Summer days

I getting hot outside. I becoming summer. I feel it. Soon it will be camping season. Part of me is still in loathing over the camping thing, the other part, well lets just say "biting the bit" does not cover it. Its a chance for me to take more pics, spend time with my boys & just disconnect from all the world. Wait, all I need for that last bit is a book, but I digress. What I hate about camping is lugging all stuff too & from the camp site, there are usually no bathrooms near by,(usually a .25mil trek) & I need a shower everyday. Plus no internet. Sigh. See what I mean about disconnecting. Sometimes its for the best.

I am currently on day 7 of my 4 week detox program. Technically I am on day 5 according to the program I am using, but I kinda skipped the two days I was suppose to ween myself off all he stuff I am suppose to give up & went cold turkey. I so do not recommend it, because if you have a sugar or a caffeine addition like I do, you get really bad headaches & withdrawal symptoms, but for me it was the only way I new I would give the stuff up. I am an all or nothing kinda gal. I must admit I was in pain on the second day. Can we say two Tylenol was not touching this pain. I had a migraine so bad that  could not see straight, but I pulled through. By the third day the headaches were better, I could function almost at normal capacity, & I started the day one of the detox.

 

 

Ready, Set, Action Plan: Weekend Prep Days

Start by Sipping Water

Starting a detox isn't easy, especially not first thing after holiday celebrations. That's why we've got two bonus days of Action Plan prep built into the calendar: Over the weekend (the two days before you officially begin your plan on Monday), use these tips to prepare for your 28-day plan.

On Saturday before your plan begins, start your day with hot water and fresh lemon juice. This can aid in the detoxification process you'll be following in the coming week. Make sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. If you're a coffee drinker, start to wean off; swap one cup out for green or white tea.

Day 1, Monday: Simplify and Cleanse

Kick Off Your Cleanse

We begin with a gentle, food-based detox designed to go easy on your body in more ways than one. Not only will you be eating a little less than usual (given that you're cutting out a lot of the junk), you'll also be easing up on your digestion in the process. "By removing common allergens, you boost nutritional intake and support your digestion," says naturopathic physician Brooke Kalanick, author of "Ultimate You."

Our detox recipes for Weeks 1 and 2 were developed by chef Louisa Shaifia, author of "Lucid Food," and emphasize clean, flavorful ingredients.

Day 2, Tuesday: Adapt and Adjust

Banish Bad Vibes

If there's a coworker you can't stand, don't let your temper get the best of you. Rather than lashing out whenever your colleague's behavior interrupts or otherwise upsets your day, try taking a deep breath and repeating a simple mantra, such as "Everybody's doing the best she can."

Day 3, Wednesday: Take Notes

Start a Stress Log

For the rest of the week, keep your journal on hand and make a quick note each time something or someone stresses you out. Notice when your muscles tighten, your heartbeat speeds up, or your breath quickens, and try to identify the source of your stress response

Day 4, Thursday: Cultivate a Routine

Segue into Sleep

Now that you're hitting the sack 30 minutes earlier, start cultivating a bedtime routine that will set you up for sounder slumber. Use that half hour to unwind with a book, a bath, simple stretching, or any activity that helps you mellow out.

Day 5, Friday: Assess Your Health

Check In

You're wrapping up your first week of the Action Plan, but first you have to make it through the weekend. Today, assess your energy level, mood, and overall health since you started cleansing. Do you feel energized or sleepy? Fired up or frustrated?

"Food sensitivities can lead to lots of different problems -- like brain fog, anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, and congestion -- so make a note if any of those symptoms seem to have improved," advises naturopathic physician Brooke Kalanick. And above all, don't judge whatever it is you do feel. Realize that a big change like this one can affect mind and body across the board

I leave you with this recipe:

Millet Bowl with Black Beans and Vegetables

This hearty meal is full of clean, flavorful ingredients. With no gluten, dairy, soy, meat, or added sugar, it's the perfect detox food.

Serves 2

Ingredients

• MILLET
• 1/4 cup millet
• One 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
• Kosher salt
• 1 cup water
• VEGETABLES
• 4 shiitake mushrooms (2 ounces), sliced 1/4 inch thick
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
• 2 baby bok choy, halved
• 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons toasted sunflower seeds
• DRESSING
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons apple-cider vinegar

Directions

1. Place millet, black beans, and ginger in a small saucepan. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and water. Bring to a boil, stir once, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes. Allow to rest for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
2. Steam shiitakes in a steamer over boiling water, covered, for 3 minutes. Add carrots and bok choy and steam 4 to 6 minutes more. Remove steamer from heat.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together oil and vinegar to make dressing. Season with a dash of salt.
4. Transfer millet to bowls and garnish with steamed and remaining raw vegetables. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour dressing over top and sprinkle with sunflower seeds.