Thursday, February 24, 2011

The Master Cleanse - Day 11

Finally, I did it. Today is the 11th day since I started my fast. I survived 10 full days of The Master Cleanse. During all that time, I have not eating any solid food and I've been on a 660kCal diet. The recipe I used was 180 mL of fresh lemon juice, 180 mL of maple syrup and about 0.75 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. I top the mix with water to make about 2 liters of lemonade. This would be my daily supply.

The first 3 days were the hardest. I had very mild headaches, joint discomfort and I would be very sleepy by 8 or 9 o'clock at night. I guess it feels like quitting an addiction, the body feels there is something missing. Those days were the hardest, yet, not bad at all. Starting the fourth day until today, I feel great. I feel normal. I have energy to work and function normally. My hunger is easily suppressed by a cup a the drink. I don't even think I need food. Yes, now and then I will crave a hot soup or maybe look forward to a roast beef, but I don't feel the temptation so irresistible. This fast makes me think about how overrated food is. If I can survive 10 days with no dysfunction with 660kCal per day, then how much intake do I really need? I must admit I was cold the whole week and my fingers were frozen.

This morning was the moment of truth, I weighed myself and I lost 7 lbs in 10 days. Last night, I measured and I did lose some inches. I did the salt-water flush again. I still had solid waste - scary... After 10 days of not eating, where does it come from? For that, I am really tempted to stay on the cleanse, should I? should I not?

Thursday, February 17, 2011

The Master Cleanse - Day 4

Time flies, I have survived 4 days of the Master Cleanse. It is not that bad at all. I get a bit of headache and I miss food as a side effect because my brain is so used to food. Not eating does feel weird, like something is missing. However, the hunger itself is not bad at all. Other than falling asleep early, I can function normally.

This morning, I weighed myself. As expected, I lost 3 lbs after 3 full days of fasting. I have done South Beach Diet before and the first phase is also about detox. I could easily lose 1lb per day for the first few days. After reviewing many testimonials on YouTube, I would say people on the Master Cleanse average a 0.8lbs lost per day of the fast.


Coincidentally, my friends are doing the BP Cleanse. Their cleanse only lasts 3 days. They started one day after me and they are already done! I now understand why the Master Cleanse insists on a minimum of 10 days. Today is my 4th day, I actually don't feel that my digestive system is completely emptied. I tried the salt water flush on the second day, it went well. Last night, I tried the recommended laxative tea "Smooth Move". I'm very disappointed as it had no effect on me! Tomorrow morning, I will do the salt water flush again.

It is now 10pm. I'm actually quite awake. For the first 3 nights, I would be very sleepy by this time. I wonder if my energy level is improving.

Friday, January 28, 2011

The Master Cleanse

It is good to blog. I just reviewed this blog and remembered about my last few times doing the South Beach Diet. I used to do it every year during Spring time. Then, I stopped in 2009 and 2010. It is just too hard to stay on track when living and eating with other people.

This year is a big year for weddings. I have 3-5 to attend. I also have a Mexico (sun and beach) trip lined up. Obviously, I have good incentives to get back in shape. This year, I want to try something new to me: The Master Cleanse.

I found out about The Master Cleanse from the status of a facebook friend. I think it's well known and popular here in the USA. My friends back home have no clue of what it is (just like me!). It must be popular practice if Whole Foods has a whole section dedicated to it!

I really believe in detoxifying. With all the process food we eat, I sometimes feel gross. This time, dear husband (DH) and our friend T said they will join me in the Master Cleanse. Yay! It will make it more fun. We will weigh-in, measure, and take before and after pictures. I haven't decided on an action plan, but I will post it when I draw it down. Stay tuned!