First Order of Business

I'm so excited to share a new program with you, that I've been asked to participate in and then blog about the experience!

It's a 28 Day "Detox" challenge that's being guided by Paige at Healthy Spirit Wellness.  I know Paige through a co-worker and all-around-lovely person, Emily, who owns Healthy Spirit Wellness and writes a wonderful, all natural food blog called Kisses for Breakfast.

Admittedly, I was instantly on my guard when I read the word "detox."  The trendy idea of drinking liquids and running to the loo every 10 seconds is not appealing to me, although I'm sure my bladder would enjoy the company.  I'm also very skeptical of anything that claims to be a quick-fix or cure-all.  I generally want to work with my filtering organs, not freak them out.  However, I know these people and they are sensible folks and I was assured it wasn't going to be like that.

So, what is it going to be like?

In 28 days you'll learn:

• How most of us are living in some kind of toxic environment, whether the toxins come from food, environment, relationships, work...and how you can discover yours.

I feel like this part of the class is going to be the most helpful for me.  I work in a fairly high-stress position--at least a position that can get me frustrated quite frequently and which keeps me at a desk most of the day--and I have a few relationships that I could cope better with since, as much as I would love to cut them out of my life, they're as close as kin can get.

• How to break away from those heavy winter foods and feel lighter and cleaner for the spring.

Looking forward to this part!  I fall prey to seasonal eating, so I'm always craving fruits and veggies come spring time.

• How to discover which foods work best for your body so you can feel better than ever this summer.

Each week is going to focus on a different type of food, (i.e. sugar, gluten) and I'm eager to see how my body reacts to giving up or limiting some things that I haven't tried before.

• How to really branch out with your cooking, but in a way that's still convenient to your lifestyle.

I'm always looking for recipes!  I'm a fatty, but I'm not a foodie.  I really don't like to cook at all, so anything that helps me learn to enjoy time in the kitchen is very valuable!  I'm also so nervous to mess up new recipes that I rarely try anything new without watching someone else make it first. 

• How to break free of cravings for sugar, caffeine, carbs, and more...and feel better because of it!

This is something I've tried to combat my whole life!  Sugar and, often by extension, carbs, are my arch-nemesis: the Lex Luthor to my Superman, the Magneto to my Professor X!  I have a feeling, from what I've observed, that Paige is full of great tips to help with this, so I'm excited for what I can learn.

• How to take what you've learned and apply it to your life after the detox period for lasting energy and happiness.

You'll receive:

• A weekly packet of recipes and food resources to support you through each phase of the cleanse.
  
• Weekly group conference calls throughout the entire detox program, where Paige Lysaght, CHC will guide you through the next phase of the challenge and offer opportunities for questions and discussion.
  
• A workbook for each group call, complete with worksheets and journaling opportunities that will help you to really dig deep and determine what's holding you back from being your healthiest, happiest self.
  
• Access to an exclusive message board for program participants where you can discuss ideas, recipes, challenges, and successes throughout the program and beyond.
  
• An official challenge t-shirt (since you'll certainly earn post-challenge bragging rights). (What wouldn't I do for a free t-shirt?  Nothing!)
  

It sounds easy enough!  It doesn't include unrealistic food expectations or jungle juice and there is going to be a community of people to share experiences with and that makes me a lot less nervous.

Paige has also generously offered 50% off the enrollment fee if you drop my name (real or blog pseudonym) in the comments section of the Detox Sign-up page.  No pressure, but the option is there if you're interested and I would be stoked to have another friend participating.

Either way, I'll definitely share the good recipes that I find and let you know how things are going: the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Cheers,