The Quantum Wellness Cleanse Diet gained attention when Oprah Winfrey went on the diet as an "inner makeover," featuring the precursor book, "Quantum Wellness," and author Kathy Freston on her popular television show and blog. Although Oprah reported benefits to the cleanse, she was also candid about her struggles. Knowing what you're getting into is key to succeeding at the Quantum Wellness Cleanse Diet, according to Freston.
History
Attention for the Quantum Wellness Cleanse diet surged when Oprah Winfrey featured the author and book on her show in 2008 and decided to follow the cleanse and blog about it. In her blog on Oprah.com, Oprah discussed her trials and her discoveries as she eliminated foods from her diet and tried the book's recipes. Freston commented on the blog, offering food tips and advice.
Diet
The cleanse is a 21-day period in which you eliminate the "Big 5" from your diet: caffeine, alcohol, gluten, animal products and sugar. Freston advocates filling your diet instead with fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. The point of cleansing for 21 days, according to Freston, is that it takes that long for the body to adjust and begin craving healthier foods.
Requirements
A food plan is not the only aspect of the Quantum Wellness Cleanse Diet. Also included in Freston's plan are lifestyle activities such as meditation, visualization, journaling and exercise. These aspects of the cleanse help dieters understand old issues that feed their habits and uncover problems they may need to deal with to be able to lose weight or eat more healthfully, she says.
Benefits
The benefits of the cleanse, according to Freston, include feeling more energetic and less lethargic, feeling lighter and clearer, and needing less sleep. She claims that the reason her cleanse works is because it eliminates "trigger" foods for overeating, along with artificial depressants and stimulants, and allows you to find your own sense of "balance."
Criticism
A chief concern about the Quantum Cleanse Diet is that, as with any strict diet like veganism, which eliminates certain foods, it can become hard to follow and cravings can become intense for those foods. Freston herself admits that cravings may develop, but adds that the positive feelings of following the cleanse will counteract them. Oprah has admitted a powerful craving for a glass of wine by the end of the three weeks.
References
- "Quantum Wellness Cleanse: The 21-Day Essential Guide to Healing Your Mind, Body and Spirit"; Kathy Freston, 2009
- Oprah.com: Oprah's Blog
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