The Detox

A few weeks ago, I made a New Year's resolution that I would give myself a jump-start to healthier eating by kicking it off with a five-day detox, which consisted mostly of vitamin-packed shots in the morning, chocolate-flavored protein shakes for breakfast, and lemon-dressed salads for lunch and dinner. When all was said and done, I came out of the detox six pounds lighter with smoother, brighter skin and an enlightened attitude.

But have I been keeping up with my promise to stay on the healthier end of the culinary spectrum? While I have gained a few pounds back, I'm definitely more conscientious about what foods I eat. Am I perfect with all of my choices? No way. But have I been focusing more on portion control and balance? You bet. Check out what I learned when you read more.

I've just completed the final day of my five-day detox and while it wasn't always easy to control my junk food cravings, grumbly stomach, and penchant for hummus, it was all worth it in the end. As energetic and light-spirited as I feel now after all this hard work, I'm still looking forward to a celebratory cocktail (or two), along with a heaping plate of sushi, tomorrow evening. To find out what else I have to raise a glass to, as well as gripe about, just keep reading.

It's day four of my five-day detox, and while I have to admit that my stomach's still adjusting to consuming smaller portions, I'm not feeling nearly as hungry as I did on that awful second day. But, I do have a confession . . . I cheated. (And that's how I'm going to explain my oddly sinister expression in this photo.) You see, a tub of hummus was calling my name, and I lost all control on a midnight trip to the fridge. Minor blip in the radar aside, I do have some very positive things to report. Find out what they are when you read more.

While eating the same thing each day on my five-day detox has proven to be rather blasé, I have found ways to add excitement to my entrées, which mainly consist of the same old protein shakes and salads. However, a simple switch in lettuce variety, along with the mind-blowing addition of ice to my morning chocolate shakes, have proved to be all I need to turn my monotonous caloric intake around. It truly is the little things that count, agreed? To find out more about the third day of my experiment, just keep reading.

With change, there comes an adjustment period, no? And I do believe that this is what's happening to me. As I adapt to a lighter diet, free of sweets, alcohol, and excess anything (except salad), today I am feeling hungry, weary, and a bit unfocused. Thus far, the only beauty-related thing that's changed is my hair, and sadly, it's not because it's miraculously become full of luster and enviable body. I merely got a six-week trim from my stylist.

As I mentioned before, I don't expect colossal changes during my five-day detox, but I've got to believe that my energy will pick up soon, and I've got to believe that this case of delirium is just a slight bump in the road called detox. About the post-holiday jean snugness factor? Happily, and much to my surprise, I no longer feel like I've been stuffed into my favorite dungarees. Stay tuned for day three . . .

Yesterday, I began my five-day journey to the land of detox, mostly in hopes of rejuvenating my lackluster complexion and recurring battle with chin and forehead acne. While I have realistic expectations, as I'm not anticipating perfectly flawless skin à la Reese Witherspoon in under a week, I chose the David Kirsch Wellness brand of detox just for that reason: it's a gentle detox, not a blow-through-your-system-with-fury type of cleanse.

Yesterday began with a grape-y flavored, vitamin-packed shot, a thick (almost too much so) chocolate-flavored protein shake for breakfast, and a train ride into work. Would I get shaky? Would I feel light-headed on the rails? In short, no. And by the time noon rolled around, my pre-lunch energy-boosting bubble drink, followed by a simple salad with lemon juice and four ounces of protein, was a welcome treat. I didn't even feel left wanting for more. To find out what else happened on day one of my experimental detox, just keep reading.

Are you what you eat? While some may say otherwise, I'm team what-you-stuff-in-your-mouth-matters. Take this picture of my friend Amy (the blonde) and me (the brunette) from about three years ago. Unfortunately, I was experiencing some gastronomical issues at the time, but thanks to a diet free of junk foods, my skin never looked better.

Flash-forward to present day, and I'm feeling a bit more sluggish, my skin's less than glowing, and my nails have become an embarrassing situation. Enter . . . a detox plan. Recommended by a friend, the David Kirsh Wellness 5-Day Detox Kit isn't exactly inexpensive at $175, but my friend's glowing review made me take the plunge. It also isn't exactly a "beauty detox" per se, but due to the fact that it is more than just a liquid diet and focuses on proper nutrition, I am on board. Starting next week, follow along with me as I aim to flush out toxins in hopes of starting off 2010 with clearer, brighter skin, hair, and nails.