*After The Cleanse*

[Res]

Deedo: Thanks for posting this and saying it wasn't so bad. I MUST do this but I've heard horror stories so I've been putting it off. I've heard the Epsom salts make you gag and I'd rather die than throw up. Also people have mentioned that the olive oil sloshing around makes them queasy.

Can you tell me your experience? Purdy please?


MCconvert: Welcome to the same boat we've all been in. I can say with all honesty that "I know how you feel" as do many others about being out of control. I think people feel as if they've been neglected (by cleansing) and I believe it's buried deep down inside. So you end the cleanse and have a great idea of "how" you're going to live with food but end up wanting to taste everything and the next thing you know it's binge city because you don't have a solid plan. You tell yourself you can cleanse again, or you'll stop before it gets out of control but you don't and it does. *sigh* Been there - done that.

I used to say, "Oh I'm going to eat 65% raw" and then not have a clue how to do so. I saw it in my head but never having lived a raw life my well laid plans were unrealistic. I give myself a A+ for the idea but I didn't have the tools to make it a reality. I do now. But that's after trial and error.

I personally don't believe everyone is meant to eat all raw. I'm a meat eater and I like fish. I can live my life eating everything else raw but do need to incorporate meat. Other's will argue but I have to do what I have to do. Right now, I've been all raw for about 35-36 days but I don't intend to stay that way forever. I'm just taking it a day at a time. You should check out the thread, it's "The one month raw challenge". "DON'T" (please) feel any pressure to do the same. Just go and read about our experiences, if you'd like to.

I believe (I'm not an authority) that you MUST have a 30 day plan *BEFORE* coming off the cleanse or you'll flap around like a fish out of water and eventually end up back where you were pre-cleanse.

It's not the cleanses fault. The cleanse is amazing and I could actually live there if it was feasible but it's not. Oh, by the way it's not your fault either. It's how we've been brought up. We need re-training and I know that sounds like a pain in the wazoo. However, something drew you here to the cleanse so you're in the right place at the right time. Consider yourself in college, Health 101. You're not going to know *everything*. Even the experts don't know *everything* but you know you and that's a beginning.

Love,
~Res

[MCconvert]

Res, you're a lifesaver!! You've said exactly what i needed to hear...thanks more than you'll ever know. You are SO right about needing a 30-day plan coming off the cleanse...more than anything i just want to follow my hunger and eat instinctively, but i clearly don't have a good handle on how that feels all the time. I know what foods make me feel crappy, and what foods trigger my binge eating style....so for now i have to make a few things "off limits" for a while, just to get back on track....it's difficult not to go to extremes, but eating mostly raw seems to be the answer for me, just for a while. Not really possible for me to go completely raw for life...(i'm with you on meat and fish) but i could definitely use more fruits and veggies in my overall eating mentality, and this whole BB has got me thinking lots more about that than ever before, so thanks to all for that. I'll check out the 1-month raw challenge--thanks for the suggestion, and for answering my concerns so specifically...

[cwgirl]

Hi ladies;

I have been reading your thread, what a terrific bunch of people!!!! Well, I have not read ALL of it, but I intend too!! I am going to break my fast (10-11 day) fast Thursday of Friday. I have countless questions, but I will start by asking one.

I read a ways back a person named Will was using the lemonades as meal replacements, plus dinner and maybe a snack, and a few others tried this as well. I was considering trying this for awhile, while I sort of re-gather myself after this cleanse. I am so afraid of falling into my old ways~ and would like to incorporate more raw *(need to learn more ) and would like to get a handle on maintaining weight.

Does anyone recommend this approach?? And if so, would I break the fast somewhat differantly?? I ws thinking of a day and a half of juice, tiny bits of fruit (plus lemonade) then adding a meal, and fruit/veggie type snacks. Does this sound reasonable??

I would be so appreciative of ANY advice!! LOL~ Newbie on the loose!!

Many, many thanks in advance!!!!!
Cindy

[kim2510]

I just wanted to comment that after three days of being off the cleanse, I want to go back on!!! That isn't a negative comment. I've done really well with my diet and can relate to other people that I feel like I'm the floundernig fish because I don't have a plan. Nonetheless, we have all come a long way and should be proud of our accomplishments. The cleanse taught us many things about what our capabilities are and what our capabilities can be now and in the future. I do miss the energy of "not digesting food", but I've been eating fairly light and haven't lost a lot of energy.

If anyone is into natural hygiene, the book "Fit for life" is great. I've read it probably 10 times and feel I am actually ready to start making these changes permanently in my lifestyle. I recommend the book to anyone. Take care everybody!!!

Kim

[Res]

Mcconvert: Glad I could help.

cwgirl: Using the Lemonade as a meal replacement is more than fine. Be sure you tell yourself which meal you're going to use it for and stick to it for whatever period of time you designate. Sounds like a great plan.

Kim: I love Fit for Life! I have to eliminate the grains but I'm all for their ideas and recipes. I've never lost an ounce following their plan but I sure felt better. They have an amazing non raw Shepherds pie with mushroom gravy that is worth every bite. Mmmm

Love to all,
~Res

[amani96]

*After The Cleanse*

This is where we can continue supporting each other when we're done cleansing in all the same ways we did during the cleanse.

Love,
~Res

Ok, I have a question. I know the answer is some where in either this thread or somewhere on the forums.

Is sushi bad or unhealthy? Will it undo all that I have achieved in the cleanse? I have recently discovered the delicious flavors of sushi, and am quickly becoming a lover of it. At first I was timid to try the "raw" rolls, but I am quickly becoming a fan of those as well.

Please advise!

[mtmouse]

Ok, I have a question. I know the answer is some where in either this thread or somewhere on the forums.

Is sushi bad or unhealthy? Will it undo all that I have achieved in the cleanse? I have recently discovered the delicious flavors of sushi, and am quickly becoming a lover of it. At first I was timid to try the "raw" rolls, but I am quickly becoming a fan of those as well.

Please advise!

I guess it all depends on what you mean by "bad or unhealthy". Different people have different takes!

The fish in sushi is raw, so from a raw standpoint that works (though most raw purists don't eat animal stuff of any kind). The rice, however, is not only cooked, but sweetened with sugar. The nori (seaweed wrapping) in most sushi is also toasted. So it's up to you to decide if you want to eat that and whether you consider it "bad or unhealthy". It certainly is delicious, I'll give you that! But most things with sugar are, LOL.

And I won't mention the effects on your bank account! LOLOL.

[MCconvert]

[QUOTE=Res]Mcconvert: Glad I could help.

cwgirl: Using the Lemonade as a meal replacement is more than fine. Be sure you tell yourself which meal you're going to use it for and stick to it for whatever period of time you designate. Sounds like a great plan.

I (MCconvert) had the same question: has anyone had experience with continued weightloss following this kind of plan? (replacing 2 of three meals with lemonade) I've been trying to do this the last few days,(except for my out-of-control-weekend, where i ate my entire house in a free-for-all...)
but usually only lose weight when my one meal is strictly vegan--i tried a smoothie made with Kiefer milk(which i LOVED before i did my cleanse) and it just doesn't sit as well in my tummy anymore....
anyone?

[Res]

I actually had the "idea" of using 2 lemonades for meals but it - never - really - congealed. Similar to your comment

except for my out-of-control-weekend, where i ate my entire house in a free-for-all...

hahaha Been there - done that. *If* you do this (which is really healthy and a good idea) PLAN THE ONE MEAL you're going to eat for 30 days or - at least have a 2 week menu or you'll be back to square one - because it's easier - and you're tired - or you don't have the ingredients for a healthy meal - and the chips have been in the cupboard for a month and you don't want them to go to waste (waist ). And so on...

Truly I'm not trying to be discouraging...I've done the cleanse 14 times and I've talked to countless people (here on the bb) about the exact same issue - going back to eating the old way. If you don't have a plan you're going to crash and burn - it's that simple. Some of us live 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 years eating the same way and expect to change our ways automatically in 10 DAYS! It's just not going to happen. There's the idealistic and then the realistic.

BUT - I think that if you have a PLAN you'll be fine.

How's that?

Love,
~Res

[MCconvert]

very, very helpful, thanks a million times over!!!
i feel like i need the support of this BB more now than i EVER did on the cleanse (life on the cleanse is so much easier in many ways, no?) and i am SO grateful for your advice. so here's the plan: (putting it in writing here so that i have to answer to people who really understand)
-as of monday (three days ago) i've been drinking lemonade for at least two meals, and am going to continue that until june 12th. i plan to have my "real" meal be dinner on most days, since that's the easiest to manage (three kids under four and a husband to cook for....) and will try to eat mostly fruits and veggies and lean protein, as much raw as possible for that meal.

-i have to swear off bread and anything with gluten in it for the same time period--bread and cereal are such trigger foods for me....(have to eat the entire loaf or box)

-this is the real clencher--no matter what i will follow my hunger--i will eat only when i'm truly hungry and stop before i get sick...

so i'll reevaluate the plan after june 12th (my birthday and my goal date to get back down to the weight i was at coming off the cleanse--gained about six pounds over the last weekend! YIKES!)

thanks for letting me post this here--just for a little accountability.
you guys (gals) are the best!! very much appreciate the support.