We did it! For two weeks we consciously selected foods with the highest nutrient values while deliberately eliminating foods that potentially tax our system, the allergens. The book, The Conscious Cleanse, served as a reference, resource, and food bible in cleaning up our eating act. We had a fairly even number of friends from Wisconsin and my sister's stomping ground of Raleigh, North Carolina, 24 in total, participate. Actually these folks run more than they stomp. Avid athletes and movement enthusiasts, they added personal flavor and insight to our discussions. Although yesterday was the last day of the two-week elimination diet (eliminate foods commonly associated with inflammation and allergies such as gluten, dairy, sugar, caffeine, alcohol), today officially begins the re-introduction phase to determine if your body reacts negatively to a product. Even healthy foods like peppers, tomatoes, strawberries and eggs are eliminated for the two weeks due to the history of allergic interactions. (My daughter for one breaks out in hives when eating strawberries.)
 Nori Wraps with Tahini Dipping Sauce (page 272) Nori Sheets (I used spring rolls) 2 avocados pitted and mashed 1 cup shredded carrots 1/2 cup thinkly sliced chopped fresh mint 1 cup purple cabbage 1/4 cup thinly sliced zucchini 1/4 cup raw hemp seeds Spread about 1 TBS avocado on each nori sheet. Add veges and hemp seeds and roll. Serve with Tahini Dipping Sauce |  |
From a personal standpoint my energy, sleep habits, skin clarity is significantly improved. It always surprises me how much coffee interferes with my body's natural energy system. The problem is, you can't recognize coffee's interference until you deliberately avoid it for a few weeks. Although this may not be the case for everyone, if you suffer from an auto-immune illness such as Hashiomoto's Thyroiditis caffeine is often implicated as a neuro-endocrine disruptor contributing to adrenal fatigue and digestive issues. Despite the positive reports of coffee offering protective benefits from certain illnesses such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's I think my antioxidants are best derived from another source, particularly that of vegetables. My sleep is also vastly improved and thinking processes more lucid. The added bonus, even though this program does not restrict calories, I am down 5 pounds thanks to my body's understanding of once again how to metabolize and digest real food. The digestive system can be easily confused by processed foods, gluten, dairy, and heavy complex carbs. Once free of having to break-down unrecognizable ingredients it has the much simpler job of of identifying the minerals and nutrients necessary for healthy organ function. Less energy spent on digestion means more energy spent on your immunity, cognitive function, lymphatic system, integumentary (skin) system etc.
Below are a few comments shared by participants as inspiration should you desire your own spring cleaning of eating habits.
Participant 1: " I've struggled with my weight for longer than I can remember. I've lost, I've gained and lost again. I'm definitely an emotional eater and never paid attention to if I was actually hungry or not. In the last three years, I've gained 40 lbs and now for the first time, feel like I've come to a crossroads. It's easy to ignore what's going on and just say oh well. It's just the way it is. I've realized, it's not the way it has to be! Besides the purification weekends, which were tough but I made it through, this last two weeks hasn't seemed hard. I've lost weight and inches. I feel better and look forward to see where this leads me.
Weight is an issue of mine, but inflammation and pain were my main reason for trying CC. I have many people in my family with inflammatory diseases. Closest to me is my mother, who at 40 got diagnosed with RA. I've seen all she has gone through in the last 27 years. It's a horrible and debilitating disease, one I fear I will inherit. Although, I can't stop from having it passed on to me, I know I can lessen the symptoms and will do everything in my power to do so. The medications in treating the symptoms have caused so many issues for my mom. I can't imagine going from the activities I have done over the years to being unable to walk around the block. She has always eaten horribly, been inactive as well as living the yo-yo diet lifestyle her whole life.
I've realized over the past two weeks, that yes I love sweets and baked goods (even started a company selling them), but what do I love more? I love myself more. My husband more. My kids more. I want to be the best me I can be and if it means no dairy, no sugar, no gluten, etc., than that's what it means"
Participant 2: "My pants fit better, I felt "lighter", I felt clean. I do think my thinking was clearer, something I have noticed on past CC that I vow to keep that feeling and then things sneak into my diet."
Participant 3: (One of the goals of the CC is to become conscious of how our body feels, how it reacts to certain foods, and to understand why we are eating certain foods. This particular friend noticed the after-effects of her snack after eating clean for two weeks.)
"I admit, I broke early. I had popcorn at the movie theater. The only good part about cheating now is that I can really feel how my body reacts. I feel really yucky and my stomach feels heavy."
Participant #4:" I'm enjoying the Zesty Watermelon Gazpacho for lunch today. I've been doing the purification weekends and they have gone pretty well. Thanks to all of you for your ideas and encouragement.
I plan to stick with the CC almost exclusively for now. Only plan to test strawberries, tomatoes and peppers. Otherwise, will stay dairy, soy, sugar and gluten free. Feeling awesome!!"
Participant 1: " I've struggled with my weight for longer than I can remember. I've lost, I've gained and lost again. I'm definitely an emotional eater and never paid attention to if I was actually hungry or not. In the last three years, I've gained 40 lbs and now for the first time, feel like I've come to a crossroads. It's easy to ignore what's going on and just say oh well. It's just the way it is. I've realized, it's not the way it has to be! Besides the purification weekends, which were tough but I made it through, this last two weeks hasn't seemed hard. I've lost weight and inches. I feel better and look forward to see where this leads me.
Weight is an issue of mine, but inflammation and pain were my main reason for trying CC. I have many people in my family with inflammatory diseases. Closest to me is my mother, who at 40 got diagnosed with RA. I've seen all she has gone through in the last 27 years. It's a horrible and debilitating disease, one I fear I will inherit. Although, I can't stop from having it passed on to me, I know I can lessen the symptoms and will do everything in my power to do so. The medications in treating the symptoms have caused so many issues for my mom. I can't imagine going from the activities I have done over the years to being unable to walk around the block. She has always eaten horribly, been inactive as well as living the yo-yo diet lifestyle her whole life.
I've realized over the past two weeks, that yes I love sweets and baked goods (even started a company selling them), but what do I love more? I love myself more. My husband more. My kids more. I want to be the best me I can be and if it means no dairy, no sugar, no gluten, etc., than that's what it means"
Participant 2: "My pants fit better, I felt "lighter", I felt clean. I do think my thinking was clearer, something I have noticed on past CC that I vow to keep that feeling and then things sneak into my diet."
Participant 3: (One of the goals of the CC is to become conscious of how our body feels, how it reacts to certain foods, and to understand why we are eating certain foods. This particular friend noticed the after-effects of her snack after eating clean for two weeks.)
"I admit, I broke early. I had popcorn at the movie theater. The only good part about cheating now is that I can really feel how my body reacts. I feel really yucky and my stomach feels heavy."
Participant #4:" I'm enjoying the Zesty Watermelon Gazpacho for lunch today. I've been doing the purification weekends and they have gone pretty well. Thanks to all of you for your ideas and encouragement.
I plan to stick with the CC almost exclusively for now. Only plan to test strawberries, tomatoes and peppers. Otherwise, will stay dairy, soy, sugar and gluten free. Feeling awesome!!"
Participant 5: I had chia seeds, coconut milk, and a splash of vanilla extract (I made it last night for breakfast this morning to let it expand in the bowl). It 'smelled' sweet but had a creamy savory texture. Nice and light afterwards - new stuff for me. Also downloaded Deepak Chopra meditations to used daily in conjunction with the CC. Feeling grounded. Morning jogs are helping too!"
Participant 6: We had this dish last week (Crockpot Balsamic Chicken pictured above,) turned out really well, very tasty. Gotta love the simplicity of the crock pot. I think it's cleanse-suitable too.http://www.sugarfreemom.com/…/crock-pot-balsamic-chicken-t…/
Participant 7: "So this is where accountability comes in: It is Saturday night, husband is at work, kids are in bed…the time that a little snack sounds good. And not carrots or celery! Junk food! Glad I have you all to hold me accountable! "
And the reply from a fellow participant: "You've got this. I just left the drive in. Popcorn, candy, etc. everywhere. I brought a green smoothie. Not quite how I remember going in the past, but happy I made the decision! Hang in there!"
And the reply from a fellow participant: "You've got this. I just left the drive in. Popcorn, candy, etc. everywhere. I brought a green smoothie. Not quite how I remember going in the past, but happy I made the decision! Hang in there!"
And from our Boston Marathon Runner!: "My smoothies usually consist of whatever is in my fridge/freezer, but my favorite fruit to use is frozen mango. It adds a smoothness/creaminess other fruits don't, plus doesn't stain my teeth as badly as blueberries/blackberries (though they are my second favorites). If you're new to green smoothies, try adding mango! This morning was kale, spinach, frozen mango, hemp seed, wheatgrass and coconut water. Yum!!"
Participant 8: As I continue the hump day journey I thought I would share some thoughts on recipes I have tried. I am an individual who loves to cook and eat. I am learning that the recipes are not that different than many I am already familiar with if I use a few subs. I think this has become more doable as I delve into the actual "what to eat" portion. My first success is the radish and cucumber salad found on the conscious cleanse website. It was satisfying for those in need of a crunch. I did not use the avocados. Here is the recipe.
Cucumber Radish Salad
Yield: 2 Servings
Ingredients:
2 cups cucumber, skins on, diced
1 cup radish, diced
1 avocado, diced
¼ cup fresh herb of choice (cilantro, dill, mint or parsley would be delicious)
2 TB lime or lemon juice
1 TB apple cider vinegar
2 TB olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
In a large bowl, toss together cucumber, radish, avocado, herbs, lime juice, vinegar, olive oil until well combined. Avocado should become creamy but still chunky. Add salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 before serving. If anyone wanted to share what they tried and enjoy it would be appreciated.
Cucumber Radish Salad
Yield: 2 Servings
Ingredients:
2 cups cucumber, skins on, diced
1 cup radish, diced
1 avocado, diced
¼ cup fresh herb of choice (cilantro, dill, mint or parsley would be delicious)
2 TB lime or lemon juice
1 TB apple cider vinegar
2 TB olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
In a large bowl, toss together cucumber, radish, avocado, herbs, lime juice, vinegar, olive oil until well combined. Avocado should become creamy but still chunky. Add salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 before serving. If anyone wanted to share what they tried and enjoy it would be appreciated.
Participant #9:"I love that as the weeks pass, my smoothies are looking greener everyday! Less fruit, more greens!"
Participant #10: "My husband and I are doing great on the cleanse. It isn't as hard for me this time since I adopted healthy eating habits the first time around. I tried something new since I am not a fan of pineapples: I made the green goddess smoothie with Door County cherries -unsweetened of course (from Sendik's) and black chia seeds. No cilantro! We love it!!!"
The best way to learn more information about The Conscious Cleanse is to visit their website and/or facebook page. Order the book from Amazon, The Conscious Cleanse by Jo Schaelman and Julie Pelaez. If you want to participate in a future seasonal detox we would love to have you join us! Thank you for reading!
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