Our latest round of the Standard Process 21 Day Purification Program only has a few days left. Now is the time to look forward and plan how you will reintroduce some foods into your new way of eating and what you can do to lessen any pitfalls you may encounter.
One of the most helpful things you can do as you prepare to transition from the purification program is to discover your why. Why do you want to continue the new habits you created during the purification program? Your why can be a helpful tool as you continue your health journey.
Some question to consider as you look for your why. Why did you decide to do the purification? Why do you want to continue the new eating habits? Why is it important for you to take care of you and feel good? How will those in your life benefit from you feeling healthy and energetic? How will the world benefit from you being at your best?
Once you know your why, write it down. Write it in big, bold, unavoidable letters and put it in a place where you will see it everyday. Memorize it and repeat it to yourself whenever you feel you're about to step off the ledge into the old, unhelpful habit zone.
Remember, every so often you may need to revisit your why and change it if necessary.
The next step is the reintroduction of foods that were not allowed during the purification program. Below are some suggestions from Dr. Vanessa Golojuh to help with this important phase of the program.
Reintroduction:
Systematically reintroducing foods from one food group at a time is a great way to figure out which foods will make the cut. This method allows you to gauge how these foods make you feel, and if they cause any problems. Just remember, your body hasn’t dealt with some of the foods in these groups for a few weeks, so you’ll want to introduce each new food in small portions at first.
Also, it is possible to have a food allergy or intolerance that you don’t know about, so one of they key aspects of reintroduction is to keep a journal of how each food makes you feel.
Here's how it works:
You’ll follow the daily diet that you have been following the past 11 days. You'll reintroduce one food from a food group at a time. Let your body be your guide: if you eat toast and feel bloated or gassy, have a headache, or have any other symptom, note it in your journal. If your symptoms are uncomfortable but not severe, wait a few hours and try the food again. And remember, each person is different, so write down what you feel-different people will have different responses to the same food.
If you choose to reintroduce some foods/food groups you eliminated during the purification program, here are some things to remember:
Grains: Choose whole grains, instead of refined grains. Refined grains have most of their nutrients removed and are then enriched, so whole grains-which contain their original fiber, iron, and B vitamins-are a healthier choice. Eat a healthy range of whole grains that include quinoa, spelt, bulgur, steel-cut oatmeal, brown rice, and barley. Also consider soaking your grains. Here's how and why.
Dairy: This group includes products like cheese, milk, yogurt, and butter. If you choose to incorporate these items look for raw organic butter, raw milk, and real cheese (cheese that’s as traditional and natural as possible, the kind of cheese your ancestors have been eating for thousands of years)!
Nuts & Seeds: Nuts and seeds can supply necessary oils in your diet.
Shellfish: Shellfish, like shrimp and mussels, can add important nutrients like protein and iodine to the diet.
Eggs: Eggs are an important source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. You may want to reintroduce eggs after grains, so you can try them with a whole grain muffin. Or you could hard boil an egg and eat it at breakfast or as a snack.
Have fun reintroducing foods back into your diet, but make sure to only add in one food group at a time. This way you know exactly how your body is reacting to that particular food. If you are finding the food cause symptoms for you, I would consider cutting that food out of your diet.
Comments