Serendipity Bodywork

Hi Everyone!

As you can see from the title and picture, I recently started a personal challenge in regards to my diet. I have been thinking for a long time now that I want to try detoxing my body, and I ran across Kris Carr‘s book on the internet a few weeks ago. I know, the title seems a bit iffy, right? At least, I thought so at first. But then I got to know about the author’s personal story, which is really amazing, and I just had to get the book. Kris Carr was diagnosed with a very rare type of incurable cancer when she was just 31 years old. Although some doctors gave her only 5 years to life, she decided to take her health into her own hands, and started to seek out all the best doctors and specialists in the United States. What she learned, she incorporated into her diet and lifestyle choices, and because of what she did, it has now been about 10 years since she was diagnosed. Although the cancer cells are still there, she is keeping them under control with her diet and the way she lives. In addition to her “Crazy Sexy Diet” book, which became the number 1 bestselling book on Amazon after it was released in January last year, she also made her own documentary which tells her story as a cancer survivor. I think she is a real inspiration not only to cancer patients, but to anyone who wants a better life for themselves.

As for myself, I have been struggling with my stomach as well as those horrifying red dots in my face (pimples) for quite some time now, and I started getting really sick of having to worry about it. Kris Carr’s book talks about eating a mostly plant-based diet, meaning raw food, and she explains how things work in the body in a very simple way. At the end of the book, there is a 21- day cleanse you can follow to start detoxing your body. Basically, you should try to eat only raw food (vegetables, fruits, grains, nuts, lentils and beans), and drink lots of green juice, but vegetables can be slightly sauteed or steamed. Things that you should avoid includes meat, fish, dairy products, refined sugar (sweets), coffee, alcohol, and wheat (This means only gluten free flour). Being a meat, bread, sweets and coffee lover, I was a little skeptical as to whether I could really do this or not. But, I decided to give it a shot!

Today is my 10th day into the cleanse, and I have to say I feel a lot better! Although I still crave Starbucks coffee and some sweets from time to time, I am surprised that it hasn’t been more difficult than it has. That is not to say that it has been all sunny and uphill. On the third day, especially, I experienced an emotional setback, and longing for some sweets and coffee;) But, I managed to stay away because I really want to see how much I can change within 3 weeks. Every 7 days I am supposed to do a food fast and only drink green juice, water and herbal tea. I did that on Sunday, and it went surprisingly well, until the next morning. Then I had some really bad detox symptoms feeling very nauseous and my body very lethargic. Luckily, that passed throughout the morning. I am realizing more and more how much of the eating we do is related to our emotions and stress, and how much less food we actually need in order to function well. Although I already knew this, I never got to experience it before. For example, now I only have a green juice or smoothie in the morning, and don’t eat anything solid until noon. At first, I though this would be impossible as I really love my breakfast, but it turns out I am not even that hungry! On Sunday, I went to the farmer’s market outside the United Nations University in Omotesando. I never knew about this before, but apparently every weekend they have a market there with farmers selling their vegetables, breads, oils, grains and nuts, as well as different food stands where you can get healthy lunch and juices! They have a nice variety, and I will definitely go there again!

Since I am only half way through the cleanse, I can’t tell you how it all went yet, but I can definitely say that I am glad I am doing this, and that I will follow through. I might even try to continue even after the 21 days. At least for the most part, although I think I will have the occasional coffee and sweets:)

I will let you know how things go as I continue with the cleanse.

In the meantime, did you ever try a detox diet before? How did it go? Did you have a hard time following through? I would love to hear your experience!

Kristine