The Obesity Epidemic. I admit I don’t always know how exactly to respond to this…phrasing. Sometimes, I think it gets thrown around with me more than other people. Those who know I went to nutrition school, or even those who spend more than five minutes with me, know that food – quality food – is an integral part of my life. Elbows are nudged when a fat person walks by, or someone who is overweight orders a large plate of meat (with a side of meat) at a restaurant where we eat. Some who don’t know me well, but have been around me a bit, expect that I’m vegetarian. There are people who’ve known me for years that forget I’m no longer a vegetarian. There is often more than a moment of shocked silence when I finally express my feelings around the words “fat” and “obesity” (and not being vegetarian).

Alright, I’m admitting it here first that I have yet to watch Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. I know, bad, bad me. But don’t worry – I’ve been a fan of his ever since I saw a BBC special he did a few years ago, going into schools in Britain and finding similar results to those in the US.

Cleansing usually feels good in the long run, but can equal a painful process in the present.
Challenges: Dramatic cleanse response, exhaustion.
Beneficial results: Insight into bodily well-being, connection with other cleanse devotees, release of heavy addiction to meat.
Adherence to the Diet: I out-dieted the diet.
Weighty Decisions
Last week, after completing a three-week cleansing program, I began a 28-day elimination diet. The elimination diet begins with two days of a liquid diet more strict than the cleansing diet, followed by a solid diet of rice, beans and fresh produce. Potential allergens such as …