Dr. Frank Lipman became certified in internal medicine before writing a trio of health books about his detoxifying philsosophies and developing his own line of products and practice in NYC. His two-week cleanse ($229) is meant to help you feel more energized and mentally focused. Participants are given individual packets of powder to mix into three shakes per day, digestive enzymes to be taken with a light lunch and dinner, and a bottle of Glutamine tablets to help with sugar cravings. It focuses on helping you eat a plant-based diet, while restricting foods that can cause sensitivities including gluten, dairy, eggs, nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant), and peanuts. By taking these out and then later, slowly, adding them back in one by one, you can discover any sensitivities or allergies you may have. Unhealthy substances are also nixed, including alcohol, caffeine, processed food, and high-sugar fruit like bananas, grapes, and strawberries. Find the list of approved and restricted foods here.
Dr. Lipman’s cleanse appealed to me because it felt doable, unlike the some of the extreme Gwyneth Paltrow or Tracey Anderson-strict plans. I knew I would be eating at least five times a day including two solid-food meals, and if I needed to, I could dine out (farm-to-table restaurants are preferred). You can do this cleanse anywhere, anytime since you just mix the shake packets with H2O, nut milk, or coconut water. I actually made most of mine into smoothies, which kept me fuller since I limited my grain intake (recommended for weight loss).
You’re also not alone: Dr. Lipman’s team of nutrition experts are available while you’re doing the cleanse to answer all questions (Why am I bloating? Are these chicken sausages approved? Etc.). I called and emailed them throughout the process and found everyone to be extremely helpful.
And now onto what I learned during this detoxifying journey!
