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I Detoxed My Body By Eating Nothing But Fruit For Five Weeks Straight
Six months after joining Black Everywhere’s online wellness community, I remember feeling like I’d reached some sort of pinnacle. I lost a noticeable amount of weight, got my meal and exercise routines back on track, and was sharing resources with other Black folks on their own journeys. Baby, I was lit!
I truly didn’t anticipate any further improvements to my mental and physical health—until Kendra Patton, a physician assistant and holistic health coach, affectionately offered her Fruit As Medicine detox to the group. The program’s “eat fruit for five weeks” protocol was a tall order. “I can only eat fruit? For five weeks straight? I don’t know about that…”
I had never heard of the concept that eating fruit alone could heal your gut, and I wasn’t too excited about putting the concept into action. I was already on a plant-based diet, and those restrictions felt like more than enough; I gave up chicken for God’s sake! I was incredibly apprehensive, but Patton’s deep kindness helped ease me into the unknown.
Patton’s comprehensive FAM Detox includes a gradual introduction to the all-fruit diet, a series of targeted cleanses, herbal supplement recommendations, a 10-step daily wellness protocol, and a gradual return to other foods. Each cohort is a community where people can navigate their detox journeys together. By the end of the program, I released so many toxins I had no idea were inside of me.
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“The really beautiful thing about fruit is that it purges,” Patton says. “It helps your cells to get rid of toxins and waste. In layman's terms, it helps each of your cells; we have like 300 trillion cells. It helps them all to poop.” Even from an anatomical standpoint, human beings are hardwired for high fruit consumption—when you take our mildly sharp teeth, average hand size, and the length of our digestive tract into consideration. Fruit’s benefits to the body are also twofold. “The other beautiful thing is it's purging you out, however, it's also providing you with antioxidants and nutrients and vitamins.”
Off the bat, the FAM Detox gave me a new respect for grapes. A week after transitioning into the fruit diet, Patton’s first targeted cleanse involved a week of solely consuming grapes. “Grape week” as she calls it, highlights the fruit’s powerful micronutrients, making for a deep and effective colon cleanse. It was during this week that I found my first stomach-churning surprise in the toilet: I’d passed a large piece of fat. “Detoxing is gross,” Patton admits despite urging her clients to examine their poop. “You realize the level of nastiness that you have accumulated over the years—whether that be through mucus, gallstones, liver flukes, parasites, long worms, or even just that old toxic, stale waste that looks like leather that's been sitting in your body for years.”
"Detoxing is gross. You realize the level of nastiness that you have accumulated over the years."
Once I was past the discomfort, I started to notice that the FAM Detox was helping me build a more intimate relationship with my body. Coupled with taking a closer look at my stool, Patton also prescribes a set of daily wellness protocols to help keep the body’s detox pathways open. She recommends practices like breathwork, movement, saunas/hot baths, dry brushing, and enemas to help toxins make their exit.
“We focus on opening up the liver, the skin, the colon, the kidneys, and the lungs very specifically. And then we also open up the lymphatic system,” she explains. “You really should not detox and cleanse without those systems being opened, because what happens is you’ll eat all this fruit and high vibrational food, then the toxins will just be released into your circulatory system, into your blood.”
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Patton’s program makes intentional use of naivete; she gently leads clients through the process by presenting new information gradually. I was indeed more naive than I should have been about the various ways healing can really hurt. The FAM Detox introduced me to the term “healing crisis,” which describes the phenomena of symptoms worsening before they improve.
While headaches, nausea, and body aches were all par for the course, the daily wellness protocols also provided plenty of relief. There was, however, one hot bath that brought me more healing than I bargained for one night. After adding ginger to the tub for an extra detox boost, I found myself crying uncontrollably. I was incredibly grateful to have a community to turn to while releasing years of stored grief.
“Detoxing is such a spiritual and emotional effort that when you are doing it alone, it can really feel like you're going through your dark night of the soul by yourself,” Patton says. “And you probably are. If you're doing it correctly, you probably feel low at certain points.” Before the FAM Detox liver and gallbladder cleanse, she shares a concept founded in ancient Chinese medicine: we store feelings of anger in our livers.
For this cleanse, we avoided fatty fruits for four days before drinking a mix of olive oil and grapefruit. It was definitely a point where tensions ran high; I passed a series of tiny green-colored gallstones thereafter.
By the program’s final “master” cleanse—which features gallons of water, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper concoction—I’d traversed every bodily “ick” possible. I was dauntless when I passed a long, white parasite. I snapped a pic of that bad boy, feeling a deep sense of pride. After successfully ridding my body of toxins for a month and a half, I was forever changed. By the time Patton was leading us back into consuming other foods, my relationship with food and my body had been changed in one fell swoop.
“When people trust me, I do not take it for granted,” Patton notes. “And so the fact that people trust me on this journey, I think I found my purpose, and I found my passion. People can read that. People can sense it. They sense I believe in my work, and that I've done it for myself, and I have dozens of testimonials now of people who have trusted me, too.“
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This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
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Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
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Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images