Wow…so the 10 Day Detox is completed and I have to say I am amazed at the results! In 10 days I have lost 11 pounds and 5.5 inches around my waist, hips, thighs, and arms. My inflammation has decreased by 90% and my pain levels have gone down tremendously. I have reduced my arthritis medicines from 4 to 2 and eventually I will be on none! Physically, I look and feel amazing but more so than that; emotionally and mentally I feel strong, empowered, and re-energized. This detox has truly redefined what it means to detox and to harness the power of food for what it was meant to do: nourish and heal our bodies. Whenever I heard the word detox: I thought of quick fixes, drinking disgusting liquids for 7 days straight, depriving myself of all solids, and eating foods that I didn’t like for the sake of ‘cleansing’. Dr. Hyman’s detox, however, was completely different. Dr. Hyman has created an amazing system that combines information and knowledge, great tasting foods, mental strengthening and relaxing techniques, and amazing supplements that all work together to re-start your body’s natural processes. Many times, society blames people for their own addictions to food and/or struggles with weight. In reading his book, Dr. Hyman really breaks down how we are living in a culture filled with addictive foods and that leads to people who struggle with illnesses like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and weight issues. It takes something drastic to break that cycle and I fully believe that this detox is the answer.
Now you all know how I LOVE to cook, however Dr. Hyman’s recipes and final presentations allowed me to feel like a bonafide chef! The recipes were all easy to prep and cook (which as a busy mom working full-time and going to school full-time is ESSENTIAL!). They all tasted simply amazing and with each meal, I could literally feel my body releasing toxins, growing stronger, and changing every day. I never thought possible to eat so well and enjoy it so much on a ‘detox’! Before, I suffered from insomnia and slept maybe 4-5 hours a night. Now, I sleep 7-8 hours a night and wake up feeling refreshed!
The first few days (days 1-4) were rough as the detox began to eliminate the toxins from my body. I definitely felt like crap: tired, sluggish, lethargic, swollen, and in pain but I pressed on knowing that this temporary discomfort was needed and worth experiencing in order to break through to health. By day 5, I felt a huge difference and began to experience energy like never before. During the detox, I realized I had a dependence on artificial energy drinks which of course contain lots of sugar. As a full time mom, worker, and student I am constantly on the go and rely on 5-hour energy drinks every day. I now realize that I do not need those energy drinks and with the proper food and nutrition, my body is its own source of energy. I began to wake up early and go to bed at a normal time (10,11pm). Now on the flip side, this forced me to become more organized and stop procrastinating, because my body shuts down at the same time every night. I no longer needed to rely on energy drinks to stay up later when needed. Imagine that!
During the detox we had the honor of also working with The Handel Group. Hildie and Lizzie were two amazing women who walked with us daily and helped me shed many of the negative self-views and thoughts that have plagued my mind throughout this health journey. Their coaching inspired me to write my dream for myself:
I am a woman who is filled with self love and pride. I am a woman on a mission and enjoying the journey day by day. I am successful and powerful. I am determined, strong, relentless, focused, and limitless. I am full of greatness and inspired. I am growing, changing and loving the new me. I am love. I am light. I am choosing to listen to my inner voice and play in the power of choice. My esteem is soaring. I am a woman who inspires and speaks life to others with illness. I am their role model by standing as a product of my decision to live healthy, live abundantly and, most of all, live FREELY!
You may look at this detox and say that it will be too expensive to follow or too time consuming. It does take time to prepare and get the materials ready, but the time you will put into this detox is time well spent. Most of the time comes from getting ready for the detox and prepping the meals. After that, the time spent is minimal in cooking the meals. Think of all the money you spend on eating out, fast food, medications, and cold/pain remedies…that pales in comparison to what you will save by becoming healthier. Start shopping at farmer’s markets, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, etc. and compare prices for fruits and vegetables. Yes, a burger costs $1 at McDonalds and to make a salad might cost $4 but that goes a long way to your body’s health. Health and longevity has no price tag on it. It is better to take care of your body now than to be forced to take care of it later in more serious circumstances.
I am a true believer of Dr. Hyman’s work, especially this detox and encourage anyone to do it. I will be sharing this information with my wellness group and hopefully starting a 10 day detox with anyone interested. This has become my new way of life and I love it! I am eternally grateful to Tess Masters, The Blender Girl for the opportunity and Dr. Hyman’s staff for their help, encouragement, and direction during this detox.
Buy the book when it is released, you will NOT be disappointed!!!!
You can connect with Dr. Hyman at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmarkhyman
Twitter: @markhymanmd
Instagram: @Markhymanmd
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/104574745188330169196/+MarkHymandoctor/posts
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/markhymanmd/
I will post some of the pictures of the amazing meals I made while on the detox in another post
Until next time….continue to live your life…with a TWIST!
courageouslytwisted 