Day Eight: Hardest Day Yet

Today has been the hardest of the reboot days, by far!

It’s the third day of five for exclusive juicing, and I really crave some substantial food. Funny thing is that most of the food I’m desiring is generally really unhealthy food. I know there are healthy versions of most of what I’m wanting, but I’m mainly imagining fast foods. You know… fried foods like fried chicken or even friend chicken sandwiches (like Wendy’s wonderful Spicy Chicken Sandwich, or their new version with Asiago cheese and bacon!) Decadent. Really, all that grease and fat is just not good for the body in regular doses. Perhaps as a “splurge” once a month, but it should definitely be moderated.

Regardless, that’s the kind of food that’s on my mind.

I’ve been very lethargic today. I figure I’m not getting enough calories. Doubtless, I’ve not been getting my usual amounts of calories, and I’ve seen a great deal of weight loss over the last eight days (almost ten pounds). I’ll be able to consume more calories, or at least have more food filling my stomach in a few days to make me feel a little more satisfied.

Now let me clarify. I have not been feeling hungry as much as I’ve been craving food. I desire to eat and consume those foods I’ve previously deemed “good”. I am sure that any of the foods I’ve been thinking of would most likely make me sick now because they are so rich and full of not-so-good-for-me things.

The juices have given me plenty of energy along with “filling me up.” It’s just that I’ve grown up “eating” to supplement more than hunger, and I’m missing some of the comfort of food. Hmm… perhaps that’s why we call it “Comfort Food”.

Anyway, I didn’t juice until the late morning. I had two cups of water after I awoke, but had to get out and run errands without time to juice.

Late Morning Juice
Navel Orange (1)
Pears (2)
Granny Smith Apple (1 large)
Cherries (about 1 cup)
Cucumber

I love to eat cucumbers. The addition of it to the juice seems to help mute the somewhat overpowering sweetness of the fruits. It’s a good solid drink.

As the juice was late morning and I had to be out of the house for several hours, I went by the health food store and bought a coconut juice which I drank around 1 p.m.

My early evening juice was a nice change. I took some ideas from the Reboot website and put this one together.
Early Evening Juice
Sweet Potato (1)
Carrots (2)
Celery (4 stalks)
Red Pepper (one half)
Ginger (just a little)
Granny Smith Apple (1 large)
Lemon (1)

This was actually a very hearty juice. I enjoyed it. The sweet potato added a nice under-current of a flavor. I think I’d like to use one again.

I took a nap while the family ate dinner. I couldn’t stand to be around them eating tonight. It was “Taco Night”. I so desperately want a tortilla with ground beef, cheese and salsa. My mouth is watering thinking about that wonderful little treat.

When I got up, I drank some more water (2.5 liters on the day) and fixed another juice.
Main Dinner Juice
Kale (about 6 ounces)
Cabbage (6+ leaves)
Celery (6 stalks)
Carrots (2)
Granny Smith Apples (2 small)
Pear (1)

Nothing amazing about this juice seemed to strike me. It still had a surprising back bite from something. I didn’t miss the radish or ginger; although I’m sure they would have given it an interesting character.

I recognize that I only want those other foods because I have positive emotional attachments to them, not because I’m hungry. It’s gonna be a long road ahead to change my thinking from eating from desire to eating out of necessity. This diet’s incredibly helpful with that road.

May you be blessed.