Grilled sierra mackerel over salad
Husband and I are in the middle of a 10-day detox diet using a book by Dr. Mark Hyman. Basically you cut out all foods that are processed or inflammatory, just for 10 days, to see if you feel better. Then you slowly work some of those things back in. I jotted down some thoughts because I want to make the overshare blog a thing again.
Day 1:
Measurements: weight only. Baseline.
Water: Three refills so far.
Supplements: Pills taken. Forgot the fiber at lunch.
Journal: See below
Breaths:
Bath: First I have to clean the bathtub and I am in no condition to do that.
It started last night, really, with a few hours spent in the kitchen where I generally like to only spend a few minutes. I made cream of broccoli soup. I looked up “is canned coconut milk supposed to look like that?” I measured out tablespoons of hemp, pumpkin, and chia seeds. Later, because of the general state of my body, I didn’t sleep well.
It is 1 PM and I feel sick. A general malaise has joined the stiff joints and sore muscles in my hips and back. This is the condition that led me to the detox diet. Maybe by ridding my body of first world toxins accumulated over a lifetime of loving processed food, caffeine, and alcohol, I will free myself of this constant pain. But right now I am suffering from a lack of said caffeine. My head feels like it is spinning, I really need a nap, and despite these conditions I am still sitting at my desk at work on a Monday, foolishly thinking I can comprehend complicated material when it takes me twice as long to comprehend a basic email message from a coworker. She wants to meet on Wednesday morning. I can’t – my calendar says I’m booked already. That’s Thursday, she corrects.
Day 6:
Measurements: weight only. Minus 5 pounds.
Water: So much water.
Supplements: Forgot morning pills. Fiber x2.
Journal: See below
Breaths:
Bath: The kid is supposed to clean the bathroom. It’s 5 PM and he has not done this yet. Even when he does, he will probably not clean the bathtub. I am too tired to object.
My back and hip pain haven’t gone away. Every third night or so, I have trouble sleeping because of the pain. I’ve done chiropractic and physical therapy for 6 weeks now, and I’m still at square one. Monday I will call an orthopedist. This is 51.
I still miss coffee and bread and muffins and cheese and also cheese. But I have lost 5 pounds and I feel good about knowing that I’m only putting healthy foods into my body. It has only been five days so it’s still early. Even ten days isn’t long enough, really. I did an elimination diet in 2014 that was 90 days long. Felt like 90 years. The end result of that was learning that I am allergic to pizza. In the ensuing nine years I did not avoid pizza, and here we are today.
On this diet I have a smoothie for breakfast that has all those seeds and nuts in it. It does keep me full until lunch. I drink a ton of water, which I pledge to continue when the diet is over. Lunch and dinner are mostly salads with your choice of protein, in other words, leaves and lean meat.
I do notice that I haven’t had heartburn, upset stomach, gas or other gastrointestinal malfunction. This is major, because on the American processed food diet, I get those all the time.
Cat watching me do morning stretches
Because of my hip malfunction, I’ve felt generally terrible since January, and it’s often hard to walk, or sit down or get up. I am starting to see myself in those drug commercials where fake patients talk about how they “push through” their chronic illnesses to lead productive lives. Cue the upbeat music, the images of ladies on motorbikes, their hair swept back from their faces by the wind. But I’m sitting here in my day pajamas in a messy house, craving a good nap but unable to find a comfortable position, and too tired to do the things I want to do.
Just writing it out makes me feel a little better. I’ll come back on Day 11. (The diet is only ten days.)
I think you sometimes get sore joints and muscles as you go through menopause. Especially the hip pain and trochanteric bursitis. Good luck with the diet. Can relate to everything you are saying.
off to google trochanteric bursitis…
Thinking about trying something like this because of inflammation and also (first time ever) high cholesterol. But caffeine. I don’t know if I can survive without it.
Yeah it’s not fun. I didn’t think I could either and I’m for sure going back when this is done!
I have slightly elevated cholesterol too – forgot about that!
I’m so sorry you’re in this pain but oh how I do love reading your words. I look forward to reading Day 11.
Thanks for sharing your diet meal.
Embarking on a detox diet can be a challenging yet enlightening experience. It’s impressive to see the commitment to cutting out processed and inflammatory foods, even though the initial withdrawal symptoms, like caffeine headaches, can be tough. The positive changes, like weight loss and fewer digestive issues, are encouraging signs that this detox might be beneficial. It’s a reminder of the impact that diet can have on overall well-being, even if some symptoms persist. Keep pushing through!
The 10-Day Detox Diet is designed to help cleanse the body by eliminating toxins and boosting overall health. It typically focuses on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while cutting out processed foods, sugars, and alcohol. This short-term cleanse can offer a reset for your digestive system, improve energy levels, and promote healthier skin. However, it’s important to approach detox diets with caution and ensure they align with your long-term health goals. Consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any detox program is always a good idea.
The 10-Day Detox Diet offers a quick reset for those looking to cleanse their body and improve overall health. By focusing on whole foods, eliminating processed items, and reducing toxins, it aims to boost energy levels, improve digestion, and support weight loss. While the diet can offer noticeable benefits in a short period, it’s important to approach it with balance and ensure it’s sustainable for long-term health. For those looking to kick-start healthier habits, this detox plan provides a structured way to reset, but it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any restrictive diet.
I knew I was sensitive to certain foods as a kid, but they don’t test anymore. I developed autoimmune disease 5 years ago after a prolonged horrible diet. I stopped eating sugar and flour and my acne is gone. Added green smoothies and eye flashes are almost completely gone.
Oh man, your detox journey is looking like a rollercoaster of emotions and coffee deprivation! I admire your determination – 10 days may seem like a short time on paper, but when you’re in the middle of the process, it feels like an eternity (like that detox of yours in 2014, right?).
And this suffering from the lack of coffee? Totally understandable. Caffeine has us in the palm of our hand, and when it’s gone, our bodies make a point of screaming. The worst part is that, at first, it seems like everything is getting worse before it gets better. But hey, after losing 5 pounds and drinking a ton of water, you can already see some benefits, right? Small victories!
Now, finding out you’re allergic to pizza? That’s a cruel plot twist of fate. But I get it—sometimes, knowing something is bad for you doesn’t mean you’re going to avoid it forever. The important thing is that you’re trying again and paying attention to your body.
I hope the orthopedist can provide some answers for this persistent pain. At the very least, someone should clean that bathtub so you can take a decent bath after this whole ordeal. Hang in there, and may the power of coffee (or at least water with lemon) be with you!
The 10-Day Detox Diet focuses on cutting processed foods, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol while emphasizing whole, nutrient-dense foods. It can boost energy, reduce bloating, and help reset eating habits, but it’s restrictive and may cause temporary fatigue or nutrient gaps.