A Few Thoughts From An Old Timer......

I think this is my 4th official cleanse with the kula (i'll need to count my t-shirts to be sure but I've done all of them) and I have done at least 1 other on my own. Both are beneficial in their own way but for the first or second timers, with the kula is best in my opinion. The time between the last kula cleanse and this one has been one of tremendous growth and an incredible transformation for me.....but I'll save that one for another time (cuz it will be really long).

Thoughts on cleanse prep....here is what works for me:
1) Plan a menu for the week - not just for yourself but for the rest of the family also. It will help you understand the relationship of how your family activities and your dietary routine either compliment or detract from one another. Remember - don't judge it, just recognize it for what it is. Also remember that it will need to be flexible in case plans change for you or your family (non-attachment).
For my foods, I even write down ideas for snacks each day so I stay within the cleanse guidelines. I became a vegetarian after the last unofficial cleanse so alot of the cleanse foods are what I eat normally (except all the caffeine and sugar :)

2) Create a shopping list based on your menu. There will probably be additional food prep time during the week and trying to run to the store everyday will be challenging.

3) Use the Friday or Saturday before we start (or both) to do your food prep. I can bring home a fridge full of veggies, etc. and get everything cut, pre-cooked as needed and stored in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Less if John helps, more if I turn on some music and groove while doing it (I recommend this approach if you can :) I make veggie soup, boil some potatoes for breakfasts, wash fruit, put all my dried fruits and nuts in containers (if bought in bulk).

4) I put snacks in my purse and in the car. Usually dried fruit (or fruit leathers - did you talk about those at the meeting) but if I am thinking ahead, I like to toss a bag of carrots in my purse when I am taking the kids to dance or soccer practice...just for the freshness and you don't need anything but your fingers to enjoy them.


Thoughts on pre-cleansing:
Deb said it best during the first cleanse, "its only for 6 days (now 7) - there are people in this world that don't get to eat anything for days at a time, I think I can handle 6 days." The words weren't intended as a guilt trip, but more a new perspective that she used for herself. That sticks with me, especially when I start to get a little freaked out about not having my afternoon latte. I am seriously attached to that one and getting a little freaked out just writing about it....but I think about what Deb said and like right now, I am sinking into the feeling then breathing my way out.

That's enough for now.... :)

Becky