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The Ten Most Recent Comments By MiniMe

From Serious Eats

Espresso on Ice Is Not OK, and Other 'Restaurant Policies'

The whole problem could have been avoided if the barista had simply said, "We don't serve espresso over ice here. But how about an iced Americano instead?" (And as the customer found out, he did enjoy an Americano the second go-round -- he just didn't know he could order it the first time.)

This is far better than the provocative "This is against our policy." You can still preserve the integrity of your business while offering good customer service.

One incendiary comment leads to another -- both coffee shop and customer were at fault for passive-aggressive douchebaggery, and for blogging it out of proportion.

From Talk

The Ultimate Cleanse?

I've had a few friends who have done the Master Cleanse, and every single one of them swears by it. A lot of them don't do it for the weight loss, but more for the fact that it makes them feel great afterwards. They feel "purified."

I'm no medical expert, but I have the sneaking suspicion that the reason they feel so great is because after literally starving yourself for 7-21 days, your body gets its first taste of sweet, sweet food, and it feels euphoric. Well, folks, that has nothing to do with "detoxing" your body. There have been studies that show that during periods of semi-starvation, your body becomes preoccupied with food -- a natural survival instinct.

But I'm not going to completely knock the idea of Master Cleanse. The act of fasting has been around for centuries, and it holds a lot of symbolism in the idea of the power of mind over body.

Just don't do it to lose weight. It won't work in the long run. For a healthy body, moderation and exercise are best. And if you want to "detox" your colon, eat LOTS of fibrous foods: whole grains, fruits with skins, leafy greens and lots of nuts and legumes. Your poo will thank you.

Responses to Comments by MiniMe

From Serious Eats

Espresso on Ice Is Not OK, and Other 'Restaurant Policies'

Not everyone wants to make a "ghetto latte" - some people just want a stronger iced coffee drink. An americano is, by definition, more diluted than espresso, and that makes for one weak iced drink.

From Talk

The Ultimate Cleanse?

I tried the master cleanse about 3 years back, but only for 4 days (due to some life circumstances) Those 4 days were actually quite helpful, and kickstarted my weightloss and physical activity.
I was fairly sedentary (though I walked to and from work every day, about 1 mile each way) and had some poor eating habits.
After the cleanse, I had more energy, and began going to the gym, and eventually went from (6'2") 230 pounds, to 198... I've slacked off on the gym slightly since then, but maintained most of the eating habits, and currently I'm 210... It's probably not for everyone, but I did find that it helped, even for such a short duration. The energy increase was the biggest benefit I found.

From Talk

The Ultimate Cleanse?

I tried the Master Cleanse back in the fall, not really to lose weight, but to flush out all the bad stuff in my body. The "lemonade" wasn't actually that bad -- I had plenty of energy and was never hungry or grumpy. However, it did make me realize how much my life revolves around food because I was BORED CRAZY. No going out to dinner or drinks with friends, no cooking at home, no lazy brunch on the weekends -- not even my favorite cup of tea at night. I broke down 5 days into it, not out of hunger, but because I just missed eating so much. I really can't see a foodie getting into a cleanse like this. That, and the lemonade really hurts your teeth enamel. Oh and the benefits? There weren't really any. I wouldn't recommend it for much more than a test of personal will.

From Talk

The Ultimate Cleanse?

@chiff: AMEN! Having been zaftig my entire life, I have tried literally every diet on the market. The gods saved me by my getting pregnant with my daughter, I swear. Not only did I only gain 15 lbs. during pregnancy (understand, those of you who are inclined to disbelieve, I started at 185 lbs.), but I felt amazing (once the morning sickness dissipated). Reason being, I was eating fresh, organic-mostly, local and healthful meals...3 regular and two small per day. I contined said diet while nursing and just haven't stopped. Daughter is now three. I credit pregnancy for awakening my latent desire to nuture through good food. And, although I may never be thin--I like cheese and dislike vigorous exercise far too much for that--my weight is balanced, my skin is clear, my hair is shiny and I have the energy of a size six woman at a size sixteen.
Really, it works, folks...just cultivate a healthy and respectful relationship with what you put in your body and all will be well.

From Talk

The Ultimate Cleanse?

I've heard really positive things about it. Experts say not to do these cleanses too often, even though the Master Cleanse people say that you can do it as often as you want.
The lemonade is a great detoxifier, even if used without the fast.

Give it a try after you've done the research (which you're doing now).

From Talk

The Ultimate Cleanse?

@ original poster: Maybe it'd be better to just eat "clean foods". Lots of raw vegetables and fruits. Rice, clear soups, organic salmon (simply cooked).

I

From Talk

The Ultimate Cleanse?

i was reading about a book 21 pounds in 21 days. it's a juice cleanse/diet for 21 days. You juice fruits and veg and drink it. No chewing. There may be some protein powders involved.

It appealed to me because i'm about to have some extensive dental work done soon and will have to be on a liquid diet for a short while and this sounded like a good way to keep my nutrition up while not being able to chew.

If anyone has any ideas, let me know.
I've already got a list of stuff to have on hand and some recipes i have to pre-make as follows:

applesauce
yogurt
v8 (or juice my own)
Ice cream (Yay!)
Pea Soup (homemade)
Egg Drop Soup (homemade)
Potato & Leek soup (homemade)
Chicken stock
mashed potatoes
mashed carrots
I'd better get cookin, surgery is Friday.