Follow one of our members on her 28 day Detox Journey

As promised: One of Richmond Balance's members is doing her own 28 day detox challenge. Follow her on her journey....

Richmond Balance Detox Blog

DAY 1
Blech. That’s generally how I’ve felt lately. Too many holiday cocktails, too many bready appetizers, too many cups of cocoa during an early January ski trip. My digestive tract has not been feeling fully operational, and my poor skin is showing the results of all my bad eating habits. I am at least five pounds heavier than usual, but the constant bloating makes it seem like 10. Blech – in a nutshell.

So. Time for a change. Starting today, I am embarking on a 28-day detox. Unlike juice fasts and extreme detox plans, this detox involves eating real food, and plenty of it. But it also takes out all the common allergens and toxins, which amount to a pretty long list: no alcohol, no sugar, no caffeine, no red meat, no gluten, no dairy, no eggs, no soy, no oranges, no nightshade veggies (eggplant, tomatoes, peppers). What does that leave me with? Most veggies, most fruits, nuts and good fats, chicken, fish, turkey, lamb, buffalo, beans, lentils, quinoa, brown rice. I’m supposed to eat fresh, local and organic as much as possible.

I’ve done a similar elimination diet before, about four years ago while I was trying to determine if I had food allergies. I know what to expect: the withdrawal headaches, the moodiness, the achiness, the fatigue. Just because I know it’s coming doesn’t mean it won’t be painful, but at least I won’t think I’m dying, like last time. And, then after about seven days, the world will open up. More energy, flatter stomach, clearer head, fewer aches – that is why I’m doing this. It’s literally life changing.

The one difference this time is that I’ll be incorporating a supplemental powder described as “medical food that provides nutritional support for patients with inflammatory conditions.” My first elimination diet was done under the guidance of a holistic physician. This time I’m working with a nutritionist, Tina Shiver (www.tinashiver.com), who is wonderful and sympathetic. It’s nice to have someone to turn to for answers and support. She knows what I’m in for, and she doesn’t pretend that it’s a walk in the park.

The day-to-day life can be difficult. You really have to plan your meals ahead. Snacks are difficult – no cups of yogurt, no Clementine oranges, no bites of cheese. It can be frustrating when you’re hungry and don’t know where to turn. I think I lost a few pounds the first go-round just because I didn’t know what to eat, so I didn’t. This time, I aim to be smarter and better prepared.

So, we’ll see. I’ll be posting my daily menus and linking to recipes, just in case you’re interested in trying out some pure, healthy meals for yourself. I’m going to miss lattes, pizza and dark chocolate the most. But it’ll be worth it. Wish me luck!

MENU
Morning
Gluten-free oatmeal with half banana and handful of walnuts

Lunch
Gluten-free crackers with salmon and guacamole

Dinner
Brown rice with Mulligatawny detox soup: http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2007/03/vegetarian-mulligatawny.html