Healthy Cleanse – a review so far

The cleanse is off to a great start. Overall, I’m feeling VERY good. I have more energy. I feel inspired. My clothes are already fitting better. And, the husband came home last night and told me that he can feel a difference, his clothes are fitting better; he feels healthier. And, we’re both starting to enjoy not feeling so full and bloated. And, it’s contagious, we share this new energy with each other and with our friends. Several people have told me that they’re changing some things in their lives. Even baby steps are steps in the right direction.

We decided that I need to track the yummy dishes and combine them all in a post at the end of this clean eating project. That way, I can go back and incorporate them into our regular meals. So, at the end of this, I’ll post about the success stories. 🙂

Healthy Eating Menus full table of contents

Part 1 menus days 1-3

Part 2 menus days 4-7

Part 3 menus days 8-14

Part 4 menus days 15-21

Part 5 menus days 22-31

Review of days 1-5  

Review of days 6-10

Review of days 4-24

Review of days 22-31

I have some notes to add, general guidelines, if you will…

1. I will not give up coffee. I will cut back to one cup a day for the cleanse. But, come on, I’m not silly enough to think that I can go without coffee.
2. I will have some alcohol. Occasionally. Less often and less of it. But, if I can’t have fun stuff now and then, what’s the point? I look good but I’m unhappy? Nope! Also, switching from white wine to vodka will save some calories and will have fewer sugars.
3. I love to workout. Just be careful that you don’t overdo it because these are restricted calorie days (for the most part).
4. Herbs are “free”. Use as many as you want. If you don’t like rosemary switch it for thyme. Add more herbs if you want. “Greens” can be herbs as well. I love throwing fresh parsley in a salad. Use whatever floats your boat.
5. Vinegar is “free”. Use as much as you want. Or, as much as you can stand. I’m not really a fan of vinegar. That being said, I’ve been drinking apple cider vinegar in my water for a while now. It helps me drink more water if I put a big pitcher on the counter and toss in a couple teaspoons full of apple cider vinegar. And, apple cider vinegar is the new snake oil. It cures just about anything. Lower your cholesterol. Promotes digestion. It’s a cure for constipation. Eases menstrual cramps. Aids in weight loss. Helps clear acne. I’m telling you, it is the snake oil of today. But, it works!
6. Green tea is also pretty much “free”. Drink it up.
7. Fresh lemon juice is also “free”. Squeeze it on your salad, fish, chicken, into your water, over your sweet potato, wherever.

So, here are some thoughts and pictures of days 1 – 3 of the healthful eating.

Day 1

It was a little hard getting used to eating “boring food”. But, we both powered through. At the end of the day, we just told ourselves that we’re healthier for doing this.

Day 2

I was really happy with the Day 2’s dinner. A baked (and I baked them in the oven so they would taste better) red potato, steamed broccoli, and seared tofu. I made a stuffed potato out of it and I thought it was delicious. The husband said it was healthy.

Day 3

Dan said he thought the dinner was great. He would eat it again, even on a non-diet day. It was very simple, just a baked tilapia filet with a couple big handfuls of spinach with some herbs and spices. The breakfast, unfortunately, did not go as well. With equal amounts of berries to milk in the smoothie, it was too thick to blend. So I ended up adding extra water to thin it. And, after all that Dan said he couldn’t drink it because it tasted so weird. Oh well!

Sometime during day 3, I felt light-headed. I’m glad I didn’t work out that day.

Day 4

Dinner was great. Again, the husband said he would eat this on a non-diet day. And, it was easy to whip together. Yum!

Day 5

Leftover day. I didn’t follow along exactly what I planned out. But, that’s part of leftover day.

Breakfast, however, was according to the plan. And, I can’t tell you how delicious it was. Yummy! And pretty easy to make.

I had a minor headache most of the day. The husband said he had a small headache as well. Withdrawals? It went away by the early evening.

I know this is a lot of work. But, it’s SO worth it. I know the food can get to be a little boring (all those salads). But, I feel better and I look better already. With all my heart, I say to you that you, too, can do this. You can feel better. You can be healthier! 🙂

Related Posts:

Healthful, Mindful, 2012 … Part 1

Healthy Mindful Menu Days 4-7

Clean Eating Project Part 3 (Menus for Days 8-14)