Clean

After reading a post on GOOP about Dr. Alejandro Junger's Clean Program I was immediately sold on the concept.  While in residency in NYC, Dr. Junger encountered health issues for which specialists prescribed antidepressants, a route he wasn't interested in pursuing.  Seeking a different solution, he began to integrate his western education with eastern philosophy, healing and mediation.  He also studied the impact of lifestyle and diet on chronic illnesses, allergies, inflammation, insomnia and diseases associated with modern life.  The result is the cornerstone of his program which focuses on removing toxic buildup within and restoring the body's natural ability to heal itself.

I initially went on the program for two reasons: to rid my intestines of candida and to improve my overall health.  As a teenager I was diagnosed with lactose intolerance and hypoglycemia, conditions which can result in cravings, imbalance, and IBS.  As a result, I'm hyper aware of food's ability to heal and to exhaust.  I thrive when I'm eating right for my body, and nutrients are being properly absorbed,  yet I don't always have the willpower to do what is best for me.  I didn't feel restricted on this program and within the first few days I felt balanced, energized, and clearer.   There were bouts of lethargy and irritability, but for the most part I was able to hike or practice yoga every day.   Importantly, I didn't feel disconnected from the world while detoxing.  In fact, I had friends over for dinner and ate a few meals out.  Almost daily, I blogged on Clean's website sharing my discoveries, inquiries and recipes with the active online community.  Entries from fellow detoxers were riveting -- chronic illnesses dissipating over night,  coffee, sugar and fast food addicts swearing they'd never go back to their old ways.  After 21 days, my eyes are brighter, my skin more radiant and my clothes loser.  I can only imagine what transformation happened on the inside to create these exterior results.