A Cleanse, Family Style

When our kids were little, we were their teachers.  The tables have now turned and our adult kids are teaching us.  I am reaping the reward of a 30 day cleanse my youngest daughter researched and invited us to do with her.

Actually, she got the whole family involved and I learned that when we take on a challenge as a family, the team support propels us to success. This adventure involved meal planning and eating differently so it was either “co-operate or cook your own food”  in each of our homes.  All three of our men decided it was worth it to climb on board.

It All Started Before Christmas   

We chose not to bake at Christmastime and we down scaled our holiday meals with simple choices.  After all, come January first, we knew we would delve into our new regime for 30 days.  You can put up with anything for 30 days, right?  It’s not a lifetime. 

I’m still amazed at all that I’ve learned about myself during those 30 days of eating only whole foods in January.

*  My hair shined more and my skin cleared. 

*  My energy increased.

*  Sleep reached deeper levels.

* My teeth felt smooth like they do after a professional cleaning.  Flossing seemed unnecessary but I did it anyway.

*  I learned that we could celebrate birthdays without cake.

*  My thoughts came quickly and clearly.

*  I learned about sources of comfort other than snacking but missed popcorn tremendously!

*  I learned how to control my meal portions for my body size.

I lost five and one-half pounds.  But my goal aimed to eliminate inflammation.  I hoped for more success in my joints.  For me, the dramatic effect resulted in my teeth.  Last week, six weeks post-cleanse, my dental hygienist patted me on the back for improved maintenance.  My dentist noticed decreased inflammation after my deep cleaning.  I confessed to both of them that my success stems from the cleanse.  

Being a sugar and caffeine addict, I expected to fail.    But I didn’t.  I learned that fruit, dates and nuts are better choices for me.  Coffee is acceptable on the 30 day program, but not dairy.  No grains, no pasta, rice or bread for 30 days changed me.  I learned how to eat dinner foods for breakfast.  To my credit, I like vegetables, lots of them, with my protein.

After 30 days, the challenge switched to adding foods back into daily living again.  We’re all different and we learn what our bodies tolerate best.

Would I take on the whole 30 day plan again?  Absolutely!  My core being is worth it.

You know those cute capri’s that get shoved into the back of my closet every spring because they don’t fit but I can’t pitch them?  I wore them to lunch with my girlfriend yesterday.  She, in her mourning state and petite frame, does not need a cleanse program right now, but out of curiosity, she read the book: It Starts with Food.  Whereas she questioned some things about the Whole 30 Day Program, she learned things about herself.  She realized all the sugar content in the evening glass of wine she loves and decided to cut back because she likes it just a bit too much!

I like her open mind and teachable spirit.  Discussion opens doors to greater success.  We don’t always have to agree.  We never arrive; there’s always something to learn!  Personally, I’m glad I put the cleanse to the test. 

What are you learning about yourself these days?  Or maybe you’re just thinking:  “Sure am glad I’m not part of that family!”