I had always been curious about trying Ayurveda practices, but hesitated in taking the plunge, because it seemed like such a departure from all the "health" strategies I had always known. Carbohydrates were the enemy and restriction was the name of the game. I have always been a very active and athletic person, but despite that, it felt like my metabolism was catching up to me and I was carrying around 15 extra pounds that quite literally weighed me down- even my doctor casually suggested weight creep might just be a part of aging. After weeks of trying a new diet high in animal protein and restriction, my body felt terrible and I was struggling daily- just in time for Marissa to announce her glorious fall cleanse. She wisely said “these next 18 days will fly by, you may as well come to that end feeling incredible”- That was my calling!
The experience and outcomes were so much more than I could have hoped for. It was a complete 180 from everything I had ever done before (eating nourishing warm foods, grains, oats, vegetables, fats etc and eating to satisfaction- I never felt hungry and I never missed meat). I was completely surprised to notice I was naturally shedding the excess weight! But the grounding feeling of the cleanse was the most impactful. Life activities and situations that in the past brought on all kinds of anxiety (think complex family dynamics, chaotic kids’ parties etc) and would have me compulsively snacking or reaching for wine glass after wine glass; became a non-issue- I wasn’t feeling anxious, on edge, or “needing” anything- I was just there in those moments. As someone who has long struggled with anxiety, this felt like a new super power to me, and for that alone I am forever grateful to Marissa.
The lessons and wisdom Marissa shares during the cleanse are invaluable and she is truly there for you every step of the way. I am looking forward to taking these gifts of Ayurveda going forward into my life and am grateful that cleansing is a seasonal ritual which I will get to repeat!