Phase 1-
Your Journey Begins
Your 40-day journey to optimal, total body health begins with Phase 1 of The Maker's Diet. As with any endeavor, your level of commitment and the strength of your resolve at the start will go a long way toward determining your final results.

Phase 1 spans the first 14 days of your 40-day health experience and sets the foundation for your success. Chapter 12 of The Maker's Diet outlines Phases 1,2 and 3 and also includes greater insights on:

Establishing temporary food limitations - Phase 1 is the most restrictive, limiting disaccharide-heavy carbohydrate foods (grains, pastas, breads, sugars, etc.), resulting in a natural balancing of your body's core chemistry.

Learning to choose healthier foods - A huge part of succeeding with The Maker's Diet comes from establishing and maintaining a higher standard for the quality of food choices you make.

Understanding the value of Advanced Hygiene - As important to overall health as diet or exercise, advanced hygiene is completely overlooked by most simple diet plans.

The Prayer Factor - For greater resolve and appreciation, you can begin and end each day of your journey to optimal health with prayers of thanksgiving, healing and petition.

The Purpose Factor - It's also good to set aside time each day to become centered and maintain your focus on achieving each of your health goals.

Foods to Enjoy or Avoid
As Phase 1 is focused on cleansing your body and correcting imbalances, it is essential to begin by eliminating foods or chemicals your body is addicted to. For many, these include sugars, artificial sweeteners, caffeine and preservatives.

In Chapter 12 of The Maker's Diet, you'll find a complete, yet self-explanatory list of foods to enjoy or avoid. This quick reference will help in menu planning and grocery shopping, and will also prove valuable as you progress through the three phases of the diet.

Jordan S. Rubin on "Partial Fast" Days
I recommend a partial fast one day per week in each phase. (I suggest Thursdays, since fasting is much harder on weekends.) On partial fast days, you shouldn't eat breakfast or lunch, allowing the body to cleanse and rebuild itself.

For best results, try these tips:

• Consume plenty of fluids, especially raw vegetable juices and pure water.
• Continue to consume your cleansing drinks and other supplements.
• For maximum spiritual benefit, try praying each time you experience hunger.