My Experience with Dr. Oz's 3 Day Detox Cleanse

A recap of all three days:

Day one: Honestly, day one was the easiest day for me to get through.  I was still excited, motivated, and all about this detox.  I felt pretty good at the end of day one, I had a slight headache and was a little fatigued by bedtime but nothing crazy.  I also slept like a rock and had an easier than normal time getting out of bed the next day.

Day two: Day two was rough for me, and I mean rough!  Headaches, cloudiness, and fatigue set in right around breakfast and lasted the duration of the day.  I'm lucky because my fiance did this with me, if I would have seen him eating pizza, pasta, or pretty much anything other than the smoothie for dinner I probably would have caved come time for my dinner smoothie.  By the end of the day my head was killing me!  The bath really helped, and I fell asleep earlier than normal and slept great!

Day three: Day three was about a million times better than day two, if you decide to give this a go don't give up!  I woke up feeling well rested, clear headed, and alert.  I still had a hard time getting the lunch smoothie down but I made it!  Dinner was a little tough too, I was more than ready to chew something.  Who knew how important chewing would be.  I also fell asleep early, slept extremely well, and felt well rested in the morning.

The smoothies: 

The breakfast smoothie was pretty good, I'm not a huge fan of banana but I still liked it enough to get through all three days without any issues.  I did this detox with a few coworkers and my fiance, and most people seemed to this this smoothie best.

The lunch smoothie was enormous and probably my least favorite.  I do green juices and smoothies so I'm pretty use to the taste of cucumber, celery, kale, spinach, etc.. mixed with fruit but the texture gave me a little bit of trouble.  Adding a little bit of water to thin it out seemed to help a bit, but it was still a thick smoothie.  This was the least favorite of the group.

The dinner smoothie has a pretty good kick to it because of the cayenne pepper, but overall it wasn't too bad. I personally liked this smoothie best.

I didn't do the snack smoothies, in part because I wasn't hungry but also because I was working, and running around during all three days and didn't have the time.  The timing wasn't exactly ideal to do a detox, but with a little planning I was able to make it work.

At the end.... 

• I honestly felt better, more clear headed, and lighter...much much lighter
• For my first meal post-detox I wanted something simple and easy to digest.  This surprised me, I thought for sure I was going to want an extra large cheese pizza
• I could see a major difference in the way my skin looked
• My stomach was noticeably flatter and less bloated
• I slept like a rock all three nights
• I lost 4lbs (really the icing on the cake).  I'm curious to see if it stays off or not.  Assuming I maintain good eating and exercise habits I imagine it should.

New Year, New Rules, New Years Resolutions

Good news friends, I've recently finished reading a wonderful book, Find Your Happy: An Inspirational Guide to Loving Life to Its Fullest By Shannon Kaiser.  This was the first time in a long time (probably since college) I actually jotted down notes in the margins.  This book really made me think about what I want  my 2013 to look like and what positive changes I can make to encourage more happiness into my life.



1) Do what you love every single day- I'll be doing one thing every single day that I love to do!  Some of these lovely things include:

-Running
-Yoga
-Cooking
-Meditating

I believe that doing something I enjoy on a daily basis will help to bring more joy into my life!

2) All you need is less- I'm getting realistic about what I need versus what I want.  This year I will cut back on the things I don't need and de-clutter my life.  This includes everything from clothing to household goods to relationships.

3) Give thanks- In 2013 I'll be keeping a daily gratitude journal, to help keep things in perspective   It's important to remember that there is always something to be thankful for!

Happy New Year and here's to 2013!

The 5 Books that Inspired my Positive and Healthy Lifestyle

1) Crazy, Sexy, Diet by: Kris Carr

I think it's important that I just put out there how much I adore Kris Carr.  I adore her so much that I'm constantly forcing my friends to check out her website, purchase her cookbook, and watch her hilarious videos online.

Crazy, Sexy, Diet is honestly the book that changed the way I think about what it is I'm putting into my body.  It was first food and health-focused book I was able to get through in no time because I honestly enjoyed reading it.

This book might be for you if: You're interested in a plant-based or vegan diet, you're interested in learning more about the link between nutrition and disease, you like to laugh, you're interested in wellness as a whole.

2) Find Your Happy by: Shannon Kaiser

A good friend gave me this book for Christmas, and it's awesome!  I've enjoyed reading it from start to finish and got through it in no time at all.  The book focuses a lot on the Law of Attraction and encourages to reader to put their faith and their thoughts into the universe, to do what makes you happy on a daily basis, and how to really, Find Your Happy.  My favorite section of this book focused on money, and why it's important to spend as well as save, how to view your bank account, and how you mindset impacts your spending.

This book might be for you if: You feel like you're in a rut, you need a happiness makeover, you feel like you're at a crossroads, you're interested in the law of attraction.

3) In Defense of Food by: Michael Pollan

Need a reason to clean up your diet?  Read this book.  This book encourages the reader to look at food in a whole different way.  It provides an overview and history of Western diet and how it contributes to our decreasing health.  This book isn't as "fun" to read as some of the others on this list, but I enjoyed it, and learned a lot for reading it.

This book might be for you if: You're interested in food, nutrition, the correlation between food and disease, or you're just interested in finding out where your "food" comes from.

4) The Law of Attraction by: Jerry Hicks

About three years ago everyone I knew was pressuring me into read The Secret.  They all swore up and down that this was the kind of book that changed your life.  After several conversations like this I finally gave in.  I bought the book, sat down, and read the thing in one sitting.  After I finished I felt frustrated and confused.  I loved the concept of the book, but I found myself left with more questions that answers.   After expressing my frustrations to my fiance and loaned me his copy of The Law of Attraction by Jerry Hicks.  This it the book that actually changed my life.  It encouraged me to be aware of the thoughts I was putting out into the universe, give gratitude on a daily basis, and for the first time in many years I really truly felt like I had a sense of control over the direction of my life.

This book might be for you if: Your interested in learning more about the Law of Attraction, You're feeling overwhelmed or like your life is getting a little out of control, you feel you might benefit from an attitude makeover, you want to bring more joy into your life but you're not sure where to start.

5) Anything Written by Paulo Coelho

Okay, so this isn't really a book, it's an author, but in my defense it's my most favorite author EVER.  Whenever I feel lost, down, confused, I'm traveling, or I just want to read something that will make me feel instantly better I pick up a Paulo Coelho book.  Each book takes place in a different location, results in a new lesson learned.  His books have been published into a number of different languages, are adored by millions, and I swear will change your life.

This book might be for you if: You love to finish a book and feel inspired!

4 Ways to Keep it Healthy at Work

It’s 8am and I’m sitting at my desk sipping on my coffee and checking my voicemail when an email pops up, “doughnuts in the staff lounge!” My first thought, “Man, a doughnut would go pretty good with this cup of coffee right about now.” At 11am another email pops up, “want to grab lunch today? I was thinking something fast and cheap, maybe a slice of pizza.”  My next thought, “That sounds so much better than spinach salad I brought.  I also wouldn't mind getting out of the office for while.” Once again at 3pm an email pops up “birthday cake and ice cream on the third floor, help yourself.” Does this all sound a little too familiar? If it does, your office might be sabotaging your health. The good news, it doesn't have to be this way. So grab your coworkers, enjoy the tips below, and before you know it you’ll be on your way to making your workplace a healthy place!

Start a lunch club: Starting a lunch club in your office is a great way to enjoy a quick and healthy meal, save a little dough, and catch up with coworkers. What is a lunch club you ask let me fill you in. A lunch club is basically a group of folks who take turns bringing in enough lunch fair to feed all club members. How amazing would be to have chili for lunch Monday, a giant quinoa salad for lunch Tuesday, whole grain spaghetti with veggies for lunch Wednesday, etc…and you only have to spend one evening a week cooking? Before starting, make sure everyone is on the same page regarding dietary guidelines.

Keep fresh produce on hand: Every Monday a giant box of fresh, organic, locally grown produce is delivered to our office. Having fresh produce on hand ensures that there is always something healthy within reach. When someone brings in a box of doughnuts, chocolate chip cookies, or birthday cake and it sounds pretty tasty, an apple is available as a healthy and sweet alternative. Or when breakfast was hours ago and it’s not quite lunch time a handful of grapes is only a few steps away. With a quick internet search you can find out if a similar delivery service exists in your area. If no such service exists, take turns with your coworkers bringing in fresh, healthy, snacks. 

Get out of the office: Many days just wanting to get out of the office is a good enough reason to trade in your packed lunch for a restaurant or fast food lunch. This can be avoided by identifying a few places outside of the office where a brownbag lunch can be enjoyed. Is there a park close by with picnic tables or benches? An employee lounge with tables, chairs, and microwaves close by? Maybe you’re crunched for time, take a five or ten minute walk then enjoy your packed lunch at your desk after you've had some fresh air and a chance to stretch your legs. 

Keep water close by: Are you someone who doesn't drink enough water? Keeping a reusable water bottle close by can help change that.  Find a fun reusable water bottle to keep at your desk. Set a goal, for example one bottle before lunch, one bottle during lunch, and one bottle after lunch, and do your best to stick to it. Does filling your water bottle up in the bathroom or at the drinking fountain freak you out?  Grab a few coworkers and pitch for a water cooler. If you’re paying for it, you’re more likely to use it.

There is no reason why your workplace has to sabotage your good health. By collaborating with your coworkers and incorporating the tips above you’ll be on your way to a happier, healthier workplace in no time!

I've been working on make a cheese "bread" sticks out of a cauliflower crust for a while now, and I think I've finally got it down!  I brought a batch to work and everyone was surprised to learn what they were made out of.  If you're following a low carb or gluten free diet these guys are a must!

**One head of cauliflower will yield two batches-This is reflected in the ingredient list below


Ingredients:
One Head of Fresh Cauliflower
2 1/2 cups of shredded cheese (I used Cheddar Jack)
4-5 Cloves of Garlic cut into small pieces
4 Tbs Olive Oil
2 Eggs
2 tsp Oregano
2 tsp Garlic Salt
2 tsp Parsley
Salt and Pepper to taste




Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees
2. Cut cauliflower in florets
3. Place florets into boiling water for 15 minutes or until soft
4. Place cooked florets into a colander and mash with hands until you get a rice-like texture (it's important to get out as much water as possible)
5. Place half of mashed cauliflower into a large mixing bowl and add 1 cup of shredded cheese, 2-3 pieces of garlic, 1 egg, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp garlic salt, 1 tsp parsley, and salt and pepper to taste, and mix well with hands
6. Place mixture onto a prepared baking sheet and press into a rectangle shape
7. Bake for 15 minutes or until edges start to brown
8. In a small bowl mix together 2 Tsp olive oil and 1 clove of garlic
9. Brush olive oil and garlic mixture onto baked cauliflower crust
10. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of cheese onto crust and place back into oven until cheese melts-about 1-2 minutes
11. Enjoy!

Notes:

*Don't forget to prepare your baking sheeting!  If you don't these guys will stick and burn.  If you have parchment (NOT wax) paper around I recommend using it.
*It's easier to cut the "bread" sticks with a pizza cutter while they're still on the cookie sheet then pull them off a few at a time.

The 13 Healthy Foods I Always Keep on Hand

1) Quinoa- If you haven't noticed yet I LOVE quinoa!  It's become such a versatile staple in our home.  I like to cook some up over the weekend and use it all week long. I usually will throw it in a cold salad, add it to chili, toast a little and use it for a yogurt topping, add it to a casserole, etc...I think you get my drift.  Quinoa is high in protein and gluten free which makes it an accessible food for all!

2) Beans, Beans, and more Beans- I seriously have an entire shelf in our kitchen dedicated to beans.  Black beans, pinto beans, chili beans, vegetarian re-fried beans, canned beans, dried beans...okay, okay you get the idea, we eat a lot of beans in this house!  Beans have become a major staple after giving up meat.  When I'm feeling a little lazy I'll often times just dump a washed can of black beans into a bowl with some lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion and avocado and go to town.  When I'm feeling slightly more ambitious I'll pull out the slow cooker to cook my dried beans overnight.

3) Sweet Potatoes- I'm a little sad that I waited until I was 25 to start eating sweet potatoes, what I was thinking?!?!  These guys are delicious!  Like beans, we eat sweet potatoes like their going out of style.  I'll add them to chili, salads, or just mix em' up with some honey, olive oil, and rosemary and throw them in the oven.  They add such great texture and taste to all sorts of meals, plus they're good for you!

4) Lemons and Limes- When you get a chance walk over to your fridge, pull out your salad dressing and read the ingredient list, you might be surprised.  I like to use lemons and limes with a little bit of cumin or cayenne pepper to season my salads (both hot and cold).  This way I know exactly what I'm putting on my salad and can avoid funky ingredients and empty calories.  I also have a cup of warm water with lemon first thing the morning and I can't do that without a lemon now can I.

5)  Veggie Broth- I've learned that veggie broth can make almost anything taste just a little bit better.  I like to keep it around to make soups, stews, and to cook quinoa and rice in.  As long as I have a box of veggie broth, fresh veggies, and beans around I can always make a soup!

6) Almond & Coconut Milk- We use to keep a lot of low-fat milk on hand at home.  We used in it cereal oatmeal, baking, etc.. Today we never buy dairy milk, we've opted for almond milk instead.  If you've never had almond milk you're seriously missing out, it's amazing!  Oatmeal with vanilla almond milk might be one of my most favorite things to eat ever, it's delicious!  I also love to keep a little coconut milk on hand for thai dishes and for deserts, coconut milk mouse anyone?

7) Canned Tomatoes- I'll admit it, I HATE tomatoes...like a lot.  I've been trying for the last three years to overcome my dislike for tomatoes, but it just isn't working as well as I'd like.  The good news is I'll eat them as long as they're mixed into something, enter canned tomatoes.

8) Cucumbers- This one might seem super weird  but it's not I swear!  Besides being my fav juicing base, they're also one of my fav snacks.  Every morning before I leave for work I slice up one of these bad boys and throw it in my bag.  I keep a small container of hummus at work so when I start to get hungry around 10am I pull out my cucumber slices and hummus and get crunching.  Because cucumbers contain so much water and are low in calories they make a great healthy snack!

9) Hummus- Making hummus at home is on my current to-do list.  Until then I keep store bought hummus at home and at the office.  Hummus tastes great on wraps, as a veggie dip, in salad, as an alternative to mayo on sandwiches,etc...

10) Garlic- So, I use to buy those small clear jars of pre-diced garlic.  I thought this made sense, it was easier than cutting up a clove of garlic and it lasted longer, plus I thought it would produce the same taste as fresh garlic...so wrong...so very wrong. Fresh garlic tastes (and smells) so much better!  Today we use garlic in soups, salads, pastas, sauces, with sauteed with veggies and olive oil.  After cooking with fresh garlic I'll never go back, you just can beat the taste! Plus garlic is such an easy way to add flavor and health benefits to any meal.

11) Coconut Oil- Coconut oil is a wonderful cooking oil and healthy fat. And believe it or not it does not actually make your foods taste like coconut.  I use coconut oil when making granola, sauteing up some veggies, and throw a spoonful of it into my morning green smoothies.

12) Frozen Spinach- For the most part I prefer to keep fresh not frozen foods on hand, but spinach is one exception.  I've discovered spinach is one of those random veggies that I love so much I'll just sort of throw it into anything, eggs, pasta, grilled cheese, or even just eat it with a little garlic and olive oil.  You can buy a giant bag of this stuff for fairly cheap and it's a great way to fit a few extra veggies into your regular meals.

13) Tea- I love sweets and there are days when all I want is a giant piece of cake or a chocolate bar the size of my face.  These type of cravings usually hit me in the evening and I'v learned that a cup of tea is a great way to combat cravings.  I keep several types of tea at home and at the office so I'm prepared when cravings strike, or if I need a pick me up but I've already had a cup of coffee.

Easy and Delicious Veggie Bake

I have a ton of random veggies hanging out in my fridge right now so I figured that for lunch today I'd put them to good use.  I ended up making an easy and delicious veggie bake!  Want to make a veggie bake of your own?  Here's what you need:






Ingredients:
2-3 Zucchini Cubed
1 lb Red Potatoes (or potato of your choice) Cubed
1 Red Bell Pepper Sliced
2-3 Garlic Cloves Diced
1/4 Cup Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Italian Bread Crumbs
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese
Salt and Pepper to Taste
1 tsp Paprika








Directions:

1. Preheat Oven to 400 Degrees
2. Place zucchini, potatoes, bell peppers, and garlic into a large mixing 
3. Pour in olive oil and bread crumbs and mix everything together
4. Place mixture in a single layer onto a cookie sheet and sprinkle with paprika, salt and pepper
5. Bake for 60 minutes, stirring occasionally
6. About two-three minutes before mixture is done sprinkle on parmesan cheese to melt 
7. Enjoy!

Notes:

*Feel free to add any additional veggies you might have on had, I imagine onions would be a nice addition

*Depending on the volume of veggies adjust the amount of olive oil, you want to make sure you don't use too much or you'll have squishy veggies