Hi all,
Thought I might just drop in a line or two as well on the whole detox experience since some of you have been asking how I’ve been doing. So here is a short summary of my experience through day 8.
Let me begin by saying that this is probably one of the hardest things I have done–especially around food–and I’ve been on my share of “diets.” I’ve been humbled by how hard it has been actually because, like I’ve said, I’ve been round the block when it comes to diet programs. I’m not sure exactly why the journey has been so difficult for me but it has. I have had a lot of nausea. Not horrible, but enough that most of the time the thought of food or the smell of food turns my stomach a bit. My best days have been day 6 and 7 but yesterday it returned again. That makes everything harder–the smoothies in the morning are hard for me to get down, same with lunch and same with dinner. I haven’t been able to take all the supplements we’re suppose to take because my bowels are backed up. So, each day I have been counting down 🙂 The first two days were very difficult. I felt awful–had a terrible headache. I had to cancel a meeting on day 2 because I felt like crap. I ended up working from home all week. Luckily I felt pretty good on Sunday (day 6) so could go off to church and be present there. I quite sure I would have thrown in the towel on day 4 if it hadn’t been that I was doing it with Doug. He was determined and he just quietly encouraged me. So here I am at day 9!
On the bright side, I have lost about 8 lbs and a couple of inches. The results are encouraging but it’s left me with all sorts of questions about food and the role of food in our lives. So much community and relationship building happens around food. And, I’ve realized that food brings a lot of joy into my life. I’ve been quite miserable the last week or so. Is that worth it? I often walk with people in the last moments of their lives. I have never once heard someone say “wish I hadn’t eaten that cookie.” On the other hand, I’m 54 and I’m not on any medications for blood pressure or cholesterol, I’m not pre-diabetic. I’m thankful and I want to pay attention now before they become an issue.
Anyway, these are just some of the thoughts this journey has brought up for me over the last 8 days.
amstutzfamily5 
Thanks Wanda! Based on Doug’s reflections I’ve been wondering how you had the energy to do ministry during this detox. I also appreciate your reflection around the role of food in our lives. You are a brave woman! I’m so glad that you and Doug have been able to support each other through this.
Thanks Jeni! Can’t say I’m sad that tomorrow is the last day 🙂
Great line: I have never once heard someone say “wish I hadn’t eaten that cookie.”