Meatless Monday Inspiration

photos via Clean

Braised Artichokes and Mushrooms courtesy of the Clean blog??  Done and done. (Would probably sub in Trader Joe's frozen artichoke hearts, though.)

-♥ J :)

P.S. You had me at artichoke.

P.P.S.  More Clean.

The Clean Up

I could look at the Clean portion of this month's cleanse in one of two ways: 

1. An epic failure in that I did not quit coffee, I barely followed the rules, I missed that gum(!) was on the avoid list and accidentally ended the week in a feast of cake pops and wine.

OR

2.  A really good try.

I am going to go with option number 2, because that is just the barrel of sunshine and pixie dust that I am.  Also, I really did give it the old college try.  And by "college try" I mean the way that I tried in college…half-assed and full of caffeine...  

Clean Lasagna

Wow.  How amazing does THIS RECIPE for Vegetable Lasagna with Cashew Cheese look???  Cleanse or no cleanse these are some seriously drool worthy photos.  It doesn't seem like the lasagna is that difficult to make, either.  I mean it's definitely more of a challenge than millet and broccoli, but I think I can branch out. ;)

-♥ J :)

P.S.  Today is Day 1 of the Natalia Rose Detox for Women portion of the cleanse.  More info on that, as well as a Clean recap, coming up.

Recipe by Frank Giglio

Photos by Jenny Nelson

Coming Clean

I might suck at this cleanse.  It is only Day 2, so the jury is still out, but MAN ALIVE I feel like I am pushing a boulder uphill.  And not because the program is particularly difficult.  In fact, it is fairly easy and pretty much in line with the way I usually eat.  I think the trouble is I really don't like following plans.  I like gathering information.  I like learning new things.  But then I like to be left alone to implement them into my life at my leisure.  I don't like things that are too strict or bossy.  This may be why I've never gravitated to boot camp style workouts.  At a certain point, I don't like people telling me what to do. 

That being said, here's the deal with Clean.  To put it simply, in a day you are supposed to have two liquid meals, one solid meal and a snack.  (Now you see why I felt like I was describing the Slim Fast Plan…)  Two of your meals being in liquid form is supposed to help the stomach heal itself by alleviating the constant busy work that is digestion.  However, unlike other plans, the liquid meals are supposed to be nutrient dense ensuring that you are getting everything the body needs without taxing it or causing it stress.  Dr. Junger gives this as an example of a typical day on Clean...

And the detox winner is...

"Mellow-do-what-you-can-plant-the-seeds-of-change" detox!! Woo-hoo!!  Let's give both our contestants a hand!!  "All-out-take-no-prisoners-balls-to-the-wall-crazy" detox put up a good fight, but ultimately the thought of an obsessively strict detox made me want to crawl back under the covers.  Besides it's spring!!  This a time of exploration and growth.  It is a time to plant new ideas and see which ones bear fruit.  I've always said that detoxes aren't about chaste perfection, but rather they are about challenging habits and exploring a new way of living.  Let's approach this detox from a place of curiosity and adventure; a place of infinite possibility for unlimited growth. 

I have three favorite detoxes.  I couldn't decide which one to base this month's plan on..so I decided not to decide.  Instead, I will feature a different detox every week.  They have a lot of main principles in common, so switching it up shouldn't be too jarring.  Here's the plan:

Week 1: Wean Week
Ummm...When I say "Week 1", I mean right now.  So, put down that donut and let's get started!  This is the time to cut back on or eliminate the foods that can be major allergens.  Giving yourself a week to ease into things can prevent such annoying detox symptoms as headaches, skin irritations, fatigue, etc.  This week say your goodbyes to:

• Gluten
• Soy
• Dairy
• Sugar
• Alcohol
• Meat
• Eggs
• Caffeine

Week 2:  The Clean Program
For Week 2, I will follow a plan based on Dr. Alejandro Junger's book Clean.  I've talked about this plan on the blog before.  For this week, I will see if all the great things I've heard about Clean are true.

Week 3:  Detox for Women
I've done Natalia Rose's plan before with great results.  Based mostly on juicing, this week will be a terrific follow up to Dr. Junger's elimination diet in Week 2.

Week 4:  Crazy Sexy Diet
Kris Carr's program is more like a permanent way of eating than a detox.  Her book will be the perfect transition back to "real life."

Also as part of the detox, I will aim to (gulp) meditate 20 minutes a day and do some form of exercise 30 minutes a day.  So, there you have it.  Spring 2012 Detox is underway!! Be sure to like the Happy Healthy Belly Facebook page to stay up to date with all the latest detox info.

-♥ J :)

P.S.  We all know that I am a blogger not a doctor, so ALWAYS check with a qualified healthcare professional before undertaking any new nutrition program.

Five for Fixin'

photos via Clean

This morning I stumbled upon this recipe page from the Clean website.  Everything looks so delicious I don't know which one to try first.  Which one would you try???

• Wilted Winter Greens
• Peachy Shake
• Creamy Winter Beet Soup
• Homemade Almond Milk**
• Celery Root Bisque

-♥ J :)

**For the past couple of weeks, I've been tinkering with making my own almond milk using this recipe.  So far the milk is delicious in smoothies, but is too gritty for coffee or tea.  Back to the drawing board, I guess.  I bought these adorable glass bottles from The Container Store to store the milk in.  They were only $3.99!!  They are also great for storing green juice.

Salad Sundays: Green and Clean

This salad is for Cara.  As you might remember, Cara had great success on the Clean program a few months back.  When she was in town last week, the two of us made a hasty plan to do a quickie two week Clean style re-boot.  This salad with a side of quinoa and lentils has been one of my staples.  It is perfect when you are doing a detox, or just when you are feeling the need…the need for green.  Enjoy!

-♥ J :)

Green and Clean Salad

Ingredients:

• frozen organic chopped broccoli
• organic romaine lettuce
• sesame seeds
• 1 chopped avocado
• juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/2 packet NuNaturals stevia

Directions:

1. Cook broccoli according to package instructions and set aside to cool.
2. Chop and wash romaine.  Set aside in a large bowl.
3. In a smaller bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and stevia.
4. Toss broccoli, lettuce and avocado with the lemon juice mixture.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds.
6. Eat and enjoy!!!

Squeaky Clean

Three cheers for my sister-in-law Cara who just finished 21 days (plus seven "re-entry" days) on The Clean Program by Dr. Alexander Junger.  Some of the ailments that prompted Cara to start the cleanse were achy joints, dry skin and an irritated gut.  In addition to all that, a two month regime of pain medication following surgery on her shoulder left Cara feeling "pretty toxic."  Craving a change, she set out to get her body back to a place where it could "heal and detox itself with the proper nutrition from a balanced diet."  

After 21 days following the Clean diet, not only did Cara's chronic acid reflux symptoms disappear, but she lost some weight ("When your underwear fit looser, you know you've seen a shift in weight.") and she noticed an increase in her muscle strength.  Cara's before and after photos also showed her progress.  While she is a stunning(!) girl to begin with, by day 21 Cara had a positively goddess like glow.

"I can honestly say this is the best thing I've done for my health and well-being ever," Cara says.  "I feel so great and so healthy and have a new commitment to maintaining a healthy program of diet and exercise. It feels too good to let it slip away. If you are thinking of doing a cleanse or just something better for your body, give this a try. I am a devotee for sure!"

What do we think, Veggies??? Anyone up for a fall detox??? 
Even if you are not, here is a delicious soup recipe that Cara created while on the cleanse.  It seems so hearty and filling.  Perfect for a crisp fall evening…

-♥ J :)

Cara's Clean Cannelini Bean Soup
INGREDIENTS:
-1 can cannelini beans
-2 tbsp coconut milk plain yogurt
-1-2 cups organic chicken, vegetable or mushroom broth (add enough to create desired consistency)
-1 tsp cumin
-1/2 tsp onion powder
-1/2 tsp garlic powder
-1/2 tsp salt (or dulse)
-1 tsp lemon thyme
-1 scoop of pea protein powder (optional)

PREPARATIONS:
1. Puree in blender.
2. Heat slightly or go cold, whichever you prefer.