Quantum Wellness

You no doubt heard that Oprah braved a 21-day cleanse in which she banned animal products, caffeine, sugar, alcohol and gluten from her diet. The goal wasn't just to lose weight, but also to achieve an inner makeover. The motivation for the three-week body cleanup is Kathy Freston's book "Quantum Wellness." In it, Freston claims that doing a seven- to 21-day detox is the best way to give our bodies a break from the hard work of digesting burdensome foods that, over time, wreak havoc on our systems and emotions. Freston says that temporarily removing these foods from your diet can help you break free from 'emotional eating and sugar and caffeine addiction. It can also help you get clarity, feel healthy, happy and more energized. Read on for Freston's tips trying her famous cleanse change your life.

Prepare For It
Make sure you're in good health before you start the cleanse, says Freston. Check with your doctor first, especially if you have diabetes or other health concerns. Just because you don't feel ill doesn't mean you're in top physical condition.

Get Rid of Trigger Foods
You may think your willpower can keep you from giving into a hamburger, but why tempt yourself? Before you take the plunge and start the cleanse, empty your cabinets and refrigerator of foods that aren't allowed. Banned foods are: alcohol, gluten (including wheat, barley, rye, and malt), sugar (including honey, artificial sweeteners and syrup), caffeine, animal products (including meat, eggs, cheese and butter). Stock up on a variety of vegetables, nuts, seeds and fruits.

Consider Trying it with Someone Else
Studies have consistently shown that dieters who commit to losing weight with a friend or join weight loss support groups have more success than those who go it alone. Applying the same principle to your cleanse will help you keep going through the early stages when it's likely to be the most challenging. You and a friend can help keep each other motivated and can swap tips, strategies and even snacks.

Know the First Days are the Hardest
In the early days of the cleanse you're likely to feel cranky, tired and sluggish as all your energy is going towards the detox process, says Freston. There's no way to avoid this unpleasant part of the cleanse, but there are some ways to help you cope: Rest is key, says Freston. Don't overschedule or push yourself during this time. Cut back on as much you can. You'll feel better by week two, she says

Prepare for Cravings
You're likely to experience cravings during your detox as your body adjusts to going without sugar, which Freston says is forbidden on the cleanse because it deprives the body of vitamins and minerals. Plus, it sends you into an energy slump after eating it, leaving you wanting more sugar for a pick-me-up. If you've been eating too much sugar, you might feel tired and slow without it and in need of a sugary fix. But going without it will help break the cycle and you'll eventually get more energy from less sweet food, eliminating cravings. Her favorite foods that conquer cravings: black seed crackers with peanut butter, a bowl of blueberries with almond milk, or a handful of walnuts. This should satisfy cravings for sweet, savory and crunchy, she says.

Caffeine Withdrawal
There's no caffeine on the cleanse portion of the plan. Freston argues that caffeine consumption leads to an increased production of adrenaline, which can build up in the body and cause tension and headaches. Also, the stimulation of the adrenal glands by caffeine can deplete them, which in turn, leaves you feeling tired and in need of more caffeine to feel awake, or even just normal. While skipping your morning cup of java won't be easy, Freston suggests ways to effectively handle your caffeine habit. Try drinking an eight-ounce glass of water with lemon, or a cup of teeccino, a caffeine-free herbal coffee during your usual coffee time. She also suggests resting and slowing down as you ease off the caffeine.

Journal
In addition to changing your diet, keeping a journal is an important part of the cleanse. Following a cleanse is a break from "living on autopilot" and forces us to become aware of our feelings and our actions. "Sometimes we eat or drink to cover up emotions, like anger and anxiety, but when your usual pattern is disrupted, you'll become more aware of feelings you've been trying to avoid," says Freston. Use your journal to become more aware of what is going on in your life: Write down your feelings, memories and thoughts about relationships. "Sometimes you just need to be quiet and let yourself think," she says.

Keep Moving
Taking it easy during your cleanse doesn't mean you shouldn't get any exercise. Moving your body is crucial for your overall mental and physical well being and improves your confidence and self esteem. During your cleanse, go for walks in the fresh air, take deep breaths and enjoy your surroundings.

Meditate
When some people hear the word "meditate," they are intimidated and turned off. Simply close your eyes and take 10 deep breaths. Consciously feeling the breath going in and out of your body will center you and energize you, says Freston.

Create More Awareness
After your cleanse, don't just go back to business as usual, says Freston. If you return to eating animal products, think about how it got to your plate and whether you're you're okay with that. If you eat sugar or drink coffee, consider how you feel the next day and think about cutting back on both. Eat as much fresh, whole food as possible and buy organic when you can. Give yousrelf the time and space to think back on this process, she says. Refusing to go back to your old ways is the way to achieve the next level of wellness.