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Why do people cleanse? For health reasons, I guess. And sometimes, for beauty. Or even, it would seem, for fashion—like the time the New York Times Style section reported on the (alleged) rise of the hand-held coconut, stating that it was suddenly akin to “banh mi sandwiches and sriracha chili sauce” as the “latest formerly humble food to be discovered by New York City’s style set, and elevated — if not quite to the level of a status symbol — at least to that of a prized accessory.”

As for me, I gave up my 5-year fling with vegetarianism halfway through college almost only because I stopped being able to tolerate wheat and didn’t know how to be a vegetarian without it. Or, really, I should say, I didn’t even want to try. I’m 24, and sometimes (a little) immature.

So why is this the first day of my 7-day cleanse? Because I moved to the Himalayan Institute as a fresh-faced editorial intern in 2010 to learn to take care of myself.

I’d later realize I hate relaxing. It’s boring. A little aggravating. And I don’t like the sounds of “gentle voices” or waves, crickets, even the sound of whales slowly moving through the Gulf of Mexico.* At first blush, I come across as an almost textbook manic pixie dream girl. With glasses. Zoey Deschanel-like bangs. And, in my case, a yoga mat.

But, just like the humble coconut has benefits beyond looking-really-awesome-in-the palm-of-your-hand, I really get how beneficial a food-based cleanse can be—in my case, for my own chronic pain and fatigue. For the titanic-like shockwave of congestion I’ve been feeling since the holidays. And to get better in touch with my body, and what it actually needs.

Take that delicious salty popcorn, sriacha sauce, caramels with sea salt, and artisanal coffee.

Though I might be a little afraid to be around other human beings the next several days. (Do people get gassy while cleansing? What happens if someone asks me if I’m tearing that napkin cuz I’m frustrated?) I’m still choosing kitchari over all of you.

[*That one’s actually not true. I love the sound of whales.]

Want more information on the Spring Renewal Challenge? Check here

Photo via (cc) Flickr user Morning theft

We all have different methods of steeling ourselves for a cleanse. Some of us gradually pare down the processed foods in our diets. Others may clean out the fridge, getting rid of all offending eatables, and making room for the beans and rice concoction that they’ll subsist on for the next week. Me? I go to the Philadelphia Water Ice Stand on the corner of 10^thand Church Street for a hand-dipped cup of banana daiquiri sorbet layered with vanilla soft serve.So why am I sneaking off at lunch breaks to order Haagen Daz twice in the same week? Two reasons. First of all, my favorite oasis of dairy deliciousness has just re-opened for the season and second, I have to get my fill before the cleanse starts because I have to get through a whole week without that decadent treat. I’m not exactly a pillar of discipline, but I like to think that I have some control over my cravings.

Over the past few days, as I sit down to each meal, I’ve become keenly aware of my plate and the foods I’ll deny myself for the next week. Spinach lasagna? Nope, it has wheat, garlic, and dairy. Fresh green salad? Uh-uh, it has nightshades and onions in it, and it’s raw. The satisfaction of mindlessly munching on a buttery bowl of popcorn while zoning out to a movie… forget it! No wonder I’m relishing every bite like it’s the Last Supper. The Spring Renewal is a challenge, and we haven’t even started yet!

With 24 hours left on the clock before the whole-foods diet begins, I admit I’m a little nervous. I keep peppering the Scott Blossom team with questions from “participants” about what is allowed and not allowed this week. These are the things they say we can keep: raw honey, green veggies, and basmati rice.  Sour apples are also on the list—doesn’t that sound scrumptious?

And, alas these are the foods I’ve had to cross off my list: caffeine, sugar, wheat, dairy, soy, raw veggies, brown rice, and nuts.  After taking the dosha quiz and figuring out that I have a vata constitution, I’m relieved to discover that at least I can enjoy my breakfast porridge with a splash of almond milk.

Want more information on the Spring Renewal Challenge? Check here

To prep for the Spring Renewal Challenge, I started backing off the coffee, chai, and tea about three weeks ago, thinking I could gradually wean myself without symptoms.  I was down to one cup of tea a day when I quit on Monday. Did all this planning make going cold turkey this week any easier?  Not a bit!  As the headache and dullness clouded my thinking for about 48 hours, I realized the hold my caffeine habit had over me.

Like many, my love affair with caffeine, especially coffee, started in college and often accompanied a cigarette.  I abandoned the cigarettes in my thirties, but I maintained an obsession with the bean until I discovered the creamy sweetness of chai, coffee’s milder cousin.  Half the caffeine, chai seemed like a safer alternative.  My coworkers and friends agreed that I wasn’t as apt to steamroll the office if I stayed away from my first love.

I’m on Day 3 of my no-caffeine kick, and I feel clearer, more focused, and, yes, stronger too.  Will I break up with my chai tea and french press forever? Nah, probably not.  But they won’t have the same hold over me.

Want more information on the Spring Renewal Challenge? Check here

Photo via (cc) Flickr user hans_0l0