The Clean Program

Heyyooo

So I realize I've neglected this blog for a few days. Have had a lot of stuff going on. As per usual. 
I started reading this book called Clean by Alejandro Junger, M.D. It's blowing my mind. 

For those of you who have never heard of Dr. Junger or this book (which I never did either before I stumbled upon it on a random search through Amazon), the primary emphasis is to inundate you with knowledge in order to increase your awareness of the toxicity that plagues our environments, our food, and our health. He also provides you with a three-week program to detoxify your system; ultimately improving the status of your body, mind, energy level, and overall health and well-being. 

There is even a section that discusses IBS and "leaky gut" (I know, that sounds disgusting) which I was excited to read about. It reminds me of when I used to spend hours at the doctors' and dermatologists' offices when I was younger. Time that could have been more effectively spent if someone had only asked me what I had been eating! It's so incredulous to recall that not one doctor or specialist I've gone to over the years has ever inquired about my diet! 

I talked to my friend, Allison, about this after our Slow Flow Yoga class on Tuesday and she actually knew about the cleanse and has done it herself! I'm a believer now, more than ever. She said it absolutely did wonders for her. She said it cleared up her skin--people even commented on how clear it was! She also noted her energy levels improved and she dropped weight like that! 

This book has definitely increased my awareness of the toxic chemicals in my environment. I feel as though I'm hyper-aware of all of the junk in my life now. It has also made me more mindful of negative thoughts and their origins. 

I'm going to be doing the cleanse myself after I finish the book. Which (at this point in my busy schedule) will most likely be after my second half marathon on Sunday. So hopefully the first week of June. 

Gosh, is it going to be June already? Where does the time go... seriously, guys.

When I do the cleanse I'll promise to blog every day to log my thoughts, how I'm feeling, and what I'm eating. Yes you actually do get to eat on the cleanse. It's not a silly juice fad like so many people do. Juicing is involved, however. I bought my first juicer and it came in the mail on Tuesday! I bought a Breville Juicer, refurbished, $99 on Amazon. What a steal! Those things can get wicked expensive!

Oy but anyway, I'm so in need of this cleanse. My seasonal allergies are horrendous and I'm so sick of starting my day with Zyrtec. This cleanse is supposed to eliminate seasonal allergies on top of all the other wonderful things it does for your body! I also have eczema and right now I have a bad break-out on my face of all places. 
=(
Horrible. And so embarrassing. So that will most likely clear up as well. I had no idea how much is connected to your diet. 
See, the FDA and the pharmaceutical companies don't want you to know that because then they'll lose money. Yes, I'm being a tad cynical (as always) but it's the truth! 

The question you should be asking yourself is, "What am I eating?" The second question is, "How is what I'm eating affecting my life?" And the answer, if you're mindful, should be simple. 

I know nobody ever wants to do this, but it could be helpful to start creating a log of what you ate that day and how you felt after. Did you notice a difference in your skin tone? Bowel movements? Gas? Energy level? Mood? Were you bloated?

After doing this it might open your eyes! 

I've known from a very young age that dairy is not my friend. Did you know that we are the only mammals ON EARTH that continue to drink other mammals' milk after we are finished breast-feeding? Isn't that kind of gross? I think it's disgusting. And I'm sorry if that's offensive. But, I'll confess, until the past year I was huge into dairy. Loved chocolate milk, any type of ice cream, milk chocolate, cheese, you name it. If it was a dairy product, it was most likely included in my daily diet. 

Not anymore. 

So on top of preparing for this cleanse I have been increasing my fitness regimen immensely. On Monday I did Hot Power Yoga for an hour and fifteen minutes. Took a class by myself in Hingham. But I realize (after this being my second Power Yoga class) that this form of yoga is not for me. It's full of fast-paced, high-intensity aerobic moves in a heated room over 85 degrees. Then, to add on more stress, they keep telling you to connect with your breath. Meanwhile, I'm panting like a dog and I cannot connect with my breath. Each time the instructor says to do so I wanna punch her in the head. That is not therapeutic nor is it calming. Both for me to feel that way about the instructor (LOL) and for the people taking the class! After, they end the class with a meditation. But it's nearly impossible to meditate when you're 1) super freaking hot and 2) have just been moving around like you were doing jazzer size for over an hour. No, thank you! 

So I was thankful to sweat for an hour and fifteen minutes and release some toxins from my body. However, I will not be going back for Power Yoga.

On Tuesday I did a Slow Flow Yoga class with my friend, Allison, for an hour and a half. It was a LONG class. But much slower than Power Yoga and I could actually enjoy the meditation piece at the end. I learned some cool new moves that I can add to my list to practice at home. The one I particularly love is the bound warrior pose. I wasn't feeling the instructor's energy. There was something sarcastic and angry about him. I felt it from the moment the class began. I'm very receptive to people's energy. Always have been. And that really makes a difference. 

After class, Allison and I got some delicious tea from a local place across the street. She got a Yerba Mate and I got a ginger lemonade. Yum! We talked Dr. Junger for about 40 minutes and then we both had to part ways. 

I joined my friend Brett an hour later for our first 10 mile run together. It was the longest distance he's ever run outside and I was so proud of him!
I have to start tapering now because my race is in a few days. I really dislike tapering. =(

Then on Wednesday (today) I joined my friend, Tanya, again for Boxing in Southie! This time I felt stronger. I really appreciate how each instructor at that gym has a different routine. The classes are hardly ever the same. I like when they can keep things fresh. I will most likely be sore tomorrow but not as sore as I was last week. I plan on doing a 9AM class with her tomorrow morning. 

In terms of my meal plan I've been avoiding a lot of the things I once thought were good for me. 

For instance, peanut butter--not good. 

Soy--REALLY not good. 
For all of you who think soy is healthy, stay away from it beginning now. 

Cheese and any other dairy product (& IBS)... need I say more?

Strawberries... one of my favorite and most beloved fruits. These carry more toxins than almost any other fruit because of how much pesticide farmers spray on them to keep them fresh. It's nearly impossible to wash all of the toxins off. So I'll just stay away instead, but sadly so. 

But the hardest one to eliminate from my diet thus far (but one that I know my system will probably benefit the most from) is wheat. First of all it's in almost everything we eat. Even ketchup. Which I think is a disgusting condiment so I don't care about it anyway. Or mayonnaise, or mustard. The only nature-made condiment that is fine by me is avocado! 

I know after I eliminate wheat my system will flourish.

Red meat...now I loooooovveee a good burger. Oh dear lord, don't get me started. I respect and love all the vegetarians and vegans out there, but oh my I cannot be parted with my burgers. But there are so many hormones injected into the stuff and our cows (the poor things) are fed some pretty awful stuff. So no matter how lean the meat is, there's always a toxin to be found somewhere. From the styrofoam packing it's sold in to the actual meat itself. 

I'll be able to live without red meat for this three week cleanse. And I've significantly reduced it from my diet. Once every two to three weeks, I'd say. 

Now here's an interesting fact that Dr. Junger brings up in his book. 
For all of you pescatarians out there...fish are loaded with both toxins and metals!! 

Most of us know, or are at least aware of, the dangers of mercury and that a lot of fish products harbor this toxic metal. But what you might have not been aware of... is the fact that some companies that manufacture fish products are feeding the fish repossessed dog food! Recalled dog food--stuff that isn't suitable for your puppy to eat--is being fed to fish, and ultimately, to you.

Talk about hard to swallow. 

If you're still reading this you really should just go buy his book already. I don't do PR for the man but I totally would if asked! (wink, wink)

I can't wait to finish the book and start yet another journey along my path to increased fitness, health, and well-being.

I hope this was helpful for some of you, if not all of you.

Take good care of yourselves. xoxo