Though it’s best to have stability in the schedule during this cleanse, our lives certainly don't have to stop. It’s likely we’ll have busy days, travel plans, dinner dates out, gatherings, etc. Especially on the weekends! Since we want to learn how to work these habits into every day life so we can continue as we find how happy our bodies can be, these are some tips to stay on track while living life. You can also keep these in mind when you go on that vacation that was recommended the other day...
- Take nuts with you wherever you go. I like to bring pistachios, watermelon seeds, almonds, and/or cashews. Nuts are high in protein and though they are high in fat, it’s unsaturated (heart-healthy), helping you feel fuller longer. Plus you eat less when you finally get to your meal. (Note: Still a good idea to notice the portions on nuts or nut butters- if you are eating more than 2 TB nut butter plus nuts, you may have trouble releasing weight.)
“Women in a Harvard School of Public Health study who ate five or more 1 ounce servings of nuts per week actually saw a 30 percent reduction of risk for type 2 diabetes compared with those who did not eat nuts regularly. Besides protein, nuts also deliver healthy doses of magnesium, fiber, and zinc.” – 21 Day Quantum Wellness Cleanse
- When you know you’ll be gone awhile, bring some fresh fruit along. Apples are high in vitamins C and A, calcium, and dietary fiber. Granny Smiths are the best because they are the lowest in sugar content. If you forget your fruit, you are usually never far from a grocery store. Pop in for some (preferably organic) fruit.
- The Hoppin' John Salad from day three also travels well. Add some crushed walnuts after reading all the info above on nuts.
- It is possible to find vegan, gluten-free energy bars that are low in sugar, though I usually tend to steer clear of these. If you like them, though, they are great in a pinch. Even better, bring your Warrior Bars along.
- When eating breakfast out, oatmeal or fresh fruit are great choices. With oatmeal, make sure you request that it be made with water instead of milk or cream.
- When eating dinner or lunch out, you can ask for something made with every vegetable available in the kitchen. I'm generally pleasantly surprised- usually I get something like a delicious salad with avocado, zucchini, bell pepper, cucumber, tomato, and carrot and everyone at the table was jealous. It never hurts to ask. You can also typically order a baked potato drizzled with olive oil and/or a large salad on the side.
- If attending a dinner party, let the host/hostess know that you are adhering to a cleanse. Explain that you are thrilled to be in their company, but would it be okay if you bring something to share that fits your diet? This avoids misunderstandings and embarrassment once you are there. People sometimes raise their eyebrows when you pass on dessert, but are typically understanding. I find that when I attend family gatherings, at least one person is on some kind of diet. It might even spark some interesting conversation!
Since we’re in this together, I’d like to share my favorite salad in the whole world with you. It takes a while to chop up all of the veggies, but it is so very worth it! The flavors are unique and dance in the mouth. Enjoy!
Bobby Flay's Chinese Salad with Red Chile Peanut Dressing
Serves 4
¼ cup rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger (or more)
2 teaspoons chipotle pepper puree or powder (use less or regular chili powder if you don’t like spicy)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
½ cup canola oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
½ head Napa cabbage, shredded
½ head romaine lettuce, shredded
2 carrots, shredded (or julienned)
¼ pound snow peas, julienned
1 yellow bell pepper, julienned
¼ cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
¼ cup thinly sliced green onion
½ cup chopped roasted peanuts
¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
Chili oil, optional
Grilled lime halves, for garnish
*I also add ½ cucumber, julienned.
1. Whisk together the vinegar, peanut butter, ginger, chipotle pepper, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and canola oil in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
2. Combine cabbage lettuce, carrots, yellow pepper, snow peas, cilantro, and green onion in a very large bowl.
3. Add the dressing and toss to combine. (I usually take some out before dressing to save for lunch the next day.)
4. Transfer to a serving platter and top with chopped peanuts and mint. Drizzle with chili oil, if desired. Garnish with grilled lime halves.
- Bobby Flay, Food Network
*This recipe originally calls for shredded rotisserie chicken (2 cups.) If you are not a vegetarian, but are checking out the recipes, that’s great! Eating even three more vegetarian or vegan meals each week than you currently do helps to cut down on the environmental devastation caused by livestock. It also saves you money! Tofu and beans are 30 to 40 percent cheaper than beef and chicken.
Today’s Meditation:
“I am flexible.”
“As I repeat the words, I feel myself being able to roll with whatever comes my way. I may have to make do with some quick fixes for food when I am pressed for time. But there are new foods I am growing to love, and new friends who share my values and interests.”
I just wanted to point out how important that point is about forgiving yourself and starting again on the next meal when you slip up and get that delicious Taco Bell dog food. If you give up, then you go on a cheese and ice cream bender and make it even worse than when you started!
ReplyDeleteYes exactly! If you allow feelings of guilt to creep in, then it's likely you'll want to continue to over-indulge because of the bad feelings. Instead, let the "slip up" remind you how far you've come. Also, notice how the food feels in your body- is it nourishing you? Is your digestion still as efficient?
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