
“Apples are a miracle of nature. They are raw and need nothing.”―LiWi Founder, Gary Nash
APPLE MONDAY
Designed to be an easy weekly "tune up," much like we dedicate one day per week for rest and worship, we should dedicate one day per week to a cleaner, leaner body through detoxification. This protocol is easy, and best of all, it works!
For one full day, eat only six apples throughout the day and drink six cups of herbal tea, plus plenty of pure water. This is a powerful one day cleanse that will keep you full all day.
Start your day off with plenty of pure water. As soon as you arise, drink two full glasses. If you need a little something in the morning, grab a couple of apple wedges. If you require a snack, eat a few. If you require a meal, eat several.
Eat them slowly. Take your time to chew and savor every bite. You will be surprised at just how good apples taste when your taste buds are not tarnished by the flavors of other foods.
Planning an Apple Monday:
When you wake-up, immediately drink two glasses of water
Then, drink a cup of herbal tea at 8am,11am,1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm.
(Sweeten with Stevia or my favorite, Lakanto if needed)
Eat an apple at 10am,12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm and 8pm.
Remember to drink plenty of water all day long.
If you experience any hunger during the day, you are not drinking enough water and herbal tea. If you get light-headed or dizzy (unlikely) have some lean protein with salt-free seasoning. It is best to have an Apple Monday buddy. A support group can be vital.
For the sole purpose of education, this information is in no way intended to diagnose, offer medical advice or recommendations. Consult your physician before changing or starting a new eating plan.
A Message from LiWi Founder, Gary Nash:
I wait until 10:00 a.m. to eat my first apple. By this time I am plenty hungry and 'oh how good that apple tastes. From this point on, I eat an apple about every two hours. I will usually loose between 2 to 4 pounds on Apple Mondays. I am always amazed at how well I feel at the end of this day. And, how well I sleep! You should be saying, “WOW!” I would like to point out, however, that this is a cleanse protocol; weight loss is not the goal, just an added perk.
Although any day of the week will work, I choose Monday because it starts the week off right. It also helps erase dietary "compromises" that may have occurred over the weekend. I feel my “Apple Monday” revs up my metabolism and prepares me for a week of digestion. I hope it does the same for you. Prepare to be amazed! (Apple Recipes)
Be in the Attitude of the Cleanse All Day. This is your moment of glory. Others will view you as a hero for doing this. Say positive affirmations all day and put them in present tense. Affirmations are not a wish of something in the future. They are stated as already being present.
Examples are:
-Life is why it feels so good to cleanse.
-Life is why I am so vibrant and healthy.
-Life is why I am so happy.
Coming Off the Cleanse:
The day after the cleanse, it is important that you don't dive back into heavy food. For breakfast, have another apple, a small amount of protein such as an egg and herbal tea. For lunch, have an apple and a salad with a small amount of protein.
How Apple Monday Started:
I have been very fortunate to spend my summers on a magical island in northern Michigan called Mackinac Island. Michigan is apple country. I look forward to the abundance of these fresh, crunchy beauties every fall. I can't get enough of them.
This past fall, in an attempt to loose weight, I started to eat an apple before each meal to help curb my appetite. The pounds started coming off. I also noticed how good I felt. My sugar cravings were nearly non-existent. My thought was...if this is working so well, why not supercharge this concept. Apple Monday was born.
Why Apples?
Apples are a miracle of nature. They are raw and need nothing. The primary benefit is their high fiber content. They are one of the only fruits that have a double whammy of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Think decreased hunger and cleansing.
Pectin is the soluble fiber which assures slow digestion, steading blood sugar levels. This fiber also bulks up in the stomach when we drink plenty of liquids, helping us feel full. In studies, pectin has been shown to curb hunger for up to four hours (a good thing on Apple Monday).
Along with fiber, apples are also a good source of Vitamin C and contain large amounts of phytochemicals called flavonoids that work as antioxidants in the body. These flavonoids have been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease. According to research from the University of Illinois, cancer-fighting compounds were found in apple peels. And, research from the University of Michigan found eating apples lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
This article is for the sole purpose of providing information and is in no way intended to diagnose, offer medical advice or recommendations. All information included represents the view of the author and is not designed for everybody, especially those suffering from health related ailments. Before attempting an "Apple Monday," or any type of cleanse, participants should seek the advice of a medical professional.
Courtesy Sources: American Chemical Society (2007, May 22). Scientists Isolate Anti-cancer Compounds From Apple Peel. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 3, 2011, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2007/05/070521094818.htm