O No!

The issue of detoxing with dietary cleanses has been a hot topic on Small Bites over the past few days.

In what is an interesting coincidence, Oprah Winfrey has begun a 21-day vegan cleanse inspired by Quantum Wellness author Kathy Freston.

Freston, a self-described spiritual advisor (with no nutrition credentials), suggests this cleanse as a way to begin a "spiritual makeover".

Freston's belief is that spiritual enlightenment includes a diet free of all animal products.

Alright, full disclosure time: I have not eaten red meat, poultry, or pork since 1998.

That decision was made after being informed of what I considered to be cruel treatment and welfare of animals who later become food.

There was also the issue of the environmental toll resulting from raising animals for human consumption.

So, while I can certainly appreciate the ideas of awareness and enlightenment, I am put off by attaching a 21-day vegan "cleanse" to the concept of a spiritual makeover.

Going vegan for 3 weeks is not a cure for low self-esteem, anxiety, fear, or loneliness.

Furthermore, if this is about enlightenment and the use of animals as food, why does this cleanse also ban (UGH, UGH, UGH) sugar, caffeine, gluten, and alcohol?

Any plan that asks you to ban, forbid, or do away with certain foods or food groups overnight is a recipe for disaster.

If anything, such abrupt changes will leave you more irritable, moody, and cranky than Kumbayah.

Think of it this way. If you suddenly decided you wanted to start swimming, would you go for 50 laps your first time around? I don't think so.

Anyhow, Oprah started the cleanse this week and will update readers via her blog.

I will follow this closely and comment on anything that stands out to me.

Later today, I will take one of Oprah's sample days and see what we come up with from a caloric and nutrient standpoint.