Everyone knows I love a cleanse. Over the years I have tried a few, some of which were a bit shady. The Master Cleanse scared the heck out of me, but I did last five days. It's unhealthy, though - please don't do it. I did a juice cleanse for 3 days from Peeled. That was more healthy, but rough. All of them left me looking for a food-based cleanse that would provide ample nutrition but gradually realign your diet, back to a more healthy place. To that end, the following plan was created.
In preparation for my upcoming endeavor, I researched all the possible ways that a person can go about giving themselves a detox to re-set the mind and body. The main components are dietary, but many are related to other health-promoting methods and a psychological detox as well.
The reason I'm putting this up here is simple. I KNOW that when I finish up this cleanse I will be looking and feeling SO great that everyone will want to know all about it, so they might try it themselves. This way, it's all there for you to see. For each of the elements below, the image is a link to more info.
In preparation for my upcoming endeavor, I researched all the possible ways that a person can go about giving themselves a detox to re-set the mind and body. The main components are dietary, but many are related to other health-promoting methods and a psychological detox as well.
The reason I'm putting this up here is simple. I KNOW that when I finish up this cleanse I will be looking and feeling SO great that everyone will want to know all about it, so they might try it themselves. This way, it's all there for you to see. For each of the elements below, the image is a link to more info.
DIET:
The main focus over the 21 days will be the Ultimate Reset. Take a look at it, from what I can see it is a terrific program and just what I need to get back in gear. All in all, not too different from my normal routine, with the exception of NO coffee, NO booze, and NO sugars. On second thought, it's quite a bit different. But this is a great way to eliminate many of the foods that may be causing allergic reactions, inflammation, etc. Then, as they are added back in gradually, it's easier to see which ones are really the culprits.
WATER:
Basically a gallon of water per day for 3 weeks. This will be tough as I don't love water. Now, I try to mix it up with Mio drops which help some. I have a new Kleen Kanteen that is really neat with a bamboo top. No BPA's and all that jazz. During the cleanse, the water is suggested to be distilled water with a teaspoon of the Mineralize supplement added (basically high quality, nutritious salt).
NATURAL PRODUCTS:
For three weeks I'll try to use natural products. Maybe not ALL natural, but at least items that have fewer and less chemistry lab-like ingredients. At Whole Foods I picked up a toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, and soap. My allergist suggested that I eliminate things with fragrance in them so this helps.
The soap to the left was a Christmas gift from Laurie, something I'd never have thought to try myself, but a very nice shift from typical soaps.
The soap to the left was a Christmas gift from Laurie, something I'd never have thought to try myself, but a very nice shift from typical soaps.
MASSAGE:
Lymph drainage massage to be exact. This is a gentle massage using light pressure and circular motions intended to facilitate the flow through the lymph system, aiding detoxification. I have a bunch of pre-paid massages at Massage Envy, so I'll get to use them up. Set for Sept. 15, 22, and 29.
Should I get Lou Grant in on the cleanse with a cat massage?
Should I get Lou Grant in on the cleanse with a cat massage?
SALT CAVE:
I love Timeless Salt Cave throughout the year but never get there as often as I intend. This month, I'll go on three consecutive Wednesdays. Although the salt cave purports to relive respiratory, skin, and circulatory ailments, for me it's more of a stress relief. For the 45 minutes you're inside the cave you are literally off the grid. It's very peaceful and invigorating. Set for Sept 18, 25, and Oct 2.
They also offer a Zen bed for complete relaxation. Imagine a full night's sleep in just 20 minutes!
They also offer a Zen bed for complete relaxation. Imagine a full night's sleep in just 20 minutes!
SAUNA & STEAM ROOM:
The sauna and steam room provide detoxification by inducing significant perspiration. Also, some believe that the heat creates a sort of hyper-thermia, like an induced fever that spurs your body to produce white blood cells and antibodies. The solitude in the room is also beneficial for relaxation and stress release.
I had put my Lifetime Fitness membership on hold for a few months. Recently I received an email offering a $100 club credit if I reactivate. Done, so now I'll be able to sit in the sauna and steam room to aid in my detox.
I had put my Lifetime Fitness membership on hold for a few months. Recently I received an email offering a $100 club credit if I reactivate. Done, so now I'll be able to sit in the sauna and steam room to aid in my detox.
RELAXING MUSIC:
Relaxing music, replacing the chatter of talk and news radio will help clear the mind. Relax FM from Moscow, Russia is my favorite low-key background music to chill out.
In the car, Sirius Channels 53 (Chill), 66 (Watercolors), 68 (Spa) and 69 (Escape) are all I'll listen to for 3 weeks.
Whearas many would find the food part the most difficult component of the cleanse, for me this will be rough. I'm not sure I can go 3 weeks without WGN and John Williams on WCCO...
In the car, Sirius Channels 53 (Chill), 66 (Watercolors), 68 (Spa) and 69 (Escape) are all I'll listen to for 3 weeks.
Whearas many would find the food part the most difficult component of the cleanse, for me this will be rough. I'm not sure I can go 3 weeks without WGN and John Williams on WCCO...
DRY BRUSHING:
I learned that a quick dry brush of your body, with strokes toward your heart, opens your pores, facilitates lymph movement, and stimulates blood circulation. :)
Now, this seems like one of the most silly aspects of the cleanse. I remember when Amy and I went on the first cruise, they hit us with a sales pitch big time for the Elemis Detox, which also included the dry brushing and Epsom salt baths. I figure it can't hurt.
Now, this seems like one of the most silly aspects of the cleanse. I remember when Amy and I went on the first cruise, they hit us with a sales pitch big time for the Elemis Detox, which also included the dry brushing and Epsom salt baths. I figure it can't hurt.
LIGHT EXERCISE:
The Ultimate Reset calls for no exercise, but does recommend 1 or 2 daily walks of about 20 minutes to keep things moving. This will be a good time to listen to the binaural beats and isochronic tones for some entrainment (digital drugs) for positive mood and calming. :)
If I am feeling like pushing it a bit, I can incorporate some Prancercise.
If I am feeling like pushing it a bit, I can incorporate some Prancercise.
NETI POT:
I use this each day to help with my sinuses and allergies. At first it feels like you're drowning but eventually you get used to it. You may think that nasal irrigation is totally gross but it's not!
Be sure to use distilled water in the pot. Tap water may result in brain eating worms. :(
Be sure to use distilled water in the pot. Tap water may result in brain eating worms. :(