Last week, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, I ordered all my beautiful, delicious ingredients to start my 10-day fast.
High on enthusiasm, with visions of a svelte body for the holidays, I failed to double-check my calendar. With events, dinner dates, and a host of other matters I had to rearrange, I immediately regretted my decision.
The first few days of The 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse by JJ Smith were fine, until a business contact reached out for dinner that week. It was a meeting I could not refuse. I accepted the invitation and switched my smoothie to modified on day-three. The modified version of the plan included smoothies for breakfast, lunch, and one meal for dinner.
Perhaps, it was always supposed to be that way.
I spent the weekend at a local hospital with a family member getting friendly with vending machines. My green smoothies were only in my imagination. Should I end the cleanse and start over next month, and beat myself up for choosing badly? I was at the hospital; stressed out, tired, and sleep deprived. I needed to stay focused, hydrated, and alert for a loved one.
I sipped on water and teas. I ate solid food. I made it work. The cleanse was not going out of style tomorrow, nor was I wrong for sticking with it. Quitting would have meant I didn’t trust myself to take care of my needs amidst the chaos. I stayed on-course, within my limits.
JJ’s book is about taking care of your health and living a life that is full of energy, wellness, and self-care. To make this, or any diet a lifestyle, you must be able to mold it to fit your needs.
I’m still on the cleanse. Will I do it again? Maybe in the New Year. I believe my body experienced what it needed. I’ve decided to stick to the modified plan for the next three days. I’ve already lost about five pounds in seven days, and two inches from my waist. It is under what the book says, but I trust my body to take care of the rest.
I’ve also learned that self-compassion is one of the best lessons nobody ever teaches you. It is a lesson that only you can teach yourself.
Stay tuned for the final update. See part 1 here.
Maryann Reid is the digital managing editor of BlackEnterprise.com and the author of several books published by St. Martin’s Press. For more, please follow her @RealAlphanista.