Week 1 of the Lenten Cleanse has ended…unfortunately, we didn’t quite make it all the way through with the weeks strict diet restrictions, despite my best efforts.
The week started strong. I organized and prepped like only a type-A personality can do.
Breakfast smoothies: Strawberry-Orange Banana; Raspberry Nut; Mango-Carrot.
Breakfast smoothie ingredients separated into two-person servings for quick and easy morning blending…
Sweet & Spicy: Carrots and radishes
Coconut Trail Mix: Pistachios, toasted unsweetened coconut flakes, and chopped unsweetened dried apricot
Zesty Kale Chips: Kale, sesame or olive oil, lemon juice, and sesame seeds. Bake at 250 for an hour, flipping chips halfway through baking time.
Cleanse approved snacks chopped for easy munching to avoid potato chip temptation…
Ingredients for Cleansing Broth
And “Cleansing broth” (aka vegetable stock) made to add to various Week 1 approved recipes.
The beginning of the week was easy, though I spent most of my time chopping and boiling and sautéing and roasting. We made some really tasty dishes, including the ones below. But despite best laid plans, things don’t always work out the way we think they will. I was certain I would make it through the week, no problem. But..when I woke up Saturday morning feeling like I was going to pass out, we decided to launch into the additional protein sources (Week 2 of the cleanse allows all legumes and gluten-free grains). After the first couple days with some steel-cut oats and the best bread of my life (courtesy of My New Roots), I’m feeling perkier, healthier, and satisfied (though could really go for some goo dark chocolate right this second…). I’m learning (even more) the peace and calm that the methodic process of “slow food” brings with it, as my evenings have been consumed with making one meal and prepping ingredients for one or two more. I’m thinking about food and it’s value as a life-giving source, and how in so many ways, I take it for granted and consume it in excess for flavors, rather than for nutrients. As we continue to work different foods back into our diets in the coming weeks, I hope that I continue to think about how it affects me mind, body and spirit, beyond tasting good and filling my tummy.
tastingstars 