I am scared.
I’m leaving New York City on my way to Martha’s Vineyard to start a 21-day detox. I’m with James Hester, the co-writer, with Roni DeLuz, of the New York Times bestseller, 21 Pounds in 21 Days: The Martha’s Vineyard Diet Detox. We chit chat about many things but I’m distracted. I’m throwing my crutches out the window and each mile takes me away from the familiar of cookies and cocktails. The bright side of this journey is that scientific studies show that 21 days of discipline to anything will change your life.
I’m doing this because I want to practice loving discipline. We think we’re loving on ourselves when we purchase the new shoes or have one more scoop. But often times these are buffers to protect us from the sting of our pain. I’ve had an amazing career in the film (as Executive Producer of Precious) and music worlds. The stress of these industries puts pounds on me and I’ve struggled with my weight for years. I’ve seen artists go on extreme diets. It’s a rollercoaster. I want to do something healthy for me.
We arrive at the retreat where I meet Dr. Roni, a small African-American woman who’s made healthy living her crusade. That night we have our soup of pureed vegetables and broth. Soup has never tasted so good before!
I dream that I dance with a glazed pink donut with silver dots.
Day 2
Metaberry juice to start the day. It’s a bunch of berries rich in antioxidants crushed together. Detoxing is a cleansing of the temple (John 2:13-16). your physical and spiritual essence. I ask myself, “What have I done lately to nurture my spirit?
Day 3
I’m starting to get into the hang of this and liking it. I’m putting maximum nutrition in small doses into my body every two hours. Green powder, fresh vegetable juices, my beloved soup! Water is key. Lots of it to stay hydrated. I’m learning that when you detox you need to be careful to find a program that is nutritionally balanced and that you stay on that program’s schedule. I’m okay except for feeling cold which, I’m told, is a byproduct of toxins leaving the system. Tony built me a fire and I sit in peace. I joke that the fire and a good book is my dessert.
Day 4
Something is happening. I’m craving my aloe, my minerals. My body is thanking me for this break. I am open. I have to get in touch with my body and not just my mind. I am letting go. I am thinking about forgiveness and moving on. As I feel lighter I want to shed it all, so I can skip into the next glorious adventure that awaits me. They say that day 5 is going to be incredible. I can’t wait to fly.
Day 5
I want to be quiet today and not speak much. We do a lot of communicating by text. My brain is becoming keener and I’m able to finish a document I couldn’t wrap my head around before. My foodie bud Gerry sent me an article about Shake Shack and that got me dreaming about burgers and planning an escape from the retreat. I find my cat burglar outfit so I can sneak out. Maybe I can tie the bed sheets together and lower myself out the window? My cravings are prompted by what James and Roni call a healing crisis. So I text her and she tells me there’s an herb you can put in your soup that has the essence of hamburger. Took a hour walk and sweated the crisis out. For dinner, I have an amazing soup with veggies and cilantro and the herb that substitutes the sublime essence of hamburger.
Day 6
I have metaberries for breakfast and they taste better than flowers! I still don’t like the green juice.
Day 7
I did a week! What a great sense of accomplishment. I’ve lost 10 pounds in 7 days. I thank God for continuing to support me on my walk. I am not hungry. I am dancing with the stars.
Check back next week to see how I’m doing. You can also view a daily schedule that will explain what I’m doing here.