“You Are What You Eat, and You Eat What You Are” (Clean, II) 

Four days ago I started my version of the Clean cleanse. I kept my goals realistic and achievable, which I think is essential in making long-term lifestyle changes. 

During these past few days, I’ve kept thinking about a sentence in the book: “You Eat What You Are.” And it’s true! The same way that there is a negative cycle of eating, there is a positive cycle. When you feel puffy, constipated, tired, and unmotivated, you crave foods that will give you instant satisfaction, which are usually fast-food and loaded with sugar and fat. When you eat healthier, you have more energy, you wake up easier, sleep better, you poop!, and therefore crave healthier, “better for you” foods. It’s not a diet, it’s simply an instinct. You just have to take the leap of faith and start! 

Here is what I have learned from my simple changes: 

• Avoid additional sugars and refined grains. I cooked buckwheat and brown rice, and made some oatmeal cookies. I feel my appetite has subdued and I have more control over my sweet tooth. 
• Follow the 12-hour rule. Do not eat or drink (except water) for 12 hours: from 8pm to 8am. I can’t tell you how amazing this has felt! I am sleeping better and feel less bloated, and it forces me to eat earlier. 
• Drink a shake a day- either for breakfast or dinner. My digestion has improved significantly and I can check off at least 2 servings of fruit a day! 
• Drink more water, especially on workdays. I work in a hospital for three days a week and it can get pretty dry and stuffy. Drinking water has helped lessen my p.m. fatigue and improved my concentration, not to mention my dry eyes!!
• Limit alcohol beverages. Goal= 3/ week. I am not going to lie, this has been challenging. I now have to think.. “Do I really want a glass of wine with dinner?” BUT, on the plus side, I have taken advantage of the numerous herbal teas (see pic) that had accumulated in my cabinet!  This has also improved my digestion and my sleep pattern. 

What are your goals? 

Inspired by: Junger, A. Clean: The Revolutionary Program to Restore the Body’s Natural Ability to Heal Itself.