Rinna, DON'T GIVE IN!!!!
Unless you body is telling you there is something wrong
then don't just give into your cravings. The craving thing is All
mental. You are stronger than your cravings. If you are like me,
than the food is what got you here in the first place.
Keep thinking that the food will be there when your done cleansing
your body of all the toxins that have been making you feel this way. I think we all have food isues to begin with and I know I have one of the largest food deamonds in me. I just keep telling myself that the food is what has made me sick for along time and I'll be damned if I'm going to let it get the better of me, especially when we've come so far!
Stay focused,and positive and you'll do GREAT!!

Carm :) :) :)

p.s. can you still not find any maple syrup?
In the book I don't think Stanley recomends anything but.

Good Luck and keep your energy!!

Hi Rinna,

Sean here...

I haven't posted in a few days. I'm on day 8- just one ahead of you. I make a gallon jug of lemonade everyday and I'm actually having a hard time finishing it. Funny thing is I've had an equally hard day and it is totally not diet related-- BUT the comfort of food calls to me. Nothing quite like burying your woes in a box of chocolate chip cookies, or a fudge brownie, or ice cream (I'm a sweet freak, and I'm sorry if I'm pressing any buttons... guess I owe ya--lol.)

My only advice to you Rinna is to remember that it is ok to stop... that's right: it's ok. I'm not telling you to and I'm not encouraging you to but I do know that your experience thus far is a reference point, and should you opt to take this journey again down the road, you'll know the "terrain" and be able to come fully prepared-- mentally, emotionally and spiritually. You don't climb Mt. Everest in shorts and you don't Skydive in ski boots (well maybe... but only if your really weird!)

For what it's worth, this is my second time around. My first, the days oozed by like cold molasses (no pun intended), but here I am, at the end of day eight, and I can honestly say that this has been a pleasure cruise in comparison. I'm not sure how far I plan on taking this, but I do know that I am surprised how much easier it has been... it's amazing what a little perspective will do for you.

So sleep on it. Close your eyes- be still- breathe deep- think about your loved ones- think about what you set out to do and if you're on the right path- think about your state of mind and what's right for you... and YOU only. This isn't a competition; you aren't less of a human being if you take a different path. The point is to grow, and clearly you've already done this, so whether you go three days or thirty makes no difference.

What is important to remember is that by choosing to explore the MC, you've made a decision that will irrevocably change you for the rest of your life-- you've opted for health, as opposed to unhealth-- this thing which is seemingly inescapable in everyday life. People often refer to the notion of common knowledge or common sense, yet if we ignore what is commonly known, then how "common" is it really? The higher choices will take you to higher places, and you've chosen an "uncommon" path, along with everyone else on this forum.

When you started the MC, the time was perfect; when you stop, the time will be perfect too-- only if you allow it to be. Take solace in this.

... and don't forget to smile.

God bless,

Sean

Reno, Nevada

Rinna,
I was going to post to your message this morning but didn't have enough time. I hope you are feeling better. I think that the maple syrup might help. The Sugar composition is different and might not alter your blood Sugar level as much. I know you are strapped. I wish I could send you a gallon of the stuff I have--it is great. I get it from a co-op grocery two blocks away and it is so inexpensive.
I know you won't quit--you only have two more days to go and remember that nothing is as bad a getting through day one!
PDeXiting