Master Cleanse
All is well!
This time, my Day 3 is a lot easier. I don’t feeling killing anyone. Day 2 i did have some cravings for some Chinese take-out but that passed.
Feel quite energized… went to the gym for a some cardio.
I did not do the optional Sea Salt water flush for Day 3. I believe, this time I will stick to not doing it everyday (unlike last time); maybe 3 more flushes during the next 7 days.
Today is Day 1 of another go at the Master Cleanse after a 3 day ease-in. This time I’m doing it more for detox rather than for weight loss. So, I am drinking more servings than last time; 8 to 10 per day instead of the minimum allowed 6. Although, if it helps with the muffin-top then I’ll take it! For the record, this morning I weighed in at 156 lbs.
Same as last time… I can’t stand that feeling as if I am coming down from, or crashing from doing drugs. If I recall, I felt the same thing during the first 3 days back in January.
I am not hungry at all, someone today was eating strawberry shortcake right in front of me and I had no desire to have any when offered.
Anyway… We’ll see how this round goes… hopefully I can make to 10 days again.
The Master Cleanse - My Way
I promised that I would write a post about what did differently this around so here we go;
The number one thing, probably the most the important thing was I spoke my Doctor about my interest in starting a cleanse. In December, when I first attempted the MC, I just decided on my own that I would do this. All the while living in fear that my it would be detrimental to my health.
Not knowing what I was doing really, started the cleanse and after doing some research. I modified my the cleanse in December; I would take my medication with half a bottle of Muscle Milk protein shake. That may explain why I felt bloated during Day 2 and Day 3 the first time around (I had forgotten to mention the bloated feeling). For MC Redux, I left out the protein shakes. My doctor told me that my medications do not have to be take with food. He did warn me to stay away from juice cleanses that included grapefruit juice.
My Ease-in for MC Redux started a few days prior. I drank plenty of water, ate fruits and vegetables; and the day before was mostly juices and water with one salad for lunch. In December, I tried to ease-in but but the night before Day 1 I had a huge Chinese take-out meal (The salt water flush the next morning was grueling).
It is not recommended that you exercise while on the cleanse however, I did for the first three days; 30-45 minutes on the elliptical machine and some weight training. Again, do some research and talk to your doctor before deciding on cleansing and exercising during the cleanse. Before heading out the gym, I made sure to drink a full serving of the Lemonade (you need the carbs/calories).
Day 3 is a tough day (irritable, wanting to quitting), but I pushed through it (I felt the same in December). Both times I pushed through it. Day 4 felt better. Day 5 did get through in my first attempt but that night I knew I was done.
I am so glad I stuck it out! During Day 5 of MC Redux I felt energized and that stayed with me all through the Ease-out process after Day 10. My spirits were lifted, my friends and coworkers told my that I was glowing. Day 7 of came and I was bored with the cleanse that carried over into the morning of Day 8. My coworker reminded me to drink plenty of water in between the servings (also, caffeine-free herbal teas are OK to have on the Master Cleanse). It’s important to have someone that will support you while cleansing.
I was back at the gym for Days 9 and 10 feeling that I could take on the world.
Easing-out of the cleanse. I followed the suggests found here.
Moving forward, I’ve been trying to watch what I eat (less sweets, or at least a nice treat once or twice a week instead everyday). Having smaller portion and eating slower (giving my body enough time to tell my brain that I am full). Drinking lots of water and do at least 30 minutes of cardio 3 times per week.
I lost 13.2 lbs on the cleanse… I weighed-in at 176.6 lbs at the start of MC Redux.
I weighed myself today (2 ½ weeks later); 160.2 lbs.
The Master Cleanse Redux - Ease-Out Day 3:
Well, today I had my first solid food meals. Fruit salad for breakfast, Kale Salad from Organic Avenue for lunch, and for dinner I made myself a vegetable soup and a spinach salad with bell peppers, cauliflower, and broccoli Every last one was delicious.
No cramping or uncomfortable feeling from finally having something other than liquids in my stomach. I have not had a bowel movement though and that worries me. Someone suggested that I not take the herbal laxative tea; to allow my body to do what it does natural. Plenty of water is necessary!
I also weighed myself just now (I know, the wrong time; I should way myself in the morning after having used the restroom). My weight is 161.2 lbs after a full day of healthy eating. I’ve lost 2.2 lbs during the Ease-Out process. Yay me!
That’s it… I am done with The Master Cleanse. Now to put into practice better eating habits.
The Master Cleanse Redux - Ease-Out Day 2:
I started out my morning by drinking a Chlorophyll/Alkaline Water tonic from Organic Avenue. It wasn’t bad; had to brush my teeth because they were green after drinking it (actually, my tongue is still green and it has been about 15 hours).
Since today is when I would incorporate other juices back into my diet I opted for BluePrint. The Red is actually great tasting and invigorating Nevertheless, I also need fiber, which most cold pressed juices are lacking in. I went to Jamba Juice right before work for their Apple ‘n Green smoothie. It had a familiar flavor (Chlorophyll Tonic) but sweeter. While at work, I started to feel shaky. I believe it was because of the sugar content in the smoothie however; it did pass.
I still had some OA OJ left and diluted that and sipped on it for most of the day. All the while, drinking water all day. Also, had a second smoothie (Berry UpBEET) from JJ as dinner while shopping for tomorrows introduction of solid foods (fruits and vegetables)
I still feel great even thought not having solid food for 12 days now.
Wish me luck for tomorrow!
The Master Cleanse Redux - Ease-Out Day 1:
I went with Organic Avenue again for their cold pressed orange juice (about 2 liters for the day). This is to prepare my system for the vegetable juices, and other fruit juices for Ease-Out Day 2.
Strangely enough, I found myself missing the cayenne pepper taste. I diluted the OJ as suggested. I still feel energized and no craving for food. I believe that I neglected to mention that my sense of smell is enhanced. Around Day 4 I could smell things almost immediately (sweets, sours, garbage, flowers). I usually the last person to catch the sent of anything.
Ease-Out Day 1 has been alright. Tomorrow comes with more juice varieties.
The Master Cleanse Redux - Day 10!!!:
I feel amazing today!!!!!! Saw some friends today and they noticed a change in my mood. Yes, Day 3 I was a little irritable. Again, they say Day 3 is tough but just keep going. I’m about to have my last serving of the lemonade. Today I purchased some organic cold pressed OJ from Day 1 of the Ease Out. Also, I purchased some vegetable juices for Day 2 of the Ease (I already have some organic broth for Day 2). I need to find a place that has blended, instead of pressed. juices because I will need the fiber (preferably organic). I will plan out carefully my Day 3 Ease Out since it will include solid foods.
I did it!!!!!!!!!!
I will post the final weight tomorrow morning after good night’s rest.
The Master Cleanse Redux - Day 8:
I woke up today with an “oh this again” attitude; that boring feeling from Day 7 lingered into day. I felt better at work though. Later in the afternoon, I talked to my coworker about how bored I felt with the cleanse and she reminded me that I should be drinking plenty of water. Drinking water in between the servings of the cleanse will help to break the monotony.
Upon having a few cups of water, I felt better. Water! I had not been drinking enough water on Day 7 unlike the Days 1 through 6. Understand, that this not to say that I was still a little bored with the cleanse. The cups of water were refreshing and if felt great to have something else on my palette. Even plain water.
PS. I weighed myself today. I put on the same outfit I wore when I weighed myself (at the doctor’s office, in the evening) 2 days before Day 1. On that day, I weighed 181 lbs. In same outfit, this evening, I weigh 170.4. That is almost 11 lbs in 8 days!!!
W00T!
The Master Cleanse Redux - Day 4:
Today I got to experience how draining certain emotions/feelings can be. I found myself discontent early this evening at work. This feeling and all the thoughts that came with it was very draining physically. The Master Cleanse is low calorie (I’m doing 6 servings per day). I was amazed at how much energy it to for me be in an irritable state.
So, if I am detoxing my body, then I suppose it would be advantageous to practice detoxing of the mind and spirit. When my spirit was lifted and my head was not filled with racing thoughts I felt more energized before the incident.
I have a few short guided meditation that I could start using. Also, it won’t hurt to pause and ground myself when I feel my head is going off on some tangent that will only upset me, or make me more upset about something.
Day 5 - The Master Cleanse
Before I step out for an evening jog, I wanted to post that this will the be the last day for me on The Master Cleanse. After sharing with friends and being completely honest with myself I believe I jumped into this for all the wrong reasons. Mainly, I had a moment, last Monday, where I felt fat. Yes, I know, fat is not a feeling however, It is a fact that I felt fat last week.
I do feel great today, as I did yesterday, and I was told that getting passed Day 3 things would change. Doing this cleanse, being HIV+ and on treatment for it, and not consulting my Doctor first may not have been a good idea. I already have a Vitamin D deficiency for which I take a weekly supplement and one of my HIV medications has a side effect of bone loss. I need a daily intake of Vitamin D (I know, that sounds sexual LOL) just to maintain the low level that I have even with the prescribed weekly supplement. Also, the nightly herbal laxative could be interfere with full absorption of my medications.
So, I took a trip to Organic Avenue, (I sorta mentioned them in a post once) and got myself a few juices so that I can ease my way back to eating solid food again. Freshly squeezed OJ that I am to dilute this first day; the second day will be vegetable and fruit cold pressed juices with spices; third day will be raw, preferably organic, vegetables and fruit. After that, I can start to incorporate other types of food and hopefully make healthier choices moving forward.
I’m an addict in recovery; I make compulsive decisions a lot without really thinking what I’m getting into. One day at a time, I am working on arresting this type of behavior. However, I’m not perfect. This is not to say that I regret doing the 5 days; I will consult with my doctor first the next time I decide to do a cleanse and also do as much research as possible especially on how any cleanse may affect a person living with HIV and who is on medication.
Day 3 - The Master Cleanse
The Sea Salt Water Flush is bearable. I’ve added more cayenne pepper to each servicing of the lemonade (It’s a great thing that I love spicy foods)
I am very irritable; I find myself forgetting what I was doing or losing my train of thought. However, I have had any cravings. I’ve been told by a few people that after the third day it does get better.
Again, that feeling of crashing… stays with me throughout the afternoon. It’s possible I am not having enough water in between each serving of the cleanse.
One thing I do have to say about this… I have saved quite a bit of money not eating out; having lunch, and sometimes breakfast in midtown Manhattan is costly.
