The Art of Reinvention

My career path has a life cycle of roughly five years. So, I might be due for another one any day now... More on that later.

Anyhow, I like trying new things and redefining myself. Some people just call it passion.

I wanted to do a triathlon, so I learned to swim. And augmented that to my elementary knowledge of biking and running (and sometimes walking while trying to get my breathing in order). I have swam the Hudson River twice now. Words that I never imagined I would utter in my lifetime.

Recently, I tried doing a detox fast to cleanse my system (with moderate success). That entails five days of just fruits and vegetables nourishment, followed by ten days of pure liquid sustenance, and rounding that of with another five days of the fruit-veggie menu. I am on the tail end of this cycle now and can't wait to eat real food... (Okay, still need some work on the attitude.)

There are quite some interesting revelations in this experiment.

• I have a food addiction.
• I don't need to gorge myself to feel satisfied.
• Meat and rice, seven days a week, does not necessarily constitute a healthy diet.
• My body can actually function without overeating. It may even function better.
• I like eating fruits. They are good for me and you.
• I like eating certain vegetables. (Can't win 'em all.)
• Water is nutritious. Try it with maple syrup, lemon juice, and cheyenne pepper...
• I can learn to cook.
• A blender is a way better appliance than a juicer.
• I think I would rather do a triathlon than fast. (See first bullet.)

During the fruits and veggie days, I was forced to figure out how to eat, literally. Sometimes I just made up certain dishes, threw veggies together in a pot of boiling water, or sauteed with EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), and hoped for the best. (Did you get the Rachel Ray reference?!)

It goes without saying that I was craving salt, sugar, carbs, dairy and meat all the time! (Those are my basic food groups.)

The mental breakthrough might probably be more valuable than the physical. We'll see.

Of course, there were mild side effects. There were dips in energy, which is similar in sensation when you overeat after lunch. You just want to go to sleep. And then there's the other stuff.

A potentially transformational experience such as this requires real heart, mental strength, support from your circle of friends and family, and a good deal of creativity. I recommend having a few of these in hand before your next adventure.

My fasting group leader did say that I was a glutton for punishment...