The Ultimate Reset Days 11, 12, 13 &14

The Bomb.com!!!

Wow, the first two weeks were awesome.  The only complaint that I believe I have are the dishes I used to cook everything in and the clean up afterwards.  I'm kind of a fly by the seat of my pants kinda girl so I think it would have been better had I prepped everything but that's just not me!  Another week has gone by and I am still so satisfied with the food!

I'm feeling really good too!  I finally had enough energy to get good workouts in, although I can tell they're still not 100%.  That is the only thing I really didn't follow on this plan to a T.  I need my workouts.  I did about 50% capacity and in the beginning of the detox that 50% felt like 110%.  I did take a few days off.

Still sleeping really good which is amazing to me!  I'm such a light sleeper and now when it's bedtime it's lights out for this girl!

Some of the foods I've eaten during this last week were Vegetable Miso soup, Mediterranean Roasted Beets, Quinoa- Lentil Pilaf, fruit, micro-green salads, Coconut Collard Greens & Edamame and Roasted Corn Succotash!  OH MY LORD...   OOH, and Kabocha Squash with a garlic-Tahini filling!

So many people were commenting on the Kabocha Squash so here is the recipe as promised!!!  I thought it was really good and the Tahini filling for some reason reminded me of peanut butter.  There was definitely a nutty taste to it and no doubt I have peanut butter on my mind.  That is the ONE THING that I really do miss...

Kabocha Squash with Garlic-Tahini Filling

1 Kabocha Squash, halved and seeded

4 TBSP sesame tahini

2 tsp miso paste

1 tsp clove garlic, chopped

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

Preheat oven to 400*  Place squash halves on a lightly sprayed baking sheet.  Combine tahini, miso, garlic and oil in a small bowl.  Mix well.  Cover squash evenly with the tahini mixture making sure to get some on the top edges.  Bake for 30 minutes or until fork tender.  Enjoy!

I also loved the Coconut Collard Greens!  

1 1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1/4 medium onion, diced

1/2 bunch of collard greens, stems removed, cut into 1/2 inch strips

1/4 cup of coconut milk

1 dash Himalayan Sea Salt (optional)

Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat.  Add onions & cook, stirring frequently 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and soft.  Add collard greens and coconut milk.  Cook, stirring frequently for 10 minutes or until greens are very tender.  Add Himalayan Sea Salt if desired.

Now on to week three - the final phase of this detox.  This phase, called restore, eliminates all grains and legumes and focuses on a simple, cleansing fruit and vegetable based diet.  I'm looking forward to it!  As an added bonus, I'm down 5 lbs - and I felt like all I was doing was eating!  I didn't do this cleanse to lose weight but rather to rid my body of toxins that I know have built up n my body over the years!  But down 5 lbs?!  Hey, I'll take it!

Phase 2 - Release

The Ultimate Reset

Days 8, 9 & 10!

During this second phase of the Ultimate Reset I will completely eliminate animal products.  I will be on a diet consisting of vegetables, fruits and whole grains.  This shouldn't be too difficult for me since I tried to eat mostly 75 - 85% like that anyhow.  We'll see though, I'm like a little kid when I'm told I can't have something haha!  The food is a little different, but still holding it's high regards to flavor and variety.  Of course there's the fruits for breakfast and veggies in the salads but some of the lunches and dinners are quite tasty!

One of the different breakfasts that I had besides fresh fruit was mashed chickpeas topped with Nori Gomasio.  It was pretty tasty.  Nori Gomasio is toasted and cracked sesame seeds mixed with Nori Seaweed.  The texture and taste was like hummus in a way, but with fresh garlic so spicy!  Even if a food is not going to be put into my recipe rotation I'm LOVING trying new things!  Lunches consisted of pinto beans and rice, salad, and Sweet Potato and Roasted Red Pepper Bisque.  Now let's just talk about that for a second!  Um, YUM!!!

This was seriously something to look forward to!  It took a little prep work to make, but I thought it was well worth it!

Sweet Potato and Roasted Red Pepper Bisque

1 Cup Water          

1 medium sweet potato or yam, peeled & cubed

1/4 medium red bell pepper

1 tsp finely grated Ginger Root

1 1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

2 tsp miso paste, mixed with 2 TBSP hot water

1 cup vegetable broth

BRAGG Liquid Aminos (optional to taste)

Herbal Seasoning to taste (Mrs Dash)

Cook sweet potato in 1 cup water until softened, about 5-7 minutes.  Drain and set aside.

Roast the Red Pepper on the girl or under broiler turning frequently until skin is evenly charred.  Place in a bowl, cover with a towel for around 10 minutes.  Peel skin off under running water.  Chop into 4 inch cubes.

Add all ingredients except the liquid Aminos & Mrs. Dash into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.  If you like it hotter, heat in a saucepan stirring frequently.  Top with BRAGGS Liquid Aminos and Mrs Dash if desired.

Another winner that I really enjoyed is the Quinoa-Lentil Pilaf.  I really liked this recipe and can certainly see serving it as a side for my husband when he is having meat.  I'm not sure when I'll re-introduce meat back into my diet.  Going to ride this wave as long as I can!

This is becoming such a positive experience for me.  The only downside is that my husband is not following it so I am cooking two separate dinners.  That's ok though, he is my bigger supporter and I love him.  He doesn't mind having cereal, spaghettios or peanut butter and jelly every night :)  Just kidding - he gets Shakeology and LOVES it!  Well, Shakeology and some chicken...

Reclaim week of

The Ultimate Reset is complete!

Well, my first week of the Ultimate Reset is complete!  It went quickly and I learned so many new recipes!  All of my eating was conscious eating - no mindless snacking - how I used to be guilty of!  I can't believe how much I snacked before when not even hungry!  I took my supplements and alkalinize as directed and even got used to "the green stuff".  I know I said it was like pond scum on my first day, but really, we ended up having a friendly rivalry which is good because there's more to take!  FYI:  The Alkalinize  helps to neutralize excess acid in your system improving your overall ph level.  It promotes a strong immune system, anti-inflammatory responses and is essential for great health!

It was a combination of alf alfa, barley, kamut & organic wheat grasses!

On to some of my favorite recipes!

The baked Salmon was amazing! 

1 clove garlic

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil

1/2 tsp Himalayan Sea Salt

1/2 tsp herbal salt seasoning like Mrs Dash

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 Tsp chopped fresh parsley

1 6 oz fillet wild caught salmon

Combine ingredients and pour over Salmon to marinate for at least 20 minutes, turning once. Place Salmon fillet on aluminum foil & cover with marinade.  Seal foil shut.  Bake at 350* for 20 minutes or until flakes easily with a fork.  Enjoy!

Another Fun favorite was making my own Nori Rolls with Tempeh!

1/2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1 strip smokey tempeh

1 sheet Nori Seaweed

1/3 cup cooked brown rice

1/4 medium avocado sliced

1/4 medium carrot, match stick

1/4 cucumber, cut into thin strips

sesame seeds

Heat oil in skillet and brown Tempeh on each side, about 3-4 minutes.  Place Nori Seaweed on plate and top with rice, covering Nori 1/2 lengthwise.  Layer remaining ingredients and roll.  wet end of Nori Seaweed to seal.  Cut into slices.  *Use a sharp knife - it's tough to cut through!

And lastly, my favorite breakfast - Creamed rice with fruit, walnuts & syrup!

This was just plain old comfort food!  Cook the Rice cereal according to package directions & top with chopped green apple, chopped walnuts and 1 Tbsp of Pure Maple Syrup.  Life couldn't be easier!

Some of the side effects that I've felt were achy muscles at times but nothing too serious or that I couldn't handle.  That's about it!  One of the major things I've noticed on The Ultimate Reset besides my better eating habits - my SLEEP!  When my head hits the pillow I am out like a light!  I am such a light sleeper that that used to never happen! zzzzzzz.......

The Ultimate Reset is moving along!

I have to say so far I am loving everything about this Reset - especially the food!  I can't believe how much I am able to eat - 3 meals and a snack if needed.  Two days I did, two days I didn't. I just finished day 5 and I feel really good!  I don't even think about coffee and the foods I mindlessly ate DAILY like dark chocolate chips, peanut butter and crackers or crunch.  That's not to say I won't have them anymore - if you know me that's not going to happen - but I am delighted  to know that I don't HAVE to have them!  I also didn't really have any side effects so far which surprises me.  I did prepare my hubby for tears, aches, crankiness and other feelings that I thought would be from detoxing but there's been no difference.  According to Jim I was always crying, cranky, achy...(just kidding :))

The food for days 4 & 5 were a wonderful variety.   I've had fresh fruit , yogurt and pure maple syrup or creamed rice, walnuts, apples and syrup for breakfast.  Lunch was either Nori rolls with smoked tempeh, rice, avocado & cucumber or a lemony lentil or couscous salad, veggies & hummus.  Dinner both nights because I loved it SO MUCH was stir fried veggies & Quinoa and a baked sweet potato.  And yes, everyday I'm drinking the green stuff aka Alkalinize.  It's actually not as bad as I first said - must be growing on me!  All in all this has been a great gig.  I've made my first "sushi rolls" with the Tempeh.  First time rolled like a charm - second day not so much but it was still delicious.  And I LOVED the cream of rice breakfast - who knew?  I do miss having my Shakeology everyday but that is what I use as my snack when needed, so it's not completely eliminated.  Love my daily dose of dense nutrition!  

If you have any questions, please post below - I would love to talk to you!

DAY 2 is in the Books!

I finished day two and let me tell you the food I'm eating in Fantastic!  There's usually plenty of it and I feel light and energized.  I did have my Shakeology for a snack today because I seemed really hungry.  Chocolate covered Strawberry - seriously?  This is my kind of Detox!  I worked out in the morning and felt really good, however by the end of the day had a terrible migraine.  It could have been changing my eating habits and working out, but I was also doing a TON of computer work.  I've read that headaches could be a form of detoxing so we'll see!  I do miss my crunchy snacks, but have discovered that that was just mindless eating.  I haven't gone off of the program at all but was surprised to find that everytime I went into the kitchen I instantly thought about a handful of crackers or nuts.  I've been drinking all of my mineralized water - almost a gallon each day!  I even like it hot first thing in the morning like a pseudo coffee haha!  The only bad thing I can report is drinking the alkalinize - it's like doing a shot of pond scum.  It's not easy to do but then again, neither was Jack Daniels!  Close your eyes, hold your breath and shoot it back!  I also wear my bracelet to keep me accountable on this journey - it's funny how we all create our own little security blankets when doing something new.

 Did I mention the food?  Don't mean to be so obsessed but I am amazed!  Made a black bean and rice taco for dinner.  I used a real corn tortilla - not the fried in the box or the flour.  OMG is all I can say! For breakfast there was oatmeal, blueberries & organic yogurt sweetened with real maple syrup.  Lunch was another fabulous Greek salad and the tacos for dinner - see what I mean?  I've never made my own salad dressings before and don't think I'll ever go back to store bought.  I think this detox is just the kick in the pants that I need!!!  Below is the recipe for the creamy garlic dressing - Enjoy!

Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing

1/2 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar

3 cloves of garlic, crushed

3 TBSP fresh lemon juice

2 TBSP chopped fresh parsley

1 Tsp Himalayan Sea Salt

1/2 Tsp Dijon Mustard

1 TBSP Raw Honey or Pure Maple Syrup  (I used Honey).

Blend everything until smooth.  Refrigerate any unused portions - let set to room temperature if solidifies for next use.

Day 1 - DONE!!!

                                                         

I have to say that the first day went pretty much as expected.  The anticipation always makes things easier for me - like the first run of the season.  You go out feeling like a million bucks, have an easy run and go farther than you expected.  Then there's tomorrow...

But we'll see.  So far so good.  And talk about good - how about this FOOD?

I had eggs, whole grain toast & steamed spinach for breakfast, A fantastic salad loaded with toasted pumpkin seeds, some sprouts and jicama topped with a homemade creamy garlic dressing and Miso soup for lunch and OUTSTANDING marinated Salmon, boiled potatoes and steamed asparagus for dinner.  It was all really very good - well, the miso soup was OK but that's my issue... So far it's been really good.  I weighed in at 124.4 this morning so we'll see - this was a lot of food!  And a lot of water, but there's no better drink for you than water!  

#beachbodyultimatereset  #myfirstday #joinme

And tomorrow it begins...

I just got back from doing my grocery shopping for The Ultimate Reset.  That's the 21 Day Detox/Cleanse that I'm doing through Beach Body and I'm really excited!!!  I know this won't be easy.  I know there will be days that I'm going to want to quit - but I won't!  I'm taking it one week at a time since it's designed to be a 3-phase system.

In phase 1 I'm going to reclaim my body and prepare myself for change!  I will remove red meat and dairy from my diet, get rid of the stress on my digestive system and get my body back to a healthy  pH balance!

By the looks of the foods that I just purchased my meals should be delicious!  I'm also excited because I will be trying foods that I've never had or prepared myself before. I spent 20 minutes looking for Jicama thinking it would be something long & white in the produce department like I see it in the jars - only fresh produce for this cleanse!  Right area, wrong look.  It's shaped like an onion and looks exactly like a potato - who knew?  Haha!

I order Tempeh out at restaurants all the time as an appetizer - I love it and am so looking forward to learning how to prepare it.  And Miso Soup - yum!!!  The honey I bought is unfiltered and RAW - it seems thicker and more opaque than the honey I'm used to but tastes delicious (yes, I snuck a taste).  I bought beets, fruits, seaweed, veggies galore, Salmon, black beans, sprouts, whole grain bread,

long grain brown rice (and a rice cooker)!  I love gadgets!!!  Just take a look at my refrigerator!  Is that not the healthiest fridge you've ever seen?

Don't forget to follow me along this journey and ask any questions you may have - I'll give you the honest truth.  Especially about the Seaweed - not sure how I feel about that purchase.  I guess I'll just close my eyes and pretend I just got sucker punched by the ocean - that should taste about right...