Newbie starting Monday 4-3-06...anyone else?

[DEEDLES]

Hello to all... I've been reading here of everyone's experiences.. trying to wrap my head around the possibilities of what I'll be experiencing. I have to say I'm pretty excited to do this in spite of the headache stories and the rest.
I think purging my body of toxins and pesticides and old meat and whatever else... will ultimately feel great!

Anyway, I'm starting Monday morning so if anyone is reading this thread that is also planning to start on Monday we could be newbie buddies~!

My only fear is the salt water flush... I have to be at work by 6:00am and I'm planning on getting up and drinking it at 4:00am. Hope that is enough time for it to move through me. I have to leave for work about 5:30 so that is 1 1/2 hrs that I can donate to the SWF. I hope I don't realize halfway to work that it isn't enough lol.

Okay then... It'd really be nice to find someone on here to go through this with~!

Why don't the smilies work?

[firsttimer]

HI DEEDLES!
WELCOME TO THE BOARD AND TO MC!

I'm into my first MC and I still can't wrap my head around it! lol!

Monday will be my day 6 but I will be happy to go thru this with you if you can't find a buddy. I'm a first timer too as my name implies.
You can read what i've already posted here:

http://www.therawfoodsite.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=mastercleanse;action=display;num=1143319683;start=15

I'm the last two entries in that thread. I don't know what happened to the other people, eeek! I guess i could easily move that stuff over here so it would be easier for you to read.

And the smileys info is here: (it took me a while to find this thread too)

http://www.therawfoodsite.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=mastercleanse;action=display;num=1138301206

Apparently there is an error on this board that makes you add all the smilies via html.

Hope to hear from you soon and yay!!!!

[dizzykitty]

LemonMaid posted:

Hello. I started today, April 1st. I wanted to reply to you because I thought that 1.5 hours would be enough too. I drank my salt water at 5:30 and was eliminating until 7:50, but not constantly. I walked to work at 7:20 and realized when I got to work that I wasn't quite done flushing, but it wasn't bad. Everyone probably has different timing in the flushing, but tomorrow I'm going to give it 2.5 hours before I leave for work instead. Good luck.

<>=====<*>=====<>

hi LemonMaid i started today too!

as for the SWF it took me three hours to start "flushing"
might be because i was constipated earlier this week.

good luck!

[Yellowgirl]

Hello morning commuters!!

About 10 - 20 minutes after you finish the SWF, start rubbing, kneading, pushing, squeezing, and massaging your entire abdomen, stomach and intestines. If you do it vigorously enough, you'll feel and hear some gurgling - that means you got it moving!

Keep doing that until you get the "urge," then go sit on the bowl and keep doing it until it's out!

The whole process, from drinking the SWF to finish, should take less than an hour!

You might have to go some again when you get to work, but it's not much and you should make it to work just fine!

Works like a charm! ;D

PS: I'm on Day 10! Whoo-hoo ::)

[LemonMaid]

Wow, thanks for the tip. That will save a lot of waiting time. I'm looking forward to my second day tomorrow.

[Guest]

Hey, I'm starting on monday too! We could be buddies.
Hope you're here tomorrow.
-cory

[LemonMaid]

I tried the massaging the abdomen thing, and it really did speed things up. The Salt water flush was a lot more pleasant today, not nearly so much burning. It was good that it was quicker because I woke up an hour late because of daylight savings time and so I lost an hour for my flush!

[dizzykitty]

Day 2... i made it!!! i just took my SWF and will try the massaging :)

[dizzykitty]

i walked the dog just now, and since he's still in training i brought his treats...hotdogs!!! now i've never been a fan of hotdogs...but the smell!!!!!!!!! oh!!!!!!!!!! now i'm hungry!!

I can get through this!!! oh! its only day 2!!

[Yellowgirl]

LOL dizzykitty!

Your sense of smell becomes really keen when you're on this cleanse. Good things smell great and bad things smell even worse!

Around Day 2 even the dry cat food started smelling good to me!! :o


LemonMaid, glad to hear the massage bit worked for you! ;D

[my3kidsmom]

Hi,
This is my 3rd time doing the cleanse. Today is day one for me and I need some support. The other two times I had a "buddy" and felt accountable so I wouldn't quit. The first time I did this was Nov. 05 and my sister was my rock. The second time I did this was Jan 2nd. I didn't realize until after I'd done it that it's recommended that you wait 90 days between. Anyway, that time I had a friend from church that I checked in with everyday and we kept each other strong. Neither one of them is ready to go without food again and I don't know anyone else who'll do it. So, I'm attempting this one on my own and hoping for some message board friends to encourage me. Knowing that I made it through twice before will be helpful to be sure, but it does help to "vent" somewhere. Nights are hardest for me especially. Anyway, I'll check in tomorrow with a day 2 report.
TTYL,
my3kidsmom

[DEEDLES]

Hi All,

I'm starting the MC tomorrow morning. I couldn't start today because I just couldn't face making my body get up and drink the SWF at (essentially) 3am ( daylight savings time).

So I thought I'd start tomorrow am!! I'm having my laxative tea right now.

Anyway, I'll check in tomorrow morning, fellow cleansers!

[msg60]

Hi all,

I am starting tomorrow too. I had an unsuccessful attempt at this. I got really sick and had to stop. The result, some have suggested, of too much cayenne pepper. Anyway, i am excited to do this and definitely willing to buddy up with anyone who is just getting started. I don't want to lose my nerve.

Good luck!
Melanie

[LUinLA]

Hey guys,
I definitely need the support group! I started my first MC on Sunday so I'm at the end of Day 2. I think I'm doing pretty well. No cravings today, though this morning I got really nauseous with the lemonade and had to lie down for an hour at lunch. I've barely been able to drink 4 glasses of lemonade today but I had 6 glasses of tea. I'll try to chug down another lemonade before bed, but I'm struggling with the maple syrup.

Anyway, I'm just proud that I'm not in the other room oggling my husband's chinese food. Little victories.

Thanks,
Lu

[debbiehaxton]

hey LUinLA-

If you are struggling with the maple syrup,
did you know its ok to cut the amount down.

On page 20 in the book it says it is ok to take less if you
are overweight, and ok to take more if you are
underweight, but never to vary on the amount of
lemon juice.

Hope this helps! :)

[DEEDLES]

Well, Day ! for me... sitting at my computer waiting for the SWF freight train....
That stuff isn't too bad, I did the chicken soup w/o the chicken and it helped (at first...) no rumblings yet.

HI Melanie, we can be buddies and follow Lu!

Check in later, folks....

[Guest]

Hello everyone! So far so good! I like the flavor of the drink a lot... would be good with some brandy lol. Just kidding (not).

The drink knocks my hunger pangs right out... I've had 3 in 5 hours... I figure if I drink extra today that's okay... it's my first day.

Oh and the SWF works, too.

How is everyone else doing today?

[windowashgirl]

Today is also day one for me. I was only able to get .5 of the swf down before it wanted to come back up. I did drink the tea. I am drinking the pepper and syrup in a shot glass with a bit of the lemonade to thin it down, lol I do it just like a shot of tequila salt down it lime me! I am making the lemonade in 16oz bottles with 4 tablespoons of lemon in each. I am also making sure I drink 16 ozs of water in between...goal for the day...5-6 bottles of lemonade (which would make 10-12 servings) and 6 bottles of water. Getting ready to get out now and get some yard work done before the rain comes. I will try the swf again tomorrow, I can honestly say I never use salt and that might be part of the problem for me with the swf.

[green_apple]

Hi, I just started yesterday. I did the Cleanse before, but this time, I want to do it right.

Found this board and looking forward to reading posts and being in the same boat.

It's day 2 and I really want to quit, but I WONT. :(

[LUinLA]

Hey guys. Day 3 for me. I woke up with big stomach groans that felt like hunger pains but went away after I was up and going. Very strange. Makes me wonder how many times I've stuffed my face thinking I was hungry when really my belly was just settling down.

I'm doing alright today. I'm definitely cutting way back on the amount of maple syrup. It was making me really nauseous. I don't really like sweets, so it was turning my stomach yesterday. Today I'm doing better though I've only had one lemonade drink so far.

I'm a bit worried about tonight because I have to go to this wine party for work and there's nothing better than a good glass of wine after work. So, I'll have to be at my peak willpower. Yikes. Pray for me. I'll need some serious help.

Good luck you guys. Stay with it. Keep the faith. More later.

Lu

[DEEDLES]

Yes, Lu, I said today that I should probably get really well acquianted with actual hunger pangs and not the boredom let's eat, certain time let's eat doughnuts lets eat habit that I have after 44 years.

One thing that helps me with this (I think, I'm talking smart on day 1:) is that I quit smoking so I can put off cravings and I know that the days go by and 10 days is not really that big of a deal.

Anyway, sounds like we're all doing okay... come on Green apple... you can do it!

[LUinLA]

Just wanted to share that I made it through the wine party even though they had tons of little bite sized appetizers which are absolutely my favorite. I just kept talking and sipping water and it just passed. Thank God.

So, this is end of Day 3 for me and I'm feeling okay. It's pouring down rain which is making me feel warm and cozy. I just started to cough a bit which I think may be the start of some detox. Bring it on.

Just wanted to share two quick suggestions from another thread. I was having trouble stomaching the maple syrup and it was recommended to me to 1) try making the drink with limes to give it a margarita taste and shake it up a bit and 2) try using raw agave nectar instead of the syrup. Both sound like great ideas to avoid the boredom, so I wanted to share.

Just keep on trucking. Thanks so much for the support!

Lu

[LUinLA]

Alright, fellow newbies. I'm hungry. Just flat out hungry. I've already called my mom, a girlfriend and my husband from work as a distraction. Help!!!!!!!!!

I'm not even craving anything in particular, I just like the idea of warm gooeyness in my belly.

I'm going to make some tea and try to distract myself. Maybe I'll sneak out for a walk.

Lu

[DEEDLES]

Lu... I had the same thing today. Much hungrier than yesterday. Made it through, though.... you can do it!

I bought some limes for tomorrow... change things up a little bit!

Where is everyone? Maybe they all caved except us?

[LUinLA]

Deedles,

Yeah, I'm thinking some folks gave up. That's okay. I'm still in the taking it one day at a time mentality. I'm hoping to go 10-11 days and then have two to ween off before I have to go to Mexico for a long weekend. But it's tough and I feel very anti-social. Last night I made my husband take me to our favorite cafe after his dinner just so I could feel like I was out of the house. I had tea and he had coffee and a giant cookie that I didn't even want a taste of.

On the positive, I went to Bikram Yoga last night and it was great. I brought in the lemonade and water in case I got dizzy since it's a 90 min class, but I actually felt great. I wanted to get the added cleansing benefits of the sauna. I didn't sweat that much which surprised me, but afterward I felt great so I'm hoping to go back tonight.

Yesterday I upped my lemonade volume because I read on another thread that you need 1 oz per 2 lbs of body weight and I was barely taking 60 oz. So, maybe that will help move the cleansing along.

And I'm going to get some limes today to shake it up.

Hang in there!

Lu

[LUinLA]

Deedles,

Yeah, I'm thinking some folks gave up. That's okay. I'm still in the taking it one day at a time mentality. I'm hoping to go 10-11 days and then have two to ween off before I have to go to Mexico for a long weekend. But it's tough and I feel very anti-social. Last night I made my husband take me to our favorite cafe after his dinner just so I could feel like I was out of the house. I had tea and he had coffee and a giant cookie that I didn't even want a taste of.

On the positive, I went to Bikram Yoga last night and it was great. I brought in the lemonade and water in case I got dizzy since it's a 90 min class, but I actually felt great. I wanted to get the added cleansing benefits of the sauna. I didn't sweat that much which surprised me, but afterward I felt great so I'm hoping to go back tonight.

Yesterday I upped my lemonade volume because I read on another thread that you need 1 oz per 2 lbs of body weight and I was barely taking 60 oz. So, maybe that will help move the cleansing along.

And I'm going to get some limes today to shake it up.

Hang in there!

Lu

[Guest]

Hey all,

Just found this thread today. My girlfriend and I started our first master cleanse on Monday too! Yeah for day 4!!! Feeling much better today, after some serious grouchiness days 1-3 (we both quit smoking and coffee too).

My question is about the SWF. I have no problem with it, and it runs right through me. My girlfriend is having some more difficulty. She can get it down fast enough, but really no elimination occurs. We looked through the swf thread, and didn't really see much advice besides the exercise and maybe "more salt." Totally willing to try these, but when does not eliminating the swf become a problem? Like I said, it is day 4...

[Guest]

Instead of the SWF try just to drink the laxative tea in the morning and evening. I tried more salt I got real sick. Please be carefull with more salt it can really do something weird to your body and skin. Jacklyn

[LUinLA]

I had more luck doing a bit less water, like 20 oz but the same amount of salt, 2 tsp. Just a suggestion. But I would go with doubling up on the tea regardless. The tea alone, before the SWF, seems to get me going in the am.

I'm on Day 5. Still trucking. It's definitely getting easier, but I'm feeling so horribly anti-social. Oh well. What's 10 days out of my life.

Good luck!

[LemonMaid]

Hey there, just wanted to let you know I'm still doing it too. I'm on day six. Its been good so far, other than a sore bum. :-[ Tomorrow is day seven, though, and I hear it's a tough one. The biggest benefit I've gotten so far is that my feelings toward food have changed. I want to eat mostly raw now. I just ordered a dehydrator! Yippee! Good luck, everyone!

[LUinLA]

Congratulations, Lemonmaid on your new point of view on eating healthier. Very exciting. I feel the same thing and am already making plans to surround myself with raw foods when I finish the cleanse. And I've also been researching a liver cleanse which I think would be good for me. All very positive things.

Day 6 for me. I'm doing alright. I can't believe there's still poop coming out of me since I haven't eaten since Saturday. That's just wrong. But good that it's coming out. The good news is I'm feeling up for exercise now and did a bikram yoga class last night and some pilates this morning. I'd like to get back to running, but I'm a bit nervous to go too far from home in case I get dizzy or run out of lemon energy.

Anyway, not much to report, just wanted to be encouraging to you all and say keep it up.

Lu

[EssDub]

Lu,

I run (in fact, I'm training for a 10 miler at the end of April) and I've had no problem keeping my energy up. Hydrate before you run (drink water--you WILL find you need it) and bring some lemon drink with you in a water bottle or in a fuel belt while you run.

Treat this like any other run and make sure you are hydrated.

Oh, for the record I just started my 6th cleanse on Wednesday so I am on day three.

Hope this helps!

[LUinLA]

EssDub,

How did doing the cleanse help your running? I just did the LA marathon and was thinking of doing another in the next couple of months but I was worried I'd lose fitness/muscle with this cleanse and be a bit behind. What say you, oh great guru six time cleanser?!

I did though think that losing some extra weight would help my running, so there's that positive...Thanks!

By the way, I'm still on Day 6, worried a bit about the weekend because it's not as controlled a situation as my office, but I'll just have to do my best. Good luck everyone!

Lu

[Guest]

Hello everyone. I'm a newbie. I'll be beginning my Master Cleanse in a few days. This will be my first cleanse. I'm starting to feel a little nervous - I know that's normal. This really is a big move for anyone who takes it. This will be a whole new terrotory for me. I am confident though that I will feel so much better after the cleanse. VETERANS - RAVE ABOUT YOUR CLEANSES!! TELL ME THE GOOD STORIES - I would very much like to hear them! Knowing the cleanse really really gives people a strong sense of well-being would be nice to know. I want to know those true stories!
Also, I'm asking for any general pointers anyone would give a new cleanser like myself. I'm planning 11 days. One thing I would really like to know about is using bentonite. Does anyone have any experience with using bentonite and or other digestive-tract scrubbing herbs while on the cleanse. What are the recommendations?
Its so great to have this forum and this community. I really feel safer knowing you all are out there. I'm 28, and I've been rough on my body. I smoked cigarettes for 14 years (been smoke-free 3 weeks now!) and I also used intravenous drugs last year for about 6 months. Very scary time for me. I've dealt with depression since my early teens, and began using drugs at age 14. Add all this to the poor diet of the average person, and I'm ripe for such a cleanse. I have a suspicion that my depression was/is probably largely a result of toxins. So, that explains some of why I'm doing this. I thought that would be good to share. If anyone can relate to my story, reply! If you've found relief for depression with the cleanse, reply!
I look forward to the cleanse, and the support and companionship this forum may provide. thanks.

[LemonMaid]

Welcome, Jared. Congratulations on being drug/smoke free. That is a big step for your health. This is my first cleanse as well, I'm on day eight. I was nervous when I started it too, but after a few days I got into the routine and it became really simple. I enjoy the simplicity of it. Also, I do feel like I gained a sort of control over my feelings about food and I am looking forward to eating healthfully when I end this cleanse. I feel like the emphasis has been taken away from weight in my life and been put on health, and that's a big accomplishment for me. Some tips I've learned: try to find a health food store that sells grade B maple syrup in bulk, it tends to be much cheaper. Also, the more cayenne pepper the better (to taste, make sure you don't put so much in that it becomes distasteful) and I've found that mixing the lemon juice and some lemon pulp with everything in a blender is beneficial. Try to get organic lemons because they have more nutrients. People have done the bentonite stuff but its not necessary and its not mentioned in the book. If I were you I would read and re-read Stanley Borrough's "The Master Cleanser" several times until you feel comfortable with all the information presented in it. Good luck with your cleansing and to your new life!

[DEEDLES]

Hi everyone!

Glad to see all the replies to the board since! Sounds like everyone is doing well.

I've made it to day 5. Days 3 & 4 were starvation-like and today seems better. Still hungry but not as distractingly hungry as before.

Energy level is high and mood is good.

Yesterday I must have detox-ed a lot of stuff, I was cold and hot and tired, today is completely opposite!

And I've lost TEN POUNDS! I don't care if five are water, I'll take it!

And whoever said they are thinking about eating raw or healthier.... I'm with you on that one. Crunchy veggies and good, healthy organic food is sounding really good to me since doing this. My husband dug me up a big garden and I've ordered lots of heirloom veggie seeds so I'm really excited about fresh food this summer.

okay, good cleansing to all!

[LUinLA]

Hey Jared,
Welcome and congratulations on your new health! I'm on Day 7 of my first cleanse and I was definitely nervous, so I get it.

The advice I would give you is do everything you can to set yourself up for success. Buy everything in advance including tablespoon measuring spoons, citrus squeezers, water bottles- I like mine with a straw, good water, etc. Then, make sure you clear your calendar of time with anyone who is not a positive influence in your life, this may make you feel like a hermit, but it's so necessary. You don't want to let anyone's own doubts throw you off the program. And finally, make some plans to keep you busy. I checked out the whole third season of 24 and have watched most of it all in this week! Yes, you can clean out your closets or whatever, but make sure there's a special treat in there for you.

Otherwise, read this board. Daily. And keep the faith. I also recommend keeping a journal so you can track how you feel and remember that you got through bad days and good days later on in the week.

Oh, and make sure you're drinking enough lemonade. Peter had a post somewhere that said drink 1 oz of lemonade for every 2 lbs of body weight. I was drinking much less than that and when I upped my lemonade a bit, I found that I lost more weight and eliminated much better. Oh, and if you make your lemonade in bulk, make sure you're adding enough cayenne.

So, that's all I have to offer from my big podium of only finishing Day 7. I feel like I've learned so much about myself and my health and our country's obsession with food in such a short period of time.

Welcome. And Enjoy.

Lu

[DEEDLES]

1 oz for every 2# body weight! Eek. I can't drink that much. I'm drinking about 60 oz a day and that is all I can get down. I dont' know where I'd fit another 40!

Plus this is starting to give me heartburn... any else experiencing that?

Lu?

[LUinLA]

No heartburn for me. But I do have a rash on my face that is in the area of some formerly reddish dry skin that I've had for awhile. I'd love to get rid of it, so I'm hoping this will detox and move on. It looks almost like small bumps of acne. And the rest of my face looks like it's starting to break out.

I also have what looks like itchy bug bites on my stomach and lower back. Don't know what that's about.

And my tongue has gone from white sweater to thinner yellow and my teeth feel somewhat covered in plaque. I've been flossing like mad and brushing extra often to combat any bad breath.

This is the night of Day 7 for me. Tonight I went out to dinner with friends and had a great time and wasn't tempted to eat at all. The most bizarre experience of my life!

Press on, lemon squezers.

[mycroftxxx]

HEARTBURN

I found that for myself (everybody's body chemistry is different) the cayenne pepper gave me heartburn especially when I tried someone else's mix where they used waaay too much cayenne. try scaling it back a bit, if the heartburn is too much for you. or take in more H2O.

A tongue brush or just an old teaspoon are a necessary part of my oral hygene routine. I couldn't find a tongue brush for the longest time so I was using a teaspoon to scrape the 'ick' from my tongue. it helped keep the halitosis at bay.

also I would suggest getting into a good sauna and exercise routine. exercise and sweat are great methods for gettinng rid of toxins. I believe that the skin's pores are the greatest way of purging toxins out of your body. It also helps that most gym's have sauna facilities. I never had the body odor that most cleansers complain about. I attribute this to my sauna sweating routine flushing toxins before they make me stink.

[bluenude3]

Hello all! Day 1 of my first MC and my husband and I are eeking through. Can't seem to stop craving food. But I know this and the boredness I am feeling are just detox and I can get through them. Have thought about quitting several times today, but are working through the doubts. I am quitting smoking at the same time and I think that is definately adding to the stress (that and my Aunt Flo is in town.) I had the thought to postpone after I got my period, but then I figured I had planned so well for this and put it in a good time slot, that I might as well bite the bullett. Cramps from menstral cycle are killing me, but I am breathing through them. Anyhoo, hope everyone is doing well and I will check in tomorrow.

Simone

[DEEDLES]

Hi all thanks for the suggestions. I did find a little less cayenne helps and also I water down the lemonade and drink more. I have to say that I haven't had a day without grinding hunger pains. I havent' let one morsel of anything but lemonade past my lips but, man... am I hungry! I am determined to make it, though! I think tomorrow I'll take up the sauna advice and go to the ymca and sweat for awhile. Did the treadmill at work for 25 minutes today and was pretty dizzy when I got off. I'm drinking plenty of water.

Welcome to the thread, Blue... you get through this one day, one hour and sometimes one minute at a time. Good luck!

p.s. ( I do feel better, though... I'm really glad I'm doing this... and thanks for the support, folks!)

deedles

[LUinLA]

I had a traumatizing moment last night because I ordered an herbal tea at the mall and when I got it I sipped and it was a latte! Milk, my sworn allergy enemy. And it tasted just disgusting to me. Anyway, I thought of that because Deedles you said not one morsel...so gross.

Day 8 for me. I'm really hungry this afternoon for some reason. I haven't been hungry for a few days, so I'm sort of bummed. Maybe I'll go for a run to distract myself.

Otherwise, I'm still amazed at what's coming out of me and just how much of it. I still don't think enough of the salt water flush comes out. I feel like it's just making me retain salt, but I'm probably wrong. My skin is still purging and the tongue still yellow though it's pink around the edges, whatever that means.

Good luck everyone. Hang in there.

[DEEDLES]

Yes, Lu... I don't think enough of the SWF is coming out, either... I've used more and felt sick and headachy and used less today and felt bloated and not nearly all came out. That is the part I hate the most. That dang &%$*@ flush!

Keep going... day 7 tomorrow for me... day 9 for you!

[skyle]

I'm SOOOO glad you guys are here and posting your experiences. Today is Day 6 for me, and overall I feel great. I'm exercising every day and not experiencing too many problems. Over the weekend, I had a hard time smelling food and watching other people eat, but now that I'm back at work things are much easier.

Lu, I totally relate to your surprise at what is still coming out of you after all these days with no food! What IS that??? How gross to think I've been walking around with all that junk inside of me!

Keep posting, folks! It's a great motivator!

Take care,
Sarah

[EssDub]

I'm on Day 6 as well Sarah and yesterday was tough (my first really tough Day 5). I went for a 6 mile run and everywhere I went were people eating fast food--I actually enjoyed the smell of fries until the greasiness kicked in, but for the most part I wasn't tempted.

My biggest difficulty was that I slept late so I didn't get as many glasses of lemon drink/water in as I would have liked before my run. The run itself was fine (I carried a water bottle), but afterwards I felt weak and cloudy headed (another first ever). So when I started to feel better I drank more lemonade and more water. I've been on runs before while doing the cleanse but usually they are 2 or 3 mile runs. So my lesson is to get up with my alarm, eliminate, drink some water and get my workout in early!

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you all for being here and sharing your experiences.

[skyle]

Hi EssDub,
Thanks for your post. I have a running question for you: I usually run in the mornings, but with the SWF I have been unable to do so because my eliminations don't feel very predictable until sometime around noon. Have you had similar problems? Cycling and swimming are okay (less impact), but running, not so much.

Day 6 has been okay so far. I'm a little hungry, maybe because I put less maple syrup in my lemonade. Tomorrow I'm back to the stronger stuff!

Take care,
Sarah

[LUinLA]

(Disclaimer: the following may have too much information for some of you...)

I just breathed fire out of my butt. Okay, not really. But I had read about hot eliminations and thought to myself, yeah, yeah, how hot can they be. Well, just had two. And I think a fire breathing dragon has inhabited my tush and taken residence! How gross!

I was feeling really crappy today, just tired and unmotivated and I upped my cayenne portion to just move things along. Last night I was terribly cranky and rude. And all night long, I was dying of thirst, completely parched and woke up tons. Apparently, those symptoms are just the prelude to hot poo. Who knew?!

Sorry, it was just too shocking not to share. The bad news is I was hoping to end the cleanse tomorrow since I'm on Day 9. I'm hoping the hot poo will transform the last whiteness on my tongue and tomorrow I'll feel great. Otherwise, I'm getting dangerously close to my trip to Mexico and cannot imagine this weekend without guacamole!!!

What a trip this whole cleanse has been!

[DEEDLES]

A fire-breathing (butt) dragon! I've not had the pleasure yet...

Day 7 for me... I'm going to bed so it's in the bag! Felt really good today... hungry less than previous so that's good.

I am also mortified by what 'exits' this long after eating food. What on earth is it? I believe it needs to be gone. Bleeccchhh.

Keep going folks!

[DEEDLES]

Morning all!

I just wanted to share my experience with everyone. On day 7 (yesterday) about 1:00pm I flushed red.. I mean RED. It felt like the tips of my ears were going to shoot fire. All down my neck, my cheeks and nose and chin were red and hot. I occasionally get this (metal allergy I think, checked my hormones and they are ok so far, I'm 44) but yesterday it was insane.

Okay, so this morning after the SWF.. well, let me just say that what 'emerged' was of a quantitiy and quality unlike anything I've ever seen since I started this. "What the h___ is that?!" I thought. Anyway, flushing is gone so far today and I'm feeling good. Hunger seems to be less of an issue all the time. I'm really glad I've stuck to this... my tongue is still coated and ucky breath though.. I may continue until I feel like I'm done.. may be longer than 10 days.

later

[skyle]

Hi Deedles,
Thanks for sharing your experience. Today is Day 7 for me, so you're one day ahead. Like you, I am amazed at what is coming out! Doesn't seem like there could be anything left after not eating anything solid for 7 days. I'm planning on stopping at 10, but not sure what I'll do if I feel like I'm not totally cleansed yet.

Lu, I've been upping my pepper too, but haven't experienced the dragon yet. :) Maybe that will be my next adventure. Seems like there is one every day on the MC!

Good luck to you all, and hang in there!

Sarah

[LUinLA]

Day 10 for me. I still can't believe I've made it this far. Especially because my whole world revolved around food before. How interesting to have a rest from all that time and guilt and full coma feeling.

Anyway, I have mixed feelings now. Overall I've had a great experience but I worry that I didn't detox enough. I had headaches and cravings and some breakouts and the aforementioned dragon poo, but I thought I would have gotten really sick. I have a history of tons of allergies, chronic bronchitis, all kinds of digestive problems, endocrine system imbalances, hypoglycemia etc. Most of these have gone away since I discovered raw in Jan of this year, but I suffered for so long before that I figured I'd come down with a wretched cold or something. So I can't decide if I'm pleased with my progress or not. Of course tons of crap and toxins came out. And I learned a ton about my own relationship to food and the difference between need and want. And I have made a serious commitment to continuing a raw and healthy lifestyle. So all of that is good. I guess I'm just introspective today.

In other news, I'm going to do a liver cleanse tonight. Don't know if that's a good idea or a horrible one, but I definitely need it and now is a good time since I'm already in detoxing mode. I'll report back.

Thanks for the support you guys. There's absolutely no way I could have gotten this far without each of you.

Lu

[star72]

Hey all,
I am so glad to find this page with others actively cleansing too. Today is day 9 for me, it's been a bumpy ride but I feel good in all. It is the start to a clean slate for testing food sensitivity with my doctor.
Someone else said they're going to mexico this weekend,(me too) as far as coming off the cleanse what does that look like for you. For me I am nervous 2 days of OJ and then on a plane for a day???
Also for me the night of the 7th day and morning 8 were aboslutly the worst for running to the lue and passing total alien matter. I felt great the first 3 days of the cleanse, and 4,5,6,7,8, if felt foggy,weak,anti social,cold,and congested.And yesterday day 8 I wanted to eat for the first time during the cleanse.
I usually am very active running and working out, playing with my kidlets. So am am scatching my head at all those who run 3-6 miles? How? I know I am getting enough syrup...Probably 10 lemonades a day.
I have tried to workout ,run,hike and I feel like my arms and legs are lead.Anybody else?
No nasty smells coming out of me. I have taken 3 epson salt bathes which are suppose to draw the toxins out.Make sure to drink tons of water before and after if you try this.
Good luck and happy cleansing to all !!

[skyle]

I'm finishing up Day 7 and I'm REALLY grouchy. Dinner out is so hard! And I have another one tomorrow night. My resolve was wavering a bit, so I signed onto the board for some motivation. I'm hanging in there, but having a hard time tonight.

Any words of wisdom would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Sarah

[LUinLA]

Sarah! They say Day 7 is the hardest. Definitely not the night to have dindin with friends. You're so close. Too close to quit now! Hang in there!

As for the pre-Mexico breaking the fast support group for star72, here's my plan. Today was day 10 for me. I'm doing a liver cleanse tonight and depending on how I feel tomorrow I will a) do another fast day or b) do a partial fast day with some fresh grapefruit juice at night. Thursday before I leave, I'm planning on picking up some take out from a new Raw place here in LA and packing up a cooler so I'll have some healthy choices while I'm gone. I'm planning juices that day too, maybe with some raw veggies/fruits at night. Then Friday, I'll probably do a lemonade for breakfast and then business as usual as far as food. I have two weakspots in Mexico- Guacamole and Margaritas. Though given the fact that I haven't eaten in awhile, I will probably only be able to take 2 sips of margarita before being riproaring drunk, so that's my plan. (Not to get drunk, but to drink a few sips.)

As for the guac, all I can hope is that I can pick up some raw flax seed crackers that I can dunk in all the guacamole I'll be tempted to eat. Tostitos are a real former love of mine and I don't want to eat a whole bag.

Sorry for all this talk of food for those of you still a ways away. Hang in there and stay the course. You can do it!!!

By the way, my mom (65) is starting the cleanse tomorrow. She's been following my and your progress all week and is excited to jump on the lemon bandwagon. Go Mom!

Later Lemons.

[DEEDLES]

Hi Sarah,

Yup, some days are rough... but just keep putting one lemon in front of the other and you'll get through it! I'm now on day 9 and so glad I toughed it out. I feel better, lost a bunch of fat and overall feel like master of my domain! Have fun in Mexico, Lu... I sent you an email re: the liver cleanse... I'd like to hear about it.

Keep going everyone!

Diana

[skyle]

Thanks for the encouragement, Lu and Diana! I'm starting Day 8 today. As always, the morning seems to bring a renewed sense of resolve for me. I'm hanging in there!

Have a great time in Mexico! I'm leaving for Playa on the 27th, so I've got a couple of weeks to work up to the guac and margaritas (my 2 biggest weaknesses also)!

Take care,
Sarah

[LUinLA]

Day 11 for me. Sort of post-fast, but since I haven't eaten anything yet, I guess I'm still fasting.

I did the liver cleanse last night. Gross. So gross. Here's the link I used:
http://www.falconblanco.com/health/cleansing/liver.html

I just can't believe all the stuff that's come out of me this past week. Seriously. I didn't weigh myself this morning so I can't give final numbers but I think I've lost about 10 lbs, most of it in the first 6 days and then since then not much though I do think I lost inches. My face is still clearing up, but the rest of my skin looks soft and a healthy brown. One other super strange thing is my nails grew at about twice their normal rate this past week. I had to cut them twice. Very strange.

I'm definitely nervous about eating again. What's funny though is I'm so sick of the lemonade, but I'm terrified of eating anything else, so I've only had tea and water today. At some point I'll have to make a move.

Hope you guys are doing well! Looking forward to your updates.

[EssDub]

Sarah,

Sorry for the delayed response, but I'm glad you got past your rough Day 7 (mine was tough too, but in an odd mental way).

Anyhoozle...on running. Since Sunday I've been waking very early, running first and THEN coming back to drink my tea (I can't deal with the SWF anymore). Then I don't have to worry about being out on a run and experiencing a painful/uncomfortable surprise.

If at all possible, get up with the sun, run and then come back for your SWF.

BTW, how's your Day 8 going?

[DEEDLES]

Lu,

OMG did you actually DO that? Wow. 'So gross' is an understatement. I'd rather do the SWF 3 times a day than that. Whooo. Wow.

Well, I'm at the end of day 9!!!!!!! One more to go. One more. I know what you mean about being afraid to eat. I kind of have that feeling already but yes, I AM sick of the lemonade. I'd like to go longer but I think I'll stick to 10 days this time.

All good things to everyone doing this!

Night

[LUinLA]

Yeah, I did it. And literally all day long I've been experiencing the phenomenon known as butt pee and tons of little "stones" have come out. I stopped counting but easily over 200. Wierdest thing I've ever done. This morning I felt really bloated and my stomach was distended but that was before I began uh, eliminating, which has carried on through the day and into the night. So weird.

Otherwise, I've done some OJ today and some grapefruit juice and three glasses of the lemonade, so I'm definitely weaning off and feeling good.

Congratulations all of you who can see the light at the end of the tunnel. You're amazing!

[skyle]

I'm drinking my lax tea and finishing up Day 8. This was MUCH easier than Day 7, despite the fact that I had another dinner out at this really fabulous restaurant for a friend's birthday. Luckily, our waitress had done the MC a few years ago, and she was very sympathetic and encouraging.

Lu, congrats on finishing up, and on getting through that god-awful liver cleanse! I'll be really interested in hearing what it's like for you to start eating again. Your support on this board has been awesome!

EssDub, thanks for the feedback about running. I guess I never thought of going before the SWF, although the previous night's Smooth Move might still present a problem. I'll let you know how it goes!

Hang in there, everyone!

Take care,
Sarah

[DEEDLES]

Yea!! The end of day 10 for me and I'm starting OJ in the morning and I'm excited!
What a great experience this was, I will definately do this again... I feel really good if more than a little tired of the lemonade.

Good luck to everyone... I'll check in and also be on the thread for getting off the cleanse.

yippee!!!

[LUinLA]

Hey guys. Sorry I dropped off the planet for the long weekend. Congratulations on finishing up you guys!!! So exciting. I'd love to say I was perfect about weaning off the fast, but I was in Mexico with 20 friends. I did do the juices and then the broth the first two days but then wasn't as in control as I'd like, but you can't be cool all the time.

Now I'm back in town and am eating raw again and we'll see how I do. I definitely found it way easier to navigate the world of food when I was fasting than now. I'd love to go back on the fast and do it for longer. Maybe over the summer I can pull it off.

Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks so much for all the support. I really could not have done it without this board and I feel lucky to have known you all electronically at least.

By the way, my mom is on Day 5 and going strong. Yea, Lemonheads!

Lu