Starting MC???

[MiahTay]

Anybody else thinking about starting a MC? I am ramping up and hoping to start possibly NEXT (9/29) Monday - I need time to make the mental shift and get my supplies. But I was wondering if anyone wants to join me?

Blessings,
Heather

[Conscious Midwife]

GOOD LUCK

That should be the next New Moon date. great time for starting a new fast!

Love, light and healing for your journey:)

[MiahTay]

GOOD LUCK

That should be the next New Moon date. great time for starting a new fast!

Love, light and healing for your journey:)

Thanks for the encouragment. I have firmed up my resolve and I WILL be starting on the 29th. I am actually really looking forward to it. I haven't fasted since the first of the year and am mentally ready.

Blessings,
Heather

[gemini52880]

Hey MiahTay,

What is required to do this cleanse. I have really been thinking about starting this. And I would love to do this with you. However I don't have the book is the book required?

[MiahTay]

Hey MiahTay,

What is required to do this cleanse. I have really been thinking about starting this. And I would love to do this with you. However I don't have the book is the book required?

Hey gemini - I am by no means a Master Cleanse expert. This will be my first time using this cleanse. I have juice fasted for 3, 5, 7 and 12 days and have used the Salt Water Flush that the master cleanse recommends. I do not have the book either but have read quite a bit on line. My mom completed a 10 day master cleanse at the beginning of the year. So, I will have her experience to reference as well (she is doing it with me this time too). Below I have included a link to a site that has quite a bit of information.

http://mastercleansesecrets.com/step3.php

Blessings,
Heather

[gemini52880]

thanks so much. I would love to try the MC with you. Can I join you and your mom.

[MiahTay]

thanks so much. I would love to try the MC with you. Can I join you and your mom.

Wooo Hooo! Absolutely! It is going to be a GREAT ride! Fasting is always an adventure and I always learn something new about myself. I will be starting on Monday, I will be getting all my supplies tomorrow. I told my mom tonight that I am for sure doing the 10 days the Master Cleanse recommends and then I will evaluate where I'm sitting and decide if I want to go longer. I'll check in tomorrow.

Blessings,
Heather

[RawHeaven]

Good luck Heather & Gemini.

It's a very good idea to read the book before starting.

http://healthandlight.com/TheMasterCleanse.pdf

If you run a search in this (fasting) section you will find lengthy threads journaling MCers experiences while they've cleansed.

Here are a couple: http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=35250&highlight=master+cleanse

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=39273&highlight=master+cleanse

[MiahTay]

Raw Heaven - thanks for the input. I am so mentally and emotionally ready to do this, I went and purchased all my supplies today. I love fasting it always brings such clarity of spirit and I have always felt great (after the first few days that is). Thanks again for sharing.

Blessings,
Heather

[RawHeaven]

--------------

[curlygirl82]

MiahTay -
I would love to join you! I've never done a cleanse or fast before (other than giving up chocolate for Lent as a kid! LOL), but I've felt increasingly called/drawn to doing one. and it has seemed to me that monday was the day to start. I'm a little scared to do this, but I'm really, really excited about it - not just for the benefits I've read about, but also because it's a way for me to honor my body and spirit by giving them what they're craving.
Yay! Let's do it together!!

[MiahTay]

MiahTay -
I would love to join you! I've never done a cleanse or fast before (other than giving up chocolate for Lent as a kid! LOL), but I've felt increasingly called/drawn to doing one. and it has seemed to me that monday was the day to start. I'm a little scared to do this, but I'm really, really excited about it - not just for the benefits I've read about, but also because it's a way for me to honor my body and spirit by giving them what they're craving.
Yay! Let's do it together!!

Yay! I am really excited as well. I've only done juice fasting in the past so this will be my first Master Cleanse but everything I've read, it should be a great experience!

Blessings,
Heather

[bfllover]

Ok--I am ready to start Monday--I tried to water fast sev times last few weeks,but failed.I have the smooth move,the salt and maple syrup--just need the lemons.Here's to making us accountable to each other.I want to rid myself of food addictions as well as lose weight.Also would love to experience all the other perks I have read about.I also want this to kickstart me into being 100% raw.I also want to do the dry skin brushing as well.

[MiahTay]

Ok, so far we have ...

MiahTay
gemini52880
curlygirl82
bfllover

I am so looking forward to Monday! I have started journaling ... I am really hoping to journal this journey all the way through.

Anyone else???

Blessings,
Heather

[Raine]

I plan to start a water fast on Monday. I really need to go for 10 days and it's definitely more challenging once the "season" begins. But, I'm more driven to meet my goal -- some people like to tone up for summer, I do it for winter because that's when I have the most fun with clothes.

[curlygirl82]

Just wondering if you guys were planning on incorporating the salt water flush into your MC. I've looked around on old threads here about it, and people seem pretty polarized about it - some think it's awesome, but many say it doesn't work for them at all. Thoughts??

[iamacranberry]

It works, but it's terrible for you---all that sodium gets dealt with by the body, even when fasting. And yes, all salt has sodium. Sodium-free salt is an oxymoron. Salt, chemically, is NaCl, meaning sodium chloride.

[MiahTay]

Just wondering if you guys were planning on incorporating the salt water flush into your MC. I've looked around on old threads here about it, and people seem pretty polarized about it - some think it's awesome, but many say it doesn't work for them at all. Thoughts??

Here is a quote from the book. If you don't have it I HIGHLY recommend reading the larger segment posted as a link by RawHeaven.

"There is a much superior method of cleansing the colonic tract without the harmful effects of customary
colonics and enemas. This method will cleanse the entire digestive tract while the colonics and enemas
will only reach the colon or a small part of it. Colonics can be expensive while our salt-water method is
not.
DIRECTIONS: Prepare a full quart of lukewarm water and add two level (rounded for the Canadian
quart) teaspoons of sea salt. Do not use ordinary iodized salt, as it will not work properly. Drink the
entire quart of salt and water first thing in the morning. This must be taken on an empty stomach. The
salt and water will not separate but will stay intact and quickly and thoroughly wash the entire tract in
about one hour. Several eliminations will likely occur. The salt water has the same specific gravity as
the blood, hence the kidneys cannot pick up the water and the blood cannot pick up the salt. This may
be taken as often as needed for proper washing of the entire digestive system.
If the salt water does not work the first time, try adding a little more or a little less salt until the proper
balance is found; or possible take extra water with or without salt. This often increases the activity.
Remember, it can do no harm at any time. The colon needs a good washing, but do it the natural way—
the salt water way.
It is quite advisable to take the herb laxative tea at night to loosen, then the salt water each morning to
wash it out. If for some reason the salt water cannot be taken in the morning, then the herb laxative tea
must be taken night and morning."

But yes, you observed correctly there are differing opinions about the SWF, and to answer your question ... YES, I will be employing this method.

Blessings,
Heather

[bfllover]

today--sunday I have a birthday party to go to for an uncle but after today nothing no major holidays till thanksgiving except for Halloween.Let us all be committed to this christmas being the healthiest and hottest looking we have ever been!!!!How many days does everyone want to do??Mentally I will commit to 10 but I really need to do 30 and hope to keep on going sooo October 29 would be day 30.We can do this.If anyone needs help there is a good forum at mastercleanser.com

[curlygirl82]

MiahTay -
Thanks for the quote. In fact, I have downloaded and read the book. His description of the SWF makes total sense to me, but I've noticed a lot of people on this board saying that it absolutely didn't work for them at all, and so they just use the laxative tea, morning and night. I think I'll give the SWF a try, but I don't know if I'll be doing it everyday. Anyone else?
BFLover - I'm planning on doing 10 days. This is my first fast/cleanse of any kind, so I'm nervous enough about 10 days, let alone 30, which I cannot even fathom! I suppose if I hit 10 and want to keep going, that's an option, but at this point, I'll be so pleased with 10. I'm gonna have to hide my cashews!

[MiahTay]

today--sunday I have a birthday party to go to for an uncle but after today nothing no major holidays till thanksgiving except for Halloween.Let us all be committed to this christmas being the healthiest and hottest looking we have ever been!!!!How many days does everyone want to do??Mentally I will commit to 10 but I really need to do 30 and hope to keep on going sooo October 29 would be day 30.We can do this.If anyone needs help there is a good forum at mastercleanser.com

So funny ... basically I started off the exact same way "I'll commit to 10 days but really WANT to do 30 (or 40)". My mom is doing it with me and we both were feeling the same way so we decided we are going to go for 30 but I will be listening to my body as well. I too was looking at this month as "NOTHING going on" ... "the perfect time" .... until last night that is :(. My In Laws called last night and are moving their visit from the middle of November to the MIDDLE OF OCTOBER! UGH! So, I said to my husband ... "as long as they don't want to eat, I'm fine with that" - LOL! Ok, I know that isn't an option but food will be VERY simple and hubby and the kids will be pitching in more than usual. At least my In Laws have been eating HIGH raw so at least I don't need to worry about that aspect of it. I figure I can always lock myself in my bedroom and ignore them all! I'm not to stressed about it, I should be well into my fasting stride by the time they get here and it COULD even be a blessing because they will likely want to go out to eat and I can just send them all away and not have to worry about preparing food for ANYONE! Yep, I'm gonna look at the glass as half full!

Oh, and as I was re-reading the SWF excerpt I posted above ... I started thinking ... did I do 1 teaspoon of salt or 2 (as it states above), I don't recall ... I thought I had only done 1 and it worked famously, so I will have to dig around a little because I know I talked about it when I fasted back in January.

Blessings all my fasting friends,
Heather

[MiahTay]

MiahTay -
Thanks for the quote. In fact, I have downloaded and read the book. His description of the SWF makes total sense to me, but I've noticed a lot of people on this board saying that it absolutely didn't work for them at all, and so they just use the laxative tea, morning and night. I think I'll give the SWF a try, but I don't know if I'll be doing it everyday. Anyone else?
BFLover - I'm planning on doing 10 days. This is my first fast/cleanse of any kind, so I'm nervous enough about 10 days, let alone 30, which I cannot even fathom! I suppose if I hit 10 and want to keep going, that's an option, but at this point, I'll be so pleased with 10. I'm gonna have to hide my cashews!

The SWF makes total sense to me too. I did it back when I did a juice fast last and it worked perfectly for me. The taste is nasty, I found that room temp water was easier for me to get down that cold, and make sure you stay near a bathroom for about 2 hours (at least for me) because when the urge hits there is no "holding it" until you make your way to a far away bathroom. I may not do the SWF until day 2 as on day 1 my system will still be full of food from today. So, I will likely do ... dieters tea tonight and tomorrow morning then tomorrow night the tea again then Tuesday morning I will likely start the SWF. But this is just my thought right at the moment ... I may just jump in with the flush in the morning. Oh, and for a FIRST cleanse/fast 10 days is huge. Just remember the first three are the hardest and your hunger usually goes away after the third day. So MY biggest mental hurdle is the first three days.

Blessings,
Heather

[bfllover]

okay ---It will take the full 30 to get me to the point where I wont hate to have my pic taken.I am one of those people who gain in the upper body-hence I look like a football player in pics.After we do the the full 30 we have to ease back into eating for another 10 days so should lose some even then.I really want to concentrate on alot of green juice/smoothies and less nuts till xmas.My goal is to lose 30-35 pounds. My xmas present to me will be a new drivers license pic.

[MiahTay]

okay ---It will take the full 30 to get me to the point where I wont hate to have my pic taken.I am one of those people who gain in the upper body-hence I look like a football player in pics.After we do the the full 30 we have to ease back into eating for another 10 days so should lose some even then.I really want to concentrate on alot of green juice/smoothies and less nuts till xmas.My goal is to lose 30-35 pounds. My xmas present to me will be a new drivers license pic.

Yep, I successfully avoid having my pic taken. If we look back through family pics someone might almost think my kids don't have a mom - lol! I suppose I got stuck in a few birthday pics putting the cake on the table. Anyway ... I am going to have my hubby take front and side profile pics of me before and after so I have them for reference. To help document this cleanse for me. I will also be journaling. Well, I've got to get off the computer I have a house full of people coming over this afternoon.

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

Tomorrow is day 1! I'm looking forward to it. Everyone remember to drink your tea tonight :).

Blessings,
Heather

[curlygirl82]

are you guys as excited as i am??
i got all my supplies today - including a water purifier. i'm gonna have one last meal, alissa's broccoli soup, and then do my first laxative tea tonight. i'm pretty nervous about this whole thing - especially because i'm trying to convince myself that i'll be ok not smoking a pack a day during this - just gonna tell myself that if i can quit food for 10 days, i can quit cigs! but overall i'm feeling really excited.
how's everybody else feeling?

[Thick]

especially because i'm trying to convince myself that i'll be ok not smoking a pack a day during this - just gonna tell myself that if i can quit food for 10 days, i can quit cigs! but overall i'm feeling really excited.
how's everybody else feeling?

I quit smoking 3 weeks ago and I have some really fresh, good advice. Get yourself a cinamon stick and inhale through it liek a cigarette--it gives you flavored air and something to hold. Smelling a sprig of rosemary was really useful to me also-- same flavored air reason--but was a nice change to alternate the two. These were especially helpful in the car for me.

The other thing that helped the most was really realizing that you are a drug addict-oh, you'll know soon enough--what if you were kidnapped and forced to become addicted to heroine or cocaine etc--would you just stay addicted the rest of your life? It is very, very hard. But after the third day, it gets easier. Not only is the nicotine out of your body at that point--but you are beyond the "ill quit some other time, its too hard right now because ____ "or any other ingenious idea your brain comes up with for staying addicted. After the first day, you can tel yourself that you never ever want to feel that way again , so you either have to start smoking again and never quit (imagine lung cancer patient smoking outside in hospital smoking area here) or just never backslide and know that it does get easier! I promise, it does.

Also remember that nicotine does not relax you. That relaxed state you are looking for is every non-smokers normal feeling all the time. Including mine, now!

They add things to cigarettes to make them more addictive. Like ammonia to make the nicotine hit you stronger and be more addictive.

Look at this link-- http://whyquit.com/joel/Joel_03_21_blood_sugar.html basically if i remember correctly, when you have a cigarette it makes your blood sugar rise--so you are not only addicted to the nicotine, but majorly addicted to the blood sugar release--which is why you can have a cigarette instead of breakfast...and why you feel lightheaded, grouchy and desperate when fiending for a cigarette--its blood sugar related.

But mostly, don't be a pathetic drug addict that would dig through garbage cans or lie and scheme to get your drug. Do you have someone who is an oxygen breather who can stay with you for 3 days?

As soon as a plan comes into your mind--be honest with your oxygen breather right away." I was just thinking about going to the store and getting some cigarettes, don't let me go alone anywhere!" " There's a pack of cigarettes in the garage, please get rid of them for me" etc.

Please pm me if you want to talk about it--whoa have I been there. Crying on the bathroom floor, screaming in bed with my covers over my head how unfair it was..sigh I am so glad its over-and I will never, ever go back!

[curlygirl82]

thick, thanks for all the great tips. i'll definitely check out the cinnamon sticks - i'm a little afraid of the rosemary, 'cos i figure while on the mc, i very well might just eat it!! :)
congratulations on your 3 weeks, i know that's an amazing feeling. i have quit before, over a year, even, so i know i can do it. as far as the cleanse goes, though, i'm not even thinking about it in terms of quitting smoking - too scary - any more than i'm thinking in terms of "quitting" eating. i'm just telling myself that i'm not doing either for 10 days. period. that's making it easier - because, honestly, i had no intention of quitting when i was starting to think about doing a cleanse (other than that low-grade "i should really quit" that you Always have). I figure i'll be so busy thinking about how i want fried chicken that i won't even think about a cigarette - here's hoping. and i know that, after i go 10 days, i probably won't want to start up again, but i'm tricking myself into getting to that point by saying that i can if i want to. tricky, tricky.
anyway, thanks so much for the tips. i do love joel's quit library, that's an awesome one. and thanks for sharing your experience - it's nice to be reminded that after 3 days, this too shall pass. :)

[ViolinCyndee]

I am starting my 2nd MC tomorrow too! I will be posting a more detailed journal at the forum here: www.mastercleanser.com

I am psyched to get started.. Will have my tea in about an hour from now. And yes, I follow the MC exactly including the SWF. It worked great for me last time, so I am not about to change it.

In fact, it cured me of painful menstral cramps! I have my TOM now, in fact, and felt absolutely NOTHING last night when I got it. :D

[OneBite@aTime]

May I join?
This will be my 2nd MC, my first was in May of 07, I've "tried" a time or two since then, but didn't get past day 2-wasn't really ready-BUT I AM NOW!

[ViolinCyndee]

May I join?
This will be my 2nd MC, my first was in May of 07, I've "tried" a time or two since then, but didn't get past day 2-wasn't really ready-BUT I AM NOW!

You can totally DO IT!!!

[MiahTay]

Yay! The gangs all here! Here's to day ONE! Cheers *as she holds up a giant glass of salt water*! WE can totally do this! I just got done drinking my SWF and got it down just fine but my tummy always feels a big ick for about 15 min. or so after I drink it. I have never used a laxative tea before and that was interesting ... I drank it before bed and when I laid down I got heart burn, then I woke up in the middle of the night with intestinal cramping ... not bad but enough to wake me up. Well, I'm off to make my lemonade!

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

are you guys as excited as i am??
i got all my supplies today - including a water purifier. i'm gonna have one last meal, alissa's broccoli soup, and then do my first laxative tea tonight. i'm pretty nervous about this whole thing - especially because i'm trying to convince myself that i'll be ok not smoking a pack a day during this - just gonna tell myself that if i can quit food for 10 days, i can quit cigs! but overall i'm feeling really excited.
how's everybody else feeling?

Yes I am SO excited. You can so do this! Also, your body will be going through detox anyway so why not give up cigs at the same time. I am so happy for you. We just need to keep reminding ourselves that the first three days is the hardest.

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

May I join?
This will be my 2nd MC, my first was in May of 07, I've "tried" a time or two since then, but didn't get past day 2-wasn't really ready-BUT I AM NOW!

Of COURSE your may join! Welcome and this is going to be such an adventure. I know what you mean about trying and not being ready I did that with a juice fast a few months ago and also got to day 2.

We CAN do this!

Blessings,
Heather

[OneBite@aTime]

Hello and good morning MC gang!
I'm sipping on my smooth move tea at the moment, getting ready to mix up some lemon drink in a bit.
Here's to our health, well being, and success!

[ViolinCyndee]

Hello and good morning MC gang!
I'm sipping on my smooth move tea at the moment, getting ready to mix up some lemon drink in a bit.
Here's to our health, well being, and success!

Did you have your SM tea at night? You are supposed to have it at night, then the SWF in the morning on an empty stomach.

I did my SWF at 9:30 this morning. Once it was done (around 11:00) I was so chilly.. I took a hot bath and feel asleep in there! I feel good now, though am hungry. I don't want food though, which is good!

Will have my 1st LA after my husband gets out of the shower.. I will have a double-serving.. MMmmm!

[MiahTay]

Hello and good morning MC gang!
I'm sipping on my smooth move tea at the moment, getting ready to mix up some lemon drink in a bit.
Here's to our health, well being, and success!

Are you doing the tea morning and night instead of doing the SWF? You'll have to let us know how that works for you, my hubby has considered doing this cleanse but the timing of the SWF is tricky.

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

So far so good. My SWF lasted about 2 hours. Worked like a charm. And I have now consumed about 32 oz. of the lemonade and feeling .... actually, I'm feeling pretty normal so far. I'm even planning on doing some yard work this afternoon (hopefully). So, I have another 32 oz. of lemonade pre-made but will make more if I need it. So far no real hunger to deal with but the habit of eating is what my brain is currently missing.

Blessings,
Heather

[deberaw]

Blessings and Cheers to all of you! Love and light your way....may it all go well for all of you! warmly, Deb

[MiahTay]

Blessings and Cheers to all of you! Love and light your way....may it all go well for all of you! warmly, Deb

Deb - thanks for your encouraging words!

Blessings,
Heather

[curlygirl82]

It seems I'm on a very different schedule than everybody else here - go to bed around 4, get up around noon! eek, the life of a waitress. Anyway, took the tea last night before bed - using smooth move - and it didn't do anything at all except make my heart pound a little. Anybody have this? I got no cramping and no movement whatsoever other than that.
So this morning I decided to hold off for the SWF till at least tomorrow - I just made up a big batch of the LA and am having my morning lax tea. I sure do miss my green smoothie, but it's definitely more mental than physical. Here's to day 1!:D

[OneBite@aTime]

I don't do the SWF, I do SM tea in the am and pm.

[bfllover]

The next couple days will be tuff---but we can do it!!!---Terri

[ViolinCyndee]

Why do some of you not do the SWF? I am curious because I think the SWF really gets alot more out than just the SM tea... Plus, I am one who sticks with what the book says, too. :D

[OneBite@aTime]

Well Violin, I'm glad the SWF works well for you. I've read in the books I purchased that if you cannot/choose not to do the SWF you can opt for the tea in the am. This may be TMI but I tried the SWF several times during my first MC, and it came back up every time-so I choose to listen to my body-which does not want it.

[MiahTay]

It seems I'm on a very different schedule than everybody else here - go to bed around 4, get up around noon! eek, the life of a waitress. Anyway, took the tea last night before bed - using smooth move - and it didn't do anything at all except make my heart pound a little. Anybody have this? I got no cramping and no movement whatsoever other than that.
So this morning I decided to hold off for the SWF till at least tomorrow - I just made up a big batch of the LA and am having my morning lax tea. I sure do miss my green smoothie, but it's definitely more mental than physical. Here's to day 1!:D

Wow, a waitress ... so you are around food all the time. My hat is off to you, YOU must have tremendous strength of spirit. The tea gave me heartburn last night but I'm just steeping it for less time and will try it again tonight. Actually, I just drank mine (I suppose YOUR night is just getting rolling and I'm ready for bed :o).

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

Well, here I am at the end of day 1 and I'm feeling quite good. My energy is normal. I have no true hunger just habit hunger (like when I smelled the food my wonderful hubby cooked for himself and the kiddos). I drank aprox. 64oz of the lemonade and truly can't imagine needing to drink more than that. My only reaction I've had so far is draining sinuses ... I would suppose this is due to the cayenne mostly. But over all it's been a good day and I'm looking forward to day 2. Good night all!

Blessings,
Heather

[ViolinCyndee]

Well Violin, I'm glad the SWF works well for you. I've read in the books I purchased that if you cannot/choose not to do the SWF you can opt for the tea in the am. This may be TMI but I tried the SWF several times during my first MC, and it came back up every time-so I choose to listen to my body-which does not want it.

Yeah I have heard of other people having trouble keeping down the SWF. I deal with it by warming it up and thinking of it as a 'broth'. I think that for me, it's partly mind over matter with the SWF.

Btw.. not TMI. People on the MC forum I post to give way more info than that.. HAHA!

[OneBite@aTime]

End of day one, went great for me. Got 60 oz down of the MC plus 60 oz of water along with the am and pm tea, oil pulling, 30 min. of exercise, a 10 hour work day, a hot soak in the tub and I'm off to bed.
Curlygirl-have a good night at work-and stay strong.
Violin-warming it up is a great idea, I may get the courage to try again later in the cleanse, we'll wait and see on that one!
Take care, and sleep well everyone!

[curlygirl82]

Well I just got home from work and let me tell you, my first day was not as easy as yours sounded! And, yes, it's excruciating doing this working in a restaurant - a really, really good restaurant, too. Everywhere I look, there's food - the new soup to sample, a little end of homemade bread to be swiped, etc...
I have a positively crushing headache, and I'm starving. All I can think about is food - at first it was raw, but now it's... well I won't torture you with it, but man. I just feel empty. Light headed, and empty. Am I doing something wrong? I made the 60 oz recipe of LA and have had almost all of it. Perhaps not enough water? I'm gonna try the SWF in the morning, though at this point, I just feel so weak and empty - like there's only air going through me - that it feels pointless. I know it's not, but that's how I feel.
But I made it through day one. Advice??:confused:

[curlygirl82]

can't believe i forgot to mention that i made it all day without a cigarette. guess that could contribute to my headache and hunger, huh?
if it gets too unbearable, can i take some ibuprofen? or will that interfere with the cleanse? 'cos seriously, right now, i can barely see straight my head hurts so much. would love to hear what you guys think...

[MiahTay]

can't believe i forgot to mention that i made it all day without a cigarette. guess that could contribute to my headache and hunger, huh?
if it gets too unbearable, can i take some ibuprofen? or will that interfere with the cleanse? 'cos seriously, right now, i can barely see straight my head hurts so much. would love to hear what you guys think...

If you possibly were not sugar free OR caffine free for the week prior to starting the cleanse you are likely experiencing a DETOX headache. My mom's headache has been so bad from her coming off of coffee that it has made her throw up. When I come off of sugar I will have a headache for usually three days. Luckily I didn't have either of these things as I started this cleanse. My advise would be to 1.) ride it out would be the totally BEST option. 2.) (this is MY opinion) if it's a matter of quitting the cleanse or taking some Ibuprofen, I would take the Ibuprofen and continue on. Try to rest extra and drink lots of water. Also if you are hungry DRINK MORE LEMONADE. You CAN do this. And HUGE congrats on day 1 of no smoking!

Blessings,
Heather

[OneBite@aTime]

Top of the morning to all you MC'rs out there!
I have the typical headache today-will try and get extra fluids down today to see if that helps. Days 2 and 3 are usually my "are you sure you want to do this" days-and after that I'm usually set.

Curlygirl-great job last night. I think it's probably detox-push the fluids, and rest if you can!

[rawlearner]

Okay, I'm going to try this. I just joined this forum and I've never posted, but I'd like to join this thread and do the MC. I'm going to start tomorrow and go for at least 10 days.

Dar

[MiahTay]

Okay, I'm going to try this. I just joined this forum and I've never posted, but I'd like to join this thread and do the MC. I'm going to start tomorrow and go for at least 10 days.

Dar

Welcome! If you have any questions feel free to ask, I don't think anyone here is claiming to be a professional MCer but we are willing to share what we have experienced. Also, welcome to RFT ... it is a wonderful community and a great support base. If you haven't ordered Alissa's book I would strongly suggest ordering it and you should have it then by the time you are finishing your cleanse.

Blessings,
Heather

[RawHeaven]

Hey ladies, I'm on Day 6 of the MC. I going for 10 days and possibly longer. Because I woke up with weird cravings this morning and all kinds of excuses to break my cleanse, I thought it would be a good idea to join you all before I do something sabotaging. Like stop. :o It's interesting how our subconscious thoughts can sometimes take over and try to turn things around. I grounded this fast meditating and feeling it in every cell of my body, but as I get into the heavier detox portion my mind is beginning to play tricks on me.

I had my SWF and am about to start making my lemonade drinks for the day. So far it's been pretty easy and I haven't been hungry, it's just the emotional cravings that are starting to kick in. Since I bought a case of lemons I must continue! When I'm done I guess I will have to make a lot of dishes with lemons because I don't think I'm going to be going for an extended cleanse this time around. I hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Happy cleansing.

[MiahTay]

RawHeaven - Welcome! Moral support is a big factor for me. Knowing someone else CARES if I keep going or not. So again, welcome.

I've been a cleaning maniac today ... I guess CLEANSE is the theme of my LIFE :D. I've loved my energy so far and I have had NO hunger. I'm gonna get back at it!

Blessings,
Heather

[joed]

i think I started today, tuesday 9/30..I am terrifed to commit!!!

[RawHeaven]

RawHeaven - Welcome! Moral support is a big factor for me. Knowing someone else CARES if I keep going or not. So again, welcome.

I've been a cleaning maniac today ... I guess CLEANSE is the theme of my LIFE :D. I've loved my energy so far and I have had NO hunger. I'm gonna get back at it!

Blessings,
Heather

Heather thanks! I'm glad you're in the zone. Have a great cleanse.



i think I started today, tuesday 9/30..I am terrifed to commit!!!

Why are you terrified?

[OneBite@aTime]

Quick question....
Can a person take a "shot" of the mixture w/o water then follow that with the water?
For example, take a shot of the lemon juice, syrup, and c. pepper then follow that with the correct amount of water?

[MiahTay]

i think I started today, tuesday 9/30..I am terrifed to commit!!!

Awww, don't be scared. Is there something specific that frightens you? Or just the commitment of doing something new. How have you been eating up to this point? What are your reasons for wanting to do a cleanse?

Blessings,
Heather

[rawlearner]

Thanks for the welcome, Heather. I don't have Alissa's book yet but will get it soon. I'm not new to raw, just this forum. I like the idea of sharing. I don't know anyone eating like we do, so have no one to share recipes and ideas with.

[ViolinCyndee]

YAY! DAY 2!!

Still holding.. though was really exhausted after my SWF this morning. Took a nap and feel much better after a double-serving of LA.

SW: 144
CW: 142.6 :D

[MiahTay]

Well, it's been a good day. I'm a bit tired tonight but overall have no detox symptoms YET. I know they will come. I'm pretty much drinking about 64oz lemonade and 96oz water per day. My teapot is heating up for my tea and then I will be off to bed shortly. I would say my energy level through out the day was GREAT ... I cleaned for 4 hours AND went for a 30 minute walk with my mom while everyone else was eating dinner here. Good job everyone! And I'll see you in the morning :D.

Blessings,
Heather

[curlygirl82]

Wow, I made it. So day 2 was a little easier than day 1 for me, I'd say. I still had some of the same symptoms - headache, hunger, cravings, light-headed, etc. - but they were more manageable. I did my first SWF this morning, though, and was SO exhausted after it, I just went back to bed. Gonna have to remember to factor in that it takes me close to an hour to drink it - on top of the 1.5hrs afterwards that I need to stay at home! sheesh. Do you guys drink it warm? I've heard that helps, but I think it made it harder for me.

Also, still holding strong on not smoking - or boozing. Two whole days without either for me hasn't happened since I can remember. So it's a big deal.

The headache thing: some people suggested I might have a sugar/caffeine withdrawal headache, but I quit coffee a week ago and already went through that detox, felt ok... and then the sugar thing - i haven't had refined sugar for a very, very long time, never drank soda, etc... but OneBite@aTime referred to her "typical" headache - so is it normal during the MC? Does it go away? It just feels like a low blood sugar/hunger headache to me.

Looking forward to having all that energy everybody talks about. 'Cos so far I'm just exhausted and daydreaming about turkey melts.

Warmest welcomes to RawHeaven and joed!

[ViolinCyndee]

I drink my SWF warm, but not hot. I was also really exhausted after my SWF this morning, and did take a nap. I try to drink the SWF in about 15 min time, at most...

My Day 2 has been pretty good. Though, I have been having some cravings I have to keep putting out of my mind. I had to cook dinner for my husband tonight, and the smell is SO tantilizing!! Mmmmm! I am happy with just smelling it for now, though, of course I would love to taste it. (but I won't)!

[OneBite@aTime]

I'm out-heading to the October challenge thred....
keep up the good work gals!

[rawlearner]

I should have read the other posts first thing this morning, because I just drank SWF in about 5 min. from our RO tap about room temp. My LW is ready to go and so am I.

A great day to you all,
Dar

[MiahTay]

curlygirl - yep, if you hadn't been on sugar or caffein then it's probably detoxing something else or it could be giving up the cigs, I've never detoxed from that so I don't know but I would imagine you could get a headache from that. You will be SO happy you've stuck with it. Also, I drink my SWF at room temp (the temp it comes out of my RO) and the thing that I have found makes it easiest for me is to hold my nose and drink it down as quick as possible ... I usually have to stop and breathe once but then it's down.

ViolinCyndee - Smells get me too. My mom and I went for a walk while my family was actually eating dinner last night.

OneBite - We will miss you ... blessings, on your journey.

Yay, rawlearner ... glad to have you with us.

Well, my sleep is the biggest disruption I have experienced on this cleanse so far. I went to bed at 10:00 last night then I was up at 12:00, 4:00, 6:00 with the effects of my tea hitting me, but I seem to be passing lots of mucus which is great. I know this too shall pass ;). So, after being up so much, I just rolled out of bed at 8:45 and didn't get my SWF down until 9:00 :eek:! Oh well, I'm just gonna roll with it.

Blessings,
Heather

[Zaphirah]

Today is Day 1 on a juice fast for me. Should I post here or start my own thread? :confused:

[RawHeaven]

Today is Day 1 on a juice fast for me. Should I post here or start my own thread? :confused:

Do what feels right to you. :)

[MiahTay]

I agree with RawHeaven if you WANT to post here we would LOVE to have you. But if you WANT to start your own thread you can do that ... hmmm, I could just go back and change the name on my initial post (I think I can do that) and change it to October Fasters ... would that make you feel better? Because technically I am doing the MC but I will likely incorporate a few days of water fasting and will end with juice fasting so ... well, you get the idea. I am planning on fasting MOST of October but I need to be eating solid food by the 31st.

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

Ok, it won't let me edit the name of the thread (I suppose that makes sense) If you want we can just start a new thread for the month of October? Let me know your thoughts.

Blessings,
Heather

[RawHeaven]

Day 7 in the home stretch

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g203/crystalsbones/lemon_l.jpg

I woke up a bit achy in the lymph node area in my neck. I've been sneezing, have a runny nose and my tongue is a bit more coated. I also have teeny tiny pimples under my chin. I take these as all good signs that I'm releasing. I will play it by ear if I should continue after day 10. If I feel like I'm still detoxing, I will keep going. I bought a case of lemons so I definately have enough to extend it, but I also brought out the juicer to begin juicing my greens next week. I look forward to enjoying the different combinations of juices I'm going to prepare as I ease into eating solid food.

I've also been debating on whether or not to break my cleanse with orange or cucumber juice. I'm feeling the cucumber juice and will see how it goes. With the previous master cleanses I've completed, I always used orange juice but I've been researching other means to break it and cucumbers are on the list.

As far as the SWF results, I'm experiencing more eliminations. Everything is in divine order and I'm feeling fine, even though I'm feeling kind of yucky at the same time, lol. I'm glad I made myself accountable to continuing my impromptu MC by posting here. It's motivating me to stay true to my goals to tune up my system this fall season.

Have a great day all!

Blessings,

Crystal

[RawHeaven]

Ok, it won't let me edit the name of the thread (I suppose that makes sense) If you want we can just start a new thread for the month of October? Let me know your thoughts.

Blessings,
Heather

One of the glitches of the system is you can't change the headers. :(

I think your title is just fine...just my opinion. I think what matters most is the content. :D

[Zaphirah]

I just didn't know if this was a thread for fasters or MC fasters. Don't want to tread on any of your lovely toesies. :D:p I can start a thread for juice/water fasters if you'd rather the content remain strictly about the MC. No prob. :cool::)

[ViolinCyndee]

Day 3!! I hope my emotional cravings for food will start to lessen now. Though...they only occurred a few minutes here and there throughout the day on Day 1 and 2. They usually passed within a few minutes, especially after having LA. Looking forward to trying the LA with limes today. I need to get more lemons already, too!!!

SW: 144
CW: 141.8

[MiahTay]

Zaphirah - Please, feel free to post on this thread. I would NEVER say it is ONLY for MCers. I believe we can all benefit from each other's experiences. And we (I) would love it if you share your journey with us. And like I said ... I am not necessarily doing a "strict" MC. I will be incorporating days of water fasting and at the end juice fasting.

Blessings,
Heather

[curlygirl82]

what's RO? I know it's probably something painfully obvious...

well did the swf room temp this morning, and that was SO much easier! got it down in less than ten minutes. very happy with that.

other than the headache, haven't had any detox symptoms yet. i have been waking up during the night from the tea, feeling like i have to go to the bathroom, but i don't... hmmm.

just musing this morning: what an amazing thing we're doing, yknow? what a great gift we're giving ourselves to clean out like this - and it's not easy, it goes against so much of what we've been taught - don't eat food for 10 days? unheard of! i'm really hoping it pays off. i'm still a little wary, though - wondering if this really is going to clean me out or not - 'cos so far all my eliminations are liquid, haven't seen anything funky, so i just don't know if we're starving ourselves for no reason.... sorry for the skeptical note, overall i do believe in this, and will finish it out, i'm committed to it. but sometimes i just wonder. maybe it's just 'cos i'm hungry, though. thoughts?

[MiahTay]

what's RO? I know it's probably something painfully obvious...

well did the swf room temp this morning, and that was SO much easier! got it down in less than ten minutes. very happy with that.

other than the headache, haven't had any detox symptoms yet. i have been waking up during the night from the tea, feeling like i have to go to the bathroom, but i don't... hmmm.

just musing this morning: what an amazing thing we're doing, yknow? what a great gift we're giving ourselves to clean out like this - and it's not easy, it goes against so much of what we've been taught - don't eat food for 10 days? unheard of! i'm really hoping it pays off. i'm still a little wary, though - wondering if this really is going to clean me out or not - 'cos so far all my eliminations are liquid, haven't seen anything funky, so i just don't know if we're starving ourselves for no reason.... sorry for the skeptical note, overall i do believe in this, and will finish it out, i'm committed to it. but sometimes i just wonder. maybe it's just 'cos i'm hungry, though. thoughts?

RO - Reverse Osmosis. Sorry I try not to abreviate to much but every once in a while it slips out.

It IS an amazing gift we are giving ourselves and I know for me personally I am so much about giving to others (mom, wife, daughter) that I usually end up with what's left over and it almost feels selfish to be doing this for myself then I have to remind myself that I will be a BETTER mom, wife, daughter because of this wonderful thing I'm doing for myself. When the skeptic in you rises up what I have found helpful is read up on fasting and the benefits of, there is lots of information on line.

I have been struggling with mental hunger on and off all day today but I must say that not once during this first three days would I say that I have been physically hungry for which I am very thankful. However my mouth feels like someone has poured glue in it - nasty.

Blessings,
Heather

[RawHeaven]

Afternoon update:

I have a monster headache and my neck is soooo sore. Oh! Never experienced this on any of my cleanses - must be something major I'm letting go.

In an effort to relax, I decided to sit by the pool in the sun and accidentally and dropped my Ipod in it when I was leaving. I don't think this helped with my headache. haha. But now I have an excuse to buy a better one.

I think I will just go and hibernate. It feels like there are clamps on my head and I'm grumpy.

[curlygirl82]

heather -
i just tried a tongue cleaner - maybe that would help? i'd used the cheapie plastic ones before, and they're ok, but this one's a great, stainless steel one i got at the hfs for about $7. it's such a relief to get all that out of my tongue!! just a thought...
i'll take your advice and read up some more on fasting. i ran out of lemons today and decided that i'd bite the bullet and drive to WholePaycheck to get organic ones this time - maybe I've been feeling down because there wasn't anything IN the lemons? we shall see.... at least today my headache's gone. I'm still feeling pretty blah, woke up feeling like I almost had a cold, and now my lower back/hip flexors are SUPER sore... I know i carry a lot of stress there - does this mean I'm detoxing stress? or that i'm putting strain on my body? so hard to tell....
how are the rest of you lovelies doing?
oh, and thanks for clarifying about reverse osmosis! water purifiers shall be a whole other thread, i think - so confusing, so many options!

[curlygirl82]

i just put on my skinny jeans! i haven't worn these in, like, 2-3 years! between the ~7pounds i lost going raw for 2 weeks and the ~2 pounds i've lost already on the MC, they fit!! it's a minor miracle. revel in its awesomeness.

i've also found that, today, i'm very drawn to be in nature, to stare at the sky, the trees... i'm still very tired, but i went for a walk, found a sunny patch, and stretched out there so i could bake in the sun. when i awoke, i could see every tiny, perfect leaf on the tree above me, and it was so stunningly beautiful.

how's everybody else doin?

[ViolinCyndee]

Can't wait for Day 4 tomorrow! Cravings are a bit less today. I am pretty chilly on and off throughout the day--had to actually put socks on tonight!!

Not sure if I will only do 10 days, or go longer.. We'll see!

[MiahTay]

i just put on my skinny jeans! i haven't worn these in, like, 2-3 years! between the ~7pounds i lost going raw for 2 weeks and the ~2 pounds i've lost already on the MC, they fit!! it's a minor miracle. revel in its awesomeness.

i've also found that, today, i'm very drawn to be in nature, to stare at the sky, the trees... i'm still very tired, but i went for a walk, found a sunny patch, and stretched out there so i could bake in the sun. when i awoke, i could see every tiny, perfect leaf on the tree above me, and it was so stunningly beautiful.

how's everybody else doin?

Well, here I am at the end of day 2. This morning I was down 4 lb. but I don't expect that will continue at that rate. I have been WANTING to go for walks too but I've been doing it to AVOID DINNER SMELLS - LOL! We will be so happy we've done this. I'm feeling pretty good, but I'm ready for bed ... hopefully my tea will let me sleep tonight.

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

Can't wait for Day 4 tomorrow! Cravings are a bit less today. I am pretty chilly on and off throughout the day--had to actually put socks on tonight!!

Not sure if I will only do 10 days, or go longer.. We'll see!

I had a lot of mental cravings today, but I've made it through the day. I've been suprised I haven't been cold ... maybe that's coming. When I did my juice fast I was cold constantly.

Blessings,
Heather

[ViolinCyndee]

I had a lot of mental cravings today, but I've made it through the day. I've been suprised I haven't been cold ... maybe that's coming. When I did my juice fast I was cold constantly.

Blessings,
Heather

What kinda cravings did you have? I 'want' all 'bad' stuff! Chips, soy balogna sandwiches with veganaise, pickles, peanut butter!!

At least they don't last long, and hopefully there won't be any cravings at all tomorrow.. The good thing is: I haven't been hungry..

[curlygirl82]

how can you guys not be hungry? i'm hungry All The Time. I drink the entire 60oz. of LA a day, plus as much water as possible, and the SWF in the morning, tea at night. Can I drink more than the 60 oz to stave off the hunger?

Also, I read something on CureZone this afternoon that said you could add a little lemon juice to the SWF to help it go down. Any thoughts? It sounds great to me, except I don't know if it would mess with the efficacy of the whole thing, which seems to depend on the specific gravity of the salt water matching that of your blood.... thoughts?

About to go to bed. I treated myself to a nice, warm bath. I've been really cold the past few days. Looking forward to tomorrow!!!

[ViolinCyndee]

how can you guys not be hungry? i'm hungry All The Time. I drink the entire 60oz. of LA a day, plus as much water as possible, and the SWF in the morning, tea at night. Can I drink more than the 60 oz to stave off the hunger?

Also, I read something on CureZone this afternoon that said you could add a little lemon juice to the SWF to help it go down. Any thoughts? It sounds great to me, except I don't know if it would mess with the efficacy of the whole thing, which seems to depend on the specific gravity of the salt water matching that of your blood.... thoughts?

About to go to bed. I treated myself to a nice, warm bath. I've been really cold the past few days. Looking forward to tomorrow!!!

If you are hungry you can have up to 12 servings of LA. (6-12 servings). I usually have around 8 servings of LA each day, plus water.

Not sure about lemon in the SWF. I would just leave it as is, but I don't really think it's all that bad when warmed..

[Raine]

Curlygirl -- Congratulations on the skinny jeans!

[rawlearner]

I had a lot of mental cravings today, but I've made it through the day. I've been suprised I haven't been cold ... maybe that's coming. When I did my juice fast I was cold constantly.

Blessings,
Heather
Heather, so did I. A couple of times I came real close to giving in, but I wanted to report that I stuck to it and I did!!!!

[Zaphirah]

Yesterday (day 1 juice fast) went AWESOME. Very little hunger. I think my body is used to fasting now. I used to get SO hungry I would even chew food and spit it out. It was pathetic. But now I embrace the hunger and it feels minimal. Yesterday I had grapefruit juice in the morning, 1/2c of watermelon juice and lemon juice in 20oz of water, and for dinner my sweetums made me juice with 2 cukes, 2 apples, and one 4" piece of burdock root. It was the MOST DELICIOUS juice ever!

[MiahTay]

Good morning LADIES! Oh yes ... I slept through the night last night - ahhh! I'm feeling good this morning. My mouth still feels like glue and my sinuses are really draining today but I don't feel sick at all. I drank my SWF almost an hour ago and I've been cleaning the house since! I LOVE this energy. I'm gonna go hit the shower so we can start our school day.

RawHeaven - I hope you are feeling better today.

ViolinCyndee - I was craving EVERYTHING but specifically fatty salty things. And I was drooling over my kids dinner raw zucchini pasta and halved avocados with homemade muffins. Ok, I digress. But by the end of the night I was fine.

Curlygirl - YES, drink up to DOUBLE the 60 oz.! The book says everytime you are hungry to drink lemondade. I don't know about putting lemon in the SWF.

rawlearner - Good job on making it through the mental cravings! *high five*

Zaphirah - Did you finally get your case of cucumbers? I don't even KNOW what burdock root is! It sounds like you are having great variety, I get so boring when I juice fast it usually ends up being 2 juices. Congrats on a successful day 1!

Blessings,
Heather

[Zaphirah]

OMGOSH. Yes-I got my case of cukes, but it was pretty funny. My dh surely made a name for himself down at the coop yesterday. We live almost an hour away from the co-op and dh had to see about a job in that very town, so I asked him to pick up my box of cukes. Well, he walks in there and asks for a case of pickles. He was ADAMANT that I had ordered PICKLES and that this was the 2nd time we had been over there to pick them up, blah, blah, blah. So finally they ask him to call me since they have no pickles on special order. He had to go back, red faced and explain that it wasn't pickles, it was CUKES. He said they were were SO awesome down there, and they were all laughing and joking at his blunder. So now my whole cripser is FULL of delicious organic cukes. I'm going to make up and bunch into juice in the next few days and freeze some of it so I have it ready in a pinch so I can successfully do this fast.

Burdock root is a wonderful root. It is good for purifying, esp the blood and enhancing skin. It's very woody and bitter, but it tastes great in juice.

[MiahTay]

Zaphirah - I feel sorry for your dh, he must have been so embarrassed but I'm glad you got your CUKES! Could you imagine if they actually HAD sent him home with PICKLES!

Blessings,
Heather

[curlygirl82]

LOL I'm just chuckling thinking about him coming home with a case of pickles - imagine making juice out of that! tee hee hee.

anyway, thanks for the tip to go ahead and drink more LA. last night when i went to bed my stomach was growling so much, i could hardly fall asleep. now that's real hunger, right, not just cravings?

anyway, i tried the SWF with lemon this morning. thought i'd be the guinea pig and then let y'all know. well, i can officially report: DON'T DO IT. !!! I was about to write you guys to let you know that the lemon seems to negate the effect, but then it hit me... my first trip to the bathroom was almost an hour and a half after i drank the SWF. so that really uncomfortable, bloated feeling lasted FOREVER. it ended up working just as well, but the delay was monstrous. plus now i have to get to work and i'm a little worried about the highway... :eek: plus, it didn't really make it that much more palatable, so i don't really see that point. there, so now i did it and you don't have to! :p

anyway, here's to a great day 4, girls!

[RawHeaven]

Zaphirah funny story about the cukes that your husband was picking up. Oh I just LOVE cucumbers. I'm thinking after I break my MC cleanse on Sunday I may switch to cucumber juice for awhile. Yum.

Thank you Heather. Feeling better today. It was all detox. I developed a rash on my chest by the end of the day, lol, but it is gone this morning. This whole process is truly amazing to me. This is why I can remain calm with all of the bodily changes and releases taking place during this MC. I felt really terrible yesterday but I knew it was just because I had all of those toxins swimming around in my bloodstream. I made sure I drank plenty of water which seemed to help as well.

I also cried for 2 hours last night. You know that tingly feeling in your throat & heaviness in your chest when you need to cry but are resisting it? Finally I just let go and it was all emotional detox - so many visions and past situations passed through as I was crying. I should've journaled, but I was pretty wiped out. Had my tea at about 10pm and then went straight to bed.

I woke up feeling much better this morning. It's Day 8 for me and I will make this a 10 day MC. I will toast you all with a glass of orange juice on Sunday. I have 1/2 gallon of fresh squeezed lemon juice, so plenty left to add to my green smoothies and to make great salad dressings. Maybe I'll look into making a lemon treat of some sort. I know you're supposed to squeeze the lemons every day, but I had an entire case and some were getting moldy. I decided to just go ahead and squeeze them all which took about 2 hours with my little cuisinart citrus juicer. hahaaa.

Anyway I digress....thinking about the food post cleanse. Today I have a lot planned - running errands. Already made my batch of lemonades for the day and had my SWF. Hopefully it will kick in soon.

I feel lighter in my body. I'm glad I decided to do this because I was feeling lethargic and run down. Cleansing is so wonderful. I feel like I've given myself a great gift and a boost. Detox is just part of the process. Sometimes it's hard to remember that when you're in the middle of it, but I know it will pay off dividends when I infuse my body with green & raw goodness when I'm done. Better nutrient absorption, squeeky clean colon, greater emotional balance etc etc etc.

Happy Cleansing & Fasting everyone!!

Have a beautiful day & weekend.

Blessings,
Crystal

[ViolinCyndee]

LOL anyway, thanks for the tip to go ahead and drink more LA. last night when i went to bed my stomach was growling so much, i could hardly fall asleep. now that's real hunger, right, not just cravings?




Yes that was hunger! Definitely have more LA!

In fact, every time I have LA I make it a double-serving. So I have 4 of those per day, but you can have up to 6 if you'd like.

I also noticed today that my weight did not go down from yesterday. I know it's my own fault for not drinking enough water.. I will make sure to drink 8 glasses today!!

Things should start getting easier now that we're on Day 4!!

SW: 144
CW: 141.8

[MiahTay]

Oh my! I grocery shop once a week and I just had to sit down and make the menu for the week and write out the list - that was DEFINITELY not good for the mental hunger department! I'll be fine but it is totally amazing how this is SO MUCH a mental thing. I have had to take it a bit easier today as while I was washing my kitchen floor I got a bit light headed. But I drank more lemonade and sat down and I'm fine. I will go for a short walk with my mom tonight. Overall though my house has never been cleaner. I was talking with my mom and mentioned to her that I have had all sorts of extra time not worrying about what to eat or doing tons of food prep. It is enlightening because I LOVE to cook but I also love to live my life ... hmmm, this will require further pondering ... once I start eating solids again how can I streamline my food production so that I can maximize my time. Sorry, I'm rambling again.

Blessings,
Heather

[bfllover]

Today I went to trader joes for my maple syrup---price has gone up .Where is everyone buying theirs.I checked out whole foods which was more than joes. I went to costco for lemons--had to walk on opposite side of store to avoid sample isle.I have wanted to give in but it gets easier each day.

[MiahTay]

Today I went to trader joes for my maple syrup---price has gone up .Where is everyone buying theirs.I checked out whole foods which was more than joes. I went to costco for lemons--had to walk on opposite side of store to avoid sample isle.I have wanted to give in but it gets easier each day.

We don't have anything so nice as a Trader Joe's or WF, I have to go to the little HF store in town that carries almost NOTHING raw. But YES, the price went fro 8.99 for 16oz to 12.99 - UGH. It's the price of CLEAN.

Blessings,
Heather

[rawlearner]

You ladies are awesome. I'm encouraged to hang in there when I read your interesting posts, even amused (pickles, anyone?).

Today was not as good as yesterday as far as energy is concerned. I even took a nap. My stomach growled and rumbled a lot. I can't drink more LA unless I leave out the cayenne. As it is it burns going in and burns coming out. I had to go to Walgreen for Desitin. (sorry) Will it work as well if I leave it out? or put less in?

But I stuck to it and the day is almost over.

Sleep well ya'll and I'll look for you in the morning.

Dar

[MiahTay]

You ladies are awesome. I'm encouraged to hang in there when I read your interesting posts, even amused (pickles, anyone?).

Today was not as good as yesterday as far as energy is concerned. I even took a nap. My stomach growled and rumbled a lot. I can't drink more LA unless I leave out the cayenne. As it is it burns going in and burns coming out. I had to go to Walgreen for Desitin. (sorry) Will it work as well if I leave it out? or put less in?

But I stuck to it and the day is almost over.

Sleep well ya'll and I'll look for you in the morning.

Dar

I usually just put a little less in. I have a hard time with the cayenne also, but have faithfully been putting SOME in every glass of lemonade and have been able to increase it as I go. Also, (in my opinion) if you drink your six servings with cayenne (the minimum amount) and you need more lemonade ... drink some without cayenne (you've already consumed your minimum amount of cayenne). I hope you find a balance that works for you.

Blessings,
Heather

[ViolinCyndee]

I actually put in MORE cayenne. HAHA! Btw.. yeah I think you should definitely have 6 servings of LA with cayenne.

I have had 4 servings of LA today.. not hungry today! I guess that's good, though I still have to have 2 more servings and tea tonight. Almost forgot my tea last night! (was involved with catching up on some of the new "Prison Break" episodes and it slipped my mind!)

I am trying to drink more water, too. Though.. I am really chilly today again, so don't really feel like having water. I guess I will just sip it.. I'll prob take another hot bath tonight to warm up, too.

Btw.. does anyone else here have dark circles under their eyes? I had to cover them up with makeup today before work.

[MiahTay]

Violin - No dark circles but feeling like I'm getting a cold (I know it's just detox).

So, I just drank my tea and now I'm oil pulling to help my sinuses. I'm just watching some of the debate aftermath and then I'm off to bed.

Congrats on another day ladies!

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

UGH - Detox! My "cold" symptoms are still here this morning along with my thick furry tongue ... at least it's all from the neck up because I still have to function today ... and of ALL things - GROCERY SHOPPING DAY! At least I'm not hungry AT ALL. To bad I can't just change the day, but I pick up my mom and take her (she doesn't have a car during the day) AND the rest of my family still needs to eat. So, I just drank my SWF and I will oil pull and have a cup of peppermint tea before I leave. Ok, now that I've wined like a baby I truly am glad that I am detoxing, especially my sinuses, because I have constant problems with them. AND I still woke up without an alarm clock after less than 8 hours of sleep (not usual for me). No drop in weight from yesterday to today but I'm assuming my body decided to take a break on weight loss and work on my sinuses. Over all, I am SO thrilled I am doing this. Got to run.

Blessings,
Heather

[RawHeaven]

Good morning ladies. I stopped my cleanse as of yesterday and I'm feeling great. I broke it with cucumber juice instead of orange juice and it tasted great. I will probably drink this all day and have some coconut water. I've also been taking plenty of probiotics and I drank some kombucha yesterday. I'm experiencing no problems and my body is humming. I already had an elimination this morning which was green, lol, so I know my colon is in working order.

I decided it was time to stop as I wasn't as mentally grounded as I have been with my other cleanses & fasts and this is such an important aspect of fasting. I was making it much harder than it needed to be. Nonetheless I completed 7 whole days and it has benefited me. Some of the results are I released the last of the candida I hope from my colon as there was some white yeasty stuff visible in one of my eliminations. And a big plus is I'm noticing that a lot of scars on my leg are fading. I think this also has a lot to do with eating raw foods, but I believe this short MC gave me another boost to reduce scar tissue both inside and out. Lastly, my skin seems so much softer and my midsection feels light and clear.

Just wanted to write and wish you all well on your journey and thanks for letting me join in and share!

Peace,
Crystal

[Zaphirah]

this one is the easiest by far. I haven't felt hardly any hunger at all. It's so weird. Usually I am a BASKETCASE and I have to hole up on the sunporch and sleep all day. But not this time-AND to top it off I started my cycle yesterday, which usu. wipes me out too. But I feel pretty darn good. I do miss all my yummy raw favs, but I know I will go back to them in due time, and hopefully have the last few pounds OFF. I started losing weight 4 years and 9 months ago. I have yo-yoed quite a bit, but I have continually made progress. My highest recorded weight :rolleyes: is 212. I am only 10 lbs away from my goal weight of 124.

Have any of you noticed on previous fasts, that your body works BETTER after a fast. By this I mean, after a fast I seem to be able to eat any and everything (incl. nuts) and not gain, but then it slowly adds on. My body seems much more efficient after a fast.

[ViolinCyndee]

Day 5!! YAY!

Just had some very HUGE temptation though: cooking dinner for my husband!! He is not raw, though he is vegan. I made him some spicy tofu and it smelled SO yummy!! And I am about to put fresh whole wheat, multi-seeded bread into the oven. GRRRRRR!!

I am happy to report, though: I didn't even lick my finger when a little bit of sauce got onto it!! I was SO close to tasting it, but I just continued to drink my LA and water.

Now.. the smell of fresh bread will be permeating the house shortly. Pure torture!! :eek:

Also.. my weight is coming off very, very slowly now... But I know that toxins are def being released. (would be TMI to describe how I know!!). I have been very chilly still, taking HOT baths twice a day.

Half-way there! Only 5 more days to go! I may go longer--we'll see..

SW: 144
CW: 141.4

[MiahTay]

Day 5!! YAY!

Just had some very HUGE temptation though: cooking dinner for my husband!! He is not raw, though he is vegan. I made him some spicy tofu and it smelled SO yummy!! And I am about to put fresh whole wheat, multi-seeded bread into the oven. GRRRRRR!!

I am happy to report, though: I didn't even lick my finger when a little bit of sauce got onto it!! I was SO close to tasting it, but I just continued to drink my LA and water.

Now.. the smell of fresh bread will be permeating the house shortly. Pure torture!! :eek:

Also.. my weight is coming off very, very slowly now... But I know that toxins are def being released. (would be TMI to describe how I know!!). I have been very chilly still, taking HOT baths twice a day.

Half-way there! Only 5 more days to go! I may go longer--we'll see..

SW: 144
CW: 141.4

You could be describing MY day! I really struggled with cravings (BAD stuff), and I've felt like garbage all day. And my weight was the same today as yesterday. HOWEVER - I KNOW that my body is eliminating junk I TOTALLY feel like I've got a cold. I'm gonna drink my tea and head to bead with hopes that tomorrow is better. I did drink my 96oz water and 60oz lemonade.

Blessings,
Heather

[curlygirl82]

Is it really day five?? Congratulations to us, lovelies, we're halfway there!!

It's so good for me to hear your experiences as I go through this - beyond the moral support, it's just good to know that what I'm going through is "normal," since I've never done a cleanse or fast before.

Anyway, today I was still very chilly, and I got a little pimple on my forehead. But I wore my skinny jeans to work!! And people are wowing over the weight I've lost. Which is nice. They do think I'm insane for doing this, and I've tried to explain it, but I gave up. They're all saying I'm going to fall over in the middle of service Sat night - we'll show them, I think! I'm lighter on my feet, more focused, more energized, and in a better mood than anybody there at this point.

I didn't get up early enough today (worked a double) to do the SWF, so I just had another cup of the tea. I absolutely regret doing this. I had horrible cramps all day and was running to the loo constantly. And now I'm worried about having another cup tonight before bed. eep! If it ever happens again that I don't have time for the SWF, would you guys recommend the tea or skipping it? I feel like I shouldn't skip it - the book says not to - but it can't be good to have that much laxative in that short of a time, no? Anyway, I"m getting nice and cleaned out, so there's that!

Anybody else just spending all their time fantasizing about what they'll eat once off the MC? :o This is what I'm doing, and it's made worse from the fact that 1. I just quit smoking (day 5, yay me!), so I can smell so much better than before, confounded by the fact that 2. HAVE I MENTIONED I WORK IN A RESTAURANT? sheesh. but seriously, i've been fixated on a turkey melt for the past 3 days. it's well nigh pathological. am i the only one?

congrats everybody on the halfway mark!

[ViolinCyndee]

Cutygirl... Definitely don't skip the SWF! You should just get up early to do it. That's what I am doing right now, in fact!

Actually it's not Day 5 if we all started on Monday: it's Day 6!!!! YAY!

So yesterday was kinda hard for me with cooking and baking for my husband. I was also freezing cold all day and night! I think it's great that my body is responding though, so will be totally worth it!

I am down one pound from yesterday, and am very excited about that! YAY! Is anyone else weighing themselves every day? Would love to know your progress in that dept!

SW: 144
CW: 140.4

[Zaphirah]

I weigh myself everyday-fasting or not. I menttioned this in my blog-it's not compulsive or obssessive, it just a tool I use to make sure I am doing the right htings for my body. I don't freak if my weight is up, but if I see it going up consistently for awhile, then I know I need to change something.

My starting weight on this fast was 140 (I'm 5' 4")
today is Day4: 135 lbs

I have dreams of getting down to my highschool weight of 124....but we'll see about that. :p

[MiahTay]

Is it really day five?? Congratulations to us, lovelies, we're halfway there!!

It's so good for me to hear your experiences as I go through this - beyond the moral support, it's just good to know that what I'm going through is "normal," since I've never done a cleanse or fast before.

Anyway, today I was still very chilly, and I got a little pimple on my forehead. But I wore my skinny jeans to work!! And people are wowing over the weight I've lost. Which is nice. They do think I'm insane for doing this, and I've tried to explain it, but I gave up. They're all saying I'm going to fall over in the middle of service Sat night - we'll show them, I think! I'm lighter on my feet, more focused, more energized, and in a better mood than anybody there at this point.

I didn't get up early enough today (worked a double) to do the SWF, so I just had another cup of the tea. I absolutely regret doing this. I had horrible cramps all day and was running to the loo constantly. And now I'm worried about having another cup tonight before bed. eep! If it ever happens again that I don't have time for the SWF, would you guys recommend the tea or skipping it? I feel like I shouldn't skip it - the book says not to - but it can't be good to have that much laxative in that short of a time, no? Anyway, I"m getting nice and cleaned out, so there's that!

Anybody else just spending all their time fantasizing about what they'll eat once off the MC? :o This is what I'm doing, and it's made worse from the fact that 1. I just quit smoking (day 5, yay me!), so I can smell so much better than before, confounded by the fact that 2. HAVE I MENTIONED I WORK IN A RESTAURANT? sheesh. but seriously, i've been fixated on a turkey melt for the past 3 days. it's well nigh pathological. am i the only one?

congrats everybody on the halfway mark!

I think for me ... if my coworkers thought I was crazy and thought I was going to fall over, etc ... It would make me all the more determined to prove them wrong. I give you tons of credit for working in a restaurant while fasting ... I'm a pretty determined person but I don't know if I could do it. Also, on day 5 of no smoking! YAY!

About the SWF ... you'll find your balance and what works for you and what doesn't, you learned how your body responded to tea instead of the SWF, and remember this is a journey.

I am really trying to not focus on what I will eat when I am done but every once in awhile it creeps in there. Especially since I am hoping to go for 28 days, I don't want to sabotage myself so early in the game.

Congrats on all your hard work this far and now you're past the half way mark!

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

Cutygirl... Definitely don't skip the SWF! You should just get up early to do it. That's what I am doing right now, in fact!

Actually it's not Day 5 if we all started on Monday: it's Day 6!!!! YAY!

So yesterday was kinda hard for me with cooking and baking for my husband. I was also freezing cold all day and night! I think it's great that my body is responding though, so will be totally worth it!

I am down one pound from yesterday, and am very excited about that! YAY! Is anyone else weighing themselves every day? Would love to know your progress in that dept!

SW: 144
CW: 140.4

*High five* We made it through yesterday! Yesterday was by far my worst day on this cleanse. I'm feeling some better today but still have the scratchy throat. I am also weighing everyday, I'm journaling my cleanse so that I can share it if someone asks me. My starting weight was 171.6 and after yesterday and the day before at 167.0...this morning I dropped to 165.2, so I am thrilled with the progress so far.

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

I weigh myself everyday-fasting or not. I menttioned this in my blog-it's not compulsive or obssessive, it just a tool I use to make sure I am doing the right htings for my body. I don't freak if my weight is up, but if I see it going up consistently for awhile, then I know I need to change something.

My starting weight on this fast was 140 (I'm 5' 4")
today is Day4: 135 lbs

I have dreams of getting down to my highschool weight of 124....but we'll see about that. :p

Your weighing practices are where I want to be. I used to be compulsive about weighing myself but a few years ago gave it up ... well, I ended up over 180lbs on a small 5'4" frame - NOT GOOD. So, I am just now beginning to use the scale as a tool and I want to share the things I am experiencing with others so I figure it is good data to have. I even had my hubby take pics of me at the beginning of this cleanse to document "before" ... I am typically a PRO at avoiding the camera. But I am excited with where I am at now and want to share it, and I can't if I have no evidence :).

Blessings,
Heather

[Zaphirah]

180 is my "normal" weight if I eat whatever SAD I want and avoid the scale. :o I can gain 7 lbs in a week by over eating, so I HAVE to weigh myself to keep myself in reality and out of denial. If I relaly want to eat something I would tell myself that "a little bit won't hurt" and by the end of the week my binging would be so out of control that I would have gained 5-7 lbs. It's crazy. The scale reminds me of where I've been (212 lbs) and where I am going (into the 120s).

No hunger today. Have friends coming over tonight. Dh has requested Mattye's garlicly cheeze stuffed mushrooms. Lucky dawgs. :p

[sistaloxxs]

Hello 2 all, I hope you don't mind me joining in. I began my cleanse the 1st of Oct & plan on doing it for 30 days. So far so good, a few aches, a couple of pimples & some emotional moments. I have lost 9 Lbs in 4 days & I'm happy with that. This is my 2nd time doing the master cleanse & this time around, I can't tolerate the SWF. I use smooth move every morning & night. Well I wish you all the best.

Loxxs

[MiahTay]

Hello 2 all, I hope you don't mind me joining in. I began my cleanse the 1st of Oct & plan on doing it for 30 days. So far so good, a few aches, a couple of pimples & some emotional moments. I have lost 9 Lbs in 4 days & I'm happy with that. This is my 2nd time doing the master cleanse & this time around, I can't tolerate the SWF. I use smooth move every morning & night. Well I wish you all the best.

Loxxs

Welcome and congrats on the weight loss and the accomplishment of 4 days.

Blessings,
Heather

[ViolinCyndee]

*High five* We made it through yesterday! Yesterday was by far my worst day on this cleanse. I'm feeling some better today but still have the scratchy throat. I am also weighing everyday, I'm journaling my cleanse so that I can share it if someone asks me. My starting weight was 171.6 and after yesterday and the day before at 167.0...this morning I dropped to 165.2, so I am thrilled with the progress so far.

Blessings,
Heather

Yeah.. I am so glad we made it through yesterday!! It was kinda tough for me too, cravings-wise! I haven't had that many annoying physical side-effects, but I have been very cold, and very moody! HAHA! Yeah.. my husband noticed the moods! :p

I am glad that we are more than 1/2 way to day 10! I will see how I feel on Day 10 and decide if I will go longer. Not sure yet..

Also... I agree about getting on the scale often. A few years ago I didn't have a scale and my weight skyrocketed!! Believe it or not, I lost 40 pounds by going to LA Weightloss (which has since gone bankrupt). I have been hovering in that zone for several years and want to break securely into the 130's (but really would love to be in the 120's!)

SW: 144
CW: 140.4

[sistaloxxs]

Welcome and congrats on the weight loss and the accomplishment of 4 days.

Blessings,
Heather

Thank you.

[curlygirl82]

Wow, we made it another day, girls! Congrats!

I'm happy to hear everybody's losing some weight. People have really started noticing it on me - at first they think it's unhealthy, too much too fast, but then they look at my face and see that I'm energized and happy and healthy, and they decide it's ok. It's interesting to watch them. I've been weighing myself everyday, too, and so far I've lost 3-6 pounds. :confused: It varies depending on when I weigh myself - I'm a little confused about that, but I guess it has to do with the SWF, water retention, etc. I seem to weigh the least as soon as I get up in the morning, then it goes up, then back down again. Anybody else having this?

Not really tempted by food today, I suppose. We had some new menu items that everybody tried, and I just smelled them. And, since this is day six sans cigarette, I can smell very well now!! :) My biggest hurdle tonight is coming home after work, with nothing to look forward to. I didn't want to go out drinking with coworkers (obviously!), but my normal routine is to come home, make dinner, have a few glasses of wine, watch a movie, and smoke cigarettes. Now all that's gone, all my "treats" for myself after a long day. And it's stunning to think that most of those aren't healthy - not "treats" at all - but what do I do to reward myself? There's just an emptiness. But it's ok, it's a process and I'm learning.

Cyndee -- you're so right about the SWF. I'm glad I learned how much better I feel when I do it (as opposed to the tea). I'm starting to think it might be THE key element of this whole cleanse. Oh, and I post at the end of the days often, and since it's so late when I get off work, it might seem like I'm a day behind, but I'm not! :)

Is anybody else noticing that the SWF goes through them quicker now than it did in the beginning of the MC? Today I hadn't even finished drinking it (under 7 minutes) and I had to run for the bathroom. Does that mean that I'm really cleaned out? Sorry if that's TMI, it just struck me as a huge change - from 45 min to under 10. Thoughts?

G'night everybody, and congrats on another great day!

[ViolinCyndee]

Wow, we made it another day, girls! Congrats!

I'm happy to hear everybody's losing some weight. People have really started noticing it on me - at first they think it's unhealthy, too much too fast, but then they look at my face and see that I'm energized and happy and healthy, and they decide it's ok. It's interesting to watch them. I've been weighing myself everyday, too, and so far I've lost 3-6 pounds. :confused: It varies depending on when I weigh myself - I'm a little confused about that, but I guess it has to do with the SWF, water retention, etc. I seem to weigh the least as soon as I get up in the morning, then it goes up, then back down again. Anybody else having this?

Not really tempted by food today, I suppose. We had some new menu items that everybody tried, and I just smelled them. And, since this is day six sans cigarette, I can smell very well now!! :) My biggest hurdle tonight is coming home after work, with nothing to look forward to. I didn't want to go out drinking with coworkers (obviously!), but my normal routine is to come home, make dinner, have a few glasses of wine, watch a movie, and smoke cigarettes. Now all that's gone, all my "treats" for myself after a long day. And it's stunning to think that most of those aren't healthy - not "treats" at all - but what do I do to reward myself? There's just an emptiness. But it's ok, it's a process and I'm learning.

Cyndee -- you're so right about the SWF. I'm glad I learned how much better I feel when I do it (as opposed to the tea). I'm starting to think it might be THE key element of this whole cleanse. Oh, and I post at the end of the days often, and since it's so late when I get off work, it might seem like I'm a day behind, but I'm not! :)

Is anybody else noticing that the SWF goes through them quicker now than it did in the beginning of the MC? Today I hadn't even finished drinking it (under 7 minutes) and I had to run for the bathroom. Does that mean that I'm really cleaned out? Sorry if that's TMI, it just struck me as a huge change - from 45 min to under 10. Thoughts?

G'night everybody, and congrats on another great day!

Yes I really do think the SWF is vital to the MC! I am so glad you are doing it!! I do feel much better afterwards.. It has been going through me a little quicker, more like 45 min-1 hour instead of 1 1/2 hours. But it definitely takes me longer than 10 min!

Yeah my weight changes throughout the day. I go by my lowest weight of the day, which is before I drink the SWF. I think that I lost another pound, or two, today. I am trying to stick with around 6 servings of LA, maybe 8 if I am really hungry.

Almost on to Day 7!! YAY! Anyone else here thinking of going longer than 10 days? I will see.. but I am not ruling out going a few days longer. I did 15 days on my first MC..

[MiahTay]

Yes I really do think the SWF is vital to the MC! I am so glad you are doing it!! I do feel much better afterwards.. It has been going through me a little quicker, more like 45 min-1 hour instead of 1 1/2 hours. But it definitely takes me longer than 10 min!

Yeah my weight changes throughout the day. I go by my lowest weight of the day, which is before I drink the SWF. I think that I lost another pound, or two, today. I am trying to stick with around 6 servings of LA, maybe 8 if I am really hungry.

Almost on to Day 7!! YAY! Anyone else here thinking of going longer than 10 days? I will see.. but I am not ruling out going a few days longer. I did 15 days on my first MC..

Yes, I am planning on going 28 days. My longest fast/cleanse up until this one was 12 days, that was a juice fast. But I totally feel the need to really clean myself out.

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

Wow, we made it another day, girls! Congrats!

I'm happy to hear everybody's losing some weight. People have really started noticing it on me - at first they think it's unhealthy, too much too fast, but then they look at my face and see that I'm energized and happy and healthy, and they decide it's ok. It's interesting to watch them. I've been weighing myself everyday, too, and so far I've lost 3-6 pounds. :confused: It varies depending on when I weigh myself - I'm a little confused about that, but I guess it has to do with the SWF, water retention, etc. I seem to weigh the least as soon as I get up in the morning, then it goes up, then back down again. Anybody else having this?

Not really tempted by food today, I suppose. We had some new menu items that everybody tried, and I just smelled them. And, since this is day six sans cigarette, I can smell very well now!! :) My biggest hurdle tonight is coming home after work, with nothing to look forward to. I didn't want to go out drinking with coworkers (obviously!), but my normal routine is to come home, make dinner, have a few glasses of wine, watch a movie, and smoke cigarettes. Now all that's gone, all my "treats" for myself after a long day. And it's stunning to think that most of those aren't healthy - not "treats" at all - but what do I do to reward myself? There's just an emptiness. But it's ok, it's a process and I'm learning.

Cyndee -- you're so right about the SWF. I'm glad I learned how much better I feel when I do it (as opposed to the tea). I'm starting to think it might be THE key element of this whole cleanse. Oh, and I post at the end of the days often, and since it's so late when I get off work, it might seem like I'm a day behind, but I'm not! :)

Is anybody else noticing that the SWF goes through them quicker now than it did in the beginning of the MC? Today I hadn't even finished drinking it (under 7 minutes) and I had to run for the bathroom. Does that mean that I'm really cleaned out? Sorry if that's TMI, it just struck me as a huge change - from 45 min to under 10. Thoughts?

G'night everybody, and congrats on another great day!

I always weigh at the same time every day, fist thing in the morning BEFORE I do the SWF. And I WISH it was going through me quicker. It usually takes 1 1/2 hours before I'm making my first trip to the bathroom so I'm not usually done until I hit the 2 1/2 hours from the time I drank the SWF - UGH!

About the "treats" I can totally realate, I have used food and in the past alcohol as my reward or special "me time" my whole life. It is like ripping part of your soul out when you realize that the things that bring you pleasure are the very things that are bringing you grief (in the form of excess weight, aches and pains, high BP, high blood sugar, etc.). It is a very hard transition for me to make mentally. HOWEVER, I have made SOME progress in this area, here are some ideas of how we can reward ourselves without the bad influence on our bodies: Take time and give yourself a mani/pedi, schedule a massage, experiment with raw foods for a decadent dessert (I love a thick banana, cacao smoothie thick like soft serve)...ok, I won't go down this road VERY far, my mouth is beginning to water, still watch the movie but without the food, indulge in a glass or two of organic wine, take a nice hot bubble bath, go for a hike out in nature, explore some of the local attractions you may not have taken the time to go see.

Congrats on Day 7 of no smoking - what a huge accomplishment!

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

DAY 7! Yay! We are doing this! I'm feeling pretty good over all today. I've been sleeping good, I have good energy, my cold symptoms are still hanging on but getting better by the day (my scratchy throat is pretty much gone but I still have excess mucus). My weight was the same this morning as it was yesterday. I've been pretty lazy so far this morning but I have a pot luck this afternoon that I have to successfully navigate without hopefully drawing to much attention to myself, which should be interesting since it's not a huge gathering and both me and my mom will be NOT eating. Oh well, it will be what it will be. I'm off to go make my lemonade for the day.

Blessings,
Heather

[Zaphirah]

Day 5 for me. Down 7 lbs total. Got a wonderful compliment from my oldest and dearest friend last night. He's seen me at over 240 when I was pg with dd 5 years ago and last night he came over and his gf commented on how I was still losing weight and he said "You look *just* like you did in highschool!" LOL! Now I am 10 lbs away from my hs weight and I had a TON of muscle back then (which you know weighs more) but it was so nice to hear him say that. I have been in "extreme obesity" category for BMI. I am just begining to feel like ME again.

Hunger is completely gone, but I am a little foggy-headed today. I had hoped to go hiking, but I don't think I have the energy for that today. Maybe tomorrow, weather permitting, I can take dd to the waterfall or something like that.

Hope everyone is doing fine and feeling well! :)

[ViolinCyndee]

Yes, I am planning on going 28 days. My longest fast/cleanse up until this one was 12 days, that was a juice fast. But I totally feel the need to really clean myself out.

Blessings,
Heather

WOW 28 days--awesome!

I know that I will want to eat on the 18th, so will see how I feel at Day 10. If I feel like continuing on, I will just end my MC a few days before the 18th. It seems like weight comes off for me a bit slower than for everyone else, and I definitley want to be safe from the 140's before ending my cleanse. I hope to be able to get to around 132-134 or so..

Anyway, got up very late today and drank the SWF at 2:00. I am definitely down one pound from yesterday, just skimming the 140's now. I am just happy to be under 140, even though it's only by a hair! So.. my first goal is met! YAY!

SW: 144
CW: 139.8

[sistaloxxs]

Hi everyone, I hope you all are having a good day. I'm doing well on day 5. So far I've had 2 glasses of LA & lots of water. I'm averaging 6 glasses of LA daily. I'm feeling great about the way I'm looking, my face is glowing. I plan on fasting for 30 days, maybe 31. The longest I've fasted is 21 days.

Loxxs

[curlygirl82]

Hiya girls,

Well I just don't understand it. I started the MC at 159', and on day 5 I was down to 153', but yesterday and today I'm back up to 156'!! What's the deal with this? I feel it, too - my stomach's getting puffy again, and bloated. What the heck? I'd say maybe I'm sleep eating, except there's nothing in the house!

My energy's been pretty darn low, as it has been this entire week. I know a lot of that has to do with the quitting smoking, too, though. Today I didn't have time to make the LA before going to my book club (the SWF kept me from it and I ran out of time!), so I came home from that just exhausted and went back to bed. Now it's 5pm and I'm just now having my first LA. Bad, I know, but I haven't done this before. Should I try to get it all down before bed, or is it ok to only have half?

I haven't had extreme detox symptoms - even my tongue isn't that furry. So I was leaving the option to myself open to prolong the cleanse if I started feeling like it was helping me detox -- but now I'm worried that it'll just make me fat! :eek: I think it might really be true that if I just THINK about food it makes me fat! I mean, what else could possibly be going on?

Zaphirah - congrats on the wonderful compliment. You must be walking on clouds!
Heather - 28 days? My hat's off to you, girl! And thanks for the tips on treating myself. I'll try to incorporate some of those in. Especially the banana cacao smoothie!!!!!!
sistaloxx - congrats on your progress so far, and good luck! 30 days seems so huge to me!

[Zaphirah]

thanks. my guess is that it's the salt in the SWF. Have you had much to drink today? (you mentioned to LA til 5pm, but were you drinking buckets o' water instead? If not, that's my take on it-the salt isn't all flushed out, ya know?

[curlygirl82]

hmmm, that's interesting. i HAD been feeling like it was connected to the SWF - that bloated, too much salt feeling... and I'd had some water, but maybe not enough. So you think I should just up the water intake? It's a very good idea, I'll try it.
But still: how could you possibly put ON weight on a regimen like this? Must be all that fantasizing about turkey melts and thai food, I swear.
Anyway, thanks for the tip, I'll give it a try.

Also: anybody have thoughts on whether it's ok if I just do 1/2 the LA today since I started so late? Or do y ou have to have the minimum for it to work?
Thanks all!

[Zaphirah]

you didn't put on weight, you just didn't PEE OUT the water that you drank yesterday/today. :D

[ViolinCyndee]

hmmm, that's interesting. i HAD been feeling like it was connected to the SWF - that bloated, too much salt feeling... and I'd had some water, but maybe not enough. So you think I should just up the water intake? It's a very good idea, I'll try it.
But still: how could you possibly put ON weight on a regimen like this? Must be all that fantasizing about turkey melts and thai food, I swear.
Anyway, thanks for the tip, I'll give it a try.

Also: anybody have thoughts on whether it's ok if I just do 1/2 the LA today since I started so late? Or do y ou have to have the minimum for it to work?
Thanks all!

You are using uniodized sea salt in the SWF, I hope... And yes, drink alot of water too! I noticed that when I don't drink enough water, I don't lose weight.

Not sure if you have to have the minimum LA for the MC to work.. I have only had 4 servings today, and still have to try to get in another 2.

[Firicia]

Well it's 11pm and safe to say I made it through day 1.

I have a question about tea though. Is that a bad idea while you are fasting? I can't see why it would be a big deal (yes maybe it's not raw but moving past that for a second). Tea really helped me get through the day today, I have it plain with nothing in it. So if it helps me stay on my fast, is that fine?


Right now I have a bad headache, but my hunger pains have not been too bad. I think my body remembers how this goes, lol.

Anyways I hope everyone is doing good.

[Zaphirah]

I use tea, sweetened with stevia with no problems.

[Zaphirah]

Today is Day 5 for me. Still going strong. I didn't drop any weight, but I'm not surprised. I started feeling shakey yesterday and had WAY too much to do to feel weak, so I drank about 40+ oz of juice. I will try to go lighter today, but I have a pilates class tomorrow, so I don't want to get weak til after class. ;) I'm thinking of drinking juice today and loading up tomorrow to make sure I can go to class, but then water fasting wed, thurs, friday, then back to juice for he weekend when I need to really be up beat for the dc. That's my tentative plan, but we'll see what my body says about that. LOL

[MiahTay]

Curlygirl - I agree with Zaphira, you are just retaining water for some reason, I have days like that where my body just doesn't seem to be working as efficiently as I would like it to.

Firicia - WELCOME! And a HUGE congrats on Day 1, I always say ... Day 1 is the hardest! I drink herbal tea as well.

Zaphirah - I have been contemplating water fasting on Wednesdays (it's the one day I don't have to cook for others) but I don't know if I'm mentally prepared.

YAY ... today is Day 8 for me I've lost 6.4 lb. so far. Yesterday was a rough day for me craving wise but I made it through. My cold symptoms are gone. I chose this month because nothing was really going on for me... it was supposed to be a nice quiet month. So, instead of a nice quiet month I've got: my in-laws coming this friday (a month earlier than I was expecting them, my maternal Gma and aunt will be in town visiting the same week, we put our house on the market, and my dh decided it was a good time to revamp our budget *sigh*. I'm attempting to remain calm but I must admit I feel it creeping up on me. My weight has stayed the same for 3 days now, I know that it's just a plateau and my body is working on cleaning other stuff out but the weight loss is a big part of my motivation. Ok, once again I'm done venting, it's nice to have someplace to share. Well, I've got to run and get the house straightened up (in case someone calls) and get school started.

Blessings,
Heather

[Zaphirah]

I'm struggling a bit. Not sure why. It's cold and rainy outside and I have so many wonderful raw foods in the house. Weird. No hunger-yet I want to eat something...what does it all mean? lol

[MiahTay]

I'm struggling a bit. Not sure why. It's cold and rainy outside and I have so many wonderful raw foods in the house. Weird. No hunger-yet I want to eat something...what does it all mean? lol

Something that I have become painfully aware of during this cleanse is I eat when I am not hungry. Because I have been struggling with the same thing...no hunger in my physical body but my mind is going crazy. I am chalking it up to detox and choosing to ignore it. If it were physical hunger then I would be looking a little closer but I'm just movin' on.

Blessings,
Heather

[Raine]

I've found that the mental part is more challenging than the physical.

Perhaps you might want to find a mantra that works for you and keep repeating it during challenging times.

If it's for weight loss, "Nothing tastes as good as healthy & thin feels."

With some thought, you'll find the right one for you!


I'm struggling a bit. Not sure why. It's cold and rainy outside and I have so many wonderful raw foods in the house. Weird. No hunger-yet I want to eat something...what does it all mean? lol

[ViolinCyndee]

Day 8!!

I am down another pound today!!! YAY!!

So.. I will have to cook dinner for my husband tonight. I have noticed that I am getting increasingly more content with just taking in the aroma of food. I mean, I don't have to actually EAT it to enjoy it.

As far as tea goes: If I remember correctly, the book says to only have LA and water throughout the day. You can occasionally have a cup of peppermint tea. I don't recall any mention of sweeteners, but my guess is that we shouldn't have them.

Well.. I just know for myself that when I stick to the program exactly, it really works. Maybe others can add variations in, but I just want to do this completely as the book instructs. I haven't even had any peppermint tea, even though it's allowed..

SW: 144
CW: 138.8

[Zaphirah]

Day 8!!

I have noticed that I am getting increasingly more content with just taking in the aroma of food. I mean, I don't have to actually EAT it to enjoy it.

I know what you mean. I've been raw for the last year, and I have learned to cook just by the smell of it-I know whether to add more garlic or salt of pepper. It's kinda neat.:D

[Firicia]

Well I just woke up, and a couple hours earlier than I usually do which is kind of odd. I had all these weird dreams about food, lol, but I've had them before during fasting so I know it's normal for me.

Today I realized I barely had any juice yesterday. I had made some pomegranate juice, had a cup of that, and then since I'm doing whatever I want I had 1/2 glass of the mc lemonaid. Other than that I went tea crazy. I think though it helped me run into fasting with less physical hunger quicker. But today I would like to have more to drink so that I can make it through these first few days easier. But we'll see what my body says again, cuz I was listening to it yesterday and it didn't want much.

Anyways right now I am feeling sore, my back pain is pretty strong, so I am gonna go. Have a great day all:D

[sistaloxxs]

Hi everyone, I'm still on track with day 6, not feeling so energetic today. I found myself literally falling asleep at my desk today. I drank 2 glasses of LA & felt somewhat better. I am forcing myself to drink 6 glasses because I don't feel hungry. I wish everyone continuos strength during our fast.

Loxxs

[Raine]

If you are "forcing" yourself to drink water, you might want to ease up.

I don't know what type of fast/cleanse you are doing, but the standard protocol on water fasting is to only drink according to thirst. That might be 1 glass a day or 10. Only your body knows and it will tell you.


Hi everyone, I'm still on track with day 6, not feeling so energetic today. I found myself literally falling asleep at my desk today. I drank 2 glasses of LA & felt somewhat better. I am forcing myself to drink 6 glasses because I don't feel hungry. I wish everyone continuos strength during our fast.

Loxxs

[sistaloxxs]

If you are "forcing" yourself to drink water, you might want to ease up.

I don't know what type of fast/cleanse you are doing, but the standard protocol on water fasting is to only drink according to thirst. That might be 1 glass a day or 10. Only your body knows and it will tell you.

I'm doing the Master Cleanse & what I meant was I'm having a hard time drinking 6 glasses of the LA. I have no problem drinking water. Thanks anyway.

[Firicia]

Hey everyone, hope ya'll don't mind, I just felt like coming and saying hi. I'm 1/2 way through day 2.

I feel like even though it's only day 2 my body is buzzing kind of like on a different energy field level. It feels so, no words really could say how it feels. I feel connected, kind of primal in some ways, and I think because it's October I feel kinda magical. I know that must sound silly, but oh well. This is just a neat experience. I am even debating throwing a Halloween party during my fast and just enjoying my friends without drinking or eating. I think that would be totally interesting. I just feel like such an observer right now, like I'm looking in at life becuz I am so deep inside myself.

It's so neat that I think of a reward now not as food, but as making myself a slammin costume for my party. I know I have a long ways to go, but I really feel from deep within that I can do it.

Anyways I'll stop buggin ya'll with my weird fun mood, lol. Ttyl, good luck!

[MiahTay]

Today has been sort of a roller coaster, mood wise. I finally leveled off around dinner time and I was fine to sit with my family while they ate dinner and shared our day. We watched the movie Iron Man tonight, it is the best movie I've seen in a long time. I'm just kind of mellow right now and feeling like going to bed a little early tonight...a successful day 8.

Blessings,
Heather

[ViolinCyndee]

Today I realized I barely had any juice yesterday. I had made some pomegranate juice, had a cup of that, and then since I'm doing whatever I want I had 1/2 glass of the mc lemonaid. Other than that I went tea crazy.


Are you on the MC? I am curious because you drank pomegranate juice..

[Firicia]

Right now I am doing whatever I want, so I guess you could say a juice fast.

[ViolinCyndee]

Right now I am doing whatever I want, so I guess you could say a juice fast.

Oh ok! :D

[Zaphirah]

Day 7. Down another 1/2 lb. This is usu where I start losing only 2-3 lbs a week. Feeling pretty dang good, I must say. Slight headache and runny nose, but nothing that will set me back today. I plan on drinking at least 24 oz of juice today since I have my pilates class tonight. I'm hoping to switch to water, plus 1 kombucha a day(optional), since I've been taking GSE. I think I mentioned this before, but I'd like to water fast too. My weight goal is becoming more and more important to me. Not sure why. I think it's because I am SO close. I think I'd like to push myself to really get there ONCE AND FOR ALL, ya know? I really missed out on my 20s being considered "extremely obese" for all of them, not to mention that I could barely walk for most of those years too due to a knee injury that had to get "bad enough" for surgery. I feel like I am redeeming my youth.
Oh and one more thing, my major acne scars seem to be fading fast. :confused:

[MiahTay]

Day 7. Down another 1/2 lb. This is usu where I start losing only 2-3 lbs a week. Feeling pretty dang good, I must say. Slight headache and runny nose, but nothing that will set me back today. I plan on drinking at least 24 oz of juice today since I have my pilates class tonight. I'm hoping to switch to water, plus 1 kombucha a day(optional), since I've been taking GSE. I think I mentioned this before, but I'd like to water fast too. My weight goal is becoming more and more important to me. Not sure why. I think it's because I am SO close. I think I'd like to push myself to really get there ONCE AND FOR ALL, ya know? I really missed out on my 20s being considered "extremely obese" for all of them, not to mention that I could barely walk for most of those years too due to a knee injury that had to get "bad enough" for surgery. I feel like I am redeeming my youth.
Oh and one more thing, my major acne scars seem to be fading fast. :confused:

I know what you mean about missing out on your 20's ... I did the same thing, I was either FAT, Pregnant or BOTH! Now I'm at the end of my 30's and I've spent most of those FAT as well. SO ... reclaiming our youth! Yep, It sounds like a great plan to me. I turn 39 in March and would LOVE to be at a "normal" weight. I started last November in the "Obese" BMI range, and have stayed in the "overweight" BMI range since I lost the first bit of weight. So, I'm going to make a big push between now and March. This is the beginning of the effort.

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

Ok, today is DAY 9 for me and I am in a much better place today than I have been for the past two days. I'm down a bit more today to 164.4 but feel like weight loss has REALLY slowed down, I may water fast tomorrow to see if I can kick things into gear again. However, I feel better physically and this wasn't ALL about weight loss for me so I am seeing benefits even if I am loosing slowly. No hunger OR real cravings today. I'll check in later.

Blessings,
Heather

[curlygirl82]

Glad you guys are doing well. I'm having a hard time, though. I got this awful headache yesterday evening, woke up and it's still there. I even called in to work for it, it's so bad. I'm tempted to take Ibuprofen, but I don't want to mess up my cleanse by adding toxins to my system - or upset my stomach by taking that with no food in it - or cover up the symptoms of a detox, if that's what this is.
I had been really excited about stopping on day 10 ('cos of my list of things I want to eat when this is over!), but I've read that you shouldn't stop on a detox day. Yesterday, my tongue was totally clear and pink, so I thought I was through detoxing and ready to stop soon. But now, with this headache, I guess maybe I should keep going? What are your thoughts? Oh, and I'm drinking TONS of water.
Keep strong, everybody!

[MiahTay]

Glad you guys are doing well. I'm having a hard time, though. I got this awful headache yesterday evening, woke up and it's still there. I even called in to work for it, it's so bad. I'm tempted to take Ibuprofen, but I don't want to mess up my cleanse by adding toxins to my system - or upset my stomach by taking that with no food in it - or cover up the symptoms of a detox, if that's what this is.
I had been really excited about stopping on day 10 ('cos of my list of things I want to eat when this is over!), but I've read that you shouldn't stop on a detox day. Yesterday, my tongue was totally clear and pink, so I thought I was through detoxing and ready to stop soon. But now, with this headache, I guess maybe I should keep going? What are your thoughts? Oh, and I'm drinking TONS of water.
Keep strong, everybody!

If it was me ... I would complete my fast today and tomorrow (likely your headache will be gone by the end of tomorrow) then transition to the OJ and I would have to look if you transition to light foods on day 12 or 13. You might want to look up how to BREAK a MC. I know there are specific steps but don't remember exactly how long you are supposed to do each step. But I CAN tell you this ... if you just dive back into solid food your system will not be happy and it CAN even be dangerous. You're almost there, take it easy today and rest as much as you can and drink lots of water.

Blessings,
Heather

[curlygirl82]

Thanks, Heather.
You're totally right about being careful breaking the cleanse - I've got the books and am prepared - borrowed my Mom's juicer for the occasion. I was never planning on simply diving back into food, I just meant I was debating sticking with the MC longer than 10 days before going to juice. Don't know. I guess I'm just confused as to why I have a headache this bad when I thought I was through detoxing. But I guess it's just.... More Detoxing! :rolleyes: Anyway, I'll take your advice and take it easy, lots of water, and just play it by ear. Thanks!

[Firicia]

Well day 3 here under way. I have to say it is so much easier doing this living on your own. I have tried to fast before but with everyone eating and cooking around me, it was really not pleasent. Not to mention that my old roomies thought I was nuts for trying to fast, lol.

I am sitting down to a nice big glass of cantaloupe juice right now, omg so good :D and once I am done I am going to go read some more of this book I am in love with called Twilight <3

Anyways today has been good, a little bit of hunger pains, but that went away quickly after I left the mall from getting some cantaloupes (I think it was the smell of food). I went and spent some time in what little sunshine we had today swinging on the swings at the park, man I love that:)

Have a great day everyone, talk to you soon.

[ViolinCyndee]

Day 9 is going well for me. I am just freezing cold, and have a sweatshirt on now. But.. if that is how I am experiencing detox, I guess I am pretty lucky!

Got a coated tongue now, and since tomorrow's Day 10, I think I should go longer.. I mean, I would be surprised if my tongue will be suddenly pink tomorrow! HA!

Plus.. I'd love to lose a few more pounds, too.

I didn't lose any weight today, but I think it's probably due to the fact that I did not drink nearly enough water yesterday. (yet again). I am not in the mood to drink water while I am so CHILLY! BUT, I do know that I should, and will get some water momentarily..

SW: 144
CW: 138.8

[curlygirl82]

Hey everyone -
I'm still debating whether or not tomorrow will be my last day. I just tortured myself looking at raw recipes and photos for HOURS! :D couldn't help myself. I had such a crushing migraine last night and today, but it finally went away... and my SWF lasted over 3 hours today, so I think it was a big detox day - also been just very, very low energy, hardly did a thing, called into work, been super cold, etc.
I know you're "supposed" to end your cleanse on a high note, not detox, but my tongue's pink, so I'm just not sure when to stop. I suppose I'll see how I feel tomorrow and the day after. Thoughts?
Anyway, hope you are all doing well and best wishes for a lovely night!!

[ViolinCyndee]

Hey everyone -
I'm still debating whether or not tomorrow will be my last day. I just tortured myself looking at raw recipes and photos for HOURS! :D couldn't help myself. I had such a crushing migraine last night and today, but it finally went away... and my SWF lasted over 3 hours today, so I think it was a big detox day - also been just very, very low energy, hardly did a thing, called into work, been super cold, etc.
I know you're "supposed" to end your cleanse on a high note, not detox, but my tongue's pink, so I'm just not sure when to stop. I suppose I'll see how I feel tomorrow and the day after. Thoughts?
Anyway, hope you are all doing well and best wishes for a lovely night!!


Yes I agree that you should end your cleanse on a high note. I would keep going until you feel good.. I may keep going until I don't feel freezing cold.

[Aleesha Sattva]

You may be freezing cold for the entire time you are fasting... after all, you are not taking in any healthy fats (oils, nuts, avocados etc) to warm you.

As for Curlygirl82 - if you can tolerate fasting longer... I would suggest you do. After all, better out than in!!!

[ViolinCyndee]

You may be freezing cold for the entire time you are fasting... after all, you are not taking in any healthy fats (oils, nuts, avocados etc) to warm you.

!!

True.. the first cleanse I did had a diff effect on me. I wasn't cold at all. I guess I will just see how I feel and then decide if I will continue, and for how long..

[curlygirl82]

aleesha -
i'm a little nervous about overdoing it on my first cleanse/fast. i agree that i should listen to my body and if it wants to keep going, to respect that. i'm just a bit confused as to what the signals are - pink tongue, weight loss, headaches, etc. etc.
also, i'm a bit concerned because i can tell i've started losing muscle mass. i haven't had energy hardly at all this whole cleanse, so i haven't been doing my workouts, and now i'm losing muscle, starting to feel weak and achey. during the first few days of the MC, i just felt lean and strong and great. but now this... i don't know if it's a sign to stop...?
i've also thought about just switching to juice and staying there for about a week. might do that regardless of how long i continue the MC, not sure...
thoughts?
how do YOU guys decide when it's time to stop?

and aleesha, thanks again for your comment. i clicked the link to your blog - wow! what an amazing thing you're doing! best wishes to you on your journey, and thanks for sharing it with us!:)

[Firicia]

Hey everyone. I'm kind of sad to report that today I ended up eating.

It was a very bizzare experince. What happened was all these fears I had been supressing down about my life, and questions I had about my life all of the sudden exploded. I really freaked out, and I totally went and ate in order for those feelings to go away.

I feel really uneasy right now, like I just threw away 3 days worth of fasting, but this was so about healing all the aspects together, spirit, mind, and body. Well my mind had a freak out and before I knew it I had ended my fast.

Is it ok to just start over again? To just pick up and keep going? I did not eat raw foods at all on my slip up either.

I guess I was expecting how intense it would be, and I feel like I can either take it easy and back away or I can face this and try to keep going.

Is that ok, what do you guys think? Has this ever happened to anyone else??

[Zaphirah]

I personally would stop fasting. I think starting and stoping can really play with your metabolism. Def. be proud of your hard work and just try to get and stay on raw for awhile. How long were you raw before the fast?

[Zaphirah]

Day 8. Down to 132. Super nice. I was able to go to pilates class last night with no problems. I found some of the exercises eaiser bacause I had 8 less pounds of me to cart around. LOL. I'm going to water fast for the next 3 days and see what happens. Wish me luck! :o

[MiahTay]

Day 9 is going well for me. I am just freezing cold, and have a sweatshirt on now. But.. if that is how I am experiencing detox, I guess I am pretty lucky!

Got a coated tongue now, and since tomorrow's Day 10, I think I should go longer.. I mean, I would be surprised if my tongue will be suddenly pink tomorrow! HA!

Plus.. I'd love to lose a few more pounds, too.

I didn't lose any weight today, but I think it's probably due to the fact that I did not drink nearly enough water yesterday. (yet again). I am not in the mood to drink water while I am so CHILLY! BUT, I do know that I should, and will get some water momentarily..

SW: 144
CW: 138.8

I have a coated tongue also (since about day 3-4). But my intention all along was to go longer than 10 days. Also, exercise of some sort helps me not to be so cold.

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

Hey everyone -
I'm still debating whether or not tomorrow will be my last day. I just tortured myself looking at raw recipes and photos for HOURS! :D couldn't help myself. I had such a crushing migraine last night and today, but it finally went away... and my SWF lasted over 3 hours today, so I think it was a big detox day - also been just very, very low energy, hardly did a thing, called into work, been super cold, etc.
I know you're "supposed" to end your cleanse on a high note, not detox, but my tongue's pink, so I'm just not sure when to stop. I suppose I'll see how I feel tomorrow and the day after. Thoughts?
Anyway, hope you are all doing well and best wishes for a lovely night!!

Curlygirl - if it was me, I would see how I'm feeling today. Pink tongue? Decent energy? No headache? No other glaring signs of detox? If not, and you WANT to end your cleanse after today - do so. You have done GREAT, quitting cigarettes and your first cleanse/fast - you should be VERY proud of yourself ... not to mention WORKING IN A RESTAURANT! You have accomplished what you set out to do.

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

Hey everyone. I'm kind of sad to report that today I ended up eating.

It was a very bizzare experince. What happened was all these fears I had been supressing down about my life, and questions I had about my life all of the sudden exploded. I really freaked out, and I totally went and ate in order for those feelings to go away.

I feel really uneasy right now, like I just threw away 3 days worth of fasting, but this was so about healing all the aspects together, spirit, mind, and body. Well my mind had a freak out and before I knew it I had ended my fast.

Is it ok to just start over again? To just pick up and keep going? I did not eat raw foods at all on my slip up either.

I guess I was expecting how intense it would be, and I feel like I can either take it easy and back away or I can face this and try to keep going.

Is that ok, what do you guys think? Has this ever happened to anyone else??

I agree with Zaphirah, I would go back to raw foods at this point and maybe work through some of the issues you have uncovered regarding your relationship with food and try again in a few months. For me, fasting is a mental battle probably 80%. The physical is the easy part.

Blessings,
Heather

[Aleesha Sattva]

aleesha -
i'm a little nervous about overdoing it on my first cleanse/fast.

how do YOU guys decide when it's time to stop?

and aleesha, thanks again for your comment. i clicked the link to your blog - wow! what an amazing thing you're doing! best wishes to you on your journey, and thanks for sharing it with us!:)

curly, i don't think you really can overdo it on a cleanse unless you are completely unable to function (which i have had on a water cleanse in march) - if you want to stop, then stop... if you have any desire to continue... then continue. it's totally a personal choice.

thank you for your kind words (((hugs)))


Hey everyone. I'm kind of sad to report that today I ended up eating.


Is it ok to just start over again? To just pick up and keep going? I did not eat raw foods at all on my slip up either.

I actually wrote a whole post about this on my blog (it's in the right side index of my blog)... I believe you can just pick up and go on if that's what you want to do. Why do you have to stop and add even more food into your already taxed system? Nope... drink lots and lots of water today and move forward!!! And accept these hugs... cause you are working your journey girl. I have been reading your posts for many months... and I know you've been through a lot but you are like the energizer bunny... you just keep on going and going and going...

So keep on fasting girl!!!

[curlygirl82]

So I slept long and hard last night, and when I woke up (almost noon), I felt like I'd broken through to some proverbial other side, sweated it all out, and bam! This great mantle of worry that I'd been lugging around for so long that I didn't even notice it anymore had just evaporated, and my heart felt light, my mind clear, my body clean. It was absolutely wonderful! I jumped out of bed, threw on some clothes, and with a quiet smile went for a long walk in a beautiful neighborhood by my house. Everything was glowing and beautiful. I feel hopeful and grateful.
So... I feel like I've gotten to that point that people speak of, where now I'd be ok with stopping as I've achieved this high point. Yet at the same time, I'd kind of like to enjoy this for awhile and see how much further it goes! So I'm just going to enjoy today and then see how I feel tomorrow. I'm not going to worry about it as much anymore, because I think that's just my old modes of thinking - worry, anxiety, depression, then worry some more - and, today at least, I feel strong enough that I don't need to succumb to all that.
Thanks for all of your kind words, everybody!!! What I've taken away from all of them is this great sense of empowerment - you guys really GET that the body has great wisdom, and we are on a journey to learn to listen to it better and better. Thanks for reminding me of that!
Best wishes to all of you for a wonderful day!

[sistaloxxs]

Day 8 for me & I'm down 13lbs. I feel like I'm missing out on something by not doing the salt water flush. I just can't get myself to drink it without gagging. I am drinking the laxative tea twice daily & apart from cramping, it's doable.

Have a great evening everyone.

Loxxs

[curlygirl82]

sistaloxx,

congrats on day 8, and congrats on the weight loss! you must feel wonderful!

I had a hard time at first with the SWF, but I've come to think it's one of the very most important parts of the MC - at least for me. I found that everyday I forced it down, it got easier and easier. And it certainly caused me to eliminate far more than the tea - without any cramping.

Anyway, congrats again and keep us posted!

[sistaloxxs]

Thank you Curlygirl, I plan on fasting for 30 days so I will try & master the SWF:eek:. I'm glad you are feeling much better, continue to take it day by day. Congrats to you on your accomplishments as well.

[MiahTay]

Thank you Curlygirl, I plan on fasting for 30 days so I will try & master the SWF:eek:. I'm glad you are feeling much better, continue to take it day by day. Congrats to you on your accomplishments as well.

Have you tried it using room temperature or slightly warm water? Also, I find that it is easier for me to get down in I take a deep breath and hold my nose and chug the whole thing at once because then I only have to taste it the one time when I stop drinking it. Good luck. I don't dread it I just don't think about it and do it.

Blessings,
Heather

[sistaloxxs]

Thanks Miah Tay, I haven't tried it warmed but I will try on Friday when I'm off from work.

[ViolinCyndee]

Day 10 and I weigh the same as Day 9! Grrr! I will definitely keep going until I feel like stopping. Probably another 3-5 days or so.

No more cravings, which is good because they were making me crazy! In fact, I barely even feel like drinking the LA or any water. I have to remember that I need to get in 6 servings of LA per day, then consciously decide to go into the kitchen to get it! I guess that's better than being hungry all the time, though..

SW: 144
CW: 138.8

[Zaphirah]

Day 9 for me. Yesterday I had water and 1 grape divine kombucha. My legs were KILLING me. Not exercise sore, just achy achy achy. I had a hard time falling asleep. I checked my fasting blog from last year and apparently the same thing happened. I'm curious to know what it means. I have to say, I am not fond of water fasting at all. I don't like having such low energy. I'm torn between 10 days on water or 30 days on juice. I'd like to get this over faster and speed the healing process, but at the same time I feel pretty dang useless and somewhat pathetic on water. I feel vibrant and healthy on juice.
Dilemmas dilemmas! What's a gal to do? :p

[MiahTay]

Good morning ladies! I'm feeling pretty good today. I've been more diligent in getting at least a walk in the afternoon and it is paying off, my weight is moving again. I am down another pound from yesterday, that makes 9 pounds total so far. Is it unusual for my tongue to STILL be coated? How long should this last? I have been a bit more lazy with it being so dark in the morning ... I didn't get out of bed today until almost 9:00 :eek:. So, I've got to get on with my day. Zaphirah - you will settle on what is best for you.

Blessings,
Heather

[RawHeaven]

Zaphirah, I hear you with regard to water fasting. Ideally you're supposed to be doing absolutely nothing and resting because it can tax your system - speed up the detox etc. Realistically I know it's not possible for many people to "do nothing" and it's probably why juice fasting is usually the cleanse of choice because you're still getting nutrients & minerals. I've been thinking the next time I water fast it would be nice to be in the tropics at a retreat center where you can enjoy the climate, release and truly let go. Literally and figuratively. hahaha. I personally love how I feel after a water fast - there is a difference. I wish you the best with your choice. Seems like it's a win-win decision.

Everyone else, reading your progress and what you're learning is very inspiring. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I know you're also journaling for yourselves, but it is reaching other people and providing encouragement I'm sure.

Have a great rest of the week!

Crystal

[RawHeaven]

Post MC results:

I've been eating for a little over a week. Honestly, my eliminations aren't as bountiful as they were before I started and I feel like I'm detoxing. Because I've completed 5 or 6 fasts this year, I think my body has reached it's threshold and I should probably take it easy. I really don't think I physically needed to fast recently and that's where the stubborness can enter in. I was going after the fasting high I think and I'm writing about this openly in case anyone else out there knows what I'm talking about. ;) I'm not writing it to receive support so much as I've come to terms with it, but to just say it's important to stay in tune with your body. When considering a fast, it's probably also a good idea to also pay close attention to where your body is physically and not just focus on what you want to accomplish and experience with a fast. It's a fine line. It can become addicting to fast and use it as a tool to lose weight vs. getting healthy inside and out. Again this has just been my experience, I'm not saying anyone here is on this path.

Other than this on a positive note, I've been exercising and increasing my probiotics and drinking kombucha in order to rebuild my colon. I think I flushed way too much flora from it this time around (SWF) and it's probably why even eating very high raw I'm only moving 3-4 times per day vs. my regular 6+ times or more. I feel backed up during the day sometimes and I'm just no longer used to this feeling and I want it to go away. lol. My skin still looks great and I'm losing fat weight. But I'm monitoring this because on an energy level, I feel like I messed up how my body has been absorbing nutrients somehow with this last MC. I don't think it was happy with all of that agave nectar. I just intuitively feel this and perhaps it's why I'm detoxing.

Going forward I will eat 100% raw foods and follow my advice in other threads. I think I need to focus on rebuilding now vs. detoxing. Just sharing the many shades of fasting here. I still think fasting is wonderful, but I will probably not do another one for awhile or until I feel a strong pull within my body to do so.

Thanks for listening.

Best wishes,

Crystal

[Aleesha Sattva]

thanks for sharing crystal.

my body has decided to stop releasing weight. this is my third day at the same weight which is frustrating but alas, it is what it is.

my energy levels are still high and i'm not going to stop water fasting just yet. i'm hoping this mini-plateau doesn't last long and i start releasing again.

[ViolinCyndee]

thanks for sharing crystal.

my body has decided to stop releasing weight. this is my third day at the same weight which is frustrating but alas, it is what it is.

my energy levels are still high and i'm not going to stop water fasting just yet. i'm hoping this mini-plateau doesn't last long and i start releasing again.

I am in the same boat!! Same weight for the past 3 days! SO frustrating.. I hope we will be able to see a difference in the scale tomorrow morning..

Will write more later...

[curlygirl82]

Hey all,
So I decided this morning that I'd go ahead and end my MC. I made it all 10 days, ended feeling wonderful, and just generally wanted to end on a high note. I know I COULD have gone longer, but I'm just happy that I made it 10 days on my first cleanse. I felt fantastic this morning, had some fresh-squeezed orange juice - like the nectar of the gods!! :) I'm just wondering, though - I've had such a pounding headache all day - what does this mean? Is it common when breaking a fast? Does it mean I stopped too soon or that I should switch to a different juice? I'm very confused, because I felt so wonderful until I started having "food"!!

Also, and I posted this question in the juicing forum, but I thought I'd ask it here, too: are you supposed to add water to the juice from a juicer? I'd never heard that before, but my mother swears it's true. And honestly, she got REALLY upset with me that I wasn't. (the orange juice this morning I made with just a citrus juicer; this evening I made canteloupe/pear/sweet potato juice with a juicer). I drank 3x the volume of juice in water alongside it, but she swears it's DANgerous to drink juice straight. anybody add water or heard of this? also, do you guys add your pulp back in?

Big hugs to everyone still doing the MC. I so admire your determination and dedication!!

[ViolinCyndee]

OK so..... just checked my journal, and it has actually been FOUR days since my scale has budged! I am kinda disappointed that it's been at a stand-still.

I know the MC is not 'about' losing weight, but I definitely DO want to lose weight, regardless.. :mad:

SW: 144
CW: 138.8

[MiahTay]

Hey all,
So I decided this morning that I'd go ahead and end my MC. I made it all 10 days, ended feeling wonderful, and just generally wanted to end on a high note. I know I COULD have gone longer, but I'm just happy that I made it 10 days on my first cleanse. I felt fantastic this morning, had some fresh-squeezed orange juice - like the nectar of the gods!! :) I'm just wondering, though - I've had such a pounding headache all day - what does this mean? Is it common when breaking a fast? Does it mean I stopped too soon or that I should switch to a different juice? I'm very confused, because I felt so wonderful until I started having "food"!!

Also, and I posted this question in the juicing forum, but I thought I'd ask it here, too: are you supposed to add water to the juice from a juicer? I'd never heard that before, but my mother swears it's true. And honestly, she got REALLY upset with me that I wasn't. (the orange juice this morning I made with just a citrus juicer; this evening I made canteloupe/pear/sweet potato juice with a juicer). I drank 3x the volume of juice in water alongside it, but she swears it's DANgerous to drink juice straight. anybody add water or heard of this? also, do you guys add your pulp back in?

Big hugs to everyone still doing the MC. I so admire your determination and dedication!!

Congrats on completing your cleanse! You should be so proud of yourself completing a 10 day cleanse for your first one - what a HUGE accomplishment.

About adding water to your juice - I have heard SOME people do this. I personally have NEVER done this and I've been juicing since 1992. I completed a 12 day juice fast at the beginning of the year where I lived totally on juice and it was undiluted. But that is just my experience I'm sure others will offer more.

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

OK so..... just checked my journal, and it has actually been FOUR days since my scale has budged! I am kinda disappointed that it's been at a stand-still.

I know the MC is not 'about' losing weight, but I definitely DO want to lose weight, regardless.. :mad:

SW: 144
CW: 138.8

If I'm not mistaken Burroughs does say you can use less Maple Syrup. You could try this. And make sure you are drinking plenty of water ... and are you getting any exercise? Just some thoughts. My mom's weight went up a pound today. Give it a little time and trust the process.

Blessings,
Heather

[Aleesha Sattva]

some say to dilute juice... but i never have.

i would think that your headache is more detox.

[Zaphirah]

congrats curly girl! My first fast was 3 days and I was a WRECK! Way to go. You should be very proud. :D
Today is Day 10 for me. Yesterday I did water and 1 kombucha (70 cals). I lost another pound overnight, bringing the grans total to 10 lbs in 10 days. Yesterday my right leg was in so much pain I could barely walk? Some kind of detox or healing going on. Today I woke up feeling quite well. I'm going to stick to the water and then 1 kombucha an hour before I have to go to an appt. The 1 kombucha really takes the edge off the major detox, even tho it's only 70 cals. I slept very soundly last night. When I'm only drinking water, I wake up feeling GREAT, but within an hour I feel pretty weak. Does that happen to anyone?

Have a wonderful day my fine fasting friends!

[MiahTay]

Good morning ladies! I'm up and going this morning ... today is grocery shopping day and we are having a BBQ here at the house tonight AND my inlaws arrive today (oh, and did I mention I started my period today). And you know, NONE of it is even bothering me. I'm feeling good, I dropped another pound so that brings my total to 10lbs. exactly this morning - I can't even believe it! I have quite a ways to go but I still have over 2 weeks on this cleanse, I'm so excited. Also the tenderness I was having in my groin area is GONE, my PMS symptoms were almost nothing, I'm sleeping great, yesterday I went for a mile and a half walk with my kids then did it again after dinner with my mom, my sinuses are clear when I wake up ... this has been a total blessing. Ok, I'm off. I'll check back later.

Blessings,
Heather

[Zaphirah]

I may have to switch to juice again, altho I don't really want to. I'd love to go hiking tomorrow and I barely have the energy to fold clothes right now. LOL! I do love how fast my weight falls off with just water. Still torn on this one, but going with the flo of just water right now.

[MiahTay]

I may have to switch to juice again, altho I don't really want to. I'd love to go hiking tomorrow and I barely have the energy to fold clothes right now. LOL! I do love how fast my weight falls off with just water. Still torn on this one, but going with the flo of just water right now.

Is there harm in switching back and forth? I wouldn't think so but I have never water fasted either. In theory couldn't you switch back to juice for the weekend then continue your water fast next week?

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

Well, I've made it this far ... GROCERIES - check, .... oh yeah, I still have the in-laws arrival in the next thirty minutes or so and a BBQ in an hour. I'm still doing well, I must say grocery shopping isn't bad even though I'm surrounded by food but the BBQ because it is a social thing...and we've all heard of social drinkers...well I'm a social EATER. But I'm mentally strong and I will be fine. I didn't make it out for my walk this afternoon which I am a bit bummed about but tomorrow is another day. I'll check in tonight before bed to report my success.

Blessings,
Heather

[Aleesha Sattva]

sending huuuuuuuuuuge "making it through with no problem" vibes for ya!!!

today was a blessing. nothing like the last few days of detox hell... ahhhhhh nice to be normal again (although... what IS normal?)

[ViolinCyndee]

Day 12!

Just got back from my niece's bday party. They had pizza! Grrrr! Even though I am vegan, the pizza totally looked SO GOOD. But I resisted, and continued drinking my LA, which I brought with me.

Oh the good side: people were asking me about my weightloss! My mother-in-law was like, "you lost weight since I saw you last", which was just a few weeks ago! YAY!

So.. even though I have been at a stand-still on the scale the past few days, I think the effect of the MC and 90% raw is starting to show.

Btw... I went down .2 today. Not much, but any loss is a step in the right direction!

SW: 144
CW: 138.6

[MiahTay]

Violin - High Fives! You lived through pizza and I'm assuming B-Day cake and I made it through burgers and B-Day cake ... we won't go into any more detail - non productive. I have already cleaned up the mess and my teapot is heating. Thanks Aleesha for your encouragement. I enjoyed the visiting and the friends without the food. A successful day 12.

Blessings,
Heather

[ViolinCyndee]

Violin - High Fives! You lived through pizza and I'm assuming B-Day cake and I made it through burgers and B-Day cake ... we won't go into any more detail - non productive. I have already cleaned up the mess and my teapot is heating. Thanks Aleesha for your encouragement. I enjoyed the visiting and the friends without the food. A successful day 12.

Blessings,
Heather

Yes, pizza AND cake!! I wouldn't have had any trouble resisting burgers--haven't had them in 20 years. But pizza was hard!

I think that seeing the pizza has stirred up some cravings in me. I was fine for a few days--had no cravings. Tonight I want chocolate, potato chips, masala dosa.... Just ignoring!! la la la laaaaaaa

I am hoping that this is the start of my scale moving again, since it was at a stand-still for days. I think I will continue on until around Day 15 or 16, since I'd like to eat on Friday. We'll see... I hope to lose a few more pounds before then, but I am not too optomistic.

SW: 144
CW: 138.6

[Zaphirah]

Day 11-I made it into the 120's. 129.8-but that's close enough for me! LOL! :p Still on water altho I have been having nausea. I'm thirsty, but if I drink I feel sick to my stomach. Not fun. I'm going to have water for the rest fo the day then switch back to juice tonight until Wed morn. Then try water again for 3 or 4 days.

[Aleesha Sattva]

wow congrats on being in the 120's... that is wonderfully delicious!!! (and yes it totally counts!!!)

i still haven't released any weight at all. a total standstill on the scale. oh well... hopefully it'll shift soon. i can't imagine living on water and not releasing eventually LOL

today is day 11 on water for me and the end of week 11 was yesterday on my fasting spiritual journey... so all in all, all is well with me.

went shopping for some more warm clothes yesterday. got 3 pairs of long underwear that look like normal leggings. i love them... they were even on sale for 25% off. what a great deal that was. picked up some warm gloves as well. i've never needed them cause i was so overweight i was wrapped in so much fat that i was never cold. i'm making up for all those years now though... man i'm so cold all the time.

here's to fasting everyone... *clicks glasses*

tomorrow is thanksgiving here (in canada) so i'm cooking for the family and then sitting in my room meditating while they eat. i'll enjoy the smells but not the taste which is fine with me. i'm really in the zone of water right now anyway.

[Zaphirah]

wow. Aleesha. You are doing great. I added some lemon juice to my water and that helped the nausea. Don't know if that counts as water fasting or juice fasting. ;)

[Aleesha Sattva]

it's totally fine with juice fasting but i don't think it's part of water fasting... but i do it on my water fast. i'm more about following my own path rather than a path someone else laid down. but that's how i live all of my life... all aspects of my life.

for example: i drink young coconut water on this water fast, i drink warm water with a bit of lemon (tried lime, orange and grapefruit but didn't like them)... and if i need it, i do have a tiny bit of raw honey or bee-pollen. is it a traditional water fast... nope... but it's MY water fast :D

[Zaphirah]

Isn't it AWSOME when we learn to travel our own path? :)

[Aleesha Sattva]

it is it is it is!

and we don't have to learn it... we have to reconnect with it. we knew it when we were born but it was 'taught' out of us. now we reconnect and VOILA there it is!

[sistaloxxs]

Good evening 2 all, today is day 11 for me. Yesterday & today were my worst day so far with cravings. I'm feeling much better now but earlier today I craved fried chicken & cigarettes. I hope that I never crave those things again especially since I haven't had chicken or cigarettes in years. Well, I wish everyone continuous success.

[ViolinCyndee]

Day 13

Well, after being around that tempting pizza last night, my cravings have really been in the forefront! I am not sure if my wanting to end the cleanse is because I really WANT to end it, or is just cravings talking! I should continue on through, at least, tomorrow.. I DO want to lose a bit more weight!

Also.. I am not sure if my weight went down or not because I got up over 3 hours earlier today than the rest of the week. (for SWF before work)

I really like to weigh myself around the same time every day.. So.. not going to report my weight today. Hopefully, the scale will move tomorrow when I weigh in at the usual time..

So.. should I end the cleanse or keep going? I know I want to eat on Friday, so can end it around Tues or Wed if I keep going..

Very curious what everyone here thinks!

[Zaphirah]

from my exp craving are not true hunger. When true hunger hits you KNOW it. But only you know what is right for your body. I've been having cravings a little bit. I wanted to take a bite of tonights dinner but only because it looked SO good, not because I was really hungry. In my exp. there comes a point when fasting is just plain boring, but if you see it thru, til your body tells you it's time, it is SO worth it. The trick is to listen attentively. My last fall cleanse was supposed to be 40 days. That was the # *I* picked. But on day 32 hunger returned. I tried to fight it for 2 days, as I was SO close to my goal. In the end I gave in on day 34, but then ate a truck load of food and not all of it raw. I was crazy-ravenous because I had been STARVING for 2 days. That's this is my Honor Thyself fast. I will let my body lead and where ever it goes I will follow. ;)

[ViolinCyndee]

You're right.. It's probably just my cravings getting the best of me. My taste buds want something different, but I guess I am not really 'done' with the cleanse yet. I think I will continue on tomorrow, then decide if I want to break it on Monday..

I felt really great today, for the first time since starting, too. So.. maybe I should continue a bit longer.

[MiahTay]

Hey Ladies! Great energy on the board today! Sounds like everyone is doing wonderful.

Zaphirah - HUGE congrats on breaking into the 120's! I'm right on the brink of breaking into the 150's (maybe in a day or 2).

Aleesha - WOW ... Thanksgiving ... and I thought my little shindig was hard yesterday. You continue to inspire and to remind us that it is OUR path and for us to not just take what works for someone else and blindly apply their principles to ourselves. Thanks.

sistaloxxs - Funny the one bad craving I was fighting with around day 8-9 if I remember correctly was fried chicken - what the heck! But it seems cravings are currently gone and I'm thankful.

Violin - I would get rid of the scale and follow your heart, if you are done you can be done, if it's in you to continue ... continue. Only YOU can answer if you should end or keep going.

I've learned something about myself today, I have certain relationships in my life that outside of food (preparing, eating, planning, going out to eat, etc.) I don't have much in common with. This is disconcerting.

Today has been a good day, I spent a good amount of the day reading and being quiet. Then went for a walk with my mom tonight. Tomorrow is another food day here, pot luck but it should be a good day of visiting. I suppose that's all for me tonight.

Blessings,
Heather

[Zaphirah]

Miahtay said "I've learned something about myself today, I have certain relationships in my life that outside of food (preparing, eating, planning, going out to eat, etc.) I don't have much in common with. This is disconcerting."

I have found this to be true also. I find that sometimes food is all we have in common with people, ya know? If you aren't stuffing your face with someone it can be awkward. Often my dh wants to go out to eat, if we get a few hours alone. I'd rather go hiking, or to a museum, but so often in our culture FOOD is the destination. FOOD becomes the expirience.

I had juice last night and I feel much better today. I had cucumber, apple, burdock root. It was delish. This morning I was only 4 lbs away from my goal weight. This made me happy. :) Today I will have a little juice, but mainly water. I'm hoping to find time to get in a walk this afternoon, but since I have been laying around for 3 days there is an incredible amt of house work to do. :rolleyes:

[ViolinCyndee]

Day 14

Still hanging in there! I am glad that I decided to continue on another day. I know it was just my cravings that were driving me to stop the cleanse. I was craving cooked food and total junk food, too. So, I do think that if I had ended the clease yesterday I may have binged on the wrong kind of food!

Anyway.. I will definitely continue on today and tomorrow, then see about Tuesday.

I also know that I am married to my scale! I guess I am just afraid that if I do NOT weigh myself, the scale will start going in the wrong direction again.

I am also kinda afraid that once I do start eating again, the scale will go in the wrong direction! So.. weighing myself daily is a way to keep me in check. If the scale goes up, I adjust my food accordingly..

Happy to say that the scale was down a tiny bit this morning! I'd like to get a little bit further away from the 140's though, before ending the cleanse.

SW: 144
CW: 138

[Raine]

Miahtay said "I've learned something about myself today, I have certain relationships in my life that outside of food (preparing, eating, planning, going out to eat, etc.) I don't have much in common with. This is disconcerting."

I have found this to be true also. I find that sometimes food is all we have in common with people, ya know? If you aren't stuffing your face with someone it can be awkward. Often my dh wants to go out to eat, if we get a few hours alone. I'd rather go hiking, or to a museum, but so often in our culture FOOD is the destination. FOOD becomes the expirience.



This is SO true. It drives me daft that in the biking world, especially the Harley crowd going for burgers and beer, it's a bunch of people with the motto of "Ride to Eat / Eat to Ride" rather than the original motto of "Live to Ride / Ride to Live". The Honda crowd is no better except they ride to ice cream parlors.

Except for the type of bike, there is absolutely nothing in common except for food.

This exact situation is what prompted me to start work on my own webcast project focusing on motorcycle travel because bikers have got to have something to do other than get together on Wednesday night at the dealership and putter 3 miles down the road to eat - eat - eat.

So frustrating and sad how our world has evolved into worshipers at the altar of processed foods.

[everclear]

I have a quick question!

I just started the MC yesterday. Today when I was juicing lemons to make the lemonade for the day, I started to feel really light-headed and slightly nauseous. I had to leave the kitchen a few times to just sit down and regroup.

Is that normal? It kind of worried me.

[MiahTay]

I have a quick question!

I just started the MC yesterday. Today when I was juicing lemons to make the lemonade for the day, I started to feel really light-headed and slightly nauseous. I had to leave the kitchen a few times to just sit down and regroup.

Is that normal? It kind of worried me.

Share with us a bit more ... what type of diet were you consuming before you started the cleanse. How much lemonade are you consuming? Was this before or after you drank your saltwater flush? And WELCOME and congrats on completing Day 1!

Blessings,
Heather

[Aleesha Sattva]

being light-headed is normal on a fast because your blood pressure lowers. just sit down and take a few deep breaths. :)

well i made it through thanksgiving dinner tonight with flying colours. i decided earlier in the day that i could choose to crave, i could choose to want... but i would rather choose to be content... so content i was.

i prepared the meal, i served it... i stood and talked while they ate... i cut up the food for the dogs (they get some as well as a treat) and then i cleaned up the kitchen. :D i am sooooooo pleased.

as for cravings and stopping fasting... if you stop a fast when you are craving you will binge! pretty much guarantee that will happen. you need to finish on a good day... never on a bad/craving day. (although it is your path and you need to make the final decision for yourself).

i honour and respect your decision. (((hugs)))

i still haven't felt true hunger... not really sure what it is to be honest. i guess it's like falling in love... you know it when you feel it LOL

today is day 79 for meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. day 12 on water.

[MiahTay]

I'm at the end of day 14 and still going strong. I made it through the pot luck and there was some stuff that smelled SO good. But I visited and it's nice to be around people that like me for who I am ... eating or not. I think I'm going to spend a little time in the kitchen tomorrow making my kids favorite salad dressings and a raw dessert. I haven't made any raw dessert since I've been fasting and that's not fair to the rest of the family so tomorrow is the day, I picked a nice easy and quick recipe that I've made more than once and they like. I went for a walk with my mom again tonight and she is so happy she is down to 128 today (she's lost 7 lbs.). Well, I'm off to bed.

Blessings,
Heather

[ViolinCyndee]

as for cravings and stopping fasting... if you stop a fast when you are craving you will binge! pretty much guarantee that will happen. you need to finish on a good day... never on a bad/craving day. (although it is your path and you need to make the final decision for yourself).
.


Yes, I know you are correct. I think that tomorrow will be my last day. 15 days, then OJ!

[Raine]

I have a quick question!

I just started the MC yesterday. Today when I was juicing lemons to make the lemonade for the day, I started to feel really light-headed and slightly nauseous. I had to leave the kitchen a few times to just sit down and regroup.

Is that normal? It kind of worried me.

Amy - when you fast/cleanse and feel you are faint / light headed, simply drop to one knee and stay that way for a few seconds until you feel back to normal.

[MiahTay]

I'm doin' the happy dance this morning! 159.4 - I broke 160 and I'm down 12 lbs. from the start of this cleanse!

Blessings,
Heather

[Zaphirah]

Congrats MiahTay! That's wonderful!
Today is day 13 for me. Still absolutely no hunger. I mentioned that I added some juice back in and that was def. the right choice for me. I feel like my young self again :p. This morning I weighed in at 127.2. Only 3 more pounds to go to my highschool weight. I'm going to add in some toning exercises now that I have some energy. I'm excited that the dc have the day off today. I love spending time with them. They have sepcifically asked for a low key day, which sounds great to me!

Have a wonderful water/juice filled day! :)

[Zaphirah]

violincindy-when you go back to eating you WILL gain weight. That's normal. Your colon will fill again, and you will retain a little water. I think between 3-7 lbs is about average. But if you continue to exercise and eat raw, it will balance out and the scale will start moving down again.

[Raine]

Congratulations Heather!



I'm doin' the happy dance this morning! 159.4 - I broke 160 and I'm down 12 lbs. from the start of this cleanse!

Blessings,
Heather

[ViolinCyndee]

violincindy-when you go back to eating you WILL gain weight. That's normal. Your colon will fill again, and you will retain a little water. I think between 3-7 lbs is about average. But if you continue to exercise and eat raw, it will balance out and the scale will start moving down again.

I thought so.. I just don't want to end up in the 140's again!

Well today is Day 15 for me. Down another pound--yay!!!!

Changed my mind: I am going to start the OJ tomorrow. My cravings for junk food are gone, and I cannot wait to have yummy raw food!!!

Also wondering if any more weight will come off during the OJ days? Anyone know?

SW: 144
CW: 137.2

[janeymack]

hi i was wondering if it's to late to join, i'm going to start tommorrow.:)

[Zaphirah]

It's never too late to join! :) Today is Day 14. Man, food started to look AWESOME last night, but when I woke up this morning, I had no hunger so I will keep going. I love how clear my thinking is. I can recall things so much more easily now. I was only down .2 this morning, but I expected that. My weight loss has been so great, that I figured that would happen. I go back on water tomorrow, hopefully for 3 days. A neighbor commented on my weightloss yesterday, so I guess it is noticable. I will drink more juice today than usu because I have a pilates/yoga class tonight, so I need my strength. I don't expect the scale to move tomorrow either, since I will be upping my juice today. My sinus are clear. My skin looks pretty good. When this is all over I will post my before and afters. (My before pic is from '03)

[MiahTay]

hi i was wondering if it's to late to join, i'm going to start tommorrow.:)

Welcome! It's never to late to join. I'm on day 16 today and going strong, I will likely go to the 24th then begin to break my fast.

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

Good morning ladies! I was down another 1.4 lbs. this morning! I am loving this, my pants that I had to lay on my bed and suck in my stomach to button are now loose! And I'm still feeling really good. My in-laws are still visiting and I must admit it's been mentally challenging but I'm doing it and they leave Thursday morning. Today we are going to Chattanooga to see a car museum and walk down by the river - should be fun.

Blessings,
Heather

[Aleesha Sattva]

I hear some of you commenting that upping your juice will make it so you won't release weight and so you don't want to up your juice. Lots of people do a juice feast, which is one gallon of juice and one gallon of water per day and release weight. I really don't think it's a good idea to be looking at your daily intake from a 'will I release weight' viewpoint. When we are fasting we need to be in touch with our body. That's the point of it isn't it? To get in touch with our bodies so we know when we need to cleanse and what foods it really wants as opposed to what food we are craving when we are done???

Well listen to your body. If it wants more juice, give it to it. After all, you have no idea what work it's doing today. Perhaps there's a tumor you are unaware of that it's eating up and spitting out... perhaps there's a lot of gunk in your arteries that it's cleaning out. Do you really want to limit it's fuel for these important tasks?

So when you are fasting, please listen to your body. If it wants more juice - grab a glass and pour!

Today is Day 14 for me on my water fast and I'm in my 12th week of fasting in total. Feeling great... a little tired this morning but I was up late last night so that's why.

Hope everyone has a GREAT day!
Aleesha

[ViolinCyndee]

Day 1 of OJ!

I am so happy: down another pound from yesterday! YAY! I tried on a bunch of pants that caused muffin tops before the fast. Now they fit amazingly, and some are even loose!! YAY!! I am very excited, and have more pants to sift through later tonight! If some are really too big, they will be going in the clothing drop box.

I am not sure if I will do the OJ for 2 or 3 days, but think it should be 3, since I fasted for 15.

SW: 144
CW: 136

[Aleesha Sattva]

are you using oj to break your fast and go back to foods?

[ViolinCyndee]

are you using oj to break your fast and go back to foods?

Yes.. I will just have water and OJ for at least 2 days, then food. (or maybe 3 days)

[Aleesha Sattva]

different people have different views... some say you should take 1/2 the time you fasted and take that long to break your fast... other's day just take a few days.

follow your body and don't push food too quickly. start with easy to digest foods - like fruit (not bananas as they are starchy and harder to digest) and slowly add more to your body as days go by.

[Zaphirah]

anyone ever just feel like quitting for no good reason? I'm having one of those days. I just want to eat lots of yummy stuff-even tho I'm not hungry. I'm not craving anything specific-just the feeling of EATING. :confused:

[curlygirl82]

Hey everyone,
Just wanted to check in with you all 'cos I'm having a bit of an issue. Today is the sixth day after my Master Cleanse, and I think I really may have messed things up! I lost about 8 pounds on my 10 day cleanse, and so far have gained about 4 back. I'm not so concerned with the actual pounds as I am with my ginormous, protruding belly, though. It's seriously like a beach ball and I wish someone would pop it! It's always roiling and I feel really full, but I'm compelled to eat more and more. I'm also constipated, which I haven't experienced since going raw. What's the deal??
Now, I know I probably broke the fast too, um, fast. First of all, I probably should have gone past ten days, but I felt really good, so I stopped at my original goal. I did juice the first day, but by the second I started adding in light raw foods - mostly fruit. And by the third day, I had a salad. I know, it was too much too soon, but I was compelled to chew!! :o Anyway, I've learned my lesson and won't break a fast that way again, but my question is, what do I do now? Should I go back to fasting for a while? Should I take some probiotics or charcoal (read that somewhere)? It just feels like my body forgot how to digest. I'm so confused, and all my friends who commented on how great I looked, how much weight I'd lost, are now looking at me like.. whaaaaaaaaat? Please help!

Also, really great to hear you guys are doing so well! Keep it up!!

[MiahTay]

Breaking the fast - Curly, I'm sorry you are experiencing what you are experiencing. Actually, I've read it quite a bit. So this question is for all you people who have broken a fast successfully ... HOW DID YOU DO IT? I don't want to get to the end of this and then feel miserable for a couple of weeks. No I'm not breaking my fast right now but I need to plan ahead so I do it in a way that is gentle to my body. When I fasted for shorter amounts of time I DID NOT break my fast wisely but neither did I have ill effects but this one is more than double any of my previous fasts and I would imagine my system will take more to get used to solids again. Thanks for any input.

Maybe I should start another thread with this question???

Blessings,
Heather

[MiahTay]

anyone ever just feel like quitting for no good reason? I'm having one of those days. I just want to eat lots of yummy stuff-even tho I'm not hungry. I'm not craving anything specific-just the feeling of EATING. :confused:

YES! I'm having one of those days too. My family chose to go to Chattanooga without me because they wanted to go out to lunch and I said I didn't want to go to a restaurant. Now my dh was NOT in on the decision making process, it was mainly my in-laws but it stung none the less. I had originally wanted to leave after lunch and come home before dinner so eating out wouldn't be an issue. So my emotions went from hurt feelings, to anger, to indifference. I ended up enjoying my time alone and finished reading the book I was reading and laid on the couch and watched tv for a whole hour (I never turn on the tv in the middle of the day). Now I miss everyone, but I can get all my dinner prep done so I don't have to deal with it later. So yes, I wanted to eat and I wasn't hungry, but I didn't.

Blessings,
Heather

[Zaphirah]

I'm now bloated. but only on day 14 of my cycle. what gives? Maybe a kombucha is in order? I don't feel light. I just feel "fat" (I'm sure you know what I mean-when you FEEL fat, ya know?). I have no other signs of detox, and very little hunger. I did this last year for 34 days, but then came of the fast and ate all kinds of things, even cooked. I don't want that to happen this time. I'm going to switch to water til Friday and then get some OJ. I'm going to try to keep fasting, but I would like it there incase I get into dire straights. I'd rather end early on OJ, then end up eating potato salad and my dc's leftover hotdog remains (like I did last year). I too got incredibly constipated and didn't "go" for 1-2 WEEKS. It was awful.

[sistaloxxs]

Hey everyone, day 14 for me & I'm still hanging in there. I don't know why I'm fascinated with the food channel lol. I'm craving popcorn for the 2nd day in a row & dreaming of what I want to treat myself to once I begin eating again.My plan is to continue a raw diet after fasting for 30 days.

[Aleesha Sattva]

anyone ever just feel like quitting for no good reason? I'm having one of those days. I just want to eat lots of yummy stuff-even tho I'm not hungry. I'm not craving anything specific-just the feeling of EATING. :confused:

yup i do that a lot. the trick is to get your mind off those thoughts. go for a walk, take a bath, meditate, exercise... drink a few large glasses of water... call a friend. anything to change your state of mind after all, it's no different than changing the channel on the tv.


my ginormous, protruding belly, though. It's seriously like a beach ball and I wish someone would pop it!

i would fast on water (if not water then juice) for one or two days and then rebreak your fast again. giving your digestion a chance to catch up. cause yup, sounds like you did too much too soon. also taking some cascara sagrada may assist you a bit... bit i would do that WITH a short fast.


I don't know why I'm fascinated with the food channel lol.

from my limited experience of fasting... if you look at recipes, read threads on recipes, watch the food network you will break your fast with a binge. cause you are spending time thinking about food. it's best to not think about food (especially cooked or processed food) while fasting. instead spend your time in meditation or reading a good book (perhaps one on fasting). all the best to you on your journey. remember, you are reprogramming your body, mind and spirit while fasting... so think about what you are doing with each moment of day and decide if that's something you want in your life, or out of your life... and then act accordingly. :) fasting is a great time to make great change. i know i'm not the person i was 12 weeks ago... not even close. i'm much more centred, calm and at peace with myself and those around me. my relationship with my hubby has deepened to a level neither of us knew existed. it's been a wonderful experience. (((hugs)))

[sistaloxxs]

Thank you so much for your words of advice Aleesha. I will definitely turn my thoughts elsewhere. Continued sucess to you.

[curlygirl82]

you're awesome, aleesha. thanks, girl.

[Aleesha Sattva]

happy to share my experience with you all... take what resonates with ya and leave the rest :)

i'm feeling good today. i've done quite a few young coconuts today... not sure why to be honest, just finding that i'm resonating with them strongly today... so i'm following my flow. i think perhaps that ... well... *the lights gets brighter and i think i'm figuring this out???* i was really hungry when i went to bed last night and woke up very hungry today. so perhaps that's why my body was wanting more coconut water??? anyway, i'm all about following what my body wants so i went ahead and treated myself to three of them today!

i really enjoyed some time in my car today, with the sun shining down on me (warming me so nicely) while i read my book waiting for my son to finish his guitar lessons. ahhhh that was totally bliss!!!

hope your days were wonderful!

[curlygirl82]

hey aleesha -
now that i think about it, i don't know if a water fast would be a good idea for me - i'm working 3 doubles in a row, thurs, fri, sat. (eeep!) even juice would be hard, since i'll be away from home ~12hrs/day, all 3 of those. do you think doing the master cleanse again for 3 days would be a good way to go? wish i could just do water, but i know i'll really need my energy for that.

any thoughts are welcome!! off to google cascara sagrada.

[Zaphirah]

curly-in my personal exp juice is MUCH easier than MC. (just my 2 cents)

Day 15 for me. 2 pounds away from my goal. Unfortunately had to skip my exercise class last night, dh was stuck in traffic and the house was melting down around me. Today will be main water, but I had 10 oz of cucumber-apple-burdock root juice left so I am finishing that. It's too good for me to let it go bad. :) I was feeling bloated yesterday, but that seems to have passed. Weird dreams last night. Going to pick up some OJ tomorrow, but I plan on continuing to fast for longer. I just want to be prepared for an "emergency". I have never come off a fast well. I usu hit the macadamias and cause major tummy upset for 1-2 weeks, before I get all evened out. I do feel dehydrated, but I don't crave much water or anything. Is that harmful? I'm trying to let my body lead...

[MiahTay]

Good morning! Today is day 17 for me. I'm getting a late start this morning but feeling good. My skin is the clearest I've seen it in a long time, my back has not been bothering me (I have chronic back issues), my joints aren't aching when I get out of bed in the morning and the scale keeps moving down. This has been such a great experience so far and I can't wait to see what next week brings. Time for school.

Blessings,
Heather

[ViolinCyndee]

Day 2 of OJ for me!

OK I did really great with the OJ yesterday until I caved in and ate something--COOKED! Grrr! The only redeeming factor is: it was only about 200 calories worth of food. So.. making another attempt today to only drink water and OJ.

My lentil sprouts should be ready by Friday, when I plan on actually eating again--raw! (reminder: I am not at the 100% raw stage yet, but am at around 90%).

SW: 144
CW: 136

[Aleesha Sattva]

curly... how about fasting on fruit then? that'll also assist your digestion to rest a little and give you lots of energy if you feel juice won't give you enough. you could do a little of both... ??? there are no hard and fast rules where fasting is concerned... do what YOU want and what will serve you best. (((hugs)))

zaph, yes eating nuts straight off a fast is not good at all. it shocks your system... perhaps getting a friend to hold onto your nuts till you've broken your fast will help (not going to comment how that sounds LOL)...

i don't break fasts well yet either... so i'm hoping to do so off this extended fast... cause it's even more important for me to break it properly after fasting for sooooo long. so i'm listening and learning from my own advice while i share it with you. LOL

[MiahTay]

This might sound a little strange but I've decided any energy that I would have otherwise put into pondering on what I'm going to eat when I am done with this I am putting into how I'm going to successfully break this fast. I think I'm leaning towards two days of juice only, then either incorporating green smoothies or juicy fruit as my system desires it. I'm forcing my brain to think of it as part of my cleanse instead of a separate thing that you do AFTER your cleanse. I have never yet broken a fast successfully so I am really desiring to do so this time.

Anyone's opinions welcome - I know the MC recommends breaking the cleanse with OJ, does anyone know if there is a reason specifically for OJ or can I use other juices. I am just dying for celery/collard/granny smith juice.

Blessings,
Heather

[curlygirl82]

Heather - doesn't sound strange at all, sounds Right On! I think that, in a nutshell, is perhaps why I broke my fast "wrong." I kept fantasizing about what all I could eat once it was over, instead of thinking about the breaking of the fast as a crucial part of the whole experience. So I dove right back into eating - a lot - even cooked food, and it's been baaaaaaad. So, from my limited experience at least, it sounds like you've hit the nail on the head.

I've also wondered about the OJ. I think that was another problem I had with breaking the cleanse - it's just like drinking pure sugar, and I was so craving greeeeeeeens! It gave me an awful headache the first day, so by the first evening, I'd started juicing vegetables. Of course, then I very quickly started eating them whole, too, so I'm not sure what the best way around this is. Would love to hear people's thoughts on breaking with juice without just mainlining sugar for 3 days...

Well I was so miserable when I went to bed last night that I started thinking about just starting the MC over again. I've been off it for 6 days, and though I don't feel quite like I'm back at square one, I know I've done some significant damage in that time. So last night I literally got out of bed and made senna tea, thinking that restarting the MC would be best. This morning I woke up and my body was in full detox mode - headache, sinus gunk, swollen glands, etc... my body was so ready and excited to detox again! So, I think I'm gonna restart the MC. I know that I probably should have stayed on it a bit longer the first time around, and I definitely broke it inappropriately - even eating cooked food at work. So I need to clean that out of my system, and then break it appropriately. Plus I'm realizing that my body was probably so preoccupied with quitting smoking that I couldn't get the full benefit of the cleanse in other areas. My only question is: would it be ok for me to do it for less than ten days this time around, since it's a restart? or do I need to never go for less than the full ten?