Day 1: Transition
The Purpose
Transitioning is the time just before and after a raw food/juice fast where we taper off and abstain from our usual habits in preparation for the nourishment of our cells and the release of toxins. When I say “toxins”, I’m not only talking about the way we eat or drink but everything we expose ourselves to on a daily basis. The pollution we breathe, the chemicals we consume through drugs (prescription too), alcohol, cigarettes, the chemical products we put all over our skin and hair, the mental and physical stress we put ourselves through; which all produces hormonal imbalances within us. Even the mental baggage we carry around (and add to) each day. This collective accumulation slows us down, breaks down the immune system, creates obesity, fatigue, unexplained pain and disease.
As we will be focusing much on food consumption, it’s easy to forget about our mind and general mood. That being the case, I urge you to begin to transition off the distractions of constant talking, over-thinking, watching television and general stresses. With a job and family, I understand this could be a tough one. My advice would be to take it as a vacation from work (if possible) and just be very mindful that this time is for YOU. Completely disconnect from the “norm” as much as you can. Relax, meditate, do some stretching or light yoga, read positive books, soak in epsom salt baths, get a massage; this time is truly a detox from everything. Allow yourself to take full advantage of this opportunity and let it all go. Discuss it with loved ones beforehand to gain their support.
The Method
Depending on how often the following items are consumed, 1 day of transitioning may not be enough for your specific situation. Gradually, come off of consuming animal products, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, refined sugars, refined salt, flour/gluten, grains, processed/packaged foods, cooked foods, supplements and vitamins. If taking prescription drugs, continue to take them unless otherwise approved by your doctor. ALWAYS consult your physician before starting any juicing/detox program!
I recommend that anyone not already eating a clean, mostly whole food plant-based diet begin transitioning/tapering off each item daily from up to 1 1/2 weeks prior. This will help lessen your detox symptoms when you begin the fast. In other words, do not wait until the night before to decide to stop doing everything all at once; I promise you will regret it. Do not “binge” or go on “benders” leading up to the detox; you will be miserable, sick and giving up before you even give it a chance to help you.
My First Day (Saturday, April 2nd)
In my case, I’ve only reserved one day of transition prior to going 100% raw because I’ve been fairly clean with my eating and lifestyle. My focus on my transition day will be to abstain from flours, grains and lower my amount of cooked food; while beginning to add in more raw food. Then on day 2, I will be off cooked food and switching over to completely raw. That said, here was my day from start to end along with some photographed highlights.
Psyllium Husks w/ 8 oz Water
8 oz Warm Lemon Water
12 oz Green Juice (Kale, Collard, Cucumber, Celery, Lemon, Ginger)
8 oz Water
Mexican Chickpea Scramble with Mushrooms, Roasted Red Peppers and Spinach. Served with 1 Mashed Avocado.
8 oz Water
8 oz Herbal Tea (rooibos, elderberries, hibiscus flowers, currants, blueberries, schizandra berries)
16 oz Green Smoothie (Greens/Veggie/Fruit)
8 oz Water
Roasted Sweet Potato Carrot Soup w/ Cashew Sour Cream & Raw Hemp Oil drizzle
8 oz Water
8 oz Herbal Tea (Lemon Detox: Burdock Root, Stinging Nettle Leaf, Cleavers Herb, Dandelion Root, Lemon Myrtle Leaf)
Giant Salad w/ Greens, Beets, Cucumber, Tomato, Raw Nuts/Seeds, Avocado w/ Cashew Ranch Dressing (not shown)
8 oz Water
Small bowl of Raw Banana Blueberry Date “Nice-Cream” (not shown)
8 oz Water
8 oz Herbal Tea (Sleep tea: Passion Flower, Chamomile, Linden Flower, Catnip, Hop Strobile, Spearmint, Lemon Verbena, Lemon Peel, Lemon Grass.