Clean Eating Detox?

bluestocking06
bluestocking06 Posts: 66 Member
edited November 20 in Food and Nutrition
So my girlfriend has been having some health issues recently, we're still testing and going to the doctor to figure out exactly what's wrong, but with all the stress that's come with that (including her having to quit her job due to the illness, us having to find a new place to live, living in hotels and short term rentals for a while, and now living on one income) our eating has been out of whack. A lot of quick fix meals, eating out more than we should, and just general either bad for you comfort food or bad for you convenience food. I'm sure that can't be helping the health stuff she's already dealing with.

We're thinking about a detox. Not the powders or drinks or what have you, just a month or so of really clean eating to get ourselves out of this crappy eating cycle. I've gotten a few books from the library (Clean Slate and the 10 day detox diet specifically) but I'm honestly at a loss. There are a ton of books and conflicting information. I don't want to do anything too drastic, raw or juicing is just not realistic for us at the moment.

I know for me I'd really like to get over the hump of some pretty intense sugar cravings and my girlfriend has been having digestive issues that may or may not be part of her larger problem. Does anyone out there have experience with something like this that could talk about their experience or give some advice? Any book/doctors/plans you really like/hate? Any advice helps.

Replies

  • jennybearlv
    jennybearlv Posts: 1,519 Member
    You don't need a book or plan to eat better. Get more fruits and veggies in your diet, whole grains, beans, lean meats. Five a day, food groups, you know the drill.
  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    Do some cooking at home.
  • Moxie42
    Moxie42 Posts: 1,400 Member
    I did Whole30 because I suspected something I was eating or drinking was giving me an allergic reaction. (Turns out I have a slight allergy to dairy and a more obvious allergic reaction to sulfites). It was difficult in the sense that I spent most of my free time planning, prepping, and cooking- I felt like my life revolved around the plan but that's partially because I get bored eating the same things all the time- I chose to spend my time this way because it made the month much more fun and interesting than it otherwise would have been. Some recipes I still make regularly to this day! It was also more expensive than my usual grocery shopping trips, but not as expensive as eating out all the time!

    I am a firm believer in "everything is fine in moderation" and I don't believe in "detoxes" per se. However, the plan did exactly what I hoped it would do- helped me identify foods that I had sensitivities to. I felt amaaaaazing physically and mentally! No heartburn or upset stomach, no headaches after the first week, no more bloating, tons of energy, I slept great, and my skin was clearer than ever. I also lost 15 lbs but honestly when I think about my experience with Whole30 what I remember most is how good I felt, not the pounds lost.

    It's not for everyone but if you suspect an allergy or sensitivity to certain foods, it might be worth looking into.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,988 Member
    OP, just so you know..................no Journal of Science, Medicine or Nutrition backs any evidence of "detoxing" the body with food or drink.

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  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    Sounds like two different issues: an elimination diet for her (which should be doctor involved, and sounds like it is), and just generally eating more healthfully for you. The two can be compatible, of course, and if there are foods she is avoiding for a while it might be easier and supportive for you to do it with her if you want to (although I don't think that's necessary, it's possible to work around it when preparing meals).

    For sugar craving, it sounds like a stressful time, and lots of people crave sugar more at such times (or if sleep deprived if that's an issue). What works varies person to person, but I found it helpful to cut out sweets and snacky foods that I tended to go to for emotional things (as that was my issue) for a while and to focus just on my three main meals.

    Sounds like having a consistent place to cook might be an issue too, so figuring out standard breakfast and lunch ideas that fit with what's available, her restrictions, are generally nutrient dense, and pretty easy would be a good place to start.

    Typically "clean eating" is something I dislike although many would say I eat pretty "clean" since I think it takes the focus away from what's really helpful nutritionally and makes it all or nothing. Focusing on mostly eating according to plan, eating better, making healthy choices, getting in fruit and veg and protein, stuff like that, I think, is more significant.

    I am a huge fan of homecooking from whole foods and focusing on nutrition, though, and that's consistent with what many would think of as "clean." Is cooking space/equipment/time currently an issue and if so, how much of an issue -- in other words, what are the specific limitations you are dealing with?
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