Story of My Life - Master Cleanse (Lemonade Diet)

Since I have been in Korea, my psoriasis got worse. I've made some bad decisions on not caring for my skin and there has been great regret there. After going to Hong Kong and realizing how big of an impact my skin is on my life, I decided to make a change. I needed to care for my skin, from the inside out. Psoriasis is due to a weak liver and therefore I figured detoxing would be my best bet. I would not only clean out my system, but I would be able to hop on a fresh start and be able to start a diet that is good for the skin.

Originally, I read a lot about the Master Cleanse and was hyped about the diet, but also skeptical, and even scared to. Nonetheless, I finally hopped on the diet, thanks to iHerb shipping all of the items to me in Korea within a few days (referral code FEJ438 for discounts). One recommendation for anyone going on the cleanse is to go organic and use the best ingredients possible. Do not skimp out and be stingy on the ingredients because it is not worth using low grade materials for a detox this serious. Consider the fact that you are spending at minimum a week of time on this detox, you want the max benefits so a little extra spending goes a long way. Try to make your lemonade fresh and definitely refer to this website for the best advice and help through the diet. 

My experience. I was warned that the second and third day would be the most difficult of the diet, but it was actually pretty easy for me. I think the hardest day of the diet was day six and eight when I started to really crave for all the random food, even the most tasteless ones like a plain bun. I just craved the texture and my mouth watered as I watched others eat around me. I could literally feel the food in my mouth. It was bad. By the time day ten came, it felt good! 

The negative. The side effects I faced through the first three days of the detox was crazy headaches. I got through it, but it was pretty bad at one point. I also had a few experiences with severe stomach pain. I believe that was due to the cayenne pepper. Although I took the capsule form, I don't think I flushed it down with enough water so I just felt it open through my system. The last and most serious side effect for me was the white tongue. I had this through most of my detox, but it was a great sign that my body was removing all the toxins so I knew it worked.

The positive. The weight is a guarantee. I dropped a good amount of weight, but that wasn't ultimately my goal. I was looking to clean out my system and improve my psoriasis. Luckily, enduring this detox definitely helped my skin. I feel that my skin is a lot healthier and my psoriasis improved a great amount. I stopped using topical ointment because of the side effects, but I see improvement in my skin. I feel less itchy and my skin is less irritated. There are even certain spots that gradually healed up. I am not saying that the detox will make my skin better, but this is a good start. I did notice a better sleeping pattern and actually getting a good night's sleep. I don't wake up in the middle of the night like I used to, so I'm definitely happy about that.

The future. This detox is only a temporary cleanse and I will do it again, but I am grateful for chance to reduce the crazy cravings that I have for junk food and such. I will kickstart a new diet for the sake of my skin to improve which will consist of mainly fruits and vegetables. I know I will gain the weight back, but it is a great start for me to keep the weight off and start healthy, a fresh start!

Life in Korea - Survival Tips

Living in Korea can be difficult in terms of getting certain items. For starters, I have constantly asked for care packages from home because there are a handful of items that I cannot find here, or the price is ridiculously overpriced for the items. This is to the point where international shipping is cheaper, unbelievable! I decided to compile a list of things that are a MUST bring if you do come to Korea, and a tip as to where you can pick up certain products.

1. Reese's. Reese's. I mean Reese's - This is a big one, there is no such thing as Reese's in Korea. You can find other chocolates like Twix, Snickers, M and Ms, as well as other candies in foreigner markets (sometimes overpriced), but at least they have it. Reese's is impossible to find here, so I always ask for a few bags of Reese's when someone comes to visit or is sending a package. 
2. Foreign Snacks - If there is something you cannot live without, do yourself a favor and pack it with you. I actually came with a bag full of snacks before departing America for Korea, it was definitely necessary!
3. Menthol Toothpaste - Most Asian countries do not have a menthol toothpaste, it's usually a weird fruity flavor or green tea flavor. Yes, Asians prefer fruity and tasteful over minty clean fresh.
4. Shoes - Women, if your shoe size is 8.5 or higher, bring your own. The highest size in Korea is 250 which is equivalent to a size 8. Men, size 11 is the biggest so be prepared!
5. Big Size Clothing - Unless you are petite or at most a size medium, you should probably bring a closet full of clothes all year around. It is impossible to find stylish clothes for those who are a medium and up at times because Korea is known for "free size," one size fits all. There are a few foreign shops where you can find clothing that will fit which includes Forever 21, H&M, Uniqlo, the regular sized clothing stores in Myeondong, Gangnam and a few other areas. Men, this is the same for you, unless you fall under the category of small, medium, and maybe large, you are better off bringing your own clothing, especially suits and slack pants.
6. Socks - This may be a bit peculiar and brushed off by many, but the socks in Korea are made of such a thin material, you will find yourself putting holes in your socks more than wearing them. It's kind of sad when you are excited to go to Costco just to pick up new socks.
7. Brand Name Items - Do not think about getting your shopping fix on in Korea or any Asian country on brand name items because they are a lot cheaper in America. Asians are very materialistic and that is why brand names are at least 20% higher in price than back at home. This includes luxury brands and regular brands like Nike and New Balance (yes, New Balance is popular in Korea, it's double the price and value than it is back at home)!
8. Deodorant - Another overpriced item in Korea just because it is not a common product here. We've confirmed that Koreans just do not sweat as much as us Americans (jk). Therefore, they do not need deodorant. 
9. Soy Protein and Supplements - Soy protein is an impossible find in Korea, there is only Whey Protein which is extremely overpriced. Yes, it is annoying to lug a four pound bottle, but sometimes it's just necessary. Luckily for me, I found iHerb.com which ships soy protein directly to me (more information below).
10. Medication - Korea does not have American brand medications, unless you are shopping at Costco, but it is still impossible to find certain kinds there so I do suggest to bring your own.
11. Fitted Sheets - There's actually no thing as fitted sheets in Korea. Either that or they are extremely overpriced so do yourself a favor and bring a few with you when moving abroad.
12. Towels - The American full body sized towels are over priced here. For something that I can pick up for just $5 back at home, I ended up paying $20 for in Korea. Definitely bring two towels to rotate when washing!
13. Cooking Ingredients - It is almost impossible to find every sauce, powder, and flavorings in Korea. Because of that, I suggest bringing your own that you are constantly using because they are overpriced in the foreign markets of Itaewon. 
14. Cotton Underwear - Women know that cotton is your best friend to prevent yeast infections. Unfortunately, it is a bit difficult to find cotton underwear in Korea, especially if you are looking for something that is plain in design and not so lacy or silky. It is smart to go to Victoria's Secret and stack up on a handful during their annual sale!
15. Cosmetics - If you are someone on the darker tone, like myself, and refuse to use BB Cream (a skin whitener), be sure to bring your own makeup because you will not find your tone in Korea. Unless you are down South in areas like Busan where there is plenty of sun, the darkest shade of makeup just might be for fair skin tones. Yes, most stores usually carry a maximum of three shades which is less than a quarter of what you would find back at home.
16. Pads & Tampons - Tampons are extremely overpriced in Korea. That and they are usually made of a less comfortable material. You can get lucky and find Tampax Pearl, but it is impossible to find Playtex so do yourself a favor and stack up! For those who use thong pads, they are also unavailable in Korea so do bring a box yourself.
17. Drugstore Brands - Do not expect to find drugstore brands for a low price in Korea. You will regret relying on drugstore brands because they are double, even triple the price here in Korea. This includes a bottle of J&J baby lotion that runs for $3 on sale in America, you are paying $8 on sale in Korea.

For many of the items above, plus more, I did find a website, iHerb.com which is an American price (sometimes cheaper) website with supplements, foods, and many other products that will ship to Korea for a low price. They do not charge a ridiculous amount of $50 for shipping so I am absolutely in love with the website. The best thing for first time users is the use of a referral code: FEJ438 for $5 off your first purchase and extremely low or free shipping internationally! Anyone abroad in any country should check out the website just to get your foreign fix on!

This website is also great for those back in the states too, not necessarily those abroad because they have low prices and constant sales. I am definitely a fan! They even have everything I needed for my Master Cleanse, all organic and shipped to me within 5 days!