Not sure if this cleanse actually makes a difference in how you feel? I’ve been pretty positive about the experience along the way, but is it just all in my head? Well, see for yourself. On the right is Day 1 of the cleanse, on the left is Day 14. Um, yeah, I think I’m a slightly improved version of myself. And before you ask: they were taken in the same spot, with the same lighting at the same time of day and I’m not wearing makeup in either. No touchups, that’s just me.
A little more pep, 10 less pounds, a little more confidence to take on this year. This is definitely going to be something I take with me throughout the year and remind myself of how much better I feel when I’m making good choices. Right after I finish this cheeseburger.
Life Lessons (for me anyway):
I like to cook but not quite at that scale every single night. But I have reminded myself the value in making most meals at home even if they’re much simpler versions that what we’ve had this week. Both for our health and our wallet. Even though we spent more in high end groceries at Whole Foods, overall we spent a lot less for the week on groceries, restaurants, and the wine store.
Like most Americans, we eat too much meat and not enough vegetables. We were quite satisfied with 2 vegetarian and 2 fish dinners a week. And with canned and frozen options, fish can be convenient too. Plus tofu is going to find a place in our permenant rotation. And even though I thought we eat pretty balanced meals always with a vegetable on the side, we can stand to eat waaaaay more vegetables. Plus, meat is expensive! So again, eating more veggies and less meat is better for our waistlines and wallet.
I need to spend more time in my spice cabinet playing with flavors. There were so many flavor combinations in this cleanse that I haven’t experienced, but most of them I already had in my house. Smoked paprika, coconut, a good curry powder to name just a few. I plan to seek out interesting, exotic (to me) flavors and recipes to keep us all inspired to have amazing meals together in our home.
Favorite Recipes:
Curried Mussels, Mustard-Roasted Potatoes, Simply Sautéed Spinach–stop, seriously just stop, and make this recipe now. Easy but interesting and so, so delicious.
Lemongrass Chicken, Black Rice with Coconut, Garlicky Bok Choy–easy as can be and amazing flavors. Just what I look for in a weeknight go-to meal.
Chicken, Cabbage, and Tangerine Salad–I could basically drink the sesame miso dressing that goes on this. The combo of cabbage and tangerines is nice and pretty satisfying but this is really all about a vehicle for that dressing.
Citrus Salad on Mango Coulis with Cacao Nibs and Toasted Almonds–A really great dessert idea for entertaining. It looks stunning, is actually really easy, and ridiculously good for you. And it actually cleanses your palate after a big meal.
Orange-Date Muesli with Coconut and Cacao Nibs–I am in love with the method of soaking oats in yogurt overnight for a hearty portable meal the next day. And I’m especially in love with the flavors here of dates, citrus, coconut and chocolate. Such a decadant way to start any day!
Roasted Beets, Carrots, and Jerusalem Artichokes with Lemon and The Greenest Tahini Sauce
Quinoa with Walnuts and Shallots–who knew that vegetables for dinner could be so delicious and satisfying?
Avocado on Rye Crackers with Smoked Salmon–the flavor and texture combo is awesome. This would make a really amazing appetizer too–especially with a dot of sriracha.
Two-Egg Omelet with Red Pepper–Walnut Spread–I am making more of this spread and putting it on everything–especially eggs.
Thank you for taking this journey with me! If you try this cleanse please let me know what it does for you!
If you’ve been following along with the cleanse I hope you’ll continue to join me as I serve up some new content for family dinners and cooking with kids.
Cheers!
