THE MASTER CLEANSE- DAY 1

Hey folks,

Hope all is well with you out in blogland! Well, I've decided to invite you into my fold for a little bit of a journey that I have embarked upon. It started today and will continue through next Wednesday or beyond if I see fit. JJ has also embarked on a cleanse (water, fresh fruit juices and tea) that he will be doing as well. I will post tidbits from his journey here as well.

I've decided to finally do the "Master Cleanse", I will leave it up to you to find and dissect the multitude of information surrounding this particular cleanse. I have done my research and prepared my mind, body and spirit to partake in this cleanse. I am NOT taking part in this cleanse to lose weight, as you will find through research that many do. I am doing this to give my body a much needed break from solid foods of which have been very processed as of late. I am doing this to bring my body back into balance and go back to incorporating more whole foods in my diet.

I have not been nearly as diligent as I have in the past nor what like to be in the past few months and I can feel the affects. I am fully aware that although I am vegan, I am not immune to having bad health if I don't properly feed myself the proper balance of nutrients as well as have an ongoing exercise regimen. My schedule since I've been working two jobs has taken it's toll on both, so it's time for me to slow down and take account for my body and listen to it's demands. So, last week it was clearly apparent to me in my spirit, that it was finally time to do this particular cleanse. I bought the pamphlet about the cleanse and the directions back when I was still living in NYC but I was never in the right position (mind, body, spirit) to start it with confidence that I would see it all the way through. This time, I believe I am ready. One of the strongest indicators of this was what I have eaten over the last few days. I had small meals along with drinking my usual juices and water. I usually ALWAYS have something to satisfy my sweet tooth following a meal and I didn't do that at all. I had my one and only meal yesterday early (1:30) and just drank juice into the evening. These were all preparations for me to go into this full speed ahead this morning.

So, I got up this morning and prepared the juice (water, fresh lemon juice, cayenne pepper and pure organic maple syrup), be sure to read up on this thoroughly before embarking and follow the directions carefully. I must say, that I may have put too much cayenne pepper in my mixture because I warn you, it's hot going down and doesn't leave the best after taste. Tomorrow I will probably switch that up a bit, since the book does say the cayenne pepper amount can be "to taste" and that's what I'll do tomorrow.

I've been taking it like a soldier today though I must say. I'm determined to do this, so that is part of the reason I've decided to blog about it to make myself even more accountable! If my friend Hil can do it with ease for 21 days, I can sure do it for at least ten, and I know my body will thank me for it and that's what is most important to me in this quest. It's mind over matter. So, I will share with you here on the blog from now until next Wednesday what happens with my body on this cleanse. I've done variations of different fasts/cleanses in the past so this isn't new territory for me. It's just been too long since I've done one.

If you are considering a fast or cleanse of any type, I suggest that you research, research, research. Make sure you are at a point of time in your life when you can be successful and endure until the end and continue on in a new way of eating beyond the cleanse. If in your mind, you begin the fast with the end in sight of you chomping down on Hostess cakes or greasy fries then maybe you aren't quite ready. Also, if you do start and are unable to finish, DON'T beat yourself up about it and try again when or if you see fit. DO NOT do it as a means of losing weight because I'm sure you know, chances are you will gain it back and then some when you are through.

Also be careful to not put yourself in situations that will prove tempting. At times this will be inevitable, but do your best to use this time for inner reflection as well. Based up countless research and my own experiences, when you strip you're body of solid food, you become so open in your mind and spirit which can lead to many other positive experiences and benefits while you are cleansing. Please note, this is information based on research and my own personal experiences. The only way to know is through yourself, these are merely suggestions and information that I have obtained by reading and doing.

CWRITES THOUGHTS ON DAY 1:

Today has been pretty easy. I don't feel hungry at all. I have had a few food thought cravings, but I know that's natural. The first and second day are usually not so bad. The third day tends to be the most difficult and then once you get through that it's usually smooth sailing. We'll see if that holds true for me this time. I have decided to not workout during my cleanse. Although it's not specified that you can't, I decided to lay low and resume with a workout regimen upon its completion. I'll be keeping you posted!


JJ'S THOUGHTS ON DAY 1: Feeling fine today. No complaints. Will still workout later.


This is it for today!

See you back here tomorrow!

C