Firstly, apologies for not posting this yesterday, the snow is playing havoc with our schedules.
So, if you cast your minds back (or read through the previous posts) youll remember that this detox business was going pretty well. Apart for Avrils nigh-impossible-to-stick-to Master Cleanse, we were all feeling satisfyed and healthy, if somewhat deprived. Heres what Day Four had in store
Jenny Dickinson, Beauty Director - BeautifulBreak Detox
Yesterday I had my second wrap. It was slightly easier than the first, because I knew what to expect, but it definitely still did its job. My mum always used to tell me that Horses sweat, men perspire and girls glow. Well, I was glowing like a horse after 20 minutes. I have to say, though, I do feel better for all this. It could just be down to the feeling that Im doing something positive, but Im more alert and clear headed and definitely less bloated. My skins still bad, but Im told that should start to improve next week. Next week also has in store a colonic (Im really getting a thorough clear out) and I should start to see the first signs of real (ie not just water) weight loss. I do have to admit, though, that I had a wobble last night. I was at a birthday party with eight different kinds of tempting pizzas, not to mention the garlic bread and ice cream with marshmallows for dessert. I think the key to this detox thing is to become a reculse - what the eye doesnt see the mouth doesnt water after.
Avril Mair, Beauty Extremist The Master Cleanse
Gwyneth Paltrow has done the Master Cleanse. So has half of America, it would seem two years ago, Master Cleanse was the most-searched for recipe on Google.com. So, while it may be extreme, its not as though its not tried and tested. Me? Well, Im already close to giving up. After three days Ive added apples to the diet. Last night I didnt get home from work until 10pm and I had a scrambled egg, too. Its not that Im hungry as such more that I dont have a sweet tooth and the cloying taste of maple syrup is more than I can bear. Im trying to persevere, though, because I do feel good: the allergies that I usually suffer from have already largely disappeared. And despite my promises that Id stay off the scales until this weekend, I succumbed this morning and have lost four pounds.
Georgia Collins, The Pure Package
I have so far discovered three things on this detox. One: I dont hate bircher museli as much as I thought I did (I had written it off as mushy slop, but its quite tasty). Two: I actually do like tofu. I used to eat it when I was an angst-ridden vegetarian teenager, but back then had no clue what to do with it so it invariably tasted like cardboard. So far on this diet I have had it twice in different incarnations and enjoyed both. Three: I can live without chocolate. And coffee. And red meat. Its been quite a revelation. That said the weekend (usually the domain of boozy Friday drinks, Saturday take-aways and Sunday roasts) will be the real test, so dont call me a saint just yet.
Amy Lawrenson, Web Beauty Assistant The Nosh Juice Detox
So, you know how in the last post I told you Id had a craving for steak? Well, I shared this with my boyfriend we were in the supermarket at the time and his response was Ooh, steak! After which he hurried around the supermarket, grabbing a sirloin and snaffling all manner of yummy things to go with his meal fit for a King. Men! Apart from the obvious, yesterday went well. I didnt feel hungry and I managed to forgo cake and coffee for a mint tea at my meeting in the afternoon. The Detox is definitely making a difference, I feel lighter and Ive lost half a stone since Monday night (and I still have today and tomorrow to go!). This is the perfect pre-party, pre-holiday and post-Christmas regime. Also, and more importantly, I have suffered from IBS for a long time now and, for the first time in about three years, I feel normal. In fact, its motivated me to follow with The Waterfall Diet for the next three weeks (read more here) and go for an intolerance test to see if I can get to the bottom of my tummys turmoil, once and for all.
Susannah Edwards, Beauty Intern Soulmate Foods Detox
Ive decided to stay home this weekend to avoid the usual social scene (of food and booze) that I usually get wrapped up with. It may not be the most exciting of weekends, but Im looking forward to it being healthy and hangover-free. After a hard few days, this detox is starting to click into place Im feeling healthier, more energetic and far less bloated than usual. Im also starting to look forward to my super-healthy mealtimes. In a nutshell, Im feeling content. And to top it off, lunch looks great a huge vegetable-packed Spicy Mexican Coucous dish that looks delicious. Cant wait!
www.soulmatelifestyle.com/food
Claire Sacré, Junior Commissioning Editor The exercise-based detox
As if my un-toned abs arent proof enough that I havent stepped foot inside a gym for years, last night my Body Attack class came as something of a shock. Instead of the Boxercise-style session Id been expecting, I was faced with 45-minutes of aerobics, complete with the Grapevine. I thought 1980s whooping and clapping group classes were extinct, but no, Jane Fonda would be proud. I made it through the high-energy routines by focusing on Miss Body Attack 2010 in the row in front of me. In a skimpy fuchsia crop-top and grey leggings her torso was bronzed perfection. Im still suffering from body envy.In the past, Ive always made excuses for not exercising, usually an internal debate ensues with arguments such as Im too tired, I dont have time, or simply, Im not in the mood, winning me over. Now, with Sonja setting me daily sessions, theres no getting out of it, and my new focus means Im not craving that go on just one glass of wine after work. But can this January enthusiasm last?
