Cleanse, over.

So we did it! Pretty amazing that 3 weeks went by so fast. And I meant to take a picture of me and Erich before and after but I totally forgot. I'm so glad that we did this and I am really proud of us. It was a challenge and I feel like it was totally worth it and feels so good to know that we're not totally dependent on sugar, gluten and animal protein to enjoy our food.

We've been reintroducing things into our diet slowly. . .or trying to. . . all week. Gluten was the first to be reintroduced and we got to enjoy some awesome veggie pizza on Monday night for my birthday. The nice thing is that Erich and I don't seem to have sensitivities to gluten, yay! brown rice pasta just doesn't cut it sometimes :) We haven't had any other issues with the reintroduction. . .except Erich, whose stomach didn't feel great tonight after having some chicken . . but it was a half of a full chicken and that might just do anyone in.

So, what changed: Well, Erich and I both lost weight, E, 15 pounds and me about 7; we feel healthier and maybe a little more energized; I do not crave sweets anymore and have really enjoyed the vegan dishes I have been preparing; and we now think about all the things that we're eating and how it will effect our bodies and health long term.

So, what are we continuing: Surprisingly I think both Erich and I agree that animal products do not need to be a staple in our diet which I definitely would not have thought could ever happen. Not changing to vegan lifestyle but definitely leaning toward vegetarian. . .maybe 70/30. . .we'll see. Cutting out sugar is a huge thing for both of us and I think one thing we are committed to sticking to, with the exceptions of birthdays and special occasions of course. Neither of us had an issue with caffeine and alcohol wasn't a big part of our lives either. I'm definitely not saying that we won't enjoy a glass of wine or beer every so often . . .I mean come on, football season is coming up :)

This all sounds so terribly cheesy and I hope it doesn't sound preachy . . .but I thought you all might be interested in how we fared and to see that 2 people who were pretty dependent on sugar, animal products, and especially gluten made it through 3 weeks without any of that! Thank goodness we did it and thank goodness it's over :)