Spring rolls around every year and the flowers start to bloom, the grasses come alive and the trees start to bud. New life is emerging from the darkness and cold of winter. At Root Yoga Center, we like to honor this seasonal transition with a group cleanse that will help our bodies rejuvenate and awaken after spending time indoors and eating hearty fare during the past few chilly months. We aren’t talking about a hard-core colon cleanse, the master cleanse or a fad detox diet. We are talking about a three week program with a uniquely effective approach to whole body detoxification. It truly has the power to change lives for the better and for the long-term when it comes to eating and feeling like a million bucks.
We could talk about how great it is all day long, but why not get a first-hand perspective from a few of the cleansers that went through the program last year.
Kelly
Why did you choose to do the Root Yoga Center cleanse? Did you have a specific goal in mind? Or symptom or ailment you wanted to address?
I chose this cleanse because it was ALL based on whole foods, which seemed more natural and holistic then doing a cleanse with powders and pills and what not. As for my health, I wanted to improve my digestion, eliminate acid reflux, reduce arthritis inflammation, and simply become a better cook.
Has it changed the way you eat over the long-term? If so how?
Absolutely – I don’t even want to eat food out of packages. My whole eating/cooking experience is so much more “tuned in”. I feel better on so many levels when I eat all whole foods. My digestion flows, my mental focus is enhanced, my energy skyrockets, and my pain is pretty much non-existent. Everything just feels better!
If you didn’t know how to cook? Could you still do the program??
Yes, the cook book guides you step by step with simple one-page recipes that are very straight forward. Before you know it you are cooking really amazing meals!
Would you recommend to friends? If so why?
I have recommended it to ALL my friends, literally. I have given the cookbook to friends for a birthday gift and many have actually done the program and totally shifted their eating habits.
What was your biggest take-away?
Finally making a connection about how I am eating and how that affects my overall health and feeling in my body. This is so much more than just a cleanse. It teaches you a truly sustainable long-term way of living, and brings about true healing.
Rachel
Why did you choose to do the cleanse at Root Yoga Center? Did you have a specific goal in mind? Or symptom or ailment you wanted to address?
I wanted to get my eating back in line and take a break from sugar and alcohol. I was enticed by the price point and cooking aspect.
How do you like the cookbook that goes with the cleanse? Do you still use it? How difficult are the recipes?
I simply LOVE the cookbook!! I use it all the time...the detox recipes overall are very easy -- even for an inexperienced cook. I also utilized the blog that went along with the cookbook -- great recipes there too! (http://www.nourishingmeals.com)
How has this program changed the way you think about food? Meal plan? Organize your kitchen, etc?
Since this cleanse I really started cooking in a different way. I use the cookbook I received all the time and now cook things and eat certain foods I didn't before. I'm definitely meal planning and because I stocked up on so many spices, and basic ingredients it is much easier to throw together a healthy meal.
What was your biggest take-away?
It opened my mind to a new way of cooking -- got me out of some pretty big ruts.
Jenna
How has this program changed the way you think about food? Meal plan? Organize your kitchen, etc?
Yes, definitely...when you stop eating many things like gluten, eggs, dairy etc...it forces you to explore other ways of eating...this cleanse helped me realize that there is a ton that I can eat. You also shop in the grocery store differently...mainly in the produce and the bulk section. In terms of kitchen organization - yes...most items purchased either go in the fridge or in mason jars in a cool dark place (my pantry shelf). It feels good to buy very few things that come in boxes or bags...
What did you think about the guidance from Dr. Caitlin? The weekly classes?
Dr. Caitlin provided a really nice space to discuss what came up for us during the cleanse - she also was able to answer many different types of questions. Classes were good and helped me keep on track.
Was it a big commitment overall??
Yes. Anytime you commit to a lifestyle change I do believe that it takes a pretty big commitment. Also - you spend a lot of time shopping for food, planning meals and making food for the week. This was time consuming but also a very important exercise for me. I became truly acquainted with slow food, and fell in love with it.
How did you feel comparatively before, during and after the cleanse?
Before - like crap, during ...you have to retrain your body regarding what "full" is - when you eat really clean - your body is satiated but your mind has cravings - dealing with your mind is much harder than dealing with your body sometimes. After I felt really great, and proud of myself that I was able to stay very true to the cleanse throughout the month.
Takeaway:
Like I mentioned before, gaining awareness of how my body can be totally satiated, but my mind still has cravings - being able to witness this dynamic without acting on it. Something I will keep in mind for the long-term.
These three ladies had a rather profound and long-lasting experience with the Root Rejuvenation Cleanse. It not only truly helped detoxify their bodies, but opened their mind to a new way of thinking about food and cooking. They have completely transformed their kitchens into healthy zones that arm them to make nutritious and fresh meals at a moment’s notice. And they all moved far away from packaged and processed foods and have not gone back. Kelly summed it up precisely, “Now I know exactly what is in my food because I am making everything from scratch. When you use packaged and processed foods you are letting the manufacturers control what you put in your body. Now that’s a scary thought!”
This program is much more than a cleanse, it is a life changing experience. But don’t believe the hype. Check it out for yourself.
Cleanse Details:
Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:30 pm, April 17th - May 8th in the Healing Center
Facilitated by Nutrition Therapy Institute Faculty & Board-certified Naturopathic Doctor, Caitlin O’Connor, of All Families Natural Health
Included : 4 weekly nutrition classes, 1 book - The Whole Life Nutrition Cookbook full of detox recipes, binder with schedule and education on the cleanse, menus & shopping list, community resource list, online forum, & e-mail/phone support from Dr. Caitlin
Click here for more information.
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