To Cleanse or Not to Cleanse, FALL 2014

I can’t remember when I started messing around with cleanses, but I know I mentioned it at least here in 2011. (Maybe earlier, I got lazy searching.)

Anyway, I know I have done about three a year for a lotta years now. The latest one is always my favorite because I keep narrowing down what works best for me, and my family. (My husband always joins me, and we try to be reasonable about healthy but tasty meals for my son during the process.)

We are just getting off a 7 day cleanse I thought I would share here, because – why not? I had a friend just asking about it, so I thought someone out there might also benefit.

I loved that this one was only 7 days (as we have done only 30 day ones prior – too long!), but I will still refine some other things for the next one (more lean meat!), which will come at the first of the year. I will try to post about that when it’s ready.

So, here was the FALL 2014 cleanse, in which I felt pretty darn good at the end of. I hope you enjoy!

Yes: Veggies, fruit, nuts, wild salmon, water, lentils, and plenty of fresh, organic, local produce

No: Sugar, alcohol, gluten, dairy, soy, corn, eggs, peanuts, artificial sweeteners, meat or poultry.Avoid: Citrus Fruits, Caffeine, Carbonated Water (in the form of seltzer or in soda) Why? It can cause bloating, unnecessarily stressing the body during cleansing

Water: Half your body weight in ounces daily

Each morning, upon rising: Glass of room temperature lemon water with Cider Vinegar. You may have 1 Cup Black Coffee – but only herbal tea and water after that.

• 7-8am: simple smoothie
• 10-11am: snack
• 12-1pm: lunch
• 3-4pm: snack
• 6-7pm: dinner

SNACKS: a piece of fruit & nuts, celery & almond butter, rice crackers & hummus, plain rice cake with almond butter, steamed veggies & nuts, avocado with sea salt, even just a few nuts will do if you don’t have time to plan ahead

BREAKFAST:
Simple Smoothie:

• Fresh or frozen fruit (½ a banana or ¼ avocado make a good creamy base)
• Veggies (pick 2-4:  spinach, cucumber, kale, chard, collard, fennel, celery, carrot, parsley, mint, avocado, etc- careful with some of those if you don’t have a heavy duty blender like a Vitamix)
• Handful of hemp seeds, almonds or walnuts
• add protein powder
• Water to desired consistency (can be half coconut water?)

Before Bed – Drink daily and prepare fresh daily.
Chamomile Tea

MEALS

DAY 1
LUNCH: Slow Cooker Savory Superfood Soup
http://skinnyms.com/skinny-slow-cooker-savory-superfood-soup/
DINNER: Autumn Arugula Salad
http://www.howsweeteats.com/2013/10/autumn-arugula-salad/

DAY 2
LUNCH: Detox Salad
http://ohsheglows.com/2011/09/27/detox-salad/
DINNER: Slow Cooker Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup
http://skinnyms.com/slow-cooker-hearty-vegetable-and-bean-soup/

DAY 3
LUNCH: Detox Salad Leftovers
DINNER: Mixed Greens with Steamed Salmon, Olive Oil & Lemon Juice

DAY 4
LUNCH: Detox Rainbow Salad
http://www.theskinnyfork.com/blog/detox-rainbow-salad
DINNER: Black Bean & Quinoa Chili
http://fitfoodiefinds.com/2013/09/black-bean-quinoa-chili/

DAY 5
LUNCH: Black Bean & Quinoa Chili Leftovers
DINNER: Red Lentil and Sweet Potato Stew
http://www.wholeliving.com/216569/red-lentil-and-sweet-potato-stew>

DAY 6
LUNCH: French Lentil Salad
http://www.wholeliving.com/216351/french-lentil-salad
DINNER: Roasted Beets on Greens
http://www.wholeliving.com/216567/roasted-beets-greens

DAY 7
LUNCH: LEFTOVERS
DINNER: Roasted Portobellos With Kale
http://www.wholeliving.com/216568/roasted-portobellos-kale