The Lemonade Diet: Day 4
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Part of an ongoing series where two staff reporters, who wish to remain anonymous for obvious reasons, navigate 10 days of purging toxins — and everything else — from their bodies.
Photos by Ellen & Kacie
To our haters, who have been tempting us with Jack in the Box and cookies and sandwiches since Sunday: you win.
To our supporters and followers who were thinking about trying it: We wish you luck.
But we don't feel like we lost anything. Because after all, we survived for three days without food — and now, we can EAT again.
Neither of us is ashamed. Not only did we both go longer without food than we ever have, we spent so much time daydreaming about food that we actually learned something about our eating habits.
So this marks a healthier era for both of us, as outlined below — with drastically different approaches.
KACIE
To be honest, I’m shocked I lasted this long.
Since the first sip of saltwater, I wondered what on earth I’d gotten myself in to and why I believed I could last for 10 full days without food. If you haven’t guessed yet, I’m done with the cleanse. I ate a carrot this morning and completely dropped the ball.
Although I began with just fruits and vegetables today, which I really thought I could maintain for a few days, that didn’t work out so well either. I now understand why people say yo-yo diets are no good and that you gain more weight than at what you started.
I just want to eat everything I see no matter how much it makes my stomach hurt; and today, EVERYTHING has made my stomach hurt. I don’t know if I damaged my digestion tube or whatever it is you get stomach pains from, or if I just jumped to solids too quickly, but something has got to change tomorrow.
Now, while you may think this blog will cease on account of our failure, have no fear! Ellen and I are going to attempt to be completely healthy — or, just not at gluttoness as pre-cleanse. And these are the ways we attempt to do it. We will write about our triumphs and failures so that when you come off your cleanse you can try the effective methods to staying fit.
First off, Ellen is going vegan. Super difficult but also super healthy. She’s a whiz and I hope she can pull it off. For the less intense, or those of us who enjoy cheese too much, here are a few portion controllers I will be trying in the next few days:
-eating only with chopsticks
-taking a sip of water in between each bite of food
-eating with your left hand (if you’re right handed…reverse it if you’re a lefty)
-chewing 20 times before you swallow each bite of food
-divide your plate in half whenever you eat out and automatically put half in a box to take home (and don’t eat the other half right when you get home! I’m a compulsive eater and guilty of this as well)
-more tips and tricks to come! Good luck in your endeavors, remember beauty is pain, but a nice workout can relieve any stress you may be feeling!
ELLEN
I have never been happier to chew. Ever. That was the most glorious apple I have ever eaten. Followed by another apple. And a banana. And a salad. And a bowl of strawberries...and....
Like I said, we gave up in a big way. We were going to try and ease back into our regular diets. That ended when we went out for pasta. Womp.
But even though we went to a pasta place, and even though I attacked the bread bowl, I ordered a salad. I can sense my desire to be healthier.
So I'm building on that: I've gone back to veganism. I spent five months as a vegan not long ago and miss the healthy lifestyle I was forced to lead.
People ask: No eggs? No meat? No dairy? What CAN you eat? (The truth is, sometimes almost nothing — especially when you eat out. Cooking at home isn't bad at all. And yes, I do love a juicy hamburger like everyone else.)
They also wonder: WHY would you do that?
The answer: Veganism forces me to be healthy, but it's not a diet. It's a lifestyle change. I don't feel confined to 1,400 calories or three meals a day. I can eat as many fruits, carbs, proteins and veggies as I'd like, but no fatty meats, 27-ingredient snacks or processed/fast foods.
I'm in it for the health benefits, not necessarily animal rights, so my veganism isn't as strict as some. I'll eat vegan food that's prepared on the same grill as meat. I still take medication, even though most pills are coated in gelatin. I own leather.
I already feel so much healthier. I've devoured a bowl of oatmeal with bananas and brown sugar, coffee, an apple, a salad with tofu and beans...and tonight, I may even have a beer.
Right now, I plan to stay vegan until Christmas. All that butter, and meat, and milk...we'll see if I can survive.
Stay tuned for updates from Kacie and I as we navigate our new, healthier lifestyles!
Read Ellen & Kacie's first post, Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3.
