We are now celebrating as we have completed the Reboot program—a juicing feast with 30 days of juicing as our goal. Here is the blog spot we wrote at the beginning of this adventure including information about the DVD titled Fat,
Sick and Nearly Dead, that was our initial inspiration:
We would like to
acknowledge another source that has inspired us—a TED talk by Dr. Terry Wahls,
a medical doctor. As a result of gradual deterioration from multiple sclerosis
that confined Dr. Wahls to a wheelchair, she decided to try a more natural
approach. Dr. Wahls research led her to conclude our cells are starving. The
diets of our ancestors were much richer in nutrients—their native diets gave
them more vitamins, minerals and many substances in vegetables and fruits that
science has not yet identified. Dr. Wahls refers to these substances as
“micronutrients.” How could she get enough micronutrients? What did she need to
eat? She had to eat 9 cups of vegetables each day. She did and it worked! Her
body responded and the effects of multiple sclerosis were reversed.
How did we do?
Two of us completed a whopping 60-day juicing Reboot program, one completed 40-days, one 35-days and all but
two have completed 30-days. The two team members that didn’t complete a full
Reboot, chose to do a modified Reboot incorporating juicing almost daily. Liquids
which the team added, in addition to juicing, included purified water, herbal
teas, coconut water, and some healthy oils.
What improvements did we experience?
Weight Loss
For several of us, losing
weight was a major motivator to stay the course … shedding from 22 to 31
pounds. Those who didn’t need to lose weight, lost very little by comparison.
One of us was disappointed in the amount of weight shed but was consoled by the
number of inches lost. Another was pleased with how her body has reshaped
itself for the better.
Better Health
Among the improvements
we’ve experienced are skin conditions cleared, sinuses and breathing improved,
joint stiffness, achiness cleared, better digestion and mentally more alert.
Eating healthier
The reboot changed our
eating habits:
·
We are eating
smaller portions and more fresh foods.
·
We were
disappointed that foods we previously enjoyed didn’t taste as great as
anticipated or the body reacted negatively.
·
We recognized
how foods are triggers for sensitivities or allergies so we are each more aware
of identifying foods to avoid.
·
Many of us continue
to juice at least some days along with one or more meals.
Emotional health
We each feel good about
ourselves for having completed a goal. One of the team shared …
In a lot of the modalities I have
studied, they teach you that your body registers and stores emotions all
throughout the tissues and organs of your body. When you are fasting, your body
goes through many changes and fat cells are being removed and cleansed and,
with that, suddenly all those stored emotions have to move as well. I remember
my first experience of actually feeling this … I suddenly got the overwhelming
urge to cry, whereas then I felt RAGE erupt all through my body—my body was
finally able to process the emotions I had stuffed down there for who knows how
long! I just wanted to share that little bit because fasting is usually
discussed in terms of our PHYSICAL body and you rarely hear about our emotional
body's experience as well. They really go hand in hand!
What were the hurdles?
Almost everyone
experienced those first few ‘difficult’ days of wavering on whether to continue
or chomp into a favorite food. From there the main hurdles were: keeping busy
to overcome the mind’s desire to stop the Reboot; the desire to chew; the
monotony of juicing; cleaning the juicer; social occasions; craving near the
end for protein.
What made the juice feast easier?
Team support
We all appreciated the
support of the team—including a chart on the wall. Amazing how good it can feel
to place a star to mark the completion of each day of the feast. And sometimes,
not wanting to let the team down by dropping out was a motivator.
Other things that helped:
drinking enough juice, blending fresh fruit in the evening for a treat; support
of a spouse or friend; gathering recipes and planning for a healthier diet
after the Reboot.
Reboot again?
Will we do a Reboot again?
Most of us foresee doing a modified reboot—rather than 30-days or more, more
likely for 2 weeks at a time. Juicing seems the best way to give our bodies
enough micronutrients so everyone plans to include some juicing as part of our
lifestyle.
