12-day post-cleanse follow-up.

Since it's been so long since my last post, I'll stick with the important events that have accumulated post-master cleanse.

First, I had some home-made pizza with my new friends on day two of re-entry to the eating world. The cheese did not feel nice. Since then, I don't think I've had any major dairy products, save for a blueberry cheese danish I enjoyed at the local hippy joint. I also haven't eaten any significant portions of meat. I tried bites of chicken and prime rib at work, and a bite of my roommate's lamb gyro. I will probably treat myself to some sushi soon, and have dinner plans next tuesday to a western meat restaurant. Because this includes free-range indigenous animals, (bison, elk, etc), I have no problems consuming flesh. Obviously since I'm in the desert that does not include fish, but as I am a native island person, I have no desire to cut that out of my diet. Only to significantly reduce it.

After weighing myself before writing this, I realized that I have gained 4 pounds since the cleanse ended. Because the vast majority of the fuel consumed has been organic fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts-- and since I've been exercising every day-- I can happily say it's been lean muscle.

My first glass of wine was day 2 post-cleanse. I had two glasses of chianti while discussing future music endeavors, and had a decent buzz. I also went to "ladie's eighties" last Wednesday, where beers were 25 cents, and got drunk enough off 3 beers to dance like a hot fool with some gay dance majors (much to my pleasant surprise, the nearby university has a dance program).

This past weekend, I took advantage of a yoga studio's summer solstice celebration by taking two yoga classes in exchange for some canned food donations I took from cupboards of roommates past. I've decided to join their studio next week. There is also 5 dollar bikram classes on wednesday and sunday at the bikram studio, which I am checking out tonight in a few hours. My endurance has doubled since eating again, which I'm taking advantage of by re-starting my yoga obsession.

By day two post-cleanse, I realized how much more sluggish I was now that my digestive system had to do work again. While cleansing, I had no need to ever think about needing caffeine to continue my day. Although it's only been organic mate and a soy chai, I've noticed dips in my energy levels coinciding with ingestion of food. My daily food intake is now less but more frequent, with much healthier choices. I have taken full advantage of the bulk food section at the natural food store, and am eating as cheaply and healthily as possible.

My new favorite snack post-cleanse: curry chickpea nibblers. I take dried chickpeas (~$2/lb), soak them overnight, and boil them until soft. I then stick them on a baking sheet, add a little olive oil, curry powder, and sea salt, and bake at 400 for about 45 minutes. They take some planning ahead, but they're cheap little nuggets of protein I can carry with me anywhere, and they taste great. Whenever I go grocery shopping now, I aim for different fresh fruits and veggies, and bulk nuts, beans, rice, grains, and spices. My body craves a simple, basic, and balanced diet, and because of nearby facilities I am able to consume everything organically.

I can't think of anything else to add about my post-cleanse experience, other than to say I am still planning on cleansing again before Allie Morgan's wedding in October. This time, my boyfriend said he'd join me, since we'll finally be living together again. It will be nice to have a partner in the endeavors.

If you have any questions about the cleanse, my experience, or anything else, either leave comments or gmail me:
iamadiscoverer@gmail.com

Thanks for following, and good luck in the preservation of your fleshy vessel.