Master Cleanse, July 15th -- Getting Down to Business

[VeggieMel]

I've fallen off the wagon quite a bit in the last couple months, and I've gained weight. I'm going to do a long master cleanse starting tomorrow. If anyone would like to join in or just post for support, that would be great. I'm in menopause, so losing weight is a very slow process. I plan on staying on the cleanse until I lose at least 10 pounds, and at menopause rate, that might be awhile. I may supplement with fresh juice because I have cucumbers, zucchinis and leafy greens in my garden, and I don't want them to go to waste. One thing that really sabotages my diet is cooking for my husband who has no intention of being a vegan or raw foodist. I cook for him because if I don't, he eats fast food. But while I'm on the cleanse, he's going to be on his own unless I can cook him something that I don't think I'll be tempted by. I hope some of you can join me!

[Anastazia]

I think (no promises!) that I'll be joining you!

I've been gravitating to lemon water for the last few days, drinking more & more, eating less...I was praying earlier today about whether to do the Master Cleanse, & asked God to provide the $ for the supplies, & I just found out I have just enough coming back from what I paid for my daughter's camp! So IF I can get a ride to the health food store (oops, I mean WHEN!) I'll be joining you!

Anyone know the best links/sites to learn more about the MC?
I know there was a big long thread here about it, off to do a search!

~Anastazia~

[Anastazia]

Well, I've been doing some research on the forum, & saw this thread...
http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=39235

Quote:
What scared me on another forum was about thinning hair, and how one woman who went 40 days lost her hair 3 months after doing the MC for 40 days. Ever hear of such a thing or is it an urban myth?

Response: I heard about the hair loss thing and I remember reading the reason...had a lot to do with mineral depletion or some other health problems this person had prior to cleansing????? Don't quote me though. I think you have to simply pay attention to your own body's signals and not worry about stuff like that or it will do you in and keep you from completing your own goals.

My hair has been thinning badly for a few years now, (it's less than half as thick as it was!) due to hormonal issues (PCOS) & I'm doing all I can to NOT lose any more, so I think I may do a smoothie or juice fast instead, after doing some more reseach...

...sorry, hope you find a MC fasting buddy!

~Anastazia~

[VeggieMel]

I've had hair thinning due to menopause, but has never gotten worse doing the master cleanse, so I'm not worried about it.

[luvmyzoe]

I've done a couple of cleanses before, so this will be an old hat.

I'm hoping to lose 30lbs, so however long it takes I'm in for the long haul.
After I complete the MC Cleanse, I'm going to proceed to the Liver Cleanse.

You can do this! It's all about your mindset. Make a collage or vision board of cutouts of models or women who look like the way you want to look, (or whatever else you'd like) and put it somewhere in the house where you will see it everyday for your inspiration.

The best site for info on the MC Cleanse:

http://www.therawfoodsite.com

Grace

[VeggieMel]

Thanks for your encouragement, Grace. I'm glad you'll be doing the cleanse with me. I really need to get back on track, and I'd like the company and support. I've done a couple master cleanses before, too. I feel really good on the cleanse. What kind of liver flush are you going to do.

[blizzful7]

I started the Master Cleanse yesterday. First time. This is Day 2 for me. So far, so good. I'm glad I saw your thread. I'm trapped in a teaching workshop for two more weeks. There is so much food here. I'm literally surrounded. That's what makes this fast so challenging for me. There's no place to run. It always comes down to, "Girl, what do you want more?" Please send encouragement waves my way.

[VeggieMel]

blizz, I'm so glad you posted. Lately it's been potlucks, picnics, parties, cooking for my dh and on and on. So I've been surrounded by food, too. It can be rough, but I bet you have the self-discipline to stay on the cleanse. I feel so much better on the cleanse, and I have so much more energy, except on the 3rd day which is usually challenging for me, but otherwise, I feel great. I'm glad you're onboard. We can all keep in touch and encourage each other.

[okorolina40]

yes, i would like to join you all on the MC - Ive done several over the last two years :)

hands down, the best site indeed is
www.therawfoodsite.com

i have used it for many years and it is a valuable resource!

the hair loss, i have read is in response to the body tending to healing more vital organs and the resorating of the PH. If the hair falls out, it will grow back thicker and in its natural color. Paul Nison also mentions it in his book on raw eating.

you need to make sure that once you end the cleanse that you get adequate green and leafy veggies for your amino acids and mineral support. they will also help rebuild the blood as well. ITs also good to make sure you restore colon bacteria with acidophilus and other good bacteria -- fermented foods help in this area, along with cultured nut cheese and/or yogurts.

the master cleanse involves
- drinking water
- drinking a "spicy lemon/limeade"
- taking a laxative tea before bed
- drinking water with sea salt to flush the intestinal tract

no other eating or drinking is recommended, with the exception of peppermint tea to calm the system and take a little break from the simplicity of the program.


im so excited to be back in the loop.

rawnaija

[lavendarJ]

I saw your post yesterday and meant to leave a post..I was already planning to do some juice cleansing today. I have some watermelon that I'm finishing up today and tomorrow..but I've been drinking water and juices all day long...I'll start the MC cleanse a little later and do it for a bit- yet I may throw in some veggie juices during this cleanse when I need to for energy purposes....

I might not be able to post everyday due to my crazy schedule...but I'll try my best

[Anastazia]

Thanks for the info on hair loss...I still readlly want to join in, but I think I'm going to focus on staying 100% raw the rest of the summer, upping my greens & doing the other recommended things, then, in the fall, (after we get going on homeschooling) I'll do it then...hopefully by then I'll have built up my nutritional reserves & it won't be an issue...
Have a wonderful cleanse, everyone!
~Anastazia~

[lavendarJ]

Finished off my watermelon and other yesterday.... strictly MC-ing for the next few days..we'll see.....will go back and forth probably between the MC and cleansing herbal teas to remove any undesireables that may be present (like parasites)....

I'll Try to check in later..

I've never had any problems with hair loss on MC, just the muscle loss sacrifice (when doing a long MC like 30 days or more)....trying to keep myself from doing any long MC's right now because I need to really focus on rebuilding healthy raw muscle. August 1st will mark my 2 year anniversary on this raw vegan journey, initially-those first two month of raw- I lost so much weight (literally dropped off, I'd to go back and check my blog, I think it was between 50-60 lbs) and lost a lot of muscle too....In all, I've lost about 100 lbs but I haven't maintained the 100 lbs, usually I'd put on 10lbs intentionally because I still haven't adjusted to being smaller. ..now I'm ready to move forward....need to work on rebuilding body form and putting on healthy muscle once I get to a resting weight....

Chat more later

[VeggieMel]

Welcome, OCorolina and nice to meet you, lavendar. I'm glad you're onboard. This is day 2 for me, and I'm feeling fine. I always feel better on the master cleanse; I feel lighter, more optimistic and more focused. I do the laxative tea both in the morning and in the evening. I don't like doing the swf. The tea seems more effective for me. I'm adapting this cleanse a little. Like I mentioned before, I have lots of veggies growing in the garden right now, and dh will only eat so many of them, so I'm juicing the rest of them. Yesterday, I had green juice made from cukes, zukes, swiss chard, kale and parsely which were all fresh from my garden. Yay! Other than that, I'm staying strictly on the cleanse. I figure green juice is very cleansing, too.
How are all of you feeling? blizz, lmz?

[RawHeaven]

Well, I've been doing some research on the forum, & saw this thread...
http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=39235

Quote:
What scared me on another forum was about thinning hair, and how one woman who went 40 days lost her hair 3 months after doing the MC for 40 days. Ever hear of such a thing or is it an urban myth? [/COLOR]

I believe this person completed numerous fasts back to back and did not adhere to waiting at least 2-3 months in between cleanses. Your body needs time to recuperate. If you violate this, then you may experience hair loss and perhaps even more serious issues. I believe it did happen and she may also have other things going on with her body -- I do not think it's the norm. I've completed 3, 30 day cleanses and 1 40 day cleanse with no problems. Good luck all who are embarking on the MC train. ;) It's fantastic.

[luvmyzoe]

Day 2 is almost over! I managed to even sit through an office meeting that included Round Table pizza and Double Chocolate cake! (Although, I wouldn't have eaten any of that stuff anyway)

Alot of co-workers are asking me questions about the Cleanse.

Hope you second day is going great!
Grace

[VeggieMel]

Yeah, people ask me about the cleanse all the time. I carry my bottle around, and they wonder what's in it. One lady I know did the cleanse after I told her about it, but she's a school teacher, and can't be running to the bathroom all day, so she did a short one. I'm doing well today. I just took a nice long walk.

[Anastazia]

I believe this person completed numerous fasts back to back and did not adhere to waiting at least 2-3 months in between cleanses. Your body needs time to recuperate. If you violate this, then you may experience hair loss and perhaps even more serious issues. I believe it did happen and she may also have other things going on with her body -- I do not think it's the norm. I've completed 3, 30 day cleanses and 1 40 day cleanse with no problems. Good luck all who are embarking on the MC train. ;) It's fantastic.

Thanks, that reassures me, & makes me feel better about doing it when I feel ready...I guess my biggest concern is that I've already lost more than half my hair (granted, it was very thick before) & I just don't want to lose any more!

I've read just doing shorter MC's aren't nearly as effective, so I'm going to see how my hair's doing after 100% raw awhile, then I'll go for it!

~Anastazia~

[blizzful7]

About to end Day 3. Wow! I'm grateful for this thread. My partner, who encouraged me to go on the cleanse with him, just bailed out. I was tempted to call it a day so we could go out to dinner and postpone it to a "more convenient" time; BUT, I didn't. Yeah! This is my first MC. I'm only doing a 10-day so I have a week to go. I'm a little worried about the weekend.

Sending happy thoughts your way

[lavendarJ]

Just checkin' in to let you guys know I'm still going strong...I've had 3 bowel movements and I hope for more before my digestive system realizes I'm fasting (always shuts down after about a week or so without solids-that's when I'm strictly MC-ing).

Nighty night

(gotta go to the gym)

[VeggieMel]

I said I wasn't going to cook for my husband while I did the cleanse, but I have the last two night, and the last two nights I caved. So for the rest of the cleanse, I will not be cooking for him at all. I'm sure that my trangressions have slowed down the cleanse for me, but I'm not going to quit. Tomorrow is another day, and I won't have as much or any temptation.

[lavendarJ]

That's the spirit VeggieMel....Guess what I just got in from class but I ended up buying some nuts and munching on some...I always have extreme exhaustion during the first three or four days and then after day, it's like my body gets used to it. I got a little scared because I kept falling asleep on the highway, the MC is pretty draining during the first few days for me and the 100 degree heat and HUMIDITY didn't help either...so I was a little disappointed with myself for eating the nuts but I did feel better about a half hour later as far as energy goes - I was actually swaying on the highway:eek: ... seemed like the longest 45 minute drive ever... Anyway, that's all the nuts I needed, now I'm back to plain old MC-ing it. I'd like to get a minimum of 7 straight MC days in and then switch over to fruit or veggie juices.... MC-ing is really hard on ya when you are on the run all day in this heat ( now that I think about it; I guess that's why had so much success with the very first one I did..I was able to be at home more and had way less responsibilities and deadlines to think of.

Take care everybody....

[wiccedfae23]

I hope you don't mind me posting this here but after seeing the mc refered to so many times on here i am becoming very curious! from what i understand it is a "lemonade" cleanse and usually you do it for 10 days? i am just curious what the benefits are and how you feel while on it? i have never done a "fast" or anything like it but i am a newbie to raw and love any info you woluldnt mind sharing!! i did look it up but i trust what you all have to say from experience more than what i have read on other sites!

[lavendarJ]

Hey Hey Hey

Late night check in....I had limes instead of lemons to drink today; tomorrow doing lemons.

VeggieMel-
How's it going?

wicced-
some people use the master cleanse as a diet or quick fix but it really is a rather intense cleanse/detox for the body system. I done lots of them. The man accredited with this is the late great Stanley Burroughs. I have done long cleanse and short cleanses. I would recommend now, in hindsight that people start out with 3/4 days or maybe the weekend - especially if you have a busy schedule. The master cleanse takes its toll on my physical energy but my mental clarity/alertness is usually greatly enhanced when fasting. It really cleans me out, my digestive system shuts down but that' s to be expected after a few weeks of nothing but liquids. I will say this, the MC is not a "must" for raw vegans...your body will be detoxing and healing with the live foods alone....I do the MC fast when I know I need to (when i'm looking for a really deep cleanse; it really helps me to keep things in perspective when i'm stressed out and ripping and running trying to meet deadlines) Sooooo... I hope something I said helps
MC Pros
increased mental awareness
digestive system allowed to rest and heal
more focus and productivity
decreased bloating (history of constipation/bloating)

MC Cons
physical body tires quickly (get sleepy behind the wheel:eek: )
digestive system slows down (can have temporary constipation)
long terms fasting with MC takes a toll on your performance at the gym ( lost muscle)

Take your time ...there's no right or wrong time to do a MC and there are plenty of other alternatives to doings it...In the meantime, enjoy the raw journey and all the new changes and things you'll discover about you during the process....

[VeggieMel]

hey lav,
my willpower continues to be an issue. But I'm going to keep trying.

[wiccedfae23]

thank you so much for the info!!! i dont know if i am quite ready for a long mc but i am doing the august 30 day raw challenge and i think i might try doing the mc for a weekend (or 2) like you suggested before then!! good luck on your cleanse... u got this!!

[beanmonkee]

Hey all. I just came across this thread, but I've been MCing since the 17th, so today is day 4.

I live with 4 other people (2 of whom cook delicious smelling meals), and it can be difficult to resist eating when people around you are, but if I've made it 3.5 days, I know I can do the other 6.5 (or more).

One reason I'm doing the MC is I had a major sugar binge last week (one of the main reasons I go off raw), and I'm wanting to kick some cravings.

[lavendarJ]

hey lav,
my willpower continues to be an issue. But I'm going to keep trying.

I hear ya....

My budget is going to shift my MC to probably an herbal tea cleanse once my lemons run out this week...It's so hard for me to cleanse during this season because I feel like I missing out on yummy fruits that won't be in season much longer:) ....

I'm aiming to go until at least August 1st - my two year anniversary (yesterday was probably the first full day with just MC, been nibbling on a little fruit here and there )...goingto try to do a straight cleanse for the rest of this week because I know that eating sort of kinda counteract the cleanse/detox process when your body has to switch to digesting foods....

[lavendarJ]

Hey all. I just came across this thread, but I've been MCing since the 17th, so today is day 4.

I live with 4 other people (2 of whom cook delicious smelling meals), and it can be difficult to resist eating when people around you are, but if I've made it 3.5 days, I know I can do the other 6.5 (or more).

One reason I'm doing the MC is I had a major sugar binge last week (one of the main reasons I go off raw), and I'm wanting to kick some cravings.

I hear ya... sugar cravings pop up in me all the time, specifically candy (mike-n-ikes) since I ate some a while back and it's a big mistake cause those cravings come back with way more force (so it seems for me)..wasn't craving them nearly as strong as I am now that I ate some.....

I believe you can make it....that seems to be the magic number for me - 4 - it seems like after day 4, I more relaxed and there aren't any big cravings..

[ViolinCyndee]

I just did the MC for the first time, starting on July 4th. I was shooting for 10days, but made it through 16!!! (yes I was surprised by this)! There were only a few times where my cravings were getting to me. During those times, I just drank more LA and water, and they went away.

I am really glad I did the MC and will do it again in October. :D

[lavendarJ]

Just checkin' in..just getting in and I'm hungry from such a big workout ...well, time for bed

[SekhemNefer]

I am going to do this the day of or after the Solar Eclipse on Aug. 1, 2008.


What do you guys do in place of eating. I mean, usually it takes at least 20 to 30 minutes to eat a meal. How do you occupy your time in place of eating. Not eating makes you have about 1.5 to 3 hours of extra free time.


Do you meditate, do yoga, watch tv? How do you get your mind off of food? I need to prepare for this dilemnae a head of time so I won't have poor willpower.

[VeggieMel]

I really lost sight of my goal, but I am jumping back into the MC tomorrow. Thanks for all your support and encouragement. I don't know why I seem to issues with self-discipline these days when I didn't before. I know that when I really focus on something I can accomplish it. So tomorrow I start again.

[StarFire]

Aloha everyone! I started a 10 day MC today... I was surprised to see this in the juicing section.. I posted in the fasting section... but -- I'm in for a minimum of 10 days - I may end up going longer -- I'll see how I feel...I'm kinda leaning towards 21 days this fast... I did a 40 day a couple of months ago... I loved it... !! :D

[VeggieMel]

Hi Starfire,
I'm on my first full day of the MC, too, since I've had some issues with my self-discipline. I officially started June 15th as you can tell my the title of my thread. I'm feeling stronger now, and I'm doing really well today. I'm glad you're coming on board. I've done a 14 day master cleanse before, and it was great. I did get cold toward the end, but this is Summer, so I should be warmer.

[StarFire]

oooo I'm so excited for you VeggieMel... there is somthing about fasting that really benefits me - it's the discipline I think - and cleansing out the gunk that I've stored in this body for sooo many years --- but i am determined to Glow like Alissa does! lol! boy - oh - boy does that woman GLOW!! she is just gorgeous!

sooo... I'm right here with ya... so you've been fasting now for 13 days... that is awesome! And you sound strong and like you are feeling great... that is awesome! I'm hoping that I won't be so cold too! wearing sweatshirts in Hawaii - people tend to look at me like I'm crazy! :D

Last night dh and I walked to our little local theater in town to see Wall e ... cute movie (dh got bored) - I liked it... but when we left the theater I put on a sweater cuz it was sooooo cold (for me)http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/freezinsmile1.gif ... and of course I get the rollling of the eyes from dh and he says... 'you're in hawaii for gods sake.... how can you be cold?'.... :rolleyes:

Have an excellent day! RAWk on! :D

[luvmyzoe]

Woohoo! It's Day 15 for me on the MC!

I've noticed some changes in my skin--it's so much softer and smoother all over. And the weight loss!! I've lost 11 pounds!! Yeah!

I'm going for at least 21 days, possibly 30. Trying not to lust after food 'cause I've been reading all the posts here on RawFoodTalk and the yummy recipes that I can't wait to try after the cleanse!

To all my buddies on the MC, keep on keepin' on! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!:) :)

Grace

[StarFire]

Woohoo! It's Day 15 for me on the MC!

I've noticed some changes in my skin--it's so much softer and smoother all over. And the weight loss!! I've lost 11 pounds!! Yeah!
Grace


http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/dance-1.gif ... celebrating with you!!! Smoother skin AND...ELEVEN POUNDS RELEASED.... whOoOtwHOoooT!!! :D :D

[VeggieMel]

Congrats, lmz!!! What a great success! I am on my second full day of the MC since I became focused again. I'm feeling good and very positive. I'm happy to be back in the game.

[Vaclare79]

When doing the MC you can use limes instead of lemons right? Because I tried lemons and they burned my tongue so I didn't want to use those anymore.. I guess I could use limes instead if they don't burn my tongue or cause any other weird problems.

[StarFire]

When doing the MC you can use limes instead of lemons right? Because I tried lemons and they burned my tongue so I didn't want to use those anymore.. I guess I could use limes instead if they don't burn my tongue or cause any other weird problems.


I've used limes a lot actually ~ lemons have been sooo expensive here lately! I am lucky to have some friends that have lemon trees and they will often bless me w several bags - which is wonderful! But -- limes seem to be less expensive so - if I have to buy them - there have been several times that I opted for limes instead. I have also substituted honey or agave -- although when I use the maple syrup I don't seem to get hungry - where as if I use honey - I tend to get hunger pangs...

btw... I've also 'cut' the amount of lemon juice I use ... (to save $$)... it's still very cleansing ... and is quite refreshing - you might try that too... it might help with the burning tongue!!


http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/Summer.gif .... RAWk on!! :D

[VeggieMel]

Yes, the book says you can use limes.

[SekhemNefer]

Is the daily salt water flush necessary? Whew a quart of that is nasty! Besides, I don't think it helped me poop any. I didn't have to use the bathroom immediately and my stools were small for a so called laxative.

[StarFire]

Is the daily salt water flush necessary? Whew a quart of that is nasty! Besides, I don't think it helped me poop any. I didn't have to use the bathroom immediately and my stools were small for a so called laxative.

I read in one of the posts that it can take several times before it really kicks in... I have tried it ... but I swell up like a ballooon... I use the laxative teas... works like a charm! :D

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s43/FireStar_830/bathroomsmiley.gif ... RAWk on! :D