After all it is just food.

Where does a person go out to eat when they are doing a vegan - raw food- diet?

Why here of course.

Today marks the official day of the end of our 30 day cleanse- actually it was more like 40 due to Mister being out of town but who's counting.

But to be honest, I have mixed emotions...on one hand I am excited to actually go out with my mister to a sit down restaurant and order from an actual menu.

 But on the other hand- I am a bit sad.

 I am not sure why? 

Perhaps because I'm involved in a love affair with my juicer and am afraid to let go. Perhaps I am afraid that the weight that I shed will begin to creep back or that I will go back to my old habits.

When I tell a person that we are doing the cleanse- they usually respond back, "I could never do that." and to that I say-  "Yes you could." You could if you wanted something bad enough. I would do this forever if it meant that one day I could cradle a little new born in my arms again.

After all,  it's just food.

(gasp!) I can't believe I just said that.

This is coming from the girl who could put down an entire burger, fries, and a drink no problem...then order something from the dessert menu- all while her husband ordered a measly salad.

 But I am a new woman.

To prove this point, I have had a pack of mint Oreos in my pantry yearning for me to crack it open and dip those chocolate goodness in a cup of chilled milk. I have fantasized about this moment. I even opened up the pack once and just inhaled them... yes. It's true.

But honestly I just don't care that much.

...and as an extra bonus...little man has been eating raw food as a default. He actually loves and asks for fruit, veggies, and nuts instead of the usual American highly processed gold fish, fruit snacks, and graham crackers! (except chocolate milk- he has an addiction)

 

Even the Mister is converted to our new life style.

I once heard that "If you feel hungry- try eating an apple- and if that doesn't sound satisfying then ask yourself what is really going on...perhaps something more than hunger."

Often times for me this is true. Food is used to be my comfort.

Today, it is... just food.

I think after this I could almost be a vegan. Almost.

Maybe during the weekdays.

besitos

xo

P.S. if you want something inspiring to watch this weekend- check these two movies out:

Fat Sick and Nearly Dead

and

Forks Over Knifes

4 days in.

Day 4 into my raw food cleanse.

I always wondered what it would be like to be a vegetarian... now I know what it's like to be a vegan...
bitter sweet.

I only say that because although I am feeling amazing and starting to have a new found appreciation for veggies- I can smell the smell of a neighbor barbecuing something on the grill... mmmmm...what I would give to sink my teeth into a home made hamburger right now...with extra pickles and cheese- oh wait I am getting side tracked.

Focus Cristi Focus.

Anyhow, it has been 4 days of a 28 day cleanse- eating nothing but raw fruits, veggies, and nuts. Most people who hear we are doing this think we are crazy and say "I could never do that."- My answer to them is yes you could. Especially if you know how awesome you feel while doing it.

Things I have learned in the last four days.

-It's amazing how much our kids follow us. Little man is being weaned of his chocolate milk and enjoying natural fruit juice. He even is asking for fruit for lunch!

-I have a habit of mindlessly reaching into a bag and popping snacks in my mouth.

-Pinterest will make you hungry.

 -Cooking food for someone else is rough while detoxing...I may have licked my fingers a few times...may have.

-I love bread and sharp cheese. 

-Organic fruits and veggies are where it is at- and are actually delicious. Veggies are now my friend.

-Having the support of the Mister makes all the difference in the world! He even turned down a warm Arby sandwich that someone brought into work on the first day of the cleanse...I think I would have caved right there!

-Juicing is fun. We like to play this game of guessing what fruits and veggies are in the concoction we make each other. It surprising what you can sneak in there.

-Being hungry makes me moody- no wait I already knew that. But seriously day three was the hardest day by far...

Here is to 24 more days of this.

besitos
xoxo

Cleanse countdown...

There is a problem when you still look pregnant...um, but you are not. 

For the past few weeks I have indulged in all types of goodies and comfort foods including entire boxes of oreos, cartons of ice cream (also oreo), and loaves of home made bread.

No bueno.

It's got to stop.

Maybe I am trying to feed a food baby in hopes it transforms into a real baby? 

Or maybe I am rebelling against my body? ...Take that body. 

Or maybe I know I am about to start a crazy cleanse that my friend Shelley  tried and told me about and I somehow convinced The Mister to do it with me.  It's a month long cleanse of herbs, teas, and eating an all raw natural diet- all things that I believe can make a difference in a person's body... I need a good cleanse after the past few weeks.

Good bye delicious weekends eating out, "Sweet Sundays" where I love to bake, midnight oreo cravings...

But I am willing to try anything.
Even this.

Although Shelley and I have not ever physically met (we know each other through How Does She)- she has been so sweet tell me about her experience where she reminded me of this quote:

"Everywhere in nature we are taught the lessons of patience and waiting. We want things a long time before we get them, and the fact that we want them a long time makes them all the more precious when they come".~Joseph F. Smith

I love that.

She also introduced me to the blog The R House.

I love that too.

Well, here it goes... Next week we begin....

besitos, xo