Day 18 - ebb and flow

I had alcohol last night. And sugar. And bread. And cheese. Whoops.

The drink felt heavy in my belly after I drank it, like it was just sitting there, which it probably was. I'm not sure why it felt that way this time, since I've basically had a drink once a week throughout the cleanse. Maybe my body is changing in how it reacts to these "Big Five" ingredients. Also, the warm brie that was so tempting and looked so delicious didn't really taste that great. I think my taste buds may be shifting.

It was, however, nice to go out with friends and just eat and drink what I wanted. I did look briefly on the menu for something cleanse-friendly, but there really wasn't anything, so I did the next best thing - had what everyone else was having.

It's interesting, though, because now that I've been a vegetarian for almost three years, I can't imagine ever wanting to eat meat again. Well, aside from the occasional wild salmon... I wonder if I were to follow a vegan diet for a long time, if I'd feel the same way about eggs and dairy products. Actually, eggs already kinda gross me out, at least conceptually. Plus I never feel great after eating them. Dairy's a little harder since it shows up in so many different forms. The thought of drinking a glass of milk also kinda grosses me out - I don't think I'll ever do that again. I never really liked it - even growing up I drank "blue milk" (nonfat) I think because it was the least like milk. Even though my naturopath didn't find me lactose intolerant, I think I really am.

I really think I could do the vegan thing. I think that might sit well with my body. I've been feeling good these past 18 days being (almost completely) vegan. I also like to eat out and eat socially and don't want to be a burden. But if it's about health, it's like being allergic to something, which people understand.

I will, however, be integrating sugar, caffeine, and alcohol back into my diet in moderation. I need to make sure I don't go crazy when the cleanse is over. The only time I ever fasted was junior year of high school for the 30-Hour Famine. That fast ended right at the potluck for Pirates of Penzance, and I ate a ton and felt totally gross afterwards. Yucko. Live and learn.