Wow, did today ever start out with a bang! As an introduction to Phase 2 of the cleanse, we began with a dose of Liver Flush drink, consisting largely of oil and garlic. Followed that up 15 minutes later with Toxin Remover, which can be likened to sawdust mixed into apple juice and water. It is amazing to me what, in a few short weeks, I have come to see as not only acceptable, but also healthy to eat. At the same time, my former food friends are slowly dropping away: mushrooms, corn, potatoes, caffeine, cooking.

Yesterday, I looked at my painted toenails and had one thought: Toxic! What’s next? My deoderant? I’m not sure that we can realistically avoid toxins in the world today, nor am I interested in spending a life frightened of everything around me. Pesticides and toxins are everywhere, from plastic leaching into our mouthwash, to toxins on our flame-retardant mattresses and treated carpets (note to self and all: read The Hundred Year Lie by Randall Fitzgerald).  This is why I am so excited to have  learned how to actively work to cleanse my body from these toxins, through fasts, cleansings and eating raw food!

One of the side effects of the cleanse is that there are moments of not feeling so well (both physically and emotionally). While yesterday was filled with much fun (lunch out, a soirée at Stumptown filled with videos and friends and a late night edition of Project Runway), I found myself experiencing waves of emotions that I am sure I haven’t felt in years - and I’m glad of that! I only remembered last night that Dr. Ariel mentioned that, as we detoxify our bodies, we would be releasing emotions as well. Once I realized that was what was happening, I felt quite excited and, well, good ridance!

pH 5.9, weight 142