The detox diaries

Week 2
I'm feeling good. I adore Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, so lentils and beans are a joy to use. We've also switched to brown rice and brown rice pasta, but we only eat it at lunch; any later and the body stores rather than uses the energy. My skeptical husband is hooked. He is determined to trim his manly belly and get his blood pressure under control. I haven't lost weight yet, but according to Joshi, "depending on your body, you may not lose weight on the scale, but unlike other diets, you're maintaining muscle mass, you're digesting better, burning calories and your metabolic rate is improving."

Worst moments
I sinned. I had a glass and a half of wine on Day 9 after firmly telling myself that I would be virtuous. Within an hour, a headache hits like a head butt, and I feel thick-tongued and washed out. I e-mail Joshi to confess my mistake. He is firm with me. "Your body doesn't want those things now. If you give it these things, it will repel them. If you go off the diet for one day, it's not the end of the world. It's about being sensible and taking responsibility."

I also learned a valuable lesson on Day 10: straight, undiluted beet juice should not be considered breakfast food.

Best moments
I feel so good about myself. I'm listening to my body and doing right by it. Unlike before, I'm not eating without restraint or out of boredom, guilt or distress because food has become an interesting fuel and a means of preserving my health. I feel bursts of energy and mental clarity. Admittedly, I'm not a fan of the weekly grapefruit-and-garlic cocktail, but I do feel the benefits.