Detox Day 16-21: Premature Ejection

Today is Day 21, the final day of my detox as designed by the book Joshi's Holistic Detox.

Unfortunately, on Day 16 (Tuesday), I caught the flu and decided to end the detox then. I'm now slowly on the mend, caring for my now-ill family and thoroughly enjoying the Maintenance Phase of Joshi's program.

Two-Week Detox Still Worth It

At the end of two weeks, these were my results:

1. I'd lost 5 pounds and went down 3 inches around my waist. That's pretty good. I lost the majority of it very early on, which was very motivating, and although I did succumb to temptation a couple of times, I didn't gain any weight.
   
2. I experienced the mental clarity, boundless energy and euphoria I enjoyed during my 8-month CRON phase. Feeling that again made me want to feel that all the time.
   
3. I learned once again how easy and satisfying it is to eat healthy. For a quick lunch, I hurriedly microwaved about a cup of frozen mixed veggies (you know, the cubed carrots, cut beans, peas, and corn mix) and threw in a half can of salmon... this became my favourite lunch even on slow days.
   
4. I know how to listen to my body and heed its messages... again. I know when I'm almost full, and I can stop eating when appropriate. I'm not a slave to my appetite.
   
5. I don't crave sweets as much. I still do, but I am easily satisfied with something healthy.

The Fruit Factor

On the whole, I enjoyed this detox, and I found it easy because I already practiced many of its principles. I already avoid wheat, dairy, red meat, and alcohol.

My only problem I had with this program - and it's my biggest obstacle with many strict plans - is the banning of an entire food group - in this case, fruit. Yes, fruit was a no-no during the 21 days... except bananas. Bananas were okay.

Joshi says that doing this forces the body to draw on fatty, toxic cells, instead of on the sugars from fruit, for energy. This, I understand, but boy, was it hard! I didn't like cutting out the vital nutrients easily available in fruit, and dammit, I'm an island girl... I NEED MY FRUIT!!!
When I crave sweets, fruit is usually my healthy alternative. I can't tell you how many bananas I ate during this detox! :)

For this reason alone, I'm really glad I'm in Maintenance!

Moving on to Maintenance

Maintenance on this program is essentially an alkaline-balancing, ayurvedic way of eating, a time-tested and healthful way I've come to respect and enjoy.

The re-introduction of non-acid-forming foods, such as fruits, has been easy and a joy to the tastebuds. You can find charts of alkaline and acidic foods everywhere. There's a good one at this website or in Joshi's book, which, by the way, also includes a great guide for dining out.

As for ayurveda, I fall into the Vata dosha metabolic type... I took the test. :)
The list of vata-balancing foods should further help me feel better and get me healthier. I'm already in the process of CRON-ifying this way of eating, taking calories down to between 1300-1500 which is where I've felt the healthiest.

I hate being a "strict" practitioner of anything... you know, moderation is key, but this is a good guideline. I'll continue to listen to my body, and do what it tells me. If that means I need to make some changes outside of the guidelines, I'll do it. I'll keep you all posted.

Would I recommend this detox? I do, actually. But of course... if you do decide to try it, please see your trusted health care professional before you start.