Working through the cleanse

I made it through the rain (detox/cleanse)......I can hear Barry Manilow wafting in the background if I close my eyes!

I was not doing this for weight loss, although some was anticipated.  I was trying to get different foods that act as toxins to ME out and finding my happy place with food.  I have a unique blood type (AB+) and I know what my blood likes and does not like.  The not likes are many of my favorite foods starting with chicken, pork,oranges, bananas to name a few.  I will admit, however, that after eating many of these foods I would spend a tremendous amount of time belching.  Such an attractive attribute when you are in the dating world!!

It comes down to trying the same things all the time and expecting different results.  How silly is that?!  Well, I have a few things that I have a new perspective on in the land of food.......

First and foremost, COFFEE!  I was avoiding coffee because the creamer I put in my coffee has sugar.  I use the fat free vanilla but in going with the spirit of the process I eliminated coffee and drank black tea (or green tea) plain.  I have consumed tea on occasion but my favorite has always been that first cup of coffee in the morning..........**sigh**.  Over the weekend I did experiment with coffee again.  I was so sad.......it did not taste nearly as good as it used to and regardless of the time of day I tried to drink it I did continue to belch.  I even got a bit of heartburn or reflux from it.....what the heck!  I am thinking that I will substitute my cup of coffee with a cup of cocoa in the morning......at least for the winter.  I have to still use my Keurig machine!!

Next, I tried a sandwich and a bagel.  Not in the same day....but when I did eat the bagel it was nothing special.  I used to salivate waiting for Friday mornings in the office when we would have Bagel Friday....the Asiago cheese bagel was always my choice.  Once again, the reflux thing was acting up and the gluten just made me feel bloated.  Friday, I did not have the bagel but did opt for a club sandwich.  The weather was not the greatest, I was running late and forgot my lunch.  I had a simple sandwich......after one bite I deconstructed the sandwich. No bread...the bread was not as sumptuous a flavor as I was accustomed to.  Again, I was sad......

Now on the positive side, I am eating Greek yogurt again.....the plain kind!  I mix the yogurt with fresh and frozen fruit, some water and on occasion some fresh squeezed juice I get from Whole Foods.  That is a treat for me and so delicious because it is fresh, not from concentrate, no sugar added and I use so little my body does not reject it.  I am finding different local fruits and seasonal type fruits to add in.  I have a cookbook that does have some smoothies in it and I will be incorporating vegetables too at some point.  To sip on this for breakfast has been such a treat and something I thoroughly enjoy......and yes, I add a scoop of protein powder just to be sure I am getting all the fuel to light my fire and start my day.

I LOVE vegetables and I have been playing more with them.  Sauteing eggplant, zucchini, and onions to toss in pasta or quinoa has been nice.  Using different vegetables for roasting or grilling (depending on the season) to use as side dishes for turkey, beef, fish or protein du jour.  I am really excited to be looking outside the box for food choices.

I have had much less acid/reflux/heartburn.....whatever you want to call it.  It is a trial and error process.  I might be sad for the moment when I do react to a food but I know if I stay away from it long enough someday I can try it again much like I do with my dog and her allergies.

I am not a big fan of turkey....not even with extra gravy (I don't do gravy!) but turkey Italian sausage is palatable to throw in a nice escarole soup.  Shrimp and lobster are off my radar for the moment BUT I do love tilapia and tuna steaks.  I like fruit, not that it will be a substitute for chocolate, but the sweet edge has to be addressed......can't ignore what I might have a hankering for.

This is a great learning experience and I am feeling pretty good.  Onward.....