Why 21 days?

This was one of those days when it would have been easy to throw in the towel.  It wasn't a bad day, just busy as I made my way from one activity or appointment to the next without time to think much about food or its preparation. I have to admit that I'm feeling really good and have lots of energy.  But with days that are jam-packed with things to accomplish  other than meal prep, 21 days can seem like an unrealistic goal.  Why are 21 days essential for this cleanse?

Since the author of the cleanse barely touches on this subject in her book, I decided to do a little Google research.  I typed in "21 days to form a habit", and 1,640,000 results showed up.  Most of the results I read claim that research has proven it takes 21 days to form a new habit or to break a bad habit.  Within 21 days time, new neuropathways fully form in the brain which means your unconscious self will want to continue after 21 days especially if the benefits of the new habit are benificial.

I like the author's approach to this cleanse.  She's tells us not to worry about whether or not we'll be able to complete the cleanse and that perfection is not the goal.  We are just to do our best each day.
"Here's the thing about wellness: it's a continuum.  We get better at it as we go.  We get more informed, build esteem, and find what works as we keep putting one foot in front of the other."
I can deal with this line of thinking, and it takes away the pressure of feeling like I have to follow a strict regimen. 

Today's menu was simple, and that's okay.

Breakfast:  Bowl of fruit (strawberry, blueberry, kiwi, pear, banana) and sprouted grain toast with coconut oil

Snack:  Lara Bar

Lunch:  Spinach salad with veggies, seeds, nuts, tempeh and a tangelo

Snack:  Almonds

Dinner:  Pizza made with gluten free dough, Veggie Shreds, onions and spices.  David made the pizza, and I felt like I was cheating even though I wasn't.  Yum!