The yoga world is filled with cleanses. Every day I hear of someone going on a detox of some sort. I’ve always been rather dubious of this “cleanse” stuff because I feel like that’s the true job of the body – to remove the toxins. As long as you drink plenty of water and eat whole, unprocessed foods, what’s the point? Don’t get me wrong, there are TONS of benefits of going on a cleanse. I just don’t think it’s necessary for me.
Well, one day after lunch I randomly started thinking about doing a water cleanse. Three days of just water. I know people who have done it and they came out alive – why not try it myself?
I became obsessed with this thought. But when I started digging deep as to WHY I wanted to do it, I realized I just wanted an escape. I’m tired of my battle with food. I’m tired of wishing I could eat more slowly and consciously. It’s exhausting to always have to make a decision of how I am going to eat. I just wanted a few days break. Actually, I wanted a lifelong break. This country is the land of opportunities all right. The opportunity to get lost in the sea of options.
Once I realized this was the reason for wanting to go on this cleanse, I knew I wasn’t going to go through with it. A three day cleanse will not suddenly curb my food addictions or make me a better eater. Certainly it may clean my body of lingering toxins or whatnot. And for a few days I may even have a new appreciation for food. But it’s inevitable that I will go back to my old ways.
Point is, there are no quick fixes guys. In order to get where you want to go, you have to work at it. Every day. Just do the best you can. That’s all we really can do.
Side note – I’m not saying don’t do a cleanse. I just ask, before you try any detox, cleanse, diet, etc, look at your motivation for doing it.
Namaste.
January 20th, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Not saying I really approve of this idea, but I did see this recent post about a 24 hour water cleanse that was interesting: http://q.equinox.com/articles/2012/01/berardi-healthy-habitI just worry about a water cleanse for more than 24 hours as your body need serious nutrition, and 72 hours is a long time not to consume what you need to survive. Just be careful
January 20th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
I strongly believe that for anyone who has or is struggling with an eating disorder, a cleanse is merely a gateway drug. Typically those who are drawn towards such regimes already eat quite healthily. I did a fairly lengthy raw food cleanse a couple years ago and it proved to deal a pretty major setback, both physically and psychologically. This is just my experience, but following years of neurotic agonizing and experimentation, I have found that I do best when I leave space in my head for items other than food rules.
January 21st, 2012 at 4:13 pm
I think experimenting with an elimination diet (esp. to rid the body of a caffeine or sugar addiction) is wise, but I don't think I could ever allow myself to do a full cleanse. As someone with a history of disordered eating, the notion of implementing more control over my diet just doesn't seem like a good idea.
January 22nd, 2012 at 10:26 pm
I've mentally played with the idea of a cleanse but I know it's not for me. I know that It would be a slippery slope for me.
January 22nd, 2012 at 11:38 pm
exactly!!! you hit the nail on the head Erica thank you for sharing! I know we both have a path of healing and compassion ahead of us <3
January 22nd, 2012 at 11:45 pm
yup exactly which is why i decided its a no go. i need to control LESS think ab food LESS not more!
January 23rd, 2012 at 1:35 am
Thanks for this inspirational post! The result is in being constant, and finding balance. Hard but a lot more real and rewarding than looking for miracle solutions.
January 28th, 2012 at 3:36 am
I love your honesty and your writing. Thank you for sharing.