I had high expectations when I followed the Clean Program last July and it more than delivered. Recently 40 but looking and feeling much older, I just couldn't jump start my weight loss efforts. Although decent weight fluctuations were normal for me, the pendulum was stuck...
See moreI had high expectations when I followed the Clean Program last July and it more than delivered. Recently 40 but looking and feeling much older, I just couldn't jump start my weight loss efforts. Although decent weight fluctuations were normal for me, the pendulum was stuck on the wrong side for way too long and no matter how well I ate the scale was not budging. I had been intrigued by the thought of detoxing periodically but never seriously considered any one program because required time commitments and the severity of various programs would not fit in my lifestyle (i.e. I work for a living and socialize with people). The Clean Program seemed to be an ideal solution because of its relatively short duration and the nourishment provided through the liquid and solid meals. For me the no wine/cheese/beef was probably the largest adjustment, as most of my diet consists of organic meat and produce anyway, so for only three weeks the restrictions were more than reasonable. During the period I followed the program I also re-acquainted myself with the gym, specifically spinning and yoga, although only about 3-4 times per week. The combination was nothing short of transformative. By the beginning of the second week weight was dropping off of me, I was sleeping better than ever, and my skin glowed. Even my hugely skeptical husband was impressed. In the three weeks time, I lost about 15 pounds. Over the ensuing weeks my body continued to shrink into its new weight, dropping a couple of sizes easily returning to clothes I hadn't worn in 2-3 years. I continued with exercise but largely returned to my normal eating and drinking habits after the program (which were admittedly pretty good by US standards anyway), with a few minor tweaks. I lost about another 10 pounds over the rest of the summer and the fall. Neither summer vacation (shortly after the program concluded) nor holiday indulgences jeopardized my results, something I attribute to my body finally functioning efficiently. The minor "tweaks" in eating habits I refer to largely include eating more raw salads as opposed to cooked vegetable soups and stews. I always ate a lot of veggies, but now opt more for raw, especially for lunch, in order to take advantage of the natural enzymes. Other modest changes include eating more raw foods generally, as well as lacto-fermented foods and cultured dairy. I am also eating more fats, including whole milk yogurt. The program led me to additional reading to take my whole food preferences to even a higher level, including "Nourishing Traditions," the Weston Price book as informative for its background as its recipes. By and large, however, I continue to cook and eat out as always which makes it that much more ironic that after trying so hard to get into shape for so long, my journey since July has been relatively effortless. Some skeptics might challenge Clean's science or say it was exercise, not the program that helped jump start my results, but Clean is not a gimmick and has the potential for dramatic results. It is true that there is no "magic bullet" to wellness, which is why the brilliance of Clean is in its simplicity. The concept is to clear the decks and support your body to allow it to functions as intended. Anyone considering this program: have an open mind, take a leap of faith and you will be rewarded.
