I’m winding down the last day of the three day detox-cleanse. It’s been another good, serene day. I started with a Tai Chi class this morning and then went down to a local crafts-arts fest and picked up some pretty holiday gifts. I also saw a friend there for the first time since February. (She only lives part of the year in the Keys.) There’s obviously a big difference in my weight since the last time she saw me, so you can imagine her reaction. Her first words after, “Oh my God, Mary!” came as she hugged me. “I can put my arms around you.”
That really touched me – literally and figuratively. I know what it feels like to have lost more than 125 pounds. I experience it countless ways every single day. Today was the first time I thought about someone else experiencing the difference in a way other than just by what they see. I have to say, it’s pretty cool to think of being able to share better hugs with people I care about.
In addition to booths of pretty, hand-made items, the festival had several food vendors. The whole, “stick to the written plan” approach worked. While I would have loved some souvlaki or a bit of baklava from the Greek vendor, and the crispy thick grilled cheese sandwiches with shot of tomato soup looked damn appetizing, I just shrugged them off. Nope, food, not for me today.
I’m on a roll.
I don’t know how much weight I’ve lost with the detox. On the Dr. Oz show, people lost between three to five pounds. I’ll find out tomorrow morning. It will be nice to see few pounds come off quickly, although that wasn’t my main reason for doing this detox. Honestly, I don’t know if I’m supposed to feel super great and energized or what. (TMI alert!) I have to believe that the toxins are being flushed out of my body because I’ve had to pee at least three times as frequently each day. If my kidneys were sentient, I’m sure they’d be positively gleeful.
Did I talk before about incorporating some of the ingredients into my regular food plan? It looks like unsweetened almond milk has fewer calories and carbs than skim milk and no cholesterol. I think I’m going to start using it in my daily morning protein shake. It has fewer grams of protein, but I’m also going to add a tablespoon of ground flax seed which will not only help the protein count but will also add a few more grams of fiber. I realllllly need to get more fiber into my daily diet. (Second TMI alert!) Constipation continues to be an issue most days. Since I continue to eat mostly protein and not a whole hell of a lot of vegetables, I need to work on a solution. I already add a fiber supplement to my morning protein shake, but I guess I can look into other places to add it. Every gram will help!
Can you tell that I’m in general musing mode? That’s probably because I’m still pretty serene. It was a wise decision to arrange this long weekend for myself. I’ve had great “me” time, done a few things that I wanted to and not much else, worked in daily naps, and, in general, enjoyed peaceful quiet. This has all been important because I have a very busy week ahead, including a 24 hour round trip to New Jersey.
Starting tomorrow morning I’m going to pre-plan my food choices for the day, which will give less things over which to stress. If things get hectic and crazy, I’ll look back on this weekend and remember the healing power of serenity.
Weighty Matters 
Count me as also inspired, so much so that I printed off the detox, and was all prepared to make it my next weed’s shopping list (although I have many of the basics already). Then, later that night, I realized I’d sort of done this already, unintentionally, when I was so sick! It made me laugh.
What is NOT funny is constipation. (I’m just being blunt here, nothing cute about this.) The ONLY thing that helps me is dried apricots and prunes. Eaten daily. I just have them as snacks, replacing any other sweetie I may be craving. It works, on several levels. Bonus, they have lots of iron too.
Great post, in a series of wonderful posts.
Julie
Next WEEDS ??? How about “next week’s” -yeah, let’s say that. 😕
Considering the number of green veggies on the plan, weeds also worked for me. 🙂
Milk of magnesium cherry flavor has helped me immensely with the constipation. It works most times within a half hour. I will have to look into Dr Oz detox down the road when I really stall.
You are doing an outstanding job of recognizing inner turmoil and not just talking about it, but doing something about it! Your determination shines through when you grab the bull by the horns and tackle hurdles before they get out of hand!
I am learning a lot from your lessons and again appreciate you honesty in sharing info!
I had a 10 stall but conquered it over thanksgiving and now have lost 53 lbs since 10/10/12!
I am learning to substitute old habits with better choices. I am sure this will continue for a lifetime. Positive attitude will bring us gratitude!
Good progress! Stick to the doctor’s prescribed plan and you’ll keep seeing great results!
You sound serene! How very lovely, to feel that way. I’m glad you’ve had a wonderful weekend all to yourself. Those are nice when so much of the rest of your life is busy and involves other people and work and their needs.
I’ll look into the detox thing when I get a blender. Which means not soon. But, like Nan says, you’ve inspired me. It sounds like a cool thing.
Enjoy your serenity and remember it so you can re-experience it later.
Printed the Detox plan today and will be starting it next Monday when we get home from visiting lake friends, Mary. You’ve inspired me. Thank you!