Day 13 - Boredom

We're really in the doldrums now, aren't we? We're right in the middle - far enough from the beginning that the newness has worn off, but so far away from the end that it's nowhere in sight. And everyone's been quiet for the last few days - how are you doing?

This is where things can get boring and when boredom sets in, all sorts of hazards pop up. I get cranky when I'm bored. And when I get cranky I want to eat. Or drink. The bad stuff. You know what I'm talking about - that mindless, hollow-eyed, open-mouthed gorge fest in front of the TV with a simple, constant hand-to-mouth movement and rhythmic grinding of the jaws - it's enough to level the brainwaves and numb the mind. (They say Yoga's supposed to have a similar effect, but after years of practice I've never achieved the same bliss that occurs when my fingers are covered with Cheetos dust and I'm watching Molly Ringwald and the rest of the Breakfast Club punk dancing in the library of Shermer High.) So when I'm cleansing and hit that wall of boredom I can get pretty edgy and irritable. And I need to find something else to keep me busy. Or calm me down.

On Wednesday I took a bike ride with my husband after work. I didn't want to go because it was so windy - I hate riding my bike in the wind. But this time I decided use it to my advantage. I welcomed the added resistance as a way to intensify my workout. We only rode about 9 or 10 miles but when we got home I'd burned off enough stress that I was much more relaxed than before the ride. I whipped up a nice plate of leftovers for dinner, then settled in with my book - "Blogging for Dummies" (what else?!). So instead of falling off the wagon I got two great things out of the evening - a nice workout and more information about blogging. On top of that, I got to do something enjoyable and healthy with my husband. And I slept like a baby.

Last night I did a Yoga workout and some more reading. Then I studied Italian. No Cheetos required.

So what are you doing to to alleviate the boredom and restlessness that often accompanies this part of the cleanse? Anyone have any good ideas? And how are you doing in general? Would love to know!

Sleep - Day 9

By now it should be much easier to sleep. We're already heard from some cleansers who have said they're sleeping better than before they started cleansing. And it stands to reason - you’ve eliminated caffeine, sugar and booze – all major culprits in the conspiracy to keep you from getting the quality z's you deserve. Our friend and fellow cleanser Kathleen said, “Now I know that if I feel tired, it’s because I really am. I’m not crashing from caffeine, sugar or the wine I had last night – I’m legitimately tired.” How succinctly and beautifully put! Her body's doing exactly what it's supposed to do!

If you typically fall asleep in front of the television, now is a great time to try turning it off before you close your eyes. You’ll save some energy and probably improve the quality of your sleep – those flashing lights can’t be good! Same thing if you’re a reader who winds up slumped over and drooling into your book while propped up against a few pillows. Turn out the light and see what happens. Chances are you’ll drop off quickly - and your neck will thank you for it in the morning!

Waking up should be easier, too. You might look more awake in the morning; less puffy, perhaps. And check out your eyes – they’re probably clearer and more alert-looking. Don’t you love waking up… awake?

Be sure to check out Prevention Magazine for a great article - "This is Your Body Without Sleep." At the end of the article there are tips to help you get your sleep routine together.

Here's to a fine Day 9!

When to Buy Organic - The Shopper's Guide to Pesticides

This post is an oldie but a goodie - it might help make your shopping trips a little easier. The Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 are the 12 fruits and vegetables you should always buy organic, and the 15 fruits and vegetables that are safe to purchase in non-organic form. It's all about pesticides and their ability to permeate the food. So take a look at this before you make your next run to the grocery store - then you can make informed decisions and feel good about the food you're eating!

Day 11 - Preening Your Produce

We never know who’s been handling our produce, but it’s safe to say that it’s felt the touch of many hands, from the farm to the processing plant, from the shipper to the merchandiser. And once it gets to the produce section or the farmer’s market, all bets are off. Next time you’re grocery shopping, take a look at all the people touching, holding, and pressing fruits and vegetables as they check for ripeness. Then watch what they do with their hands.

Okay, before you shun all things fresh and run to the processed food aisles, just remember that proper cleaning can eliminate all the … stuff that’s accumulated on your prized produce. And you probably have the perfect solution in your home already. It’s hydrogen peroxide. The United States Food and Drug Administration considers hydrogen peroxide an approved and safe way to kill bacteria.# Here’s what you do:

Don’t wash produce directly in your sink – the sink is one of the most dangerous places in the home because it’s loaded with bacteria. Be sure to use bowls for soaking and washing produce.

Produce - Fill a large bowl with cold water and add 1/4 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Soak the fruit and veggies for about 1 minute; then rinse with running water. According to scientific research, this process kills E. coli and bacteria effectively.*

Cutting board bacteria - Cutting boards can contain about 200% more fecal bacteria than a toilet seat. Keep them clean by soaking a paper towel or damp cloth in peroxide and wiping the wood or plastic board. The oxidizing agents kill salmonella and other organisms that can make you sick.*

# Information from ehow.com.
*Information from http://hubpages.com/hub/10-Great-uses-for-Hydrogen-Peroxide