As Leah, one of my colleagues, posted last week, our staff is getting ready for our Food Cleanse which will be this weekend. Not only do we have to prepare the logistics of getting all of us and our food out to Fire Island, we have to adjust our eating habits and wean ourselves off of certain foods this week so as not to shock our systems when we start eating “Cleanse” meals. The main items that pose as a personal challenge include caffeine… carbs… and sugar. When our staff was informed of this information, some of us were afraid to react vocally and were a tad surprised. While it makes sense to engage in these changes, no one said the process will be easy!

After reviewing the food list and menu ideas which Hale provided, I realized that my current food choices aren’t too much in opposition to what was suggested. I already eat a large salad with beans and generally have protein with vegetables (or brown rice - which I just found out is bad to combine grains and protein together so I had to take that out of my chicken dinner).  But it’s funny I’m integrating two different diet plans at the same time yet some points contrast with one another. A few years ago I went on the Weight Watcher’s Core Plan, which basically encourages you to eat a diet full of fruits, vegetables, and high fiber items. So while eating whole wheat pasta (limiting my consumption to one meal a day) is ”free” on WW, it’s a big no-no for the Cleanse (pre. during and post the event). I also like to eat Fiber One or Shredded Wheat for breakfats with milk or plain yogart, but this will have to be omitted for the time being. At least eating rolled oats for breakfast seems to be allowed for both diets. But while I generally add splenda to sweeten it, I don’t think I can add it under the Cleanse diet. But I can resort to adding maple syrup or honey (but that is worth points on WW!).

The last main challenge of course is decreasing my intake of caffeine this week. I don’t think I am addicted to it, as I don’t have it every day nor do I get caffeine headaches when I don’t have it. But I do enjoy it a lot and depend on it for a quick pick-me up when I get to work in the morning . So yesterday, when I started my food preparation for the Cleanse, I had decaf coffee and bought a box of black tea. So far so good…

The Cleanse prep is for sure in the air in our office. We are all talking about what we’re eating and not eating this week (and of course mentioning how we’re “cheating” on certain foods since we just have to wean ourselves off of foods and not go cold turkey…). But I must say that  I made delicious bock choy stir fry last night with an onion, leek, and garlic powder. I plan on having that for dinner with tilapia fish marinaded in lemon juice with other spices.

While it may be challenging, I think that this weekend will be rewarding and I look forward to learning new things about my body, my needs, and how I can implement new changes into my daily life. Stay tuned for more info!