Tony Horton is a fitness god. He is somebody that leads by example when it comes to getting in shape and getting healthy. If you don’t know who Tony Horton is, think of the P90X infomercial on TV. He knows his stuff. He recently came out with a new fitness book called “Bring It! The Revolutionary Fitness Plan for All Levels That Burns Fat, Builds Muscle, and Shreds Inches.” I have had the honor to read through this book.
One thing this book turned me on to was the diet cleanse. This process takes you through 30 days of eliminating foods from your ordinary diet to become a clean eater. It not only helps detox your body, but it helps you lose the pounds quickly, curbs your cravings, gives you massive amounts of energy, and more.
I started this diet cleanse last week and will admit the first couple of days I was a grouch. I had a headache and I was tired. Now, I really feel great. I get up earlier than I need to, I’m on time to work and I have enough stamina to get through my day so I can make it home and exercise (P90X baby).
Some of the ladies at work asked me why I am doing this cleanse if I’m already in great shape. My answer was simply “for my long-term health.” My health is really important to me. Once we hit 2011, I told myself that I really need to start taking better care of myself. I’ll be 30 soon and I don’t need unexpected but obvious consequences to start aiming at me because I’ve made poor diet and exercise choices. I’m making a change now.
A good diet change is becoming a clean eater. This cleanse that I’m attempting to complete will lead me on the right path. A clean eater is someone who focuses more on natural foods. A clean eater consumes lots of vegetables, leafy greens, legumes, fruits, whole grains, soy-based proteins, lean proteins like seafood, eggs, and poultry, some dairy and nuts. This list goes on to what a clean eater eats, it just sounds challenging for those who don’t already do it because you have to read the labels, think about what you’re eating and yes actually prepare food beforehand. I know, sometimes it is easier to grab some Wendy’s. I live right next to a Wendy’s; feel my pain?
A bonus to becoming a clean eater is not just losing weight, but your whole body will appreciate it. Think about your pearly whites…eliminating all that nasty sugar and processed food crap might actually make them stronger. Then the next time you go to the dentist you’ll save some cash. And of course, the rest of your body will be thanking you.
For the first week, I had to cut out coffee, caffeine-containing products and alcohol. It was tough; I love my daily cup of coffee. The second week is a little harder. I had to stop feeding upon sugar and processed foods and gluten-containing products. This is where the clean eating really starts. The third week I will eliminate dairy and for the last week will be other animal products.
I think the hardest part of this challenge is the planning. I have to consciously think about what I’m going to eat for every meal, that way I have it with me at work, school or home. I truly believe I will be saving quite a grip of cash this month though, which is a good thing since my tuition is due in a week.
I am challenging anyone who needs a complete mental and physical uplifting to get the book, actually read the stuff in there, and try this cleanse and the clean eating for at least a few months. It’s worth your life to try pushing yourself to do a new routine that is demanding and very rewarding for something that will only last a short period. And if you decide you actually enjoy clean eating, then you should stick with it. That once boring salad will become the most satisfying meal of your day.