My Food Detox Journey

February, 2014

www.bethbeutler.com

Beth Beutler

In February of 2014, I had the opportunity to participate in an educational food detox program with Nourish2Live.com andHealth Coach Chris DeHollander.

The following is a slide show of my experience, which spanned about 15 days, and includes Scripture references I feel support the concepts.

I encourage you to consider participating in a detox of your own. It helps you learn what foods work for your body, and the ones you should limit or eliminate. Visit www.nourish2live.com today.

Detox Prep Days: Stocking up, making protein cookies, reading materials and doing success sheets.

Scripture meditation passage: Daniel 1:8-20

Detox Day 1: healthy wraps, carrot/orange soup, water based elixirs and a kick off phone call with Chris.

Scripture meditation passage: 1 Cor. 6:19-20

Detox Day 2: I discovered I started too early with a nearly full detox day yesterday. Coach Chris recommends a four day gradual prep and also giving time to think about the “what” and “why.” So today’s photo is of Romans 12:1-2. I know a proper mindset is part of this process.

Scripture meditation passage: Romans 12:1-2

Detox Day 3: Day 3 of 4 pre-detox days where we eliminate 1-2 types of food from a provided list.

Scripture meditation passage: Matthew 6:16-18

Detox Day 4: Although we can eliminate one or two more food types, we are encouraged to stay hydrated. I freeze pieces of fruit to act as ice cubes. I am also experimenting with using my Outlook task list to help me track enough water. (Note: I no longer do this but there are apps that can help.)

Scripture meditation passages: John 4:13-14

Detox Day 5: Smoothies will be an important part of my daily intake the next few days…like manna.

Don’t let the color fool you. It was delicious—almost like a milkshake!

Scripture meditation passages: Deuteronomy 8:16

Detox Day 6: It is helpful not to do this alone. These screenshots represent texting with a friend, and the private Facebook group, which provide a sense of mutual goals and community.

Scripture meditation passages: 1 Corinthians 10:31-33

Detox Day 7: Today God showed me three things that I idolize, all of which are being surrendered at least somewhat by this experience. The pictures represent the idol of speed and efficiency (it is taking longer to cook and clean up); the idol of achievement (I am having to learn step by step, not just be a natural at it and my weight is staying pretty level so far when I thought it would drop more); and the idol of pleasure/freedom to eat whatever I want. Is it worth it? YES!

Scripture meditation passages: 1 Corinthians 6:12-13

Detox Day 8: this has been one of my best days and the first day really out and about. I planned ahead by bringing healthy snacks and also becoming aware of the menu choices where I was going to have lunch (left photos). Planning and disciplined thinking allowed me to bring my husband a treat for his lunch (picture on right) and not feel any strong temptation to taste it while sitting with him as he enjoyed it. He has kindly tried the detox supper recipes with me.

Scripture meditation passage: Proverbs 21:5

Detox Day 9: Today I felt the need to rest so for the first time this year I spent some time in my outdoor chair. An achiever type, I’m feeling a bit down that I’m not accomplishing more today. But I’m remembering what I have accomplished so far and realized part of this process is to allow rest.

Scripture meditation passage: Mark 6:31

Detox Day 10: I haven’t exercised much during this and today decided to do 30 minutes between the rebounder and the stationery bike. I also felt I should curtail some time on Facebook. Healthy living is a process of sometimes adding things and sometimes reducing things.

Scripture meditation passages: Hebrews 12:1; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27

Detox Day 11: today is the last day of the main detox phase and avoid list. It’s tempting to have an “I can’t wait until tomorrow” attitude but I’m shifting to rejoicing in this day and the healthy foods I can enjoy. Coach Chris suggested we treat ourselves a bit so I will have a cup of coffee…decaf…and use almond milk rather than a creamer. I will also prayerfully consider what foods to select to add back in during the coming four transition days.

Scripture meditation passage: Psalm 118

Detox Day 12: this is first day of transitioning back. Adding a food I have not had during the main phase. This is brown rice and quinoa stir fried in coconut oil with mixed veggies and pieces of pear. Added grains today. So far so good.

Scripture meditation passages: Ruth 2:24; 1 Samuel 17:17

Detox Day 13: Sunday seems a good day to share about self care. I tried dry body brushing and had chamomile tea. I also regularly add a drop of different essential oils to a washcloth and soak in a warm shower to release the aromas.

Scripture meditation passages: Ezekiel 47:12; Mark 2:27

Detox Day 14: an experience like this sometimes requires flexibility. This is a salad I ordered while in the main phase. I didn’t think to ask them to remove croutons and cheese so I asked for a to-go box and saved them for the transition phase. It may have been better not to save them at all!

Scripture meditation passage: Philippians 4:12-14

Detox Day 15: it’s the last day of detox and this “happens” to be where I am in my Bible study, a study whose theme is not about healthy living. It’s a fitting concept to be reminded that God is the first Source of nourishment. He has given us many foods to enjoy but gluttony offends Him.

Scripture meditation passages: Philippians 3:29; Proverbs 25:16; Romans 13:14; Matthew 6:25

Post detox: my mindset change that started in May, 2013 was further strengthened by this experience. I’m in a debriefing mode now and developing my personal blueprint. These are some of the foods I’ll be using more often:

• Smoothies• Lettuce wraps• Roasted vegetables• Salads.• Proteins

Many thanks to Coach Chris for guiding me toward a healthier lifestyle!

Scripture meditation passage: 1 Corinthians 10:31

For more posts about living and working with value-based excellence, I invite you to visit www.bethbeutler.com and connect with me on social media.