Have your ever noticed how winter can be dangerous? You cover your body up, indulge in comfort foods and do less exercise … you also feel sluggish, and with no sun, miserable. I woke up on a rainy, cold and dark day and decided to do something about it.
Yes, I had to cover up, but at least I would feel good about what I had underneath all those layers. I also wanted to feel better, inside-out. I opted to do a five day cleanse with urbanremedy.com.au, I’ve only ever done detoxes in the summer, but decided it was worth the plunge just to feel better!
What’s the deal?
You choose your level, one, two or three. Each level is more intense. I choose level two as I eat heathily and because it was cold wanted some soups in the mix. Six bottles of juice are delivered for each day. You drink them in their numbered order, and fingers crossed, your body cleanses.
Day One
I've spent the last four days winding my diet down in preperation for today. I’ve cut out cheese and my chocolate fix, ate only fruit, soup and salad, so I feel pretty okay about starting. My first juice is Apple, Lemon, Cos Lettuce, Celery, Silver Beet, Parsley and Cucumber. It tastes really fresh. I am a bit light-headed already from winding down on anything heavy, but am hoping that by taking it easy today my body will slot right in. A friend of mine started yesterday and is coping, even with caffeine withdrawals, One o’clock, and I move onto the Lemon and Paprika, I really like this one. You heat it up so it’s a bit herbal tea-like and super refreshing. I am not hungry which surprises me … but I do feel weak! Funnily enough, I only had a half of each of the remaining three bottles and am distinctly full.
Day Two
I slept really well last night and am still not hungry which is surprising, but nice. Having survived yesterday, I feel better about the next four days. I feel lighter and am looking forward to seeing how I feel tomorrow. A few of my friends are doing the cleanse too, which makes it easier. You get a bit of support and can feedback how you are feeling. Another nice thing is that Emma from Urban Remedy checks in with you to see how you are going and gives you advice if you get stuck. So far, so good…
Day Three
The sleeping just gets better. I completely crashed last night. I am feeling especially clean inside and out as well, and excited to have made it this far. The drinks and soup taste better too, and I am completetly full, though I am still not able to finish them completely. The best I can manage is four of the six, so I am pretty sure my tummy is shrinking. I have to admit though, watching people eat around me is a bit hard. I am nervous about tomorrow as well as I have a lunch to go to and I am not sure how to manage. I have requested Japanese as I am allowed miso soup and think I will have some edamame too.
Day Four
Juiced up, and feeling lighter than ever. I have the hurdle of a lunch. It’s easier than I think and everyone asks me about the detox and how it's going. And better yet, I don’t feel weird about ordering water, miso and edamame. I only have a couple edamame and share the rest with the table. By night time I even manage to finish off the last soup, but I don’t make it to the smoothie (which by the way, my friends on the detox have all raved about).
Day Five
THe last day and I am kind of nostaglic about losing my routine. Not having to pack or plan for meals has left me lots of time over the week to do face masks, have long showers, read books, and just generally look after myself. It’s been really nice to take my focus off food. It’s also made me rethink how much I eat, and whether I was actually thirsty, not hungry. It’s been a huge eye opener, and now on the last day I can say it was much easier than I thought to complete, and so worth the effort. I will definitley spend more time thinking about what I am eating going forward and look after myself a whole lot more. It’s also helped cut the dairy and sugar out of my diet and I'm going to do my best to limit that to only one day a week as a treat.