Master Cleanse

I'm at the end of an experiment called the Master Cleanse. It's a way of letting your body rest and get rid of years of accumulated crap by not eating for 10+ days. Yup, you heard right- I've gone without food for that long. Who'd a thought?

For nutrition, you drink a concoction of lemonade and maple syrup. Add a dash of cayenne pepper as an appetite suppressant. It's enough to give you the energy you need, without climbing the walls from hunger.

So you find out a lot of things while on this regime. How much of eating is habit or emotion, and how much you can do without. I was amazed at my ability to stay the course. Sure, I had cravings, but I had a goal in mind, and had to persevere. You also get more free time, because you're not always thinking about food and meals.

This last stretch is hard, because afterward, you have to ease back onto food. Two days ago, it was just orange juice all day. Yesterday, I had some oranges and broth. Today I had vegetables in my soup, and a salad for dinner. Tomorrow I can try regular food again. I will most likely weep for joy. I love food, and my wife Mindy is a fantastic cook. I've had to skip some pretty tasty meals these last two weeks.

Another benefit is weight loss. I carry far too many extra pounds, but I dropped 15 of them during the cleanse, with 3+ inches off my belly. Pretty good. And I felt great through it, and better now.

It's not just a crash diet, it's a way of changing your thinking about food. I'm declaring victory.