Detailed in the 2009 book "The Quantum Wellness Cleanse" by spiritual counselor and wellness author Kathy Freston, this diet plan was included in an earlier book by Freston and became well-known when Oprah Winfrey announced she would give it a go. The subtitle of the 2009 book describes the diet as the "21-Day Essential Guide to Healing Your Mind, Body and Spirit." A main requirement is giving up certain substances Freston calls the "big five."
Features
The 21-day wellness cleanse is a vegan diet, meaning it focuses on eating plant foods and does not allow meat or any other animal products. The diet is not primarily intended for weight loss, although you will probably lose weight once you abandon the "big five," comments Diets in Review.com. Freston claims you also may experience increased energy, fewer aches and pains and a more stable mood.
The Big Five
The big five are sugar, animal products, caffeine, alcohol and products containing gluten. By removing these foods from your diet, Freston contents that you retrain your brain to stop craving them. You also give your system a break from foods that are overly processed and difficult to digest, says Diets in Review.com. The diet is intended to help you see how food affects you physically, emotionally and spiritually. Freston encourages "conscious eating" so you can break food addictions and release emotional eating patterns.
Foods to Include
The Quantum Wellness Cleanse focuses on fresh vegetables and fruits, along with nuts, seeds and soy. You also may eat brown rice, quinoa and gluten-free bread. The book provides recipes and sample menus. Breakfast might feature steel-cut oatmeal topped with fresh fruit and walnuts, or wheat-free pancakes, reports Diets in Review.com. For lunch and dinner, enjoy baked tofu, kale and brown rice, tempeh salad, black bean cakes, mixed greens, lentil soup, vegetable stir-fry or Cajun portobello mushrooms.
Additional Recommendations
Exercise at least three times per week for 30 minutes while doing this wellness cleanse. Exercise outside if you can. Walking, jogging and bike riding are good choices. Freston also advocates additional healthy lifestyle behaviors such as meditation, visualization and spiritual practice.
Considerations
This program may work for people who cannot follow certain other types of diets. Individuals with diabetes or gluten sensitivity, and vegetarians and vegans might like to try a diet that eliminates the "big five." However, some people may find it difficult to eat this way for three weeks straight. In addition, the spiritual aspect may not appeal to everyone, observes the EveryDiet website. Vegan diets also may not provide all the nutrients you need; consult your primary care physician before embarking on this diet.
