Using the Detox and Cleanse book

[philosoph85]

It's great to be on the forum!

I am happy to say I am preparing to start the Detox and Cleanse diet from your book. I won't for the next couple of days becuause, well, the food I have now I paid for. I am incorporating some of the ideas from detox and cleanse, but I am going to finish my loaf of bread, etc, because 2 or 3 more days of respecting my budget and eating the way I have eaten for years will not be as harmful as eating that way for the rest of my life.

What I would like is clarification on are the meal plans. For example, for lunch on day 2 there are three entrees listed. Should all 3 be eaten? I am used to eating... fairly hearty meals. Eating nothing but creamy bok choy for lunch is a doable option, but seems like a severe transition. I am not unhealthy now - I am simply pursuing greater, more vibrant health - and I have to wonder how creamy bok choy is going to compare with chicken soup or stir fry for satisfying and nourishing me.

Also, there is no local deli salad bar where I am. From the recommendations at the end of the e-book, an example of a good meal would be a leaf salad with quinoa and chicken. So should i just make that salad at home on a day when I have enough chicken?

My final question: are the treats optional? I would guess yes, but some nutritionists have planned the calorie intakes of their clients, so I thought I would ask. You do not seem too concerned with the western correlation between calories and nutrition. Neither am I. But you are the teacher, and so I want to understand what you intend.

Thank you for the newsletter, the site, the information in general, and for what I can gather of your intention. I think you are doing a great thing.

[Rebecca]

Thanks for your kind note. I like your attitude of not jumping into the Detox overnight but use up what you have while carefully planning your next steps.

You're right, forget portion control and calories. Prepare meals that are satisfying to you. Use the diet log to make sure you're getting balanced meals. Some days, a big bowl of chicken soup (that includes requisite veggies and carbohydrate) will be utterly satisfying. Other days, you might want but a cup of that soup and other dishes as well. Trust your intuition.

The menu plan is a mere suggestion. Improvise menus as necessary and for your delight. The same is true for treats. They're there when you're wanting a treat.

Enjoy the process! You're well underway.