Last summer I decided to do a 3-day cleanse with my cousins. I didn't get around to blogging the experience at the time, but I actually really enjoyed it (overall) and decided to do it again this march. This time, though, I am committed to posting the recipes and the experience!
Here are the rules of the cleanse:
No alcohol, caffeine, added sugar/sweets, salt, or high fat foods throughout
Days 1-3
Raw fruits & veg, natural fruit and veggie juices, steamed veggies if inedible raw (ie, Sweet potato)
Small amount of nuts and seeds
Lots of water
Days 4-7:
Raw and Cooked Fruit and Vegetables
Proteins: beans, eggs, tofu, tuna- prepared without fats or salt
Days 7-10
Fruits and Vegetables
Proteins
Whole Grains (couscous, barley, brown rice, etc)
Days 11-14
Fruits & Veg
Proteins
Whole Grains
Small amounts of fat and dairy
It's amazing how great you feel after you do it, and for me, it helps to halt bad habits (like eating lots of cheesy foods and sweet treats!) This is also a great time of year to do it, since summer is coming and the winter parties have finally faded.
The first day is usually ok for me, but the 2nd and 3rd you can feel quite fatigued. I think of how monks in the desert must feel, living on a diet of fruits and nuts- no wonder so much time spent quietly sitting still in meditation. You will not want to pair this with a busy weekend.
So, to answer your next question- what do you eat? Here is a recipe from day 1:
Fruit Salad with Mint
Ingredients:
Several kinds of berries
pineapple
orange
lemon
mint leaves
Directions:
Combine cut pineapple, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and orange slices in a bowl. Squeeze lemon on the fruit and mix in some finely chopped mint leaves. Let sit for 5 minutes before eating.
Stir and serve.
