Failing to heed Kim Zolciak’s “Don’t be Tardy for the Party” advice, I got a bit of a late start on my New Year’s Resolution for 2012. As hard as I tried to be good and not give into the food temptations, the holidays were just not kind to me. I’m fairly certain I ate my body weight in green and red M&Ms one day during the holiday break. Ew.

Realizing things were getting a bit out of control and having visions of becoming the newest addition on the Biggest Loser compound next season if my habits continued, I needed to snap out my cycle of unhealthy eating before I found myself furiously sprinting on a treadmill as Jillian Michaels barked orders at me two inches from my face..

Trying to decide the right way to go about this was about as overwhelming as digging through the heaps of racks at Forever 21 — so many options seemed so daunting. A few friends shared some of their tips and tricks, including lackluster stories after embarking on those fad juice cleanses. But that just didn’t seem permanent enough for what I was looking for. Plus, I really thought I’d miss the act of chewing after seven days of sole juice consumption through a straw.

Enter The Clean Program. Originally stumbled upon via ol’ Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop newsletter, this seemed like a great answer to what I’d been seeking. And hey, if this was good enough for Gwyneth, it was good enough for me. (Side note to give her mad props Tom Ford white cape Oscar’s outfit. I die). Demi Moore also lists herself as a fan of the program, which confused me as I didn’t notice whip-its being included on the plan. Too soon?

Designed by Dr. Alejandro Junger, the cleanse consists of a 21-days detoxification and intended to inspire long-term habits for a healthier lifestyle. Here’s how the program works: you drink a Clean shake for breakfast, eat a lunch incorporating foods from the prescribed Elimination Diet, and then finish your day with another Clean shake. Additionally, you take sixteen plant-based supplements a day to further support the detoxification process.

To be honest, the scariest parts for me were the thought of giving up my morning cup of coffee that I deeply yearned for every single day just as soon as my annoying alarm blared, and the absence of having wine or any sort of alcohol for 21 days. Before you fully cringe, check out these key selling points: no heavy exercise recommended (think light walks or yoga) and weekly massages are encouraged to help rid toxins.

The first couple of days majorly sucked: I had headaches, felt flu-like symptoms, wanted to sleep all day and, surprisingly, missed the opportunity to go work up a sweat at the gym.

Despite all those early signals of deep detoxification taking place, I was oddly never hungry. In fact, I often had to force the evening shake down as I didn’t think I had room for anything else. Those shakes sure seemed to be packed with all the right nutrients and vitamins to keep me feeling full all day.

As the days progressed, I slowly started realizing the benefits. I have never slept so soundly in my life, noticed my cravings for sweets and unhealthy food completely passed, and felt my skin more luminous with an allover healthy glow.

As an inspirational motivator, one of my dear friends promised me a huge celebratory dinner at the location of my choice as soon as I finished the adrudous 21 day trek. Originally dreaming of indulging in a vat of queso complete with margaritas and beef quesadillas, by the time our dinner came around I didn’t even want any of the aforementioned items because I felt so much better with this new way of “clean eating.”

Realistically speaking I’m not sure I am forever immune from having another cup of coffee with skim milk, or enjoying an occassional glass of wine with dinner, or ever having shellfish again. But I am significantly more aware of what I’m putting in my mouth and vow to reduce my intake of processed and unhealthy foods.

And please remind me to reread this article as this year’s holiday season kicks into full swing so I don’t find myself in an M&M induced coma.