Well it wasn’t that bad, but after the first tequila shot came a complete disregard for my cleanse status. I followed it with handfuls of pistachios, pita and salsa, and my favorite Terra chips. It wasn’t pretty. I went to bed guilt ridden and bloated. This morning, woke and vowed to do better. I started with quinoa kitchari with broccoli, then this lovely green juice mid-morning. It’s chard, broccoli, apple and pea sprout. My body hasn’t taken in so many veggies in a while and is right now rebelling with a constant craving for Sweet Tart jelly beans. Nearly as pretty as the juice above and much, much tastier. Sigh.

Woke before dawn to start day one of the cleanse. I sat and waited for the sun to peak sipping the advised hot lemon water. I contemplated hitting the yoga mat but instead opted for my pillow and crashed until 8:30. Not the best start, but I did work through my practice around 2:30 and soaked in the lovely afternoon sun. Afterward, gorged on the beautiful salad above.  It’s full of earthy goodness: jicama, tomato, arugla, endive, cilantro. I drank the lemon olive oil dressing that pooled at the bottom then lay on my bed and took a nap with a full, round belly.

Three hours later couldn’t resist a shot of tequila before heading to the Wilco concert at Sloss Furnace

Wondering how tequilla suits my dosha . . .

I’ve embarked on Birmingham Yoga’s Teacher Training Program. After 16 hours of yoga asanas and philosophy this weekend, I’ve come away with a pulled shoulder and a realization that after 5 years of off-and-on practice, what I know could fit in my outstretched pinky toe.  As such, I’m determined to eat, sleep, drink yoga for the next couple of months–which explains the above photo.

Tomorrow, begins day 1 of a 15-day auyrvedic cleanse from my favorite cleanse book by Adina Niemerow. After identifying my dosha,  (I’m a Pitta marked by my competitive nature and hearty appetitite) I’ll eat veggies and grains to bring myself into balance and avoid foods that aggrevate my dosha. The theory is that when our bodies are in balance, we naturally crave foods that are good for us. Weight gain, eating too fast, not eating enough, etc.  are supposed to all be  solvable through ayurveda.

There are three doshas: Vatta ( Creative types, have a hard time gaining weight) Pitta, and Kapha (Grounded, gain weight easily). If you’re curious about yours, the Yoga Journal has a great quiz.

More than a diet, this cleanse is a lifestyle change. I’ll be challenged to rise and eat with the sun to better connect and ground me to my environment. I’ll be calling on the Hindu God Balrama, Hindu God for strength, and protector from desires (chocolate) to get me through this.

Namaste