The Prime
 

Anyone doing The Prime? I've embarked on it this weekend and was looking for buddies. Supposedly it helps you lose weight but my doctor recommended it as a detox for my gut. It's written by a neurologist who practices Ayurvedic medicine as well. I'm in the first stage.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Prime-Prep.../dp/1101904313

I've been drinking the tea which is the first and most important part of the program. I really like it. I was really nervous before I started that I would not like the tea, because you have to drink so much of it. But it's very light, slightly fragrant - it's not bitter, it's not overpowering and it's very easy to drink the 5 cups per day. I've also started taking the triphala and tonight will take the fiber drink as well as do the lymphatic massage. I'm already feeling pretty amazing from the tea alone.

This sounds interesting, Palestrina. I may have to check it out.

Are the items that you need easily available? I'm assuming much of it comes from health food stores. I live within walking distance of both a Whole Foods Store and a brand-new Sprouts. Could I find what I need there?

I read some reviews of the book and it sounds like something that could certainly benefit me, as I know I suffer from inflammation.

Yes I've gotten everything I needed so far from the health food store easily. The program is set up in 4 different stages and I'm on stage one where I will remain for 4 weeks. There is a Gut IQ test in the book you can take that will indicate how long you should stay on each step and since I have to stay so long on step one I just got what I needed for that. I haven't tried getting the other herbs yet but there is a resource section in the book that gives you an online sourcing. There's also amazon, all that stuff is there too. I had to buy the silk gloves on amazon cause I didn't find them at the store but I didn't look hard enough, they might available elsewhere.

The book is very new so I don't know anyone else doing it. It'd be nice if there was some online support. There are some videos of Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary on youtube I'm checking out.

Hopefully someone will come along who's started the Prime and we can support each other. In the meantime, I've been on stage 1 since the weekend and I'm already starting to feel better, more alert. I've been sleeping better too. The tea is delicious but the fiber drink (psyllium husk and ground flax seed) is gross, I can't get through the whole glass lol because I can't find glad seed ground finely enough. The taste is not bad but if the texture is like that of pulpy orange juice, which I also evokes my gag reflex.

I'm really enjoying the lymphatic massage and my silk gloves just arrived today so I'll be doing it as intended. It'd be nice if the book listed some video reference on how to do this massage.

Thanks for the update, Palestrina.

I have reserved the book at my local Barnes & Noble (when I decide I want something I want it NOW and don't have the patience to wait to get it from Amazon). I will be picking it up this afternoon and am looking forward to reading it.

The tea doesn't sound bad but the fiber drink makes me gag just reading about it! Goodness knows I probably need it, though.

The good thing is that you only need to drink it every other day.

The lymphatic massage has quickly become a good source of self care. It's not easy to fit in everyday but I'm managing well. It makes my skin look nice and I notice a decrease in my cellulite. Admittedly I have a lot of cellulite but i do see an improvement.

I just started my second week. My appetite is greatly diminished. And I lost 2 pounds the first week.

Fantastic. I'm not weighing myself and I've been on it for over 2weeks. I do feel great though.

I just finished my second week. My cravings have gone away, and I lost another pound. I absolutely love the program. How are you doing with this program?

Palestrina, did you find online videos on self lymphatic massage? I googled "how to do lymphatic massage" and got a lot of results including a few U Tube videos.

Auburnmom thanks for checking in, glad to hear you're doing well on the program how are you doing with the fiber? I hate it terrifically and I only do it 2 times a week. But I think it's ok because I've never had problems with constipation and in very regular (sorry for the tmi).

Wannabehealthy I went through YouTube videos and I realized there is a difference between lymphatic massage and garshana which is what the Prime advocates. There was only one video I found about garshana. I think I am doing it correctly but it'd be nice to have a more detailed description of it than what is in the book.

I don't know if I've lost weight. I am trying not to use this program as a weightloss method, instead I am just trying to make it about self care and cleaning my gut which is its original purpose. I know the book is being marketed for weightloss but for me weighing myself will be a trigger. In the next stage we are supposed to be doing a cravings journal though I may avoid that trigger as well.

Pros: my cellulite is looking much smoother. I love the tea. I feel more clearheaded and I have more energy. My skin looks fantastic.

Cons - I did experience a lot of joint pain but that seems to have gone away.

Thank you for mentioning the joint pain, my joints hurt terribly. I'm doing good with the fiber. Have you started using the bone broth? I'm vegetarian and I can't convince myself it is okay. This is my first time blogging, I'm such an introvert. Good to get out of my comfort zone.

Yes I couldn't figure out the joint pain and why it was so strong in my knees. I thought I was injuring myself physically. But I find that it helps to read through the stage 1 chapter every week, I hadn't remebered reading about the joint pain until I reread it later when the pin started. Luckily that seems to be over now.

I'm taking the gentle route and not starting the second stage until March. I'm not a vegetarian so I don't know what kind of support I can offer there. I do remember that the author doesn't make a very good case for vegetarians other than to say "just try it". I'm kind of confused as to where I can buy chicken bones. I make chicken stock every week but I used a whole chicken. There is no explanation of why this is different than bone broth.

I hate the fiber drink and I've stopped taking it. I luckily don't feel like I need to, I'm very regular so why? Last night I tried to do it but when I opened my container of flax seeds there was a little fruit fly. There's no going back to the fiber drink now lol.

Thankfully golden milk has eased my joint pain. How is your appetite? I haven't had the first craving since starting this program. I love this program.

I'm in the second stage of this program. I feel so disciplined with food for the first time in my life. I love the fresh juice and veggie broth. Anyone else following this program?

I'm entering tha s come stage as well. I haven't received my ashwangatha yet but I did just make my first batch of "bone broth." Are you really doing the veggie version? From what I understand the veggie broth is not useful at all and has none of the properties that make bone broth effective.

My broth is good, I have it for dinner and I load it up with veggies like spinach, potato, peas, whatever I have on hand. I'm adding rice or beans to it too, I'm not willing to go hungry haha.

My sleep has gotten better and my skin is glowing. Tomorrow I start up on the juice. Still not weighing myself and I still eat what I like.

It's basically a veggie soup. I'm not weighing myself anymore. But I love how I feel.

It seems to me that the soup is intended to be dinner. It's not specified how much we're supposed to eat exactly. This is diet territory for me so I'm already feeling rebellious about it. Due to my work schedule I'm also not at liberty to even eat dinner at night (I eat a substantial meal around 4pm before I head out to work) and then snack when ginger hits me later, usually with nuts. On nights that I'm home with my family I like to cook for them and then it is really difficult to serve up food for them while I have to turn to soup. I think we're supposed to have the soup and then dinner? Some clarification would be helpful. How do you deal with it?

How long is your lymphatic massage? I'm at 5-10 minutes but usually around 6 or so. I also cannot take showers in the morning so I take them on my own schedule. I usually only shower after I've gone to the gym but never first thing in the mornings. Not sure how crucial this variation is.

Oh and I've started the juice! I don't know how important it is to follow the recipes in the book but I'm drinking green juice 5 days a week. I decided from the beginning that I would not purchase a juicer, I just can't be bothered buying and cleaning so much produce. I stop off at a lovely organic juicery on my way back after I drop off my kid at school. I get a juice that is spinach, kale, cucumber, parsley wheat grass and green apple. It's freakin delicious. So much easier to drink than the smoothies I used to make, no smoothies allowed on this program. My energy and focus levels are skyrocketing right now and it's such an easy addition to my day. The best $7 I spend all day.

I haven't been faithful doing the massage everyday, but it is at night when I do this. I have a measured cup of the soup before dinner. I'm not weighing myself fanatically anymore, but I checked yesterday and have lost another 4 pounds. But I have more weight to lose than you do. I can't believe how much money I'm saving on groceries every week now. It's well over $50 dollars every week. And most of it is perishables. I am so loving this program. For the first time ever I feel disciplined with my food choices, and no cravings ever. I'm not a juice person, but the juice is delicious. The juice makes me hungry. My daughter said juice makes her hungry also, and she doesn't have a weight problem. So I don't know if I will continue juicing when this phase is over. Have you decided if or when you will be weighing yourself?

I'm sure I will weigh myself at some point but I have no concrete plans on when. I feel less bloated but I don't particularly think I've lost any weight according to my clothes. I am a lot less hungry, or at least I'm more attuned with my body's signals of hunger and fullness.

It makes sense that juice makes you hungrier. You are extracting all the fiber from veg which just concentrates the sugar content into one cup. Think about how many veg are in there, you'd never be able to eat all those veg in one sitting if the fiber was included. I will definitely not be continuing with the juice regularly after the program is over because I love eating raw veg and I quite miss my salads.

The program is so intensive that I struggle with some of the more arbitrary rules. Like lymphatic massage in the morning. Ugh, I don't really shower before I go to the gym, why would I. So I shower when it is convenient to me duh.

Or juice in the morning before breakfast. Sometimes I just can't do that. I mean, we're supposed to wake up and have a cup of tea. Fine. Then have a glass of juice. But I'm not thirsty! And I'd rather have a cup of coffee. Plus I don't need to go to the bathroom 27 times before lunch. So I have the juice later in the day sometimes. No guilt here.

I don't do the fiber flush. Oh well. I do add a tbsp of flax seeds to my yogurt so there. Otherwise everything is going to plan.

I haven't given up salads yet. I thought that was in another stage of the program. I did retake The Gut IQ Test and scored 11 points lower, so I guess i'm doing enough. I'll definitely go back and read that part of the book. I also had lassi for the first time and absolutely loved it.

She recommends that we do not eat raw vegetables. That's why we are required to drink a vegetable juice, because she says that raw veggies are too difficult for our gut to process when we are doing the Prime. Thus the fiber needs to be removed.

This vegetarian loves salads, but no more, I will see how this goes. My favorite topping is chickpeas, boy will I miss them.

You can eat chick peas, they are not a vegetable they are a legume and they are already cooked. Raw foods are really a 20th century american thing if you think about it. It's not normal to eat raw food, other cultures wouldn't dare to eat raw foods unless it's fruit. Certain vegetables actually bequeath more nutrients when cooked such as carrots and tomatoes but many others as well. You can still have salads just wilt your greens.

I'm sort of surprised at how easily I have adapted to drinking room temperature water, didn't think I'd take to that.

Went for a bike ride on the Chattahoochee River walk this morning, a lot less huffing and puffing this time. Yesterday was mowing, weeding, car cleaning and a lot of cooking. Didn't finish until around 8 pm, and wasn't as tired as I usually am. I can't believe the difference in how I feel now. I don't know about wilted salad greens, and salads is my favorite way to eat chickpeas. I may try them soon. Are your days more energetic now? And also I've been drinking water without ice for a long time, and that is the way I prefer it.

I feel much more energetic with lots of mental clarity.

Sounds like you're in my neck of the woods. Yes, that's a picture of the Biloxi Lighthouse but I actually live in the ATL metro area.

And my daughter graduated from the University of Alabama. ROLL TIDE!!! ;)

Glad you're having such success with The Prime. I think I'm just a bit too old to change my ways, but after I get back from Disney World in April I think I'm going to slowly try to incorporate a few of the practices into my own daily routine.

The tea shouldn't be any problem, but that fiber drink? No way in heck that's happening. Made me gag just reading about it.

I'm glad it's going so well for you, Palestrina. I enjoy reading about your progress with the program.

On another note - anyone else being driven crazy by all the ads now appearing in the last post on each page of a thread? When did that start???

Oh well....the price we pay for a free forum, I guess.

Oh good I'm glad that's not you tooting Jenny Craig lol.

My daughter and I took her Godchildren to Disney in December. Your never too old to start feeling better. I can't believe the difference in how I feel and move. Are you trying to lose any weight? It's War Eagle all day around here. If you're ever in the Columbus, GA area make sure you rent a bike and go for a ride, it's beautiful . Have you read the book?

I just had to post right now saying how energetic and mentally well I feel on this program. It is unbelievable. I never knew I could feel this way. And this is only my fifth week. Kudos to Dr. Chaudhary.

New to the Prime..
 

Hi. I just started the prime and on week 2.
Just incorporated the phylum husk/ flaxseed drink and yuck! Almost like drinking Metamucil!!
The Triphala has helped me sleep so much better as well.

I have noticed my cravings aren't like they use to be and I am happy.

Can anyone tell me about the 2nd phase?

Thanks!

Welcome Legomom. What do you want to know specifically about the 2nd phase? I stopped drinking the fiber drink a while ago. I just add a spoonful of flax seeds to my yogurt and that's that. I cannot drink that stuff.

I'm still doing the prime although in pretty lax about it. I don't freak out if I miss a day. I'm really liking the ashwagantha and brahmi. I feel much more in touch with my body natural hunger/fullness cues. One thing I've noticed is that I can't eat a lot. If I do I feel really sick and nauseous. Doing the prime has just become a part of my life, it's a way of living. I still on the 2nd phase though I'll be moving to the next phase soon.
I'm not keeping track really, just enjoying the benefits as I go.

I'm most excited about the meditation. I recently took a course in Vedic meditation. It was expensive but it was worth it. Ever since I started my meditation practice I feel so much better. I am coping well with stress, my anxiety is way down, I feel resilient and safe and my relationships are better, I'm a better mom, I feel joy and energy, and I feel renewed. I could go on. I think meditation plays a role in phase 3 or 4 but the sooner you do it the better. I've tried many apps for guided meditation and none of them really worked. I never felt a benefit. The author of the prime suggests transcendental meditation and I went for Vedic because it's actually the same thing same technique and same principles, just that TM is the trademarked version. I strongly recommend taking the course. The best part for me so far is that since I've started meditating I've had no acid reflux. As someone who's been suffering relentlessly with GERD for 2 years this is huge. If things keep going this well I will reduce and perhaps eliminate medication.

Haven't stepped on a scale. My clothes tell me that I probably haven't lost any weight but I feel fantastic in every way.

Lego mom response to Palestrina
 

Hi Palestrina and thank you for getting back to my response. I was afraid nobody was on this post anymore!

I realized I was only taking 500mg instead of the 1000 mg of the Triphala aND well if sleep great with 500 ,I can only imagine the 1000!
I stumbled across Utube and found positive affirmations by Jason Stephenson. He is awesome and I listen to it first thing in the morning as I am getting dressed for work. I have also found this Indian Mantra on another page (not Jason's ) & it is awesome to relax too!
I will research thr Vedic Meditation.

Yes, you are correct it is a way a life and sorry to hear you tapered off from the Prime. I have not lost weight yet but I feel great.

I'm curious about ashwagantha and the brahmi and wonder if you had any side effects?

Thanks and talk to you soon!

Oh, I forgot to mention I too had knee pain as well. I have no appetite in the evenings but I still eat a lil something just to keep my system going. Also, I have yet to do the lymphatic massages because I cannot find the silk gloves anywhere. I guess I gotta buy them online :(

Hi All!
Just started to do some research about this book. Thinking about reading and learning more about this method. Is anyone still active in using Prime? Would love to get more feedback on how things are going and any tips to get started!

I'm not actively doing this anymore but I did take away some important habits. I still meditate, I still do the lymphatic massage, I drink the tea sometimes, I still prefer my vegetables cooked. That's about it. I did not lose any weight. But I felt good on the program and since.