at farmer's markets and whole foods YUMMY. Also when I dine with freinds and family on weekends I definitely try to eat raw until dinner cause thats when I tend to indulge. Also, I read "the Raw Food Detox Diet" by Natalia Rose. That book is relaly complicated. Books like victoria boutenko's 12 steps to raw Food is sometimes too strict and extreme. No offense to any strict raw foodiests here , but it gets so strict that it make my life style so difficult. The raw Food Detox diet book is really good but then it goes into really big detail about food combinations. Such as only consuming one category of food per meal and waiting 3 hrs b4 switching categories. Then it says fruits should always be consumed on an empty stomach and never be eaten after meals.. that is SO HARD AND it has to be consumed only in fruit categories. I thought eating mostly raw or or swithcing to vegetarian/vegan was hard.... man, this food combination thing is WORSE. But whatever it takes to have a successful lifestyle change eh?

These days its been ahrd for me. It seems taht my old cravings have been stronger than ever. After last week's binge I have definitely toned down, but I still find myself yearning for fatty foods that I have not eaten in MONTHS even before the cleanse. Odd... before I had NO DESIRE WHATSOEVER to eat any meats so it was easy for me to transition to vegetarianism/ veganism; the sight of especially red meats would repulse me. Now, I actually seem to miss the taste of barbeque meats.. I think its the summer feeling... Hopefully it will go away cause I still have 10 lbs to lose till I read my dream weight goal.

Well I had a fab weekend. I went down to San Diego with my freinds and tried surfing for the FIRST TIME. IT was so hard but loads of fun. I definitely have a summer goal of taking up surfing as a hobbie =D. Well I'm pooped from today.. just wanted to update a bit before turning in. Hope everyone had a beautiful weekend as well. Talk to you all soon!!

<3,

Laura

Res

June 26th, 2006, 01:12 PM

Hi Laura:

You surfed?!?! :eek: Wow how cool! :D I'm glad you had a good time in San Diego. It's beautiful!

Peter said this and it's really impacted me:

"Hi ThinAgain,

Day 2 and 3 are the worst. So, hang in there!

I'm on day 15 of my 15th MC and it just gets easier and easier.

For those who wonder about weight, in May of 2003, I was over 230 pounds (I'm 6' 2") and spent 6 months eating 100% raw vegan food. I dropped to 189. Then I felt like a needed a cleanse and found the MC. My first cleanse was 20 days and I lost 23 more pounds to 165. Friends thought I looked health, but awfully thin. I now weigh 176 pounds and it's three years later.

The point is you can control your weight by choosing what food you eat. NOT the quantity, but the type. I eat about 55 - 75 % raw and occasionally pig out on ribs or hamburgers and beer. But I do 3 or 4 MCs every year.

Best wishes for a great cleanse,
Peter"

Especially the underlined part. The freedom you talk about is essential or I'd be tied up in knots...which in a way I was until I read what Peter wrote. There's a bit of a struggle in trying to figure out what to do *after* the cleanse. With my son home, there are foods in the house I wouldn't ordinarily eat...plus I love to cook and don't when he's not there. *this is another pitfall that I had to experience in order to recognize it.

It's interesting to me that so many of us are pigging out, or were pigging out. I've been fine for almost a year... and then! Whamo! It's not so much the pounds but the inches that are a pain. So I'm putting on inches and inches of toxins and mucous....lovely picture huh? :rolleyes: But I'm done... its run its course and I've taken another step forward mentally.

I'm glad you like the idea of a Get Together. I think it would be fun to put faces to names. :)

Have to run, I'm at work. Take care and have a great day!

Love,
~Res

azure

June 26th, 2006, 02:30 PM

Ha! As of tomorrow I will officially be post cleanse as well.
I got oranges, but they're not organic cause the health food store was shut and the supermarket only had non organic ones. Oh well, it does save me money!
I'm a bit sleepy at the moment, I spent the day at a sauna centre. I'll have a yoga class soon and after that for the first time sleep without having to dread the SWF and senna tea effects in the morning!! :)

LadySue

June 26th, 2006, 04:17 PM

First, congratulations to Res and Soph...our newly appointed moderators...! That's great! ;)

Well, I was away for the long holiday weekend visiting friends and family and was really worried about how I would eat, what I would eat, how much I would eat. Overall, I didn't do as well as I had hoped, but certainly better than I would have in the past.

Today I am back on the plan (sort of - it's still a holiday here). I made a juice earlier....hot enough to set your insides on fire (but apparently good for you)... it was 1/2 a cucumber, 2 carrots, a handful of thyme and a chili pepper....WOW...talk about FIRE! :)

Things are changing in me... normally I would have come home and have wanted to settle in with a glass of wine and a good book but instead, I came home and went for a 7.5 km jog and then made a juice (I actually craved it)....

So now, it's back to eating healthy as I have a huge family reunion at the end of July and of course, want to look my best... so my motivation is there...

OK... time for a nap... I feel exhausted... that's what long weekends do, I suppose....

Take care all....

Sue

LWW

June 26th, 2006, 04:35 PM

CONGRATS RES AND SOPHEESTA ON BEING OUR NEWLY APPOINTED BB MODERATORS!!! :D

I'm going to China in about 2 weeks. I was thinking about doing a cleanse when I came back. I have a feeling I might be indulging a bit on my trip cause it will be a LONG time before I am able to go visit Asia again. I did a 35 day cleanse and was wondering if a month later doing another 10 day cleanse would be too soon??? I know doing 3-4 cleanses a year is very good but how far apart should they be spread out so it won't be considered too dangerous in electrolyte count.

Oh yea Res, thanks for helping me become sane again after my binge last week. I have followed your advice in being calm and eating healthy. I have been juicing a lot and eating raw salads, fruits, veggies, seeds and nuts and I just weighed myself this morning and am back to normal zone of 125 lbs. WHEW. How is the extreme fitness going along?? I am definitely gonna take up doing a lot more toning exercises... losing a lot of weight in a short period of time has made me lose alot of muscle tone and tightness :(. I', thinking 3 times a week if my body permits. I'm sore from surfing yday.

Well I hope everyone has a great day!!

<3 ya all,

Laura

Res

June 26th, 2006, 09:31 PM

Azure:

Congrats on finishing the cleanse! :D

Sue:
Thank you. :)

Glad you did better than you thought you would. It takes time, that's for sure.

Your juice sounds like a Hot one! But sounds good at this moment.

I like what you said about things changing and I'm really proud of you for going on a jog.

I hope you have a lot of fun at your family reunion. They can be a blast! :) Take care and rest.

Laura:
Thank you too. :)

China in 2 weeks! :eek: Does it seem real to you? How exciting!

Per the next cleanse, personally I know people who have done a cleanse one month, then went off for a month and back on for 10-21 days. It didn't appear to harm them in any way. You just have to listen to your body.

Glad you're back down to a happy weight.:)

Xtreme fitness is going well actually. I pooped out today though. I left work early to take care of some things and got home late. It was hot and muggy and zapped my energy. But, I'm doing weights 5 times a week and Callanetics in between. I'm going to try to bump up the Callanetics to daily. Then I'm going to switch around the weight training DVDs so that I don't burn out. When it gets too hot to move, I'm going to take it to the gym and get on the stairmaster. I'm going to walk with a friend after work a few times a week, and I usually walk at lunch for 30 minutes. That might change as well as it heats up badly there. Or, I'll just throw on a tank top & hat and go for it.

Oh, I found a couple of simple recipes and posted in the Recipe Box.

Lastly, I hope everyone is doing well. :D

Love,
~Res

gillmoli

June 27th, 2006, 09:52 AM

Res:

I was just reading your post on your exercise routine...Callanetics! I have that tape too! My mom and I used to do that about 14 years ago while I was in gymnastics in high school. It REALLY toned my tush and thighs! I've been debating whether or not to start it again while on the cleanse since I'm feeling flabby, not fat, but just not toned. It's hard for me to find the time though, since I get home at about 6:30-7pm, and I have to drink one more lemonade and then make all my lemonade for the next day (which takes about 20 minutes), by that time, it's nearly 8pm and I'm already needing to get ready for bed so I can try to sleep by 9:30. Any suggestions?

I really want to start a routine now so that when I finish the cleanse on Saturday, I'll have something to stick to...it's like I feel that I need to have "something" like the cleanse, so I'm trying to make that next thing be exercise since it's always been so hard for me while living here in NYC.

Thank you, thank you for your thoughts! And congrats on being the new moderator! We all adore you and appreciate your words of wisdom.

~Lissa

gillmoli

June 27th, 2006, 01:09 PM

one other question:

when I go off the cleanse after 21 days, how many days should I do juice/soup before introducing salads?

I want to do it as slow as necessary so that I don't have a horrible reaction whether that's digestive issues or immediate weight gain.

Thanks~

~Lissa

LWW

June 27th, 2006, 03:23 PM

HI Lissa,

I did a 35 day cleanse and I used Kira Moon's excellent advice in breaking the fast. Sopheesta made a GREAT pdf file its... "http://fulcrum.physbio.mssm.edu/~sdy/images/KIRA_MOON_sTIPS.pdf" I used her suggestions and combined it with burrough's fast breaking rules. Since I assumed the 3 day rule for breaking the cleanse was for a 10 day MC. So, For you since you did a 21 day cleanse I would multiply the days of breaking the fast by 2. Thus do 2 days of OJ, then 2 days of OJ and broth, then 2 days of OJ, broth, and then raw veggies and fruits. You shoudl really take the time to read Kira's tips cuz i incorporated them whoel heartedly to test my stomach!. I would also like to add that when I broke the fast I continued to lose weight too!!! FASTER THAN WHEN I WAS ON THE MC!!! THE MC IS INCREDIBLE.. ITS THEBEST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO ME!!! I LOVE IT!!! :D. If you follow Kira's advice you should not have any trouble.. just listen to your body and test your stomach :). If you should have anymore questions don't hesitate to ask RES too she is an EXPERT!!! Good luck!!

<3,

Laura

Res

June 27th, 2006, 08:15 PM

Laura:
That was perfect! (and I'm no expert :p).

Lissa:
Find something that's quick, like a 15 minute workout. Something is better than nothing.

I really like Callanetics. I have only 1 of her DVD's but I'm going to take a look at what else she has. She gets specific like butt\thighs, or something like that.

It's so hot here, 101. I don't know if I can do much as far as exercising goes. Looks like Plan B, the gym, is going to kick in soon.

I hope everyone is doing well. :)

Love,
~Res

lovejones596

June 27th, 2006, 09:28 PM

Hello All - Tomorrow is my 10th day and I am gearing up to come off, though the last couple of days I have been detoxing the most. (It was very mild the first 7 days). 4th of July is coming up and I don't think I can make it through another bbq with out eating something! I won't eat the meat but will eat plenty of veggies and fruit. I was at a bbq last week and it was horrible! I wanted to lick everything! But that wouldn't have been too polite.:o

Anyway, I'm a bit confused. On day 11, are you supposed to just have oj for the day or oj in the am and lemonade the rest of the day. same with day 12 etc?:confused:

Hi Res - you just are everywhere! Glad to see you on this side too.

Good night!

Elisa

Res

June 27th, 2006, 11:01 PM

Hi Elisa:

Wow! :eek: It's almost over! :)

Click on the link; Kira's tips for coming off the cleanse (http://fulcrum.physbio.mssm.edu/~sdy/images/KIRA_MOON_sTIPS.pdf)

The tips will help you out immensely, Kira is a Guru at this. :)

Love,
~Res

gillmoli

June 28th, 2006, 05:15 PM

Hi there,

Since I'm nearly finished with my 21 day cleanse, I've been trying to find out some ideas for juice. Question is: after the first day, can I switch over to smoothies? I just saw Res' recipe for the kiwi/cantalope (sp-sorry) smoothie and it sounds great. Should I try it or wait until I can be sure that my body will accept solid foods?

Also, will a blender work fine for smoothies, or do I need to get a juicer?

Thanks!

~Lissa

Res

June 28th, 2006, 05:18 PM

Take a look at these recipes. I just posted this in in the Recipe Box. :) However, click on the link in the above post and follow Kira's Tips for breaking the cleanse (unless you can't handle OJ) but proceed very slowly and carefully.

A Blender won't "juice" the fruits\veggies but will make really nice thick smoothies. :)

20 Simple Juice Recipes

Carrot/Apple Juice
6 carrots
2 apples

Liver Mover
2-3 carrots
½ beet

Bromeiain Special
pineapple (skin & all)
unscrew top and throw away

Orange or Grapefruit
3 oranges (peeled)
or 1 grapefruit (peeled)

Evening Regulator
2 apples
1 pear

Digestive Special
handful of spinach
6 carrots

Holiday Cocktail
2 apples
1 large bunch of grapes
1 slice lemon with peel

Body Cleanser
4 carrots
½ cucumber
1 beet

Rejuvenator
handful of parsley
3 carrots
2 celery stalks
2 cloves of garlic

Cantaloupe Juice
cut into strips and juice
(rind and all)

The Waldorf
1 stalk celery
2 apples

Sunshine Cocktail
2 apples
4-6 strawberries

Energy Shake
handful of parsley
6 carrots

Watermelon Juice
cut into strips and juice
(rind and all)

Potassium Broth
1 handful of spinach
1 handful of parsley
2 stalks of celery
4-6 carrots

AAA Juice
6 carrots
1 apple
2 stalks of celery
½ handful of wheatgrass
½ handful of parsley
½ beet

Passion Cocktail
4 strawberries
1 large chuck pineapple
1 bunch black grapes

Morning Tonic
1 apple
1 grapefruit (peeled)

Digestive Cocktail
¼ lemon with peel
½ grapefruit (peeled)
2 oranges

Alkaline Special
¼ head cabbage (red or green)
3 stalks of celery

Love,
~Res

gillmoli

June 28th, 2006, 05:22 PM

Res,

These sound fantastic! I still think I'll invest in a juicer to make it easier to adjust to a more "raw" lifestyle and for variety as well. As you say, a blender can only do so much.

Thanks so much for these!

~Lissa

lovejones596

June 29th, 2006, 11:05 AM

Hi Res - I'M DONE! 10 days done! :DI'm so excited and I am also excited about starting my new eating style as well. I think if this weekend wasn't a holiday I might have gone longer... but. Next time.

Happy - I'm impressed that you kept going after 10 and are going for 21. You go girl!

Gotta get back to work.

Elisa

nefronaynay

June 29th, 2006, 11:10 AM

PETER. i am on my 3rd MC. First was 20 days, second 10 days, and i'm going for another 20. I purchased the books and CD but my mom has them and she is out of town. Can you remind me the time frame I must wait to do another fast? I believe you must wait at least 1.5 months so your calcium deposits are ample. I don't want to do too many cleanses which might be unhealthy. I feel great when I cleanse. THANKS!

Res

June 29th, 2006, 11:50 AM

Elisa,

Great job! :D Remember to take it S L O W. If you've read the posts here you'll see that the pitfalls are waiting for you to take a dive into. :( And you DON'T want that!

Read Kira's tips for coming off the cleanse. They're brilliant. Welcome to the world of food again. :)

Love,
~Res

OffBase

June 29th, 2006, 02:08 PM

Hey everyone, hey, RES BUDDY!

Checking out the new board finally. It's not letting me send private messages. Maybe this is covered in a FAQ somewhere.

I'm not doing very well off the cleanse. Blah!

:( But I hope you are all are staying lemony strong! :) :

gillmoli

June 29th, 2006, 04:49 PM

Laura,

Thank you so much for doing that math for me :o

It's never been my strong suit...I think the 2 day, 2 day, 2 day, plan sounds good. Someone wrote that they had watermelon to substitute the OJ on one of the days, I think it was day 2 maybe? Anywhoo, that sounds good...a little variety. Also, is there a veggie broth recipe in the box? I'll have to take another look...I'm sure there is.

I certainly hope the weight continues to come off! That's definitely the main worry here. So glad exercise helps do the trick! :)

Res and Soph and Kira are all amazing gurus...I look to them for support all the time. Thank you so much ladies!

Gotta run..back to work.

Thanks again!

~Lissa

LWW

June 29th, 2006, 08:03 PM

Hey Lissa,

THere are a ton of vegetable broth recipes in the veggie broth tab of the raw food lifestyle file of the BB. I used A TON of herbs and spices to give my broth some flavor. I id not use salt, isntead I used organic dried seaweed and it was FANTASTIC!!! Personally, I am extremeley sensitive to salt and I bloat up like crazy in mad doses so I try to omit as much sodium as I can :). Good Luck with everything =) Oh yea by the way, I like to use grapefruit juice too instead of OJ or I do a mix and match cuz i like variety.

Take Care,

Laura

gillmoli

June 29th, 2006, 08:46 PM

Thanks, Laura.

I'll just have to experiment I guess. I just feel like I have to do this all "the right way" or else! I know that we're all different and that some of us can move over to more solid foods more quickly...I'm just super hesitant since this is my first MC. I know it will all work out just fine in the end! :)

Thanks again!

~Lissa

lovejones596

June 30th, 2006, 08:29 AM

The end is near for you Lissa! Just one more day! You go girl.

I was thinking how I was going to get off the cleanse about halfway through the cleanse. I am very cautious as well. I've lost some weight and just don't want it coming back on. I made my veggie soup last night and just used some organic veg broth cubes. That was enough salt for me. I didn't put any other seasoning in. After having lemonade for 11 days (I'm still drinking it) it tasted devine! I look forward to actually drinking a cup of it tonight for dinner. I've also had a couple of bites of watermelon. It tasted so good.

Ok - going off the food subject... How shall I put this. Now that I've ended my cleanse, I haven't eliminated. When should I expect to? My guess I probably won't until I actually eat something, right?

Stay strong everyone in your original commitment to good health. This weekend is coming and will be VERY tempting.

Happy day all.:)

Elisa

gillmoli

June 30th, 2006, 09:47 AM

Elisa,

Thanks for your well wishes and support! Almost done!

In regards to your eliminations post-cleanse, I wanted to quote this from Laura (LWW)...it took her a few (9) days to have a bm once finishing the cleanse. This is how it went down:

Hi EVERYONE!!

Res: I finally had 3 BMS today!!!! WOO HOOO!!! I had a spinach apple and Lemon green smoothie. Within 10 minutes of finishing it I had a BM and then ANother and then ANother. THough the BMS were kinda difficult to go through....Its odd... I dunno why i was constipated for so long either.

I definitely believe that we are all so different and that the time it takes for our bodies to readjust varies. Don't give in to drinking the tea...give your body time. I'm a little nervous about that too...not fun to be constipated! :eek:

Your veggie broth, did you add pureed veggies to it or just had that alone? There's a recipe for a raw veggie puree which sounds absolutely amazing, but I don't know if it will be too much for me to take on day 4.

Thanks again and congrats on finishing your MC!

~Lissa

gillmoli

June 30th, 2006, 09:54 AM

Elisa,

Just one more quote here about the post-cleanse eliminations:

If anyone is having issues with "eliminating", may I suggest a Green Smoothie... Just make one that doesn't taste like hay and you'll be happy you did, uh, once you get past the texture.... gag ::)

See ya all soon!

Cheers!

Good luck!!

~Lissa :)

lovejones596

June 30th, 2006, 10:17 AM

Lissa,

I didn't add any pureed veggies, I just cut up zucchini, celery with leaves, carrots, potatoes, onions, peas, corn, green beans, garlic, some canned whole tomatoes (organic) and then the bullion cubes (they were organic as well). I brought it to a boil and then simmered for about 15 minutes. I'm not much into zucchini so I may puree that, but the rest I love.

I didn't realize that there was a veggie broth thread, I'll check it out.

Thanks for the quotes - I'll try a green smoothie on Monday if I don't have one before then. I'm out and about the next couple of days and don't want to take any chances having to "go" while I'm no where near a toilet.:p

Have a great weekend! And take it S L O W.

Elisa

Hi Res!

gillmoli

June 30th, 2006, 11:00 AM

Elisa,

That soup sounds fantastic too! I'm so excited! :D

Actually, I just went to the Lemonhead Recipe Box thread to find recipes. There are some amazing ones that I can't wait to try out. It will be hard to go slow, but I know I must!

I have a question for you (I know it's in the book, but I don't have it with me at the moment--sorry if it's redundant): on the last day of the cleanse, do you do the swf? And...the night before the last day, do you do the tea? And do we do the tea the night of our last day?

I've been a bit confused as to whether or not I should do those on the last day...I think I'm reading into it too much :o but I just want to be sure!

Thanks so much and have a great weekend too!

~Lissa

natrlnslim

June 30th, 2006, 02:33 PM

Hello Everyone,
I am pleased to announce that I have made it to Day 15!!!!!! Tomorrow I will be drinking my juiced oranges. I can't wait. I have lost a total of 16 pounds! My goal is to try to eat 50% raw. For now I plan on drinking the lemonade during the day and then eating dinner. Hopefully my stomach will adjust well.

lovejones596

June 30th, 2006, 03:29 PM

Congratulations natrlnslim! Way to go.

I have this fancy idea of begin 75% raw. Let's see if I hold up to it. There are many temptations here in the office, but I've manage to avoid them for 12 days, so I probably can. I figure raw in the morning (juice or fruit), veggies for snacks, salad for lunch with maybe a piece of bread and cooked for dinner with veggies or a salad. That's about 75% right? I plan on limiting my meat as well but I can't give up pasta or rice.

Lissa - this is what I did for my last day. (not sure if it was in the book or not) I drank my tea the night before, did my swf as usual, had my lemonades all day (I did cheat that night and had 5 grapes sans the peels and 3 bites of a watermelon. It didn't bother me any). I did have some tea that night but just a little. I actually like the taste of it. And that was it. The next day I made some oj and lemonade and I switch on and off between the two. Made my veggie soup and tasted that. I look forward to that tonight. Even if there won't be anything to chew on.

I read your blog. Let me know how your juicer is. I have a juiceman jr that is about 11 years old. If it dies I'll be shopping for a new one.

Ta Ta All

Elisa

llemmers

July 1st, 2006, 04:46 PM

Hey everyone,

I'm still cleansing, but I wanted to share some thoughts... I've checked out this thread from time to time but never posted. I was posting on another thread and ended up typing quite a bit of things that were on my heart about this cleanse and what the pros and cons are. I guess I was on a roll and a lot more came out than I planned on, but I think it's good stuff to think about so I am copying it in it's entirety here too. Sorry for the length, I guess I just had a lot to share... sooooooo here it is:

Hey everyone,

Just thought I'd check in on this thread. This is my first MC and today is day 22 on my way to 40+. I'll decide if I want to do more than 40 when I get there. My main goals are to continue until the solid stuff is totally gone. Yes I've eaten crap food for many years and I just want to "clean house". Disolved solid stuff is still coming out every morning, even 22 days later!!! :eek: Kind of scary!!!

Overall it's been a good experince. I've had some days where the cravings were pretty intense, but I just take it one day at a time, sometimes 5 minutes at a time if I need to.

One observation that was new today is the "butt pee", after the solid stuff comes out is more of a pale yellow today. Normally it is bright yellow. I'm not sure if there are less toxins, or less nutrients in my body. Probably less of both.

This brings up a point I've been thinking and learning about lately. Cleanses like this are beneficial, but they can lead to nutrient deficiency. I know Burrows says the lemons and maple syrup provide all we need, but I don't believe that's a true statement. Perhaps they provide all we need for the short term, but we also need protien and fat, as well as a host of other things, to be healthy. I'm not disputing this cleanse, as I have been very pleased to see all the junk exiting my body. The weight loss has also been a pleasant goodbye. It's just that I am concerned with all the people that do repeated cleanses or continue with a really limited diet after the cleanse. I can't believe that is healthful in the long term.

While it's true I have consumed years of crap food most of my life, our family has experienced a complete turn around in eating habits for the last 6-8 months or so. We had a baby girl and that made my wife and I take a good hard look at our food intake and decided we need to make a major change. Leading up to this cleanse, I was eating organic, nutrient dense foods, feeling better, and lost about 10 pounds. I plan on continuing that when done with this. I know this is a raw food site and much of our diet is actually raw, but we still do meat (locally grown, organic) and dairy (organic whole raw milk - not pasturized), raw cheeze, and fresh locally raised organic eggs. Fresh salads with a variety of vegetables, great smoothies in the morning packed with quite a few different nutrient dense items like goji berries, raw cacao, banana, blue berries, cherries, nutritional yeast, maple syrup, pine and macadamia nuts, egg yokes, kefir or raw milk, and melted raw butter / coconut oil, and palm oil. I'm not sure if that sounds appealing or not, but it tastes great and is so jam packed with nutrients that one serving is totally satisfying until lunch. We have enjoyed homemade chicken soup loaded with veggies made from broth that slow cooks for 24 hours to extract tons of calcium and other nutrients out (again, not a raw vegetarian concept, but very nutritious none the less)

My wife is still nursing, so she isn't able to do this with me. This board has really helped a lot. I'm kind of going on and on, but it has been on my heart to share a few things for a while. The cleanse is good... very good, indeed, but I believe it is imperitive to eat a variety of nutrient dense foods after the cleanse. Weight loss is important, but disease can come back in if our immune system is weakened and lack of nutrients leads to a compromised immunity. One of the reasons the weight comes off for most people is the sheer lack of caloric intake. If a person does this cleanse, depletes the bodies stores of nutrients, and then continues with a very limited diet to continue weight loss, they are setting themselves up for problems. I'm not suggesting to pig out and end up right back where we were before, but just to make sure the diet is balanced with a variety of good foods. That's also why organic, locally grown, naturally ripened fruits and vegetables are so important. While they may cost more (there are ways to buy better like CSA's and farmers markets), you actually get more "bang for the buck". Commercially produced foods tend to come from soils that have been depleted of vital nutrients and rely on chemical fertalization, rather than putting back natural elements as is typical with organic farming.

OK, I'm probably going into way too much detail, now, so I'll stop. I just care about people and want to share some of what I've learned. I'd be glad to share more if anyone cares, but I guess that's all for now. There are a number of resources I could share if anyone wants to know more.

Best of luck to you all. May God bless you on your journey,
Luke

sopheetsa

July 2nd, 2006, 06:04 AM

Hey Luke:

Thanks for your thought provoking, passionate, and mouth watering post!

(http://therawfoodsite.com/forum/showthread.php?t=99&page=19I#post9768)

I was quite concerned about issues of nutrition while doing my first (and subsequent "serial" MC 2 & 3) ....and since then too, and posted like a maniac about it (in posts that are not easily accessible since our bb migrated). I think we live in a challenging time and place-- having to deal with the problem-- of too much food, living in a land of plenty (while many starve)-- while ironically, the food is often nutrient depleted! It sounds like you and your (growing) family-- are figuring out a whole lot about how to eat healthfully-- in these challenging times-- and I certainly hope you stay on board and tell us all about it!

Western (allopathic) medicine and standard nutritional doctrine-- are quite wary of fasting--and many such people hold that even a day without food can be quite dangerous. All this is alarming- and I read quite a bit of it during my first and subsequent MCs. On the other hand-- traditional cultures have incoroporated fasting as a way of life-- and our ancestors endured long bouts of famine, so that in many ways we are much hardier than we suppose. At the time that I was struggling with these notions-- Res also pointed out-that scary as it is to go without nutrition-- it is still only a small fraction of the year. Now since I did a total of 52+33 on my first 3 MCs within the last half year-- it is actually a SIGNIFICANT fraction of time (almost half!) but then-- when you consider again-- that traditional societies-- including my own (Greek) include fasting-- on a regular basis throughout the week, month and year-- it is not as crazy as it may seem-- particularly considering the excess-- which we may be prone too!

Now-- again-- conventional (allopathic) wisdom suggests that we need protein-- and other nutrients DAILY-- but then-- it maybe possible-- that the body-- has a mechanism for recovering nutrients-- when cells are "scavenged" during fasting. The body is a remarkable thing-- and, having done long term MCs--I was stunned and amazed to find-- how LITTLE we can subsist on-- and feel remarkably well (almost better) than when eating. My parents-- are WWII survivors-- and have reported (along with others) that during periods of famine-- many people got BETTER-- from a series of maladies. It is truly an amazing thing-- that food deprivation especially when thoughtful and deliberate-- as opposed to immorally and inappropriately imposed-- such as when the Nazis starved the Jews, in WWII.... can be amazingly healing.

I think we all have to think carefully on it. Even western medicine says that extreme caloric deprivation-- leads to amazing longevity in laboratory animals. I'm not trying to advocate such extreme (anorexic) behaviour-- which can in fact have severe consequences-- but I think the Cleanse can help us all to reconsider--exactly how much food DO WE REALLY NEED?

Best of luck to you on your and your family's journey to optimal health! Please keep us posted! Thanks, :)

sophie

MyRain

July 2nd, 2006, 07:15 PM

gillmoli

July 3rd, 2006, 09:45 AM

Hello All,

I did it!! 21 days! I have to say that I'm feeling great and very accomplished. I found willpower and discipline that I never knew I had in me.

The first day off the cleanse was yesterday (Sunday) and I had fresh squeezed organic orange juice for breakfast. Went down fine. Then had another for lunch...good. Then went shopping at Whole Foods for the week ahead, and they had watermelon samples...tried a bite, SO GOOD! That night I had a very small bowl of sliced watermelon for dinner. It went down great and had no problem at all. I also remembered to take my probiotic that night as well as this morning.

Today I'm having a lemonade (lighter on the cayenne than before), then I have 32oz of orange juice for later, and I also brought more of the watermelon to have if I feel hungry. Don't forget water too.

I was feeling a bit more tired than usual this morning, but that's okay. I will exercise again tonight as well. I know that if I keep moving my body and watch my food intake, the weight will stay away (I hope!)

Can't wait to have that avocado or the roasted almonds! So looking forward to whole, solid foods. I figure by Friday night I should be able to do a salad, save the nuts, but I guess it will all depend on how my body reacts with the food this week.

Thank you all again for being so amazingly supportive. If it weren't for you, I don't know how I would have made it through those 21 days. <insert Lissa saying: I'm not worthy! I'm not worthy!> You are all wonderful people who have the strength that I aspire to have, but I know that I'm on the road towards that since finishing this cleanse. I also want to thank you all for your wonderful recipes. I can't wait to try them out! Especially the green smoothies.

With love and hugs, :)

Lissa

P.S. I'll be checking in quite a bit, so I'm not going anywhere! Good luck to you all with this new and wonderful lifestyle!

formerly_cytrus

July 3rd, 2006, 05:05 PM

Hey all, on day 7 but had an after cleanse question.

Did anyone start BM's upon drinking OJ alone, or was it only after you introduced solids that you experienced it starting again?

Res

July 3rd, 2006, 06:02 PM

Lissa: YAY!!! I knew you could do it! :D I'm so excited for you. Now you can encourage other newbies with your journey past. *hug*

Now's the time to plan on how you're going to eat. Go slow and come back often to catch us up on how you're doing.

Love,
~Res

Citrus:
I can't remember back that far. I don't uh, technically break the cleanse the Burroughs way any longer. The OJ is too much sugar for me. Hopefully someone else can chime in. :D

mysnowhill

July 3rd, 2006, 09:31 PM

I can't remember back that far. I don't uh, technically break the cleanse the Burroughs way any longer. The OJ is too much sugar for me. Hopefully someone else can chime in. :D[/QUOTE]

Hi Res,
I'm still just on day 4 of the cleanse but I'm trying to plan the best way to break the cleanse, I'll only be completing 7 days, anyway I saw this post and was wondering if you could share your way of breaking the cleanse. I'm not sure I'll do well with the oj only because it can be to acidic for me. Also, this may be silly question, but how do you make the vegetable broth/soup ??

I see your posts a lot on these boards and just want to say you are great for being here!!! Thanks for all of your help.
Brenda

Res

July 4th, 2006, 12:06 AM

Hi Brenda,

After much hunting I can't find the soup recipe I use. If you have Burroughs Book it's in the back. If you don't - just put a variety of your favorite veggies in a pot and cover in spring water. Add spices, salt, pepper and boil until they're tender.

I'll PM you on what I do to break the cleanse.

~Res

katie97

July 4th, 2006, 01:32 AM

Hi Res,

I would also be interested in learning what you do to break the cleanse. I can't handle OJ either and I was wondering what I was going to do once it came time to break the fast!! I have read some people use grapefruit juice instead of OJ. I am just finishing day 9 and I am planning on going until day 14.

Thanks so much for your advice and input, you are a true gem on this board!! :D

Take care,

Katie

sopheetsa

July 4th, 2006, 05:50 AM

Sophie,

I think it's amazing that you were able to do such long cleanses. How did you manage? I'm on day 8 of my very first one and I am dreaming of vegetable soup! I wouldn't say I'm having cravings but I think about food a great deal. I would really like to go longer than 10 days but I have a whopping headache for the first time today and I think I may be running out of steam!

Edie

Hi Edie & a shoutout to EVERYONE http://www.kurts-smilies.de/wink.gif here:
I think day 8 is one of the days-- that our admin ,Peterhttp://therawfoodsite.com/forum/images/icons/icon6.gif, particularly warns about! So congratulations for making it to day 8!!! Also-- headaches especially-- are DETOX symptoms. Part of what it takes getting used to on the cleanse-- is being able to identify detox symptoms and realize they are temporary and usually go away with "the next day's eliminations" as he often says. So how are you doing today? I'm hoping better. There are interesting posts having to do with the "detox stages"-- for example see the one by peanutterb, and the followup by Peter:

http://therawfoodsite.com/forum/showthread.php?t=194&highlight=detox+stages

ie-- the payoff is that there are long stretches during a long cleanse when:
"The body is completely adapted to the fasting process. There is more energy and clarity of mind. Cleansing periods can be short with many days of feeling good in between."

Best of luck! :)

lovejones596

July 4th, 2006, 01:22 PM

Hello All -

Way to go Lissa! I was thinking about you this weekend. Isn't watermelon devine! I've eaten about 2 whole this weekend. It was the only thing I felt safe eating.

I was at 3 picnics this weekend. I did well at all 3. On the last one I did have a small piece of birthday cake without frosting and a chocolate chip cookie. I've managed to lose 2.5 more pounds. I was able to fit into a pair of my friend's shorts. She's always been smaller than me... and they fit great... and they were tight on her. :D

Yesterday I had a sprinkle of dairy (some feta in my salad) and I noticed I got a little bloated. For the most part I did ok yesterday. I ate almost all raw (I had a pita with my salad), fruits and nuts. (Is there a limit on how many nuts I should eat and still see good results on the scale?)

This morning I stepped on the scale and gained 1 lb. I know that I will gain weight as I begin eating more solids but it was still disappointing. I'm scared that it'll just keep going up. I've bumped up the amount I've been working out. I've gone bike riding with my son on the back (good workout on hills). I don't know, I'm still bumbed about the gain... it's only a pound... why am I bumming so much?:(

Anyway, keep it up all. Stay with your commitment to good health. And again Lissa... You go girl!
And HAPPY 4TH EVERYONE!

Elisa

gillmoli

July 5th, 2006, 09:49 AM

Res and Elisa,

Thank you both so much! It was definitely the most important journey I've taken in my life as far as my health and well being are concerned. I can't thank you all enough for the support that you've given me. It truly helped me get to day 21.

Here's an update: I had taken measurements on day 10 (forgot to at the beginning) and then I took measurements again yesterday (my 3rd day off the cleanse) and I lost an inch all around!! What a difference and inch makes! I don't have a scale and won't ever buy one, but I know that if I can fit very comfortably in certain clothes, I know I'm staying within my range. I could stand to lose another inch, but that will come with time and exercise.

Since my last post, the 4th of July has come and gone. I had orange juice for breakfast, then decided that I could try a salad later that day. I also had guacamole (fresh out of the bowl, no chips). To die for! I did really well after eating that as lunch, then had my salad for dinner, which included chopped walnuts...again I did just fine. I have to admit though, my husband made grilled salmon filet, and I had a couple bites. I couldn't resist!! It went down well too. I know I jumped in a little quickly, but I felt okay. So today, I'm having a lemonade for bfast, I have an orange, blueberries, a couple strawberries, and then the rest of the salad that I made last night. And lots of water of course.

No bm's yet...but I'm planning on making a green smoothie tonight or tomorrow morning. I just don't want to go through what Sopheetsa went through! I'm also making the soup tonight as well. So I feel good about how I am and I know that my body will tell me if I need to adjust the way I'm eating and reintroducing food.

My only complaints: I'm having an issue with fluid (mucous) in my head--sinuses and ears (I can hear myself breathing!) and my right eye is sore for some reason...oh, and I'm also having some discharge (down there) that seems odd. And I'm super tired in the morning again like before the cleanse...5am isn't easy anymore (maybe because I know I don't have to do the swf!) I didn't experience these symptoms while I was on the cleanse, so I'm not sure what's going on. Any thoughts from anyone??

Otherwise I'm doing well and I have started to plan out my recipes and foods. Whole Foods is great, but I just wish there was one closer to home for me.

Again, thank you all so much for you wonderful support. Good luck to all of you who are on the cleanse now. You can do it!! :)

*hugs*
~Lissa

gillmoli

July 5th, 2006, 10:10 AM

Update!!

First bm!! Woo hoo! Interesting...don't want to go into too much detail but, it was just a thicker version of the first elimination after the swf...so it seems that there's still toxins leaving my body! Yay!

Okay, enough poop talk...:p

I forgot to mention, I'll be getting my new juicer this week so I really look forward to trying Res' recipes in the Lemonhead Recipe box!

Thanks again!

~Lissa

sopheetsa

July 5th, 2006, 11:09 AM

....and then I took measurements again yesterday (my 3rd day off the cleanse) and I lost an inch all around!! What a difference an inch makes!

My only complaints: I'm having an issue with fluid (mucous) in my head--sinuses and ears (I can hear myself breathing!) and my right eye is sore for some reason...oh, and I'm also having some discharge (down there) that seems odd..... I didn't experience these symptoms while I was on the cleanse, so I'm not sure what's going on. Any thoughts from anyone??

*hugs*
~Lissa

Lissa: CONGRATULATIONS on the inch! :) and the bm!!! and-- I'm glad you're being wise about how you end the cleanse--

(NOT A GOOD IDEA TO BE AN IDIOT LIKE ME! ;) )

finally-- mucous-- could well be-- "DETOX". It is an amazing thing-- but even when the cleanse is over-- people continue detoxing--I did! With mucous-- best thing is to keep it moving--(so that it can LEAVE your body) also-- make sure to drink plenty of fluids.

BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!

gillmoli

July 5th, 2006, 11:15 AM

Sopheetsa,

Thank you for the congratulatory wishes! An inch is an inch, right? Such a great feeling! :)

You're not an idiot :o I hope you didn't think I meant it that way...:)

I just think it's great that you were honest enough to share that with all of us to help us learn how to do it right. It's all trial and error. I mean, techincally I should've had soup yesterday, but I totally jumped right into guacamole! Then I got a little nervous after I had those few bites of salmon, but then I said, what the heck! And today, 2 bm's later, I feel pretty good. I guess it's true what they say, every "body" is different! :D

And thank you for your input on the mucous...I guess it is absolutely possible that I am still detoxing! Wow...who'd've thought!

Thank you again for all of your posts and wonderful words of inspiration and hope. We all appreciate it very much.

~Lissa

Res

July 5th, 2006, 12:11 PM

Lissa,

The "tired" feeling you're experiencing is from "digesting". There's a little blurb that used to circulate a few years ago in the form of a question, "What's the one activity that you do which uses more energy than anything else".... everyone snickers and says "sex", but it's really digesting. That's why people take naps after eating. Your body is working hard to digest what you've just eaten - all the energy goes to that purpose. That's why taking it s l o w after the cleanse is so important.

Glad you're feeling well. :)

~Res

gillmoli

July 5th, 2006, 12:30 PM

Res,

Wow...so is that what's been keeping me so tired for all these years?? I totally believe that now. So, I should keep my pace of eating very slow...good to know! :)

Thanks!

I wish I could take a nap now!

~Lissa

Res

July 5th, 2006, 01:54 PM

This is really cool so I wanted to share it. It's from the link Lissa posted :)

Healthy Eating with the Seasons

What are the benefits of Eating Foods in Season?

Every week we celebrate a food that is in season because that is when you get the most flavor and nutritional value and when it is the most affordable. For the greatest freshness look for foods that are locally grown and are in season.

Discussion

Seasons form the natural backdrop for eating. All of the World's Healthiest Foods are seasonal. Imagine a vegetable garden in the dead of winter. Now imagine this same garden on a sunny, summer day. How different things are during these two seasons of the year! For ecologists, seasons are considered a source of natural diversity. Changes in growing conditions from spring to summer or fall to winter are considered essential for balancing the earth's resources and its life forms. But today it's so easy for us to forget about seasons when we eat! Modern food processing and worldwide distribution of food make foods available year-round, and grocery stores shelves look much the same in December as they do in July.

Research Supporting Seasonal Eating
In a research study conducted in 1997 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in London, England, significant differences were found in the nutrient content of pasteurized milk in summer versus winter. Iodine was higher in the winter; beta-carotene was higher in the summer. The Ministry discovered that these differences in milk composition were primarily due to differences in the diets of the cows. With more salt-preserved foods in winter and more fresh plants in the summer, cows ended up producing nutritionally different milks during the two seasons. Similarly, researchers in Japan found three-fold differences in the vitamin C content of spinach harvested in summer versus winter.

Guides for Eating Seasonally
What does this mean for you? Eat seasonally! To enjoy the full nourishment of food, you must make your menu a seasonal one. In different parts of the world, and even in different regions of one country, seasonal menus can vary. But here are some overriding principles you can follow to ensure optimal nourishment in every season:

In spring, focus on tender, leafy vegetables that represent the fresh new growth of this season. The greening that occurs in springtime should be represented by greens on your plate, including Swiss chard, spinach, Romaine lettuce, fresh parsley, and basil.

In summer, stick with light, cooling foods in the tradition of traditional Chinese medicine. These foods include fruits like strawberries, apple, pear, and plum; vegetables like summer squash, broccoli, cauliflower, and corn; and spices and seasonings like peppermint and cilantro.

In fall, turn toward the more warming, autumn harvest foods, including carrot, sweet potato, onions, and garlic. Also emphasize the more warming spices and seasonings including ginger, peppercorns, and mustard seeds.

In winter, turn even more exclusively toward warming foods. Remember the principle that foods taking longer to grow are generally more warming than foods that grow quickly. All of the animal foods fall into the warming category including fish, chicken, beef, lamb, and venison. So do most of the root vegetables, including carrot, potato, onions and garlic. Eggs also fit in here, as do corn and nuts.

In all seasons, be creative! Let the natural backdrop of spring, summer, fall and winter be your guide.

I don't know why this stuff moves me so. Kind of makes me think of Paleolithic man and it speaks to a wild, ancient part of me.

Love,
~Res

Res

July 7th, 2006, 12:31 PM

Hi Everyone:

I haven't tried it yet, but when you're hungry you'll eat just about anything! In the Recipe box there's a "Avocado Smoothie" recipe. It sounds really good to me and I'll try it this weekend when my system is ready for it and report back to you. In the MEANTIME, has anyone come up with a really good tasting Green Smoothie recipe yet? :rolleyes:

I tried one with mangos and parsley....not my forte. :(

Smooches to you all!
~Res

mysnowhill

July 7th, 2006, 05:06 PM

Well, today is my first day off of the cleanse. I did the cleanse for 7 days(that was my goal) and I lost 9 pounds and a total of 6 1/4 inches!!! My skin is smooth and hydrated and I feel great:)

I'm trying to ease into eating again but it's hard. I've had a few glasses of orange juice(surprised it wasn't to acidic for me), a berry smoothie, raspberries and lots of water. I had one moment of stomach discomfort but believe that was a little residual from last nights tea??

I gave in and had the smoothie even though I shouldn't have but figured that was better than eating what my husband had for lunch, pizza with everything!!!!!!! I badly wanted a bite but instead I drank my yogurt/berry smoothie. I can't believe he ate pizza in front of me!

We did get a lot of fresh veggies and fruits at the store today and I'm looking forward to enjoying them!!

If you have any tips/advice for coming off the cleanse I'd love to hear them.

Thanks,
Brenda

Res

July 8th, 2006, 04:09 PM

Hi Everybody:

How's everyone doing? :)

I broke the cleanse yesterday and felt pretty good. I don't use the oj because it's too acidic and there's too much sugar in the juice for me. So, I had berries in the morning, fresh, blueberries, raspberries & cherries. I probably staggered eating about 1 cup over a 1.5 hour period of time and did well. Still drank a lot of water.

For lunch I had veggie broth. Felt good while my office BBQ'd burgers and hotdogs with all the fixins...then they served a huge cake for an employee. I took a peek.

For dinner had more broth with veggies. Felt good.

This morning I made the juice recipe in the recipe box: pineapple, zucchini, beets, celery, carrots, lemon, garlic. Everytime I drink this my body sings. ;)

I made a batch of almond milk and garlic hummus. Lunch will mostly likely be soup. Dinner will be a dark green salad with olive oil\lemon juice\sea salt. Mmm, maybe a bit of hummous with red peppers.

I hope everyone is doing well. And please remember: Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat Do Not Over Eat! ;)

Love,
~Res

JFo

July 9th, 2006, 02:08 AM

Well, this is it... Day 21. Tomorrow I am going to break the cleanse. I was hoping to wait til my tongue turned pink, but I am just exhausted. I suffer from migraines and they've been hitting hard the last few days, which means medication. I really didn't want to take anything while on the cleanse, but I was starting to get really nauseous from the pain. My acne isn't quite all gone, but it is way better. I will definately be doing this cleanse again (lots of detoxing still to do on my liver). I have really enjoyed reading everyones experiences and opinions and have gotten some awesome links. Cheers! One thing I want to know though, does anyone continue drinking the lemonade afterward just as a drink? I went 18 days with no migraines and I attribute it to the lemonade or probably the cayenne.

Thanks to everyone who replied to my worries!

JFo

Res

July 9th, 2006, 02:09 PM

JFo:

Congratulations!! :D :D You did great!!!

Yes, you can still drink the lemonade. :)

Love,
~Res

momoftwo477

July 10th, 2006, 11:23 AM

Well, I completed 8 days on the fast and have now eased back into food. I was so used to the empty feeling and now the food just sits on my stomch, I'm definitely going to get more into raw foods. Overall, I lost 7.5 lbs and some inches. Haven't measured yet.

Romans10:9

July 12th, 2006, 12:57 PM

Hello Everyone!

I just finished 40 days Monday and I feel FINE!!!

I wanted to go on to fifty, but started getting nauseated at about day 30. I would feel pretty great all day, but by the afternoon and again at about 8p., the nausea and feeling of starvation was almost too much. At day 38, I thought I wouldn't make it to day 40! But, as awful as I would feel when I went to bed, I would feel 100% better by morning and knew I'd make it.

The reason I felt so hungry toward the end was because I was not drinking enough of the mixture. I wasn't getting nearly enough calories. I never did drink more than 60 ounces the whole time, and toward the end, on some days I only drank 40. One time, I only had 20. At a certain point, 60 ounces became not enough to stave off the hunger, but I could not make myself drink any more. I also only used 1 tbsp. of maple syrup per 10 ounces the entire cleanse. I only ever drank 60 ounces because it was all I could handle. Truthfully, I cannot stand the taste of the three together. I drink it cold, through a straw and in 10 seconds. Some folks like the taste, and I wish I did too. Most people like tomatoes, but I do not. I don't say "how can they like them??? YUCK!" I say "I would love to enjoy that fruit the way they do." I really, really wish I loved the mixture! But I really, really love the Maker of each ingredient and the nutrients they provide that enable us to do the cleanse. I appreciate and enjoy the benefits of each one very much!

I also started not being able to sleep because of the hunger. I knew 40 days was the limit this time. Can't wait to see how long I'll be able to go next time!

I did the Master Cleanser. I did not deviate from the book. Anything else is not the Master Cleanser. I read about people who deviate from the book and still call it the Master Cleanser. They are also the ones who complain about it!

I lost 40 lbs. I have a new body! I am 6 feet tall, so now I am tall and skinny again...like in high school when I did not eat because I was in love all the time! I'm think I would have lost more had I been able to exercise much, but as a lot of you have experienced, chronic back pain becomes REALLY chronic during the cleanse. I haven't been this low on the scale in 10 years. It's a really nice benefit of this cleanse. Before this cleanse(my second at 10 or more days), I was drinking 40-80 ounces of Diet Coke per day(wonder why that second day headache was really bad?!). Now, I have no craving for caffeine and I had a couple of other health concerns that do not concern me at all anymore(cholesterol, pre-diabetes). I have a new perspective on food and drink and do not want to take them for granted ever again.

I never thought I could complete 40 days of not eating, but it went by in a flash. All the food on TV, all the food in my home, the aroma of take-out being brought-in, became difficult to see and smell towards the end. I am so thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave me the strength that I would have NEVER had on my own. No way I would have or could have done it without my Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace!

The benefits of this clease far, far, FAR outweigh any of the negative things I experienced. Oh, yeah, I just remembered one of those negatives! I became really careless and I OD'd on Cayenne Pepper one time! I had been using the regular, not so hot kind, got used to putting a lot in the drink, then started using the 90,000 h.u. from Whole Foods and I just piled it in, several times, over a couple of hours. That was SO BAAAAD(very painful). I read where another person did that and passed out. I know why! I was on the verge of it, and did throw up(the body's reaction to too much cayenne? expell it!) I learned a very valuable lesson and from then on, respected the cayenne!

Sophie, you went 52 days the very first time you did this(like, WOW!) and I thought of you quite a bit. How inspiring! Did you have much nausea and if so, how did you quell it?

I did not use this board very much this time, especially toward the end, because I did not have the time. So glad it's here though(thanks so much Peter!) and thank you Res for your encouraging posts. You're so patient and attentive, sweet and kind.

I first heard about the Master Cleanser in Christian Music Planet magazine. In an interview with contemporary Christian singer Nicole C. Mullen, they asked her about her eating habits and she mentioned she liked the Master Cleanser to jump-start her metabolism. This woman has an amazing body(healthy and strong) so I thought...if she's doing it, I want to do it! I'm so glad she mentioned it.

I really, truly appreciate the Master Cleanser and there are only good things to be said about it. What a great fast/cleanse, what a great experience! Thanks Stanley! But, above all, thank You Jesus!

The Lord bless and keep you all,
Stephanie

Let everything that has breath Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!
Psalm 150:6

formerly_cytrus

July 12th, 2006, 04:07 PM

WOW Steph,

That was really inspiring. This is my second time on my way to 40. the first time i got to 23, and i had to stop because i had HORRIBLE gallstone pain. I did a gallstone cleanse prior to this fast, and am hoping to make it to 40. I'm on day 16 now.

To Steph, Sophie, Kira, and anyone who made it to 40: Besides the tongue, what was your indicator that you should stop. Presently my tong is not completely coated. there are islands of coating on each side of my tongue.

Prior to the cleanse I wasn't a soda or caffiene or alcohol drinker, and I never smoked anything. My only vices were chicken, turkey, or fish once or twice a month, chocolate, and cheese.

I still pass solid flakes and "gravy" w/ the swf, and my muscles are sore, but if my tongue cleans up before 40, do i stop?

jenjasper

July 12th, 2006, 04:12 PM

Hey all...I'm new to this. Last summer, I tried to MC's but didn't do the entire ten days. I psyched myself out of completing both times. There are moments that I feel hungry and want to break but then call myself all sorts of punks and weak and it passes. How did you psychologically manage the whole thing?

Res

July 12th, 2006, 04:17 PM

Stephanie: Way to go!! :D

E A S E back into eating and watch out for the "I am now licensed to pig out cuz I completed the cleanse" gotcha! It's fantastic to feel skinny and healthy and this is where the WORK really begins...it's about maintaining your health and weight.

Again, congrats on making it! :D

Love,
~Res

jenjasper

July 12th, 2006, 04:23 PM

I would also like to know what the signs are to actually stop the cleanse? I am on day 4 and still getting headaches a few times throughout the day...can I chew gum? cuz my breath is not fresh...I'm a fish-a-terian normally and looking to calm/cure my cravings for refined sugar and chocolate products and basically get a handle on my eating, which I feel is completely out of control. Now, I am also an athletic person who works out 5 to 6 days a week but can't seem to cut weight because I eat too large portions and way too much sugar. Has anyone exercised while on the MC? and what kind of exercise did you do? I have been hesitant because I feel I may not be strong enough and may end up being way hungry and not strong enough to get thru it after a hard cardio work out....HELP

jenjasper

July 12th, 2006, 04:30 PM

Where is the "recipe box"?

Pepper

July 12th, 2006, 04:43 PM

Hello,

I am new to the board on day 11. I would like to break the fast this week and was wondering if there was a raw formula for breaking the fast. ie not the cooked vegetable soup? Thanks?

Res

July 12th, 2006, 11:55 PM

Hi Pepper, I was going to pm you but since I already posted this I'll go ahead and do it again.

I can't do the oj and I've dispensed with the soup path twice. So, what I do is break the cleanse with fresh berries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, grapes etc. They are low in sugar and extremely high in antioxidents. I go REAL S L O W.

Next instead of soup, I'll substitute fresh green juice or the juicing recipe I posted in the Lemonhead recipe box in this forum. Again...taking it REAL S L O W. Later in the day if everything sits well I'll have a small amout of melon, watermelon, cantalope or honeydew...maybe an orange or grapefruit and continue with the slow going. Doing it this way I have no issues with eliminating. (I hope I don't get fired)

Repeat the next day and by day 3 I'm eating a small (romaine usually) green salad with just the lettuce, small chopped garlic, olive oil a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of celtic gray sea salt chewed well (the lettuce that is ;)). :) Also experimenting with Green Smoothies which I haven't found one I'm crazy about yet. However the Swiss Chard\Mango Smoothie isn't bad.

Hope that helps.

~Res

Res

July 12th, 2006, 11:56 PM

Jen,

The recipe box is here --> Lemonhead Recipe Box (http://therawfoodsite.com/forum/showthread.php?t=101) :)

llemmers

July 13th, 2006, 12:36 AM

Stephanie - way to go on 40 days!

I'm on 33 today on my way to 40. 7 more days to go!!! The last few days have been better, but day 28-30 were REDICULOUSLY DIFFICULT. I wanted to eat in the worst way. Not so much a hunger thing, but more of an emotional thing, I think.

Anyways, I have to ask... did the solid stuff stop coming out with your BM's and if so when? It's still coming out every day for me... I call it "beef gravy":) Yesterday I thought things were clearing up a bit, but today it was pretty much the same as "usual".

My goal is 40 days or until all the solid stuff is out. I'm looking forward to eating again for sure!!!

Take care everyone and congratulations to all who here who reached their goals.

Luke

gillmoli

July 13th, 2006, 09:36 AM

Hello everyone,

It's been several days since I last posted, but I wanted to ask another question regarding coming off the cleanse and what the body goes through.

I'm now 12 days off the cleanse (or 33 days since starting). I've only been eating raw foods, minus a few "cooked treats" last Saturday.

Here's my question: do we still continue to detox and cleanse after the cleanse if we've switched from the SAD to raw...and with that, does our body "relive" certain injuries or illnesses because it's healing them? The reason for this question is because back in Nov. 2004, my gyn found a cyst on each of my ovaries (all benign and fine) because I had a lot of pain post-ovulation. Then, after a month, the pain went away and I haven't had any problems with them until now. Tuesday (7/11/06, day 18 of my cycle) I had intense pain in the same spots which made it hard to walk, and I believe they have come back because I could feel them. So, is this my body healing them/getting rid of them because it's still detoxing?

Any thoughts on this would really help me. I'm still feeling pain and I don't want to have to go back to my gyn because I know she'll say the same thing as before: "this is normal and it will go away, if not, then we'll surgically remove them"...ugh...I just want them to go away permanently on their own. :(

Thanks for listening and any ideas about this would really help me out.

~Lissa

lovejones596

July 13th, 2006, 09:58 AM

Hi Lissa -

My guess (and it's just a guess) is that since you are predominately raw that your body is still detoxing. For me, I broke out on day 11, the day after my cleanse ended. It is now 2 weeks since I ended my cleanse and I still have pimples! I have always had clear skin, and for me to have pimples is quite unusual. I can only guess that my body is still detoxing, the only problem is is that I am not eliminating the toxins quick enough so I'm broke out. Maybe the same is happening with you with the cysts. Your body may be healing itself, but since you are not flushing the toxins out as when you were on the cleanse, you're not getting any relief from the pain. It also may just take a little longer to heal.

My question to all is - is there something that can be done that works the same way as the SWF without doing the SWF? I was considering psyllium husk to get me to eliminate more. Any comments or suggestions?

Hang in there Lissa. Keep doing raw. In the end, you are getting yourself healthier.

Elisa

gillmoli

July 13th, 2006, 10:07 AM

Elisa,

Thank you so much for that. I really appreciate it :)

I'm having the same pimple issue too...alway had super clear skin...it's rather annoying, isn't it? :p

You pretty much confirmed my thoughts on this detox/cyst thing. It has to be that. I can't imagine it being anything else, right? As they say, things always get worse right before they get better. That seems to be the case and I've definitely noticed that all throughout my life.

To answer your question, in the past before doing the cleanse, I used to do ground psyllium husks nightly before bed with A LOT of water to make sure it moves through (otherwise it can get really bogged down), I also do a shot of Norweigan cod liver oil (the really good kind in the green glass bottle), and that really helped keep it moving. You can try that as long as you drink at least 2 8oz glasses of water after drinking the husk/water mix. Anyone else have any ideas?

Thank you again for your words of hope...I will hang in there and keep moving along. I know this will pass as all things do.

~Lissa

Romans10:9

July 13th, 2006, 01:13 PM

Res-
Thanks for your advice. You are so right! It is easy to think I can pig out because i didn't for 40 days. I was prepared for that feeling and am really trying to keep it in check. Yesterday, I made myself a "stoup" of brown rice, carrots, onions, green peppers, sweet peas, black-eye peas in a vegetable broth. It was absolutely delicious, and I ate way too much(yes, I already did it...you knew I would!). After I get some of this desire to eat certain things out of my system, I will be drinking the lemon/limeade during the day and eating salads at night, giving myself a "break" maybe one day a week with a treat of some kind. I have never gone this long without any type of meat and I have nothing against eating meat, but after I have cleaned myself out, I am being careful what I put back in. Also, once you have the feeling the lemon/limeade gives you, you really can't get that from anything else and you want it back quickly. Although I don't savor the taste, I can get past that because of the great benefits. There is just nothing like it! Thanks again.....you are so right to warn me and I am so listening!

Cytrus-
Hey, thanks for responding to my message!
I did not go by my tongue(not that I didn't look at...every day!). I just went by how I felt and I knew once I started feeling starved, I could not go on. At a certain point, drinking the mixture became pure drudgery, so I wasn't getting enough and therefore, felt starved and had to stop. At some point also, I believe the mixture stops satisfying the body's need for food and my body said "uh, can you feed me something else PLEASE!" It was made quite clear to me that I needed to stop. Plus, my mom was getting concerned because I was pale and thin and she wanted to FEED ME! My tongue cleared up as soon as I stopped drinking the mixture. I do not go by my tongue and I DO NOT recommend that anyone should. The more times you do it, the longer you do it, the less seriously you take it.

jenjasper-
I was mentally very ready to fast. You have to be in order to start this thing or else you'll talk yourself out of it immediately. I set a goal and purposed, in my heart and mind, to reach it. Food was not an option for forty days and I changed my mind about it. But, I can do nothing on my own. I fully rely on my Lord and Savior. He is the Vine, I am the branch. I cried out to Him many a day and night and He ALWAYS picked me up and strengthened me. That is why I can do all things THROUGH Him. I love Him with all my heart, all my soul and all my mind. I do not love food....I love the One who made it!

Luke-
Thanks for your kind words!
I'm so glad you're in the homestretch. It's a great feeling and I'm SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!
Regarding BM's, I never had a solid one the whole time. When I did the MC before, I never had anything solid come out. Toward the end of this one, there was heavier "stuff", but no beef in the gravy! Since i was only taking liquid in, I only ever expected liquid out. Can't say I wouldn't have loved something to drop in the toilet from my colon walls, but after 40 days, that wasn't going to happen and I wasn't about to wait for it! I may have been waiting for something that's not there.
Luke, I know how you're feeling at day 33 and I am going to pray for you today and in the days ahead.

I really want to encourage people about this fast/cleanse. It is very, very do-able and a truly worthwhile experience, even if you never drop a load from your intestines and your tongue stays white-yellow and furry. If the Lord wills, I will do it another time this year, at least three times next year and thereafter until I hear the Lord shout, the voice of the archangel and the trumpet of God!(1 Thessalonians 4:16) YEA!!!

The Master Cleanser is a great new start for your body, for your health and will give you a boost you never expected, and no one is paying me to say that!

Thanks for listening....if anyone wants to ask me anything, I will answer out of my own experience. I don't have any other knowledge about the Master Cleanser.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,
Steph

"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." Rev.1:8

Res

July 13th, 2006, 02:28 PM

This is so cool and this is why this thread was created (I said this 3 times in one sentence :rolleyes:)

The cleanse was easy compared with being off of it!

At this point in life, I think BM is the name of the game. Let's not clog our systems up again. It will cause the same issues we had in the past. So the focus (I think) should be on EATING LESS maybe a few more times a day and EATING GOOD THINGS, and not Cheetos. Hey, that reminds me - I haven't had my bag of Cheetos yet!! lol

Raw and dried figs, prunes, water, artichokes stuff like that all moves the bowels. Use Virgin Olive oil in salads people. It cuts heart disease by 50% just by consuming it daily. Couple that with a clove of raw garlic and 1 ounce of raw cabbage and you're keeping cancer FAR FAR away. Simple things do so much. Try not to use the bottled brands of Salad dressings because it uses the wrong kind of oil....really inferior.

EAT LESS EAT LESS and don't over eat or eat a bunch of junk. I'm not saying don't eat that small piece of cheesecake...just don't have it every night.

What I'm trying to do is eat lighter during the week, and then making lasagna on the weekend or fried chicken or whatever. However, I do saute eggplant and hide it between the lasagna layers. My kids grew up on this and never knew. HAHAHAHAHA *cough* ;)

So, now's the time to THINK! And if you blow it, get back on the horse...you're ALWAYS forgiven but don't stay in the "blow it" stage or you'll be back on the cleanse again...speaking of which; to those of you with solid bm stuff, it takes years to build that stuff up on the colon walls so it might take more than 1 cleanse to get it off. Remember that it comes off in stages....kind of like how pearls are made (well maybe NOT!).

Sincere apologies for the goofy mood today... :D

Love to all!
~Res

formerly_cytrus

July 13th, 2006, 07:03 PM

Res, Steph,

Thanks for the encouragement, and support. Right now is day 17 for me. I'll go till my body tells me otherwise.

Res

July 13th, 2006, 10:35 PM

Cytrus:

You're a veteran at this. :) You'll know when to quit.

Day 17!! Woo Hoo http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/happy057.gif

~Res

formerly_cytrus

July 16th, 2006, 04:49 PM

I know, Res,

But my longest cleanse so far was 23 days, and i only stopped there because I kept getting these horrible gallbladder pains. So heading towards 40 and making it is big for me.

This past weekend, from friday on I was soooooooooooooooooooooooooooo tired and sore. I elt very muscle in my body. i just got up to drink the lemonade and use the restroom. I've never experienced that. I know each cleanse is different, but that was strange. I don't think I ate that horribly previously to experience that.

kirbys

July 17th, 2006, 12:28 AM

Hey Everyone,
Well, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm almost finished with my first Detox cleanse ever! This has been such an incredible experience and I will definitly be continuing "The Lemonade Diet" Detox atleast yearly for the rest of my life. Anyways, I am going to try to start eating atleast 80-85% raw foods after this. I've always been a healthy eater and love my fruits, veggies, seeds, and nuts (i love those a little too much at times) I'm not a big meat eater- I love fish though, and I'm lactose intolerant so dairy is out of the question. I feel that it will be an easy transition but have ONE question about steaming. I LOVE LOVE LOVE steamed Broccoli- I could make an entire meal out of it I love it so much, but was wondering if that is considered a "bad" thing to do on the raw food diet.
now, I know that it could count as part of my "15-20%" non-raw food diet, but was just wondering if steaming veggies is considered a big NO or if it ain't so bad :) any replies would be wonderful, health and happiness to all of you! ;)

Res

July 17th, 2006, 10:52 AM

This is a great question and I'm doing a bit of research on it. I just read that eating "Most" vegetables raw is beneficial, but not broccol and cauliflower. You should steam them for 1 minute. Still researching the "why" but thought I'd throw this quick answer out for ya. :)

Be back soon with more info.

~Res

Res

July 17th, 2006, 11:37 AM

This looks pretty good Cooked vs Raw (http://drfuhrman.com/faq/question.aspx?sid=16&qindex=4). Oooh, this will be fun and controversial. ;)

Certainly, there are benefits to consuming plenty of raw fruits and vegetables. These foods supply us with high nutrient levels and are generally low in calories too. Eating lots of raw foods is a key feature of an anti-cancer diet style and a long life. But are there advantages to eating a diet of all raw foods and excluding all cooked foods? The answer is a resounding “No”. In fact, eating an exclusively raw-food diet is a disadvantage. Excluding all steamed vegetables and vegetable soups from your diet narrows your nutrient diversity and has a tendency to reduce the percentage of calories from vegetables in favor of nuts and fruits which are lower in nutrients per calorie.

Raw vegetables are dramatically low in calories and we probably only absorb about 50 calories a pound from raw vegetables. Our caloric needs cannot be met on a raw food diet without consuming large amounts of fruits, avocado, nuts and seeds. This may be an adequate diet for some people, but in my 15 years of medical practice catering to the community of natural food enthusiasts, raw foodists and natural hygienists, I have seen many people who weakened their health on such raw food, vegan diets. Frequent fungal skin and nail infections, poor dentition, hair loss and muscular wasting are common on such fruit-based diets.

Unfortunately, sloppy science prevails in the raw-food movement. Raw food advocates mistakenly conclude that since many cooked foods are not healthy for us, then all cooked foods are bad. This is not true.

The idea that stirs the most enthusiasm for this diet is the contention that cooking both destroys about fifty percent of the nutrients in food, and destroys all or most of the life promoting enzymes. It is true that when food is baked at high temperatures—and especially when it is fried or barbecued—toxic compounds are formed and most important nutrients are lost. Many vitamins are water-soluble, and a significant percent can be lost with cooking, especially overcooking. Similarly, many plant enzymes function as phytochemical nutrients in our body and are useful to maximize health. They, too, can be destroyed by overcooking. However, we cannot paint with this brush of negativity over every form of cooking.

Only small amounts of nutrients are lost with conservative cooking like making a soup, but many more nutrients are made more absorbable. These nutrients would have been lost if those vegetables had been consumed raw. When we heat, soften and moisturize the vegetables and beans we dramatically increase the potential digestibility and absorption of many beneficial and nutritious compounds. We also increase the plant proteins in the diet, especially important for those eating a plant-based diet with limited or no animal products.

In many cases, cooking actually destroys some of the harmful anti-nutrients that bind minerals in the gut and interfere with the utilization of nutrients. Destruction of these anti-nutrients increases absorption. Steaming vegetables and making vegetable soups breaks down cellulose and alters the plants’ cell structures so that fewer of your own enzymes are needed to digest the food, not more. On the other hand, the roasting of nuts and the baking of cereals does reduce availability and absorbability of protein.

When food is steamed or made into a soup, the temperature is fixed at 100 degrees Celsius or 212 Fahrenheit—the temperature of boiling water. This moisture-based cooking prevents food from browning and forming toxic compounds. Acrylamides, the most generally recognized of the heat-created toxins, are not formed with boiling or steaming. They are formed only with dry cooking. Most essential nutrients in vegetables are made more absorbable after being cooked in a soup and water-soluble nutrients are not lost because we eat the liquid portion of the soup too.

Recent studies confirm that the body absorbs much more of the beneficial anti-cancer compounds (carotenoids and phytochemicals—especially lutein and lycopene) from cooked vegetables compared with raw. Scientists speculate that the increase in absorption of antioxidants after cooking may be attributed to the destruction of the cell matrix (connective bands) to which the valuable compounds are bound.

Another fallacy promoted in the raw food movement and on the web is that the fragile heat-sensitive enzymes contained in the plants we eat catalyze chemical reactions that occur in humans and aid in digestion of the food. This is not true. Plant foods do not supply enzymes that aid in their digestion when consumed by animals. Our body supplies exactly the precise amount of enzymes needed for digestion; we are not ill equipped to digest normal food. The plant enzymes are broken down into simpler molecules by our own powerful digestive juices and even those that are absorbed as peptide size pieces (or with some biologic function) do not function to catalyze human functions. So it is not true that eating raw food demands less enzyme production by your body. A healthy body produces the precise amount of enzymes needed to digest the ingested food appropriately and the enzymes our body uses for other processes are unique to our human needs and are not present in plants. We make what we need from the proper materials.

In conclusion, eating lots of raw foods is a feature of a healthy diet. I always encourage people to eat more raw food. One of my common statements is—the salad is the main dish. Raw food is necessary for digestive efficiency, proper peristalsis and normal bowel function. Certain foods, especially fruit, avocado and nuts undergo significant change with cooking and are best eaten raw. Baking, frying, barbecuing and other high heat cooking methods that brown and damage food form acrylamides, which are carcinogenic. Browning and other high heat cooking methods should be avoided. Cooking techniques like steaming vegetables, stewing foods in a pressure cooker and soup making, do not have these drawbacks. They do not brown foods or form acrylamides.

Eating raw food is necessary for good health and is an important feature of a healthy diet. But that does not mean that one’s entire diet has to be raw to be in excellent health. It also does not mean eating an all raw diet is the healthiest way to eat. It is healthier to expand your nutrient density, your absorption of plant protein and your nutrient diversity with the inclusion of some conservatively cooked food in your diet.

Link LB ; Potter JD. Raw versus cooked vegetables and cancer risk.
Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2004; 13(9):1422-35.

Ismail A ; Lee WY. Influence of cooking practice on antioxidant properties and phenolic content of selected vegetables. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2004; 13(Suppl):S162.

Taken from DrFurhman.com

I haven't read the entire article yet but wanted to toss this out to all :)

Love,
~Res