Detox diary: 7 energizing days of sinless meals

Crash and burn
Day six: the crash. That heavenly detox high crumbled away at the end of day five. I felt weak, couldn't concentrate and was desperately craving fried food. I think this was all my fault for suiting Tomlinson's menu plan to my convenience needs. On day six I should have had: Max's Muesli, Persian Rice for lunch and Roasted Salmon for dinner. Instead, I had Fruit Salad, Soup au Pistou (bean and veggie soup) for lunch and 3-Bean Chili for dinner. Boring, boring, boring! The thought of snacking on yet another green apple was even less appetizing. I was irritable, unhappy and not at all interested in finishing the detox. I have heard that when body starts to truly rid itself of toxins, side effects like those I was experiencing would happen. But in my crabby mood I also decided this was a terrible lie and that my body was going to self-destruct. Regardless, I had just one more day so I toughed it out.


Day seven. I was finally eating Max's Muesli and not another fruit salad. The toasting oats smelled like oatmeal cookies, and with each passing moment I grew feverish with desire to eat every last morsel. The recipe is for two, and after dividing the breakfast in half I began to spoon the delicious meal it into my mouth, faster and faster. Within five minutes I was finished and practically threw the empty bowl into the sink. I pounced on the leftovers, gleefully shoveling every last morsel into my mouth. Oh the shame. Had I just consumed a glass of water after my first bowlful and allowed the oatmeal to expand, I would have been fine. Tomlinson's portions are exactly what I'm used to eating, so this was not a reaction to starving all week. This reaction was my greedy inner child, sick of being such a good girl. Pure and simple.

Conclusion
• Money spent on groceries: $250
• Time spent cooking: two hours per day (minimum)
• Sleeping patterns: greatly improved
• Skin and hair: the same
• Caffeine and sugar cravings: not eliminated, but under control
• Pounds lost: five

Would I do it again? Absolutely -- in the summer when there is lots of fresh produce available. Tomlinson's detox took more planning and scheduling than I had anticipated, and I certainly had my set-backs, but it was worth it to get my caffeine cravings under control, sleep better at night, and drop those annoying Christmas pounds.

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