Four days into the cleanse, I sat at a prestigious work-related lunch where a plate of toast, burrata, and tomato landed in front of me. I couldn’t eat anything on it, since the cleanse calls for no gluten, dairy, or nightshade vegetables. So I sat there and smiled, talking with other women, while ignoring my fork. When the waiter came to take away my untouched appetizer, I sighed relief — it’s OK to say to no food.
Sometimes I feel the need to be a “yes” person while dining. Yes, boyfriend, I will split the fried calamari and flatbread pizza before the meal; or sure, BFF, I will help you polish off that bottle of prosecco since you just got dumped. Whatever the case, the cleanse gave me an excuse to opt out. One of my challenges after doing it will be to continue this behavior while also allowing myself to indulge when it’s something I want, not something I feel pressure to agree to.
