Detox Dilemma

After almost 3 years, it's time for a cleanse. Three years ago March, I had planned to start a cleanse and had this "feeling". Like maybe I should wait--just in case....I had started to gain some weight and was off and on birth control. I felt tired most of the time and it had  been a while since I went on a cleanse. 

Well, days passed and I began counting the days I last had my period. Wait.  Did I even have one in February? It's a short month anyways. Twenty....thirty....forty....forty-five days?

Oh crap! I picked up a pregnancy test "just in case". Well, that next morning it was positive. My husband made me take two more just to be sure. 

My daughter is now 19 months old (boy time flies) and we are finally done nursing! While you are pregnant and nursing, it is not safe to detox or cleanse. Any toxins are released through your lymphatic system into your breastmilk and of course, would go straight to the baby in utero. 

Of course, I ate well during my pregnancy and did not go overboard with sweets. I watched my blood sugar levels very closely. While nursing, I also tried to eat as healthy as possible but it was so hard because I felt hungry all the time. Sometimes I gave into those sweet cravings too. Hey-I was good while pregnant! 

I still have that last 5-10 pounds to lose. Mostly in the tummy area. When Garden of Life came out with a new cleanse, I was ecstatic! It's the Wild Rose Cleanse, a 12 Day Herbal Detox. 

During this cleanse, you avoid sugar (of any kind), flour products, and all dairy. It also comes with a handy booklet covering a list of recommended foods and avoid foods, which I found very helpful. 

Let me tell you. The first 5 days were hard. I have never in my life just said no to sugar for 12 days. Not even 5 days! This includes, stevia, honey and other "natural" sweeteners. 

This by far is the best cleanse I have ever done. I completed all 12 days and lost a total of 7 pounds. Not only that, but I do not have the crazy sugar cravings as I used to. I also do not crave dairy (especially cheese). As for flour products, I have always been gluten intolerant so I have avoided flour products. 

During the cleanse, I never felt bloated and I was not starving. I have tried plenty of other cleanses and/or detoxes and had been left feeling starved. You take 6 capsules plus a full dropper of the tincture during breakfast and dinner. 

Spring and summer is an excellent time to begin a cleanse. Your body is already naturally cleansing itself in tune with the weather. Greens also naturally cleansing and reduce excess mucous. If you're looking for a cleanse to try, I highly recommend the Wild Rose Cleanse! 

Since I have completed this cleanse, I've found myself sticking with the diet of the cleanse, yet I have added in natural sweeteners like honey and stevia. I have also added in kombucha, kefir, whey and red meat to help replenish my healthy bacteria and also because I am a protein type. 

Now that I think of it, I should have taken before and after pictures. I'll see if I can't muster up any pictures to post...