Cleanse revisited.

I think there are some misconceived notions about what a "cleanse" actually is. I learned that there are all different kinds, some of which involve a whole lot of fasting and/or drinking various liquid concoctions. The "cleanse" that I participated in for the first time last May, and again participated in again this fall is actually an inflammatory cleanse. Meaning, we give up foods that are known to cause inflammation in the body for 21 days. Sadly, most of the food on this list are things that I love, so the idea of making the challenge last 21 days comes from the premise that it normally takes someone 21 days to kick a habit. I'd say for the most part it works for me. Well, except I didn't exactly give up red wine.

This time around I don't know if I was just more relaxed about it, or if I was just being very lazy. Often I was unprepared, having to defrost a frozen fish fillet in the microwave before throwing it in the broiler (which actually works wonderfully). Or just picking on whatever was in the fridge or pantry. Processed or packaged food was a no no for the most part, except for things like prepared lentils and all natural baked chips from Trader Joe's. Due to my lack of preparation, the cleanse sort of felt like drudgery this time around, and it didn't help that I couldn't participate in the post-marathon foodfest that everyone else got to indulge in. And a nasty cold made me extra irritable and feisty.

But now that I'm over the cold and most of the soreness in my legs is gone, I feel FABULOUS. the cleanse ended on Monday, with a fun little potluck at the yoga studio, but I am going to continue with it for as long as I can, slowly introducing things like chicken breast back into my diet just for the sake of variety.

As for red wine, I had a glass here and there, though not accompanied with the usual cheese and crackers. The three go together perfectly, and though I miss it, I'm not sure if I am ready to introduce that daily indulgence back in my diet.

But after today's frigid 4 mile run at the prairie path, I'm craving a big bowl of piping hot soup. Anything to help me defrost a little. And to think, it's only going to get colder. :(