A month leading up to my birthday, I decided to tackle a 30-day cleanse and detox. For thirty-days, I gave up: dairy, gluten, artificial sugars, fried foods, red meats, alcohol (not that I was drinking much before), and caffeine. I’d been researching and considering a cleanse for a while, and can definitely say that I will be making some long-term lifestyle changes as a result of this cleanse.

 This was my first time making a conscious effort to actually look at the back of those food containers from a “being healthy” perspective. I have definitely discovered a lot of healthy alternatives and habits that I would have never thought of before the cleanse.

Now I will say – due to this season of limited social interaction with others given the pandemic, the cleanse was a lot easier to do because I wasn’t surrounded by bad food temptations often in social settings. At first, it was a bit challenging, but with anything – it’s breaking the habit for the first few days and then it gets easier and easier, becoming normal – and eventually a lifestyle.

One of the big changes I have made includes cooking, and cooking regularly – something I very rarely did before this cleanse. I’ve probably used my stove more in the past month, than I had in the last year (seriously). Needless to say, I’ve realized that I was just being lazy in that area of my life and cooking is not hard – it’s actually enjoyable.

 The last thing I ate before my cleanse started was a Chick-fil-a ice cream, and now that I’ve officially completed my 30-day cleanse on my birthday – I do plan to thoroughly enjoy some of my cravings during my celebrations. However, so much of what I’ve taken away from this cleanse will be incorporated in my lifestyle going forth. Like I said, once the habit is changed you’re past the hard part - and then it's a lifestyle shift.

Self-care really is the best care, and you really are what you eat. What you intake affects not only your body, but your energy, health, skin, and even hair. My energy feels better, it’s easier to wake up, I feel lighter, and my skin is brighter and clearer. My body does not crave things that it used to crave.

See a few pointers I took away from my first few days on this cleanse.

My detox rules of thumb:

- [ ] Do your research on healthy foods.

- [ ]  Create + organize your grocery list of all the items.

- [ ] Write down goals and set deadlines.

- [ ] Put the commitment, time, and consistency into fulfilling the goal.

- [ ] Be willing to spend more for your health. It's an investment for you long-term, and your long-term health. 

10 basic learnings I realized on my first few days:

1. Alkaline water will change ya life. Taste like holy water. Taste like a whole new life in water.

2. Most healthy, good stuff only has about 3-5 ingredients in them.

3. Artificial sugar is in everything. It’s actually mind-blowing. I learned on my first day cleanse shopping that some cranberries even have sugar added (had to get the sugarless ones for my cleanse)!

4. I discovered for the first time that the seeds of pomegranate are the only editable part (fun fact).

5. Random: Nuts are super expensive  - not sure why ha! But a tasty snack alternative.

6. Trader Joe’s Garlic spread dip is THE best alternative to mayo. So much healthier and it taste better!

7. Pay the extra couple bucks for the organic option.

8. Placing a eucalyptus plant in your shower is a game changer. 

9. Trader Joe’s is your best friend when it comes to finding organic foods and alternatives for a healthy cleanse at a reasonable price.

10. There are so many healthy alternatives to the traditional, such as whole-wheat rice instead of white rice or using hummus to replace mayo. For instance, instead of a traditional sandwich with bread – try a lettuce wrap with brown rice (and/or protein) - very filling and super healthy, easy, quick lunch.

These are just one of the many takeaways I will continue to practice long-term.

General reinforcements I’ve taken away long-term:

• Overall, make the investment in yourself and your body by being wise in your food choices.

• Take the time to look at the ingredients in what you’re eating. Tells you a lot.

• Everything in moderation.

• Consistency really is the best gift you can give yourself.

• Drink water, water, water.

• Try to have a proper breakfast, and eat three meals a day.

• Cook for yourself at least once week, it’s not hard – don’t be lazy.

All in all, I now look at eating completely differently, and in a new light. Eating clean is really not so hard or bad after all, and can still be super tasty and fun!

- Eliza A. Chisholm