Day 7 of the Reboot:
Inspired by the film "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" a Joe Cross film I decided that I too would do a juice fast. Everyone has a reason for fasting, some many reasons and I know you are wondering why I chose to do it other than being inspired by a movie. So, here goes.
Since giving birth to my second son I had a gut, weight I didn't want to carry and unwelcome acne. Many years before that I had been diagnosed with IBS and have struggled off and on with that. I have other skin issues that make me question food allergies. A skin test 3 years ago showed nothing and I haven't braved the blood test neither could afford I the hair analysis test. So, inspiration, weight loss and elimination diet to find food allergies are my biggest reasons.
I've been an omnivore, a vegetarian, a vegan (for a whole week) and back to an omnivore. I've joined the world of fermentation (milk & water kefir) and I try to eat whole organic foods. Almost all of our meals and snacks are homemade. I am fascinated by food in all aspects. (Okay, I am not fascinated by junk food or fast food)
Then, there is my greatest weakness...bread and cheese. Oh even the thought of them now makes the saliva glands in my mouth release enzymes hoping to meet these tasty morsels... Can you tell I am fasting?
What did I set out to do?
When I read the Reboot Your Life website to find out more information about the plans and recipes - of course I went for "over achiever" and chose what I thought was the Standard Program - however, in my brain I omitted specific instructions, blended information from all the programs and sort of made my own. I was going gung-ho for 14 days! This is another perfect lesson in pride.
What advice or warnings did I receive?
A dear friend lent me her juicer for the duration of 3 weeks, super cool. She is becoming a master herbalist in her own rite and warned me of constipation offered some ground plant material. I turned her down stating that I had psyllium powder and would be sure to use it if necessary.
What type of help and encouragement did I have?
My family was very helpful. My sons helped in annihilating the veggies and fruits with the juicer and making happy messes on the counter. My husband supportive and empathic as the rest of them were "indulging" in real food! My community of Mama friends had a keen interest in my experience and kept me motivated.
What did I fail to read in my excitement about doing the reboot?
..." eating and drinking fruits and vegetables only. You can juice, blend or eat raw or cooked fruits and vegetables." I definately think I would have been much more successful if I had remembered these words. Doh! I was strictly drinking juice (days 1-5)
What were the roadblocks I faced?
I definitely did not fare well the advice of drinking much water. I was definitely dehydrated to the point of having a "foamy" mouth at times. At night I would have cramps in my arms and legs, not to mention have to get up to go to the bathroom. I also didn't use that psyllium powder as often as I should have. The number one roadblock was making all my family's meals and snacks. No tasting! I also had to survive watching people eat at a restaurant on day 2 while I drank my homemade juice. (I had to keep myself from staring at their food and the smells were so powerful)
What were the great benefits of doing the juice fast?
Within two days I saw a change in the color of my skin! I no longer was looking pekid and pale. Each day brought the loss of 1+ pounds. By day 4 my belly fat/intestinal bloating was so diminished I no longer looked 4 months prego! Woot! The most pleasant, even better than loosing weight was having mental clarity. Lately I've been in a "fog" and it is nice to have that removed.
Why did I "cheat"?
I was "starving" so I supplemented a fig or two each day. By day 5 I was in near tears, all I wanted to do was chew something. So I also began taking bites here and there of the veggies and fruits in the "to juice" pile. Had I only remembered that I COULD eat as part of the program I probably wouldn't have been near "postal" on day 5.
Why did I "fail" on day 6?
Day 6 was my birthday. Already I had abandoned going out to eat and cake. I baked treats, cake and bread - none of which I could eat. That stank. At lunch I ate a tiny salad and couldn't finish it. Then came dinner at home. Fresh tuna from off our shores, seared and seasoned. I couldn't take it any longer. I totally ate some of the fish. A few ounces, but it really "worked" my stomach later. It was so delicious that I ate some again tonight, day 7.
What is next?
Drinking more water, eating more raw foods to provide necessary fiber and feeling of fullness. I am going to read through the entire "Reboot Express Program" and finish out the next 5 days strong! (I put the tuna leftovers in the freezer to avoid the temptation) :-)
What I would do different in a future Reboot?
My favorite day at Costco is when the Vitamix reps. are there! Recently I was chatting it up with the husband & wife team about the Vitamix and came to learn that juicing with a Vitamix is much more healthy than a juicer. The why is simple. You don't process/remove any important nutritional aspects of the food. You eat all the fiber too. Which would totally help keep things moving (wink, wink). So, I am saving my money to hopefully buy one when they come back in February. Then the next juice-a-thon will be with my Vitamix!
Here's the different Reboot Programs:
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Thank you for sharing...