Detox - The Food Kind

Sorry for the hiatus; is March nuts for other people?

The no buying thing is still working out. Unfortunately, I've replaced my buying stuff errands with buying food errands. So, I've gained back almost 1/2 of the weight I lost last year. So, it's time to detox.

I'm not a doctor, and I can't tell you if my plan is healthy for everyone, but I hope it works for me! I have a sugar monster… and the Easter grocery store mania doesn't help. A friend posted that they were doing a Whole30 detox which got me on the kick. I've done the 21 day sugar detox before, and it was AMAZING! Click here for the book. 

I wanted to do something a bit different this time, and I wanted to do something focused on resetting my gut. I did some shopping, and here is my plan:

Each day will start with a detox drink. 1/4 cup no-sugar-added cranberry juice and a tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice. You can dilute it if you want, but the lemon cancels out the ACV and the cranberry juice is just really tart. 

Why these ingredients? Cranberry is great for the lymphatic system and cleaning the kidneys. Apple cider vinegar helps decrease inflammation, detox the liver and improve circulation. Lemon juice helps the immune system and aids digestion. 

I plan to almost exclusively eat chicken, so to help with boredom, I cooked a variety of flavors. 

Herb, balsamic, and lemon pepper to be exact. I always cook chicken with low-sodium organic broth in the oven at 325 degrees for 45 minutes. I did all 3 at the same time, so I increased the time to an hour.

I LOVE cooking in my Pyrex dishes. I threw away most of my plastic storage a while ago, for chemical issues, and replaced it with this set. I like that they can go from oven to fridge:

I'll also have one of my favorite protein drinks each day. I get these from the Vitamin Shoppe, but they sell them online, too. I like the Orange best, but the Alpine Punch and Grape are also good. For 160 calories, 40g of protein, and no sugar, you can't beat it!

**If you purchase anything from any of the links in my post, I may receive small financial compensation from the selling company. I haven't been paid to post or use any of the products, I just want to share what I love with all of you!

Ode to Stuff Not Purchased

On the way to electronics for watch battery selection,

I passed through the leisure and children’s sections.

Toddler shirts were adorned with shamrocks and gold,

And I caressed the softest pajama set I ever did hold.

(Seriously… I hugged it for a good minute)

Everything was so cute I couldn’t turn my eye,

Without landing on something I wanted to buy.

I whipped out my phone, and texted my mom,

Who said to move quickly, get out, and be strong!

I survived the trip, but was a little bit sad,

Would just a few items have been so bad?

Later that night, when putting the laundry away,

My feelings turned to pride for the events of the day.

I found myself smiling and became quite pleased,

All the clothes fit nicely in the drawers with great ease!

The anxiety of excess is becoming a memory,

Just like those unpurchased items from Target will be.

Buying the stuff is no longer worth it,
It’s better to not have a house full of … stuff.

Lies on the Internet

The internet is the perfect example of a double-edged sword. You can find a wealth of information on almost any topic, and there are all sorts of forums to commiserate with people in your same situation. 

One of the biggest problems with the internet is it often gives false expectation and a false sense of reality. Does EVERYONE else have babies that smile ALL THE TIME?!?

OF COURSE NOT!!! But who wants to post a picture of their baby crying, distracted, or escaping?

So, in order to pull back the curtain, here's the final product:

- and here's what it took to get there:

All fun, great memories, but this is how I'll remember the babe:

Friday Inspiration

I saw this cartoon and I couldn't help but cringe giggle!  Today my hair is in a pony tail for the umpteenth day in a row (can't even tell you where my straightener is...). I may or may not have driven through Wendy's for a junior Frosty for breakfast, and I'm in the same pair of sweatpants I've slept in all week...

And you know what? I'm fine with it!  It's not my constant state, but it happens occasionally, and that is fine.  We're all allowed to feel like this some days:

Motherhood isn't a competition; you're probably your own worst critic.  You are the best mother your child will have - give yourself a break sometimes! 

HAPPY FRIDAY!!

Friday Inspiration

I came across this image online and found it to be profoundly true.  The babe has already grown up so quickly.  

It is a nice reminder to ignore the superficial things and really enjoy the short time we have with the little ones!!

Happy Friday!