That’s a Wrap - Assessing My January Cleanse

  January has come and gone. and like in the thirteen Januarys before, I now assess my annual cleanse diet. Unlike in years past, this year was unique in that the South Park community joined me. 

The month featured my standard Clean Program cleanse which eliminated all the common inflammatory foods (gluten, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and others) but it also included Community Walks with friends and neighbors plus some very educational Zoom sessions with the healthcare professionals from neighboring Dignity Health California Hospital. 

The end result was a fast month of interesting conversations and some dramatic (although typical) legitimate health benefits. Over the course of the 30 days, I dropped 20 pounds and my LDL (bad cholesterol) dropped from 141 (a dangerously elevated range) to 64 (back in the normal range).  Dropping one’s LDL 77 points in a month just by eating healthy is quite impressive if I do say so myself (my Dr. agrees). Staying vigilant to the course wasn’t stressful or difficult because I knew what the program entails and enjoy cooking some delicious recipes that I have enjoyed for years. 

We had roughly 15 South Park residents sign up and a myriad of folks joining us for the twice-weekly walks. I look forward to next January when we do it again and even more neighbors embark on the annual SPNA Community Cleanse. In the meantime, the Community Walk continues the third Thursday of every month at 6 pm at Wishbone Park. Hope to see you March 21! 

By Michael Robleto