New Year Mind-Body Detox

Happy new year!  I hope everyone enjoyed some relaxing, food-filled holidays.  Mine were spent up in the northeast, mostly in Connecticut but with great trips to Boston and Manhattan squeezed in.  And, of course, they were filled with lots of food:

And drinks!

I don't know if I ever even had a chance to feel hungry.  Which is horrible, but also kind of awesome at the same time.  

After all of these festivities, it was time for a change in the new year.  Never having been one for new years resolutions, I decided to try a 3-week detox, in particular, the Whole Living 2012 Action Plan.  This cleanse eliminates all caffeine, alcohol, gluten, dairy, processed food, and added sugar from your diet to help eliminate toxins and make you feel amazing.  It's no easy feat - during the first week, you eat only fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, and add seafood, beans lentils, soy, gluten free grains and eggs during the second and third weeks. 

The first few days were pretty rough while my body adjusted.  I was cranky, hungry, and tired.  The cravings were impossible.  Most of all, I never realized how much my social life revolved around food!  Pizza nights, dinner parties, happy hours, and Thai delivery.  And that was just in the first 4 days!  During that time, I learned a few key lessons about the keys to success during a cleanse:

1. Adjust for real life. Even with all the planning in the world, sometimes it just won't be practical to follow the plan to the letter.  Maybe you have to work late and don't have time to cook dinner, or a key social function arises.  Be flexible and do what you can - you'll be back on track tomorrow!  
   
2. Adjust portion sizes and snacks to your appetite - don't starve yourself.  I cheated on the first day because I was still starving after I ate the food I brought in to the office.  The next day, I was sure to bring in larger portions and enough snacks.  It's better to eat more of the food that is part of the plan than to eat something off limits! 

I'm now on day five of the detox, and am feeling surprisingly great!  I haven't felt cranky and my cravings have been minimal.  Best of all, I have had a lot of energy.  Unlike most Sundays, I haven't felt the need to lounge around watching reality TV. Instead, I have been productive and active and feel ready to tackle the week.  


Here's a sample of some of the recipes I've tried so far:

1. Kale Slaw with Carrots and Peppers; 2. Steamed Broccoli and Squash with Tahini Sauce; 3. Roasted Pepper, Cauliflower, and Almonds; 4. Green Machine Smoothie (modified)

Stay tuned for my favorite Week 1 recipe and more detox results!