Sure you always hear about how good they are for you.
How you will feel better....
Have mental clarity...
Glowing skin...
Healthier digestion....
But.......hold up...
Most (if not all) cleanses and detox plans I have tried ended in a fairly disasterous manner. I usually started by going to the grocery store, gathering my ingrediets for whatever concoction was sure to rid my system of all impurities, dutifully mixing the prescribed ingredient list, and embarking on a cleanse adventure.
Then, I realize that I'm feeling faint from not eating, or my gag reflex is irritated with the nasty ingredients combo I just ingested. Then I get cranky--really cranky.
And then I finally break, disheartened because I've 'failed' but slowly feeling more human after giving my body what it was calling out for.
The problem (for me anyway) with most of the cleanses I have tried is that they are quite intense. Too intense for my liking. It all depends on the person, if you want the cleanse to be over quickly and are OK with feeling nausea, headaches, bodyaches, and running to the bathroom every 5 minutes then these intense cleanses will do the job.
But if, like most folks, you have responsibilties and a life that can't completely stop for three to four days, a super intense cleanse may not be the way to go. But hey! To each their own. I may just be a WIMP in your opinion (and you are entitled to it).
So why do cleanses and detox plans make you feel so icky? Well a cleanse is a cleaning out of your system and detoxing is the removal of toxins. You don't think all of this cleaning and toxin removal is going to feel like a day at the beach do you? Nope. Most of us have a lot of toxins in our bodies and when they try to work them out--it is usually not pretty.
Think about people who try to quit smoking, or drinking, or drugs...the detox periods can be INTENSE. Honestly, I can't even imagine (since I can barely handle the DT's from things like sugar and caffeine). Even if you try to eat a healthy diet and live a healthy lifestyle even things that seem fairly innocuous can build up in our bodies.
So what is so glorious about feeling terrible and putting your body through an intensely stressful physical (and emotional process)? Gotta be honest, can't think of anything.
Here's where I generally screw up. I focus too much on what I will be removing (toxins, extra lb's, etc) and forget about the importance of replenishing what the body needs. The result is usually a punishing experience for my body and my mind.
But because I am nothing if not stubborn, I'm going to try a cleanse once again.
However this time I'm doing it my way.
Of course I am going to give my digestive tract the time and space it needs to replenish itself by eating light and refreshing foods (raw veggies and fruits, lots of water, tofu (perhaps some unseasoned chicken breast if I feel the need for some extra protein), pureed soups, and maybe brown rice. And of course, I'll leave out caffeine, sugar, artificial sugar, gluten (obviously), red meat, and dairy. I will do exercise (since sweat detoxes the body well) like yoga or an easy run. I might even get a massage.
Instead of a session of punishment and removal, I'm going to view this as an opportunity to replenish my body and my mind. The detoxing that I think most of us need when we start to feel frazzled and overwhelmed (which sometimes leads to cruddy eating habits) is a detoxing of the b.s. that life throws our way. Sure, some of it can't be helped or avoided. But the aspects of our life that we have control over (of which there are many) can be decluttered and detoxed. I think I shall work on that as well. Cleansing the body of daily toxins and the mind of unecessary clutter.
I know I said most people don't have tons of time to devote to a complex cleanse (and that is true) but it is important to take SOME time for yourself and make your health a priority. Like Max Ehrman says in his poem "Desiderata" beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
Those are words to live by. So, by all means cleanse and detox but realize that it is your own journey and you need to do it your way so you do more good than harm.
And just because I love it....here is "Desiderata" in its entirety.
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
--- Max Ehrmann, 1927
--- Max Ehrmann, 1927
No comments:
Post a Comment