After careful consideration, I decided to rid myself of certain toxins. I have never undergone a process or entered a program that will allow me to cleanse from unhealthy substances. My family has decided to unselfishly join me in my journey of clean living. My quest is to have a fresh start towards a healthier lifestyle. This treatment starts tonight (Sunday, February 7th, 2010) and it will span five days until Friday. May God be with us!!
I have never done a cleanse before (have you?) and I’m excited, anxious, thrilled and nervous about it – all at the same time. After our 6 night 5 day cleanse, we are going to try to stay away from the evil white stuff – dairy, sugar, potatoes, rice, flour, and bread as much as we can. We do love those foods though. We’ll curb, but never eliminate.
The real issue (when we get right down to it) is: we just love our carbs! We love white potatoes (frites, mashed, stuffed, hash-browned, au gratin, etc.,) and white rice (buttered, pilaf, vegetable-fried, with black beans, with meatloaf, with steak and onions, with chicken Marsala, etc.,) and white flour and white breads (pasta, Italian bread, French Bread, French Toast, Paninis, Monte Cristos, cookies, Biscotti, cakes and pie crusts) and don’t get me started on sugar!
A cleanse is suppose to re-invigorate your body’s system. It should be performed (so they say) about once to three times a year. A cleanse or detox helps to strengthen the organs that the body uses to flush toxins from the body on a daily basis. These include the skin, the lymphatic system, the intestines, liver, lungs, and kidneys. Detoxing gives your body a break from the toxic excesses that modern life creates. By removing the body’s necessity to burn excess energy (for digesting heavily sugared and fat-laden meals and snacks that are difficult to metabolise, which plays havoc with blood sugar,) your energy is released to cleanse and regenerate your bodies tissues and vital organs.
So why haven’t I tried this DETOX before? I don’t know…maybe I saw a detox/cleanse as a starvation, weight-loss thing. Maybe I saw it as more harmful than helpful sort of a thing (I know of a male friend who fasts one day a week, I believe on Wednesdays, because he wants to retain his size 32 waist…he’s 39 years old and can’t lift anything over 45 lbs.) Maybe I saw it as something “women” do (I am so beyond sexist, so please save your letters.) Maybe I was uneducated about the benefits of a cleanse. Or maybe, just maybe, it was something I thought I could not do (I hate failing at ANYTHING!)
On our program, we are drinking our breakfast and dinner via smoothies and soups. For lunch we have a sensible (but small) meal of lean protein (chicken or fish) with some brown rice or buckwheat noodles. We can also have a decent serving of roasted or steamed vegetables. Wish us luck!!!
Our detoxification program is based on the “Whole Body Action plan” by Alejandro Junger, M.D., author of CLEAN.
Alejandro Junger, M.D., is board certified in internal medicine and cardiology, having trained and now practicing in New York City. In addition, after completing his medical training, Junger studied Eastern medicine in India. He was the medical director of WE Care Holistic Health Center in Palm Springs, a world-famous center for fasting, cleansing, and detoxification. Currently, he is in private practice at the renowned Eleven Eleven Wellness Center and is the director of integrative medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.
In the Page titled “Entertaining” under Detox/Cleanse http://www.hluizpresents.com/entertaining-ideas/detoxcleanse/ , I will be listing my 5 day cleanse menu if anyone’s interested. I will also give a little cleanse-journal of our progress as well.
PS: I just realized that I went from posting about McDonald’s to posting about a “Cleanse” – the two have no correlation to one another. Again, my McDonald’s post was about the “interior” of ONE store, a definitely NOT the fast food.
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Wow, that is awesome. I wish you the best of success with it, and believe that it will pay multiple dividends in the long run. A healthy lifestyle not only helps you to feel good now, but it also helps your body perform optimally and prevent against degenerative disease.
H. Luiz Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 12:20 am
@Chris Poorten, Well, I’m pretty healthy…just want to see about these benefits to a cleanse (I never did one have you??)
Chris Poorten Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 6:22 pm
@H. Luiz, I actually did one about a year or so ago. It sounds completely similar to yours. I the only animal protein I was able to have was chicken. No milk or other dairy products, and completely gluten free.
Since December of 2008, I have been completely gluten free and have noticed a big difference in how I feel. Thankfully I don’t notice much of a difference in taste with the gluten free foods. I have even found places that have really good gluten free chocolate cake, and brownies
H. Luiz Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
@Chris Poorten, Good for you!! I don’t think that I could be gluten free nor dairy free nor white carb free…the cleanse I could definitely do (5 days.)
I eat pretty healthy, but I can substitute more than I usually do. Keep your fingers crossed.
Tonight: a smoothie made from bananas, almond milk, agave, and nut butter. See my menu and progress at
http://www.hluizpresents.com/entertaining-ideas/detoxcleanse/
Good Luck!! This is easier than it sounds actually. I didn’t go through a “formal” detox program, but I have all but eliminated “whites” from my diet…and as much as I thought I would miss them…I don’t!!! There are so many good substitutes that I have never felt like I am missing out on anything. The only problem with a “white” free diet is that it is usually more costly…so those of us on a tight budget just have to be a little more creative. Again…good luck with it!
H. Luiz Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 8:54 am
@David, Thanks David. I agree, switching out white carbs is not so difficult. We already eat/love brown rice, Spelt/Grain & buckwheat pasta, sweet potatoes, flaxseeds, nut butters, and walnut oil to name a few. It’s this 6 night 5 day cleanse that may kill us.
It excludes ALL dairy and eggs, butter, mayo, grains (including wheat,spelt, barley, corn, and oats), animal protein (pork, veal, beef), soybeans and all soy products, peanuts, caffeineted beverages, honey, chocolate, plus everything must be gluten-free.
This cleanse may also prove difficult in which you drink breakfast AND dinner for the 5 days. Yeah, switching out white foods will be far easier than this cleanse…but so far so good. Then again, it’s only day 2.
Thanks again & I will see you soon.
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Good Luck- this is not something I would do though- but I wish you well with it.
Me? I hate fish, so forget it. I like my dairy products (I was raised a farm girl and will remain one). Veggies and fruits have always been a part of my diet, and lots of them but I won’t give up the things I enjoy. I’ve tried switching out somethings for the alternatives and just plain hated it.
And there is nothing in this world that could entice me to fore go chocolate. Ever!!
H. Luiz Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
@ev, i hear ya, Ev!!
But it’s a cleanse (and you can have chicken if you don’t like fish for the 5 days.)
It’s not about restriction for me, it’s about switching out some of things and cook wtih them SOME times. I could never do without my potatoes and dairy products, but I don’t have to have them EVERY time. And chocolate? NEVER give that up!
But I could do without them for just 5 days, then use switch-outs sometimes.
I’ll let you know how it goes, but so far so good. See my progress
http://www.hluizpresents.com/entertaining-ideas/detoxcleanse/
Wow!! Good luck to you guys..So I guess no more of those delicious recipies??lol..The only one in this household that incorporates a daily serving of fruits,vegetables and nuts is Pete but he eats what i cook as well..so it’s not so good.I would like to do something like that but my kids are to picky and won’t go for it..and i really don’t see myself cooking 2 separate meals.Healthy eating is good inside out..Go for it!!:)
H. Luiz Reply:
February 8th, 2010 at 11:07 pm
@Maria, Thanks Mama! A lot of people are saying the same thing, but what I think is being missed is that this is “a 5 day cleanse.” We’re trying to rid out bodies of the toxins, trying to flush out the digestive system, trying to not have health issues in the future (like the ever-popular diabetes.)
And of course, Jonathan is not doing the cleanse (jajajajaja) He’s become a health conscious eater in his own right, he never had a choice to be picky.
Remember this?: http://www.hluizpresents.com/2009/08/25/whos-to-blame-for-picky-eaters-parents-or-kids/
We eat pretty good now (we don’t always eat white carbs, but we do LOVE them.) This is just something to help flush out any build up…you should give it a try (but drinking breakfast and dinner for 5 days is NOT easy.)
Maria Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 11:25 am
@H. Luiz, I was a picky eater myself…as a kid all I would eat was mashed potatoes,ham,soup and yogurt nothing else, and of course candy..my picky eater kids actually eat more than I did.
Now that you point it out to me…that it’s a 5 day detox it sounds alot better…let me know how it went, maybe I’ll give it a try…
H. Luiz Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 12:20 pm
@Maria, Hey Maria, my last post (link) was designed to show that you can stop the kids from being “picky eaters” if you wanted to (before it’s too late.) Once a child reaches the age of 16, it is much harder to change that behavior. Hope it did not offend you
Follow our progress of the cleanse here, day by day if you’re interested http://www.hluizpresents.com/entertaining-ideas/detoxcleanse/
Lisa Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 12:34 pm
@H. Luiz, It cracks me up when I hear parents say that they can’t cook something because their kids are picky.
Mary Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
@Lisa, I don’t think they realize that they created that monster.
Anthony Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
@Mary, She sounds like she’s aware, but rather complain that her kids are picky eaters than really do something about it.
My sister’s kids are allowed to be that way. When we have family gatherings or go out to dinner, it’s rather embarrassing.
@H. Luiz, You guys are too funny. My sister in law is quite aware that her children are picky eaters, but it really is not that bad. She’s an excellent cook and they eat her food, so it’s no problem for her. (Geez, you guys are ruthless! Ha!)
When they come to my home, they venture to eat what I prepare and are starting to try things foreign to them.
Back up!
Dr. Santino Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
@H. Luiz, You have to understand HLuiz, she’s setting these kids up to be unhealthy eaters if they aren’t already. Kids who are picky eaters usually have or end up with health issues. I can almost bet that half of her kids are overweight.
Obesity is a huge problem in this country and 8 out of 10 times, the parents are the cause since they can control what foods enter the home and what their children eat.
Picky eaters is the wrong label anyway. It’s more like Master Manipulators. Parents either are too tired to care or unaware that their adding to their child’s future relationship with food.
Break the cycle!
Guys, you may have valid points, but what this really is about is that she thought that MY child (her nephew) was doing the 5 DAY Cleanse along with my Partner and I.
She had said that she would not be able to do the cleanse because of her kids…neither could I. Kids should NOT do this cleanse.
That’s it. Let her worry about her own kids. Thanks!
Anthony Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
@H. Luiz, You’re right. After reading and re-reading some comments, it does sound harsh. I am sorry if I upset anyone, it’s that it is a huge problem in this country. Picky Eater Kids today = Unhealthy Eater Adults in the future.
I did the same exact cleanse – Whole Body Action Cleanse.
It really works. My skin has never looked better. They say that dairy causes a lot of digestive and allergen problems along with skin problems.
after the 4 days (y r u doing 5?) I felt so good. My body really did feel different. Like you say, it’s only a cleanse, after that eat like you use to.
I like your pics, where can I get your smoothie recipes?
H. Luiz Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 2:28 pm
@Mary Beth, We’re doing 5 days (although I have been advised that it’s not recommended) because, well…because.
The cleanse has also taught me some things that I will incorporate in my everyday cooking. Like Organic Blue Agave, I will use this natural sweetner (25% sweeter than sugar) to sweeten my beverages, smoothies, coffees, and teas.
I use the Wholesome Sweetners Brand available at Whole Foods:
Wholesome Sweetners Brand
However, I cannot wait for Valentine’s Day – we will be eating lots of dairy and shell fish (not allowed on the cleanse). jajajajajajaja!
I see some people need more than a body cleanse!!!…How about a brain cleanse!! People now days are all about criticizing, always looking for the negative side of things and getting all worked up about it…which is worse for your health…You don’t know anything about me or my kids so don’t judge.
Anthony Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 5:32 pm
@Maria, we do know something about you and your kids: Because of you, we know that your kids are picky eaters and you’re doing nothing about it to help them. ahahahaha
Maria Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 7:33 pm
@Anthony, I’ve also learned something about you..that you are embarrassed of your family..that really says alot about you as a person.
Anthony Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 10:07 pm
@Maria, You’re absolutely right. I am embarrassed of my family as I am for you. My sister allows her children to be the way you allow your kids to be. That’s embarrassing. I’m sure your family is embarrassed too.
Dr. Santino Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 5:36 pm
@Maria, It’s not about judging you, it’s using the information that you have shared, that represents many people’s situation. You may not be ready to help your children, but you’re helping others right here on this site. It’s not personal.
Lisa Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 5:50 pm
@Maria, As one mother to another, we’re not criticizing you, at least I’m not. I’m not looking at the negative side of things, but I wish you would. Allowing your children to be Picky Eaters is a NEGATIVE thing, and you don’t see that. It’s a worse thing if you DO see that, and yet you do nothing.
Some of us are parents, that’s why so many of us have voiced our concerns.
So, how about that cleanse?…
Sammy Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
@H. Luiz, Agave is a great product. As a diabetic, I highly recommend it, even after your cleanse.
I’m following you on the cleanse, can I get the recipes? I really want to try this.
H. Luiz Reply:
February 10th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
@Elizabeth, Which ones do you want? The smoothie recipes ARE so easy.
The cleanse is a good thing, as long as you don’t do often.
H. Luiz Reply:
February 9th, 2010 at 10:26 pm
@Teresa, We plan on doing it twice a year. Some people lose weight on the cleanse, then they keep doing it to try to lose more. They don’t realize that it can be harmful if done for a long period of time.
I’m no expert, but I know that the brain needs carbs to function. A cleanse has carbs, but it’s really designed to flush out your system.
I see it like unclogging a pipe with liquid draino. Use it to clean the pipe filled with buildup. If you use it too much, you’ll corrode the pipes.
jajajajajajajajajaja
Well, this is my 3rd full day of the cleanse – together with my BOO. I’m craving my morning oatmeal like a crack addict! However, overall, I do feel a slight difference in my health – have a feeling of being “light” (not lightheaded).
Have to say, absolutely LOVE the all-natural fruit smoothies. Soups, not so much.
GO CLEANSE – YAY!!!
H. Luiz Reply:
February 10th, 2010 at 10:14 am
@HHP, JUST SAY NO…to oatmeal (for the next 3 days.)
I tried your Mucho Mango smoothie and I have to say, I’ve had mango sorbets that taste less rich – go agave!!
Thank you so much for the info.
H. Luiz Reply:
February 10th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
@Beth, Be sure to add 2 tablespoons of almond nut butter to really thicken the smoothies and to add protein. All frozen fruit (organic or at least with no sugar) gives the smoothies an ice-cream texture, that’s why they’re so shake/sorbet tasting. The almond milk (non dairy, no lactose, no cholesterol) gives it the creaminess.
Enjoy!!!