A new year inevitably brings around some introspection and with it some grand plans to make some grand life changes. About a quarter of the way into this new year (What the FAQ!!) and most people begin to lose some of that positive momentum and old habits start to creep back in. Before it does, however, I want to appeal to whatever determination you still have left in you.
I would like to briefly (yeah, right, like I can be brief) answer a question that many people have been asking lately; in the hope that it inspires you to get back on track or, better yet, commit to a challenge that could quite literally change your life
"What’s the question," you ask.
Before I answer, here is a quick side note. Most people—myself included—have put on more weight than we would like to publicly admit in the past 12 months (thanks a lot COVID).
Apart from the pandemic's mental health related consequences, there has been a myriad of little things that have subtly crept up in our lives.
From my perspective alone, being in Melbourne and having been locked-down more times than any of us would have liked, has contributed to a few small bad habits. My life became far more sedentary: streamed way too much Netflix, traded the gym in for some weights in the back yard that barely got used despite my good intentions, drank way too much coffee out of both boredom and as an excuse to get out of the house (say Seeya Latte to that now) , re-introduced sugar, gluten, dairy and way too many carbs (all initially in moderation as comfort food from all the negative sh*t we were being bombarded with on the daily) and watched way too much news, which put me in a constant state of caution/pessimism/fear/anxiety.
Post-lockdown, many of those habits became the new norm. It's time for that to change ladies and gentleman!
These changes, and how crap my energy levels, body confidence, skin blemishes and the regular brain fog has led me to want to get my diet and health back on track. And many around me have felt that same and asked the question…
What the FAQ was that detox you used to do?
It’s called the “Clean Gut” by Alejandro Junger MD (NYT bestselling author), and it’s quite literally life-changing sh*t. It works off the premise that ALL health issues (physical and mental) start in the gut. It’s a really comprehensive book that covers topics and ailments such as:
- Weight loss
- Poor gut microbiomes caused by overconsumption of anti-biotics (in our own lives and from the animals we consume) and pesticides (from the food we eat to the things we put on our skin)
- Diabetes
- Cholesterol
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Psoriasis and Eczema
- Food sensitivities and toxic triggers
- Gout
- Bloating and diarrhea
- And many, many more
If you suffer from any health issues (don't we all) or just enjoy understanding how what you eat affects how you feel, I highly recommend you read the book. There's been a few iteration since the book was published, so you're also free to check out Clean and Clean 7 for Dr. Junger's most up-to-date recommendations concerning cleansing. There's a stack of great material and support for those programs, but I haven't done any of the more recent ones, so you'll need to do your own research.
However, if you're pressed for time, want a summary of the original book and want to know the straight to the point questions and answers around it, then you've come to the right place. Below is a summary of conversations I’ve had literally dozens of times with family and friends.
P.S. If you know what it is and just want the quick refresher and how to cheat sheet avoid the below and go straight to Pt II.
Q) What the FAQ is this Clean Gut, and how do you do it?
A) The Clean Gut is a clean eating protocol where you need to eat 80% veggies and 20% meats or fats for the month and stopping when you are 80% full. Oh, and breakfast is a smoothie. Soz. Oh, and dinner is typically an entrée sized salad and/or soup. Soz again.
Q) Are you are FAQing kidding me? How long does that go for ?
A) Uh, it's 21 days but technically that's just Phase 1: The Cleanse, but if you count Phase 2: The Re-introduction Phase, it's 28 days+.
Q) No FAQing way, that's too long, I can't do that!
A) No, I am not. But trust me, it is worth it. You will feel amazing for it (well, maybe after about the 4th day anyway), and it will change your relationship with food, health and wellness forever. And if 4 weeks sounds too long to change your life and feel amazing and get your health and wellbeing back on track, how long does four, five or even ten years of feeling like crap sound?
Q) Okay, you have a point. So get to the point, what am I giving up?
A) The main thing you remove for this gut cleanse are the 4 most common toxic triggers, which are in no particular order
Sugar
Dairy
Gluten
Coffee / Caffeine
On top of those broad 4 categories, there are certain specific foods you need to avoid. Here's a cheat sheet we got from the Clean archives and repurposed so you can print out and chuck on your fridge to make life easier.
I should mention here that the fifth major no go is alcohol, but who in their right mind would think alcohol is alright to ingest during a detox (no, you cannot have a Vodka soda!)?
Q) No coffee – What the FAQ? For the love of God, please let me have my coffee!
A) I know, right? I thought that I can do the others, but not the No Coffee rule! I need my creamy, heart-warming brew to wake me up every single day. We feel you.
Funny note aside, doing a detox and needing an alternative to coffee is where the Seeya Latte range was born. Later on, it has expanded from there. Swap your morning brew for a Turmeric Latte to repair your gut or a Lion’s Mane Latte when you have some brain fog and need a mental edge.
Q) Can I still have tea whilst on the Clean Gut?
A) You can, but only if they are herbal or caffeine-free. Fortunately, you are in the right place. All our teas are caffeine-free. We suggest the 30 Day Detox teas, where you’ll have morning and night teas to support the gut cleanse. And if you want to really repair some inflammation, try our Golden Turmeric tea to sip on throughout the day and keep your fluid intake up.
Q) FAQ it, I’ll do it. Give me the full protocol.
A) Easy tiger, I’ve just hit you with a heap of info. Go take 5, have a cuppa, stretch the legs, and when you come back, click here to get the protocol and summary of what to do to reclaim your life and health.
Let’s do this.
Disclaimer:We are not medical professionals and this is not intended to be a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. We are just sharing something that we have tried and has worked for us and many others. Before starting a new diet or taking supplements (especially as they can conflict with any medication you are on), you should always consult your doctor/clinician. This blog describes what the authors of the diet recommends, from food to supplements. We are merely summarising it for ease of reference, not prescribing it.
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