Clean Cleanse: Reintroduction

Clean Cleanse: Reintroduction

I finished my 21 days of shakes.  I felt great and I was down a total of 8lbs!  Not too bad considering I have not worked out (toe injury).  I'm glad I went through this journey and will most likely do it again down the road.  The two best results are obviously the weight loss and my digestive system.  My body is working better and that of course makes me feel better.  I also think my skin overall looks healthier.

Sunday, August 11th was my first day off of the actual cleanse.  On Sunday and Monday I reintroduced gluten back into my diet.  I am happy to say I do NOT have a gluten allergy!  HOORAY, YIPPIE, bagels and pasta will still be my best friends!  Speaking of bagels and pasta, I had both.  Sunday morning I have a plain bagel, well plain.  I was going to put almond butter on it, but I forgot my almond butter at work (FAIL).  For lunch I had a half of a sandwich and salad.  For dinner I have chicken, cauliflower and a small slice of toast with olive oil.  Then went to see my new favorite band, The Wind + The Wave.  SO GOOD, check them out here.

  The Wind + The Wave!

On Monday, I had two slices of toast with almond butter for breakfast and an apple.  For lunch I had a mini sub from Jersey Mike's with turkey, lettuce, spicy brown mustard, red vinegar, onions served on wheat bread (extra bread scooped out).  It was delish!  For dinner David and I ate with two of our good friends, Mike and Beth.  We went to an Italian restaurant.  I treated myself to one glass of red wine!  It was such a nice treat!  I'm done with the cleanse and not allergic to gluten so it just felt right.  Big bonus, I'm NOT allergic to red wine!!! BEST NEWS EVER!  I also had pasta with grilled chicken, olive oil, arugula and garlic.  Very good!  

So today is Tuesday and I started to eat from the clean cleanse approved foods list only.  I will do this tomorrow as well to "reset" my body.  Starting Thursday I will introduce dairy and see how my body reacts.  I have a feeling I might not be as lucky as I was with the gluten!  I will update you all.

Signing out.

Clean Cleanse Day 15, 16, 17, 18 & 19:

Clean Cleanse Day 15, 16, 17, 18 & 19:

August 4th-8th:

Sorry I haven't posted anything in the past 5 days, but honestly I have been pretty boring!  I have been eating the same things and feeling great.  Really no news to report.

The best news is I only have two more days of the actual cleanse!  Once that is finished I begin my week long introduction phase.  Starting on Sunday I will introduce gluten back into my diet for two days and see how my body reacts...can anyone say BAGEL with me?!  Tuesday I start eating foods only from the clean diet for two days to "reset" my body and remove the gluten toxins.  On Thursday I will introduce dairy back into my diet and see how I react during that phase.  I can continue on with the reintroduction phase and try other things as well, such as sugar, alcohol, etc. if I decide to continue on.  For now, I only plan on testing gluten and dairy.    

So close to the end!  My 31 day journey is coming to an end.  Thanks for reading and your support.  

Signing out.  

Clean Cleanse Day Thirteen and Fourteen: 8 and 7 to go

Clean Cleanse Day Thirteen and Fourteen: 8 and 7 to go

Friday and Saturday, August 2nd and 3rd:

It's been a very busy weekend, so I am sorry I have been MIA!  We got so much done at the new place and it's looking better everyday.  David put together our outdoor set and we can't wait to have cookouts!  

Our balcony!  Who's coming over?

So both mornings I made a vanilla shake.  I used one shake packet, one stevia packet, frozen pineapple, ice and one cup of almond milk.  Friday I had brown rice tortilla chips for a mid morning snack.  For lunch both days I made the most delicious salad!  I grilled peaches Thursday night and served them over arugula with grilled chicken and balsamic dressing.  Insanely good.  Once the cleanse is over I'm going to eliminate the chicken and serve it with burrata cheese!  For the recipe, click here.  

Deliciousness.

Late afternoon on Friday I had a gala apple with almond butter for a snack.  Late afternoon Saturday I had guacamole and brown rice tortilla chips...my fav!  For dinner both nights I made a chocolate shake with frozen pineapple.  Have I mentioned how much I love pineapple?  I also had my supplements and probiotics after every shake/meal.

Saturday night we went to our friends Brian and Candace's house for a party.  It was so fun, but talk about temptation!  They had so much to eat and drink.  I sat in front of a table with pizza, cheese and crackers, chips and dip, etc.  Not to mention the flowing drinks!  I stayed strong, drank water, ate a couple of almonds and raw celery and played catch phrase.  It was so nice to see good friends!

All in all, it was a fantastic weekend.  Thanks all for following me on this journey.

Signing out.

Clean Cleanse Day Twelve: 9 to go

Clean Cleanse Day Twelve: 9 to go

Thursday, August 1st:

I am down to SINGLE DIGITS, only 9 days to go (plus the 7 days of reintroduction)!  It feels amazing to be so close.  David and I have already planned my celebration dinner...you guessed it pizza and wine!  We are going to go to one of our favorite restaurants in Santa Monica, Stella Barra.  Seriously if you come to LA you need to go eat at this place.  It's SO GOOD (oh no, my mouth is watering)!  

This morning I had a mixed berry vanilla shake.  I used one vanilla shake packet, one stevia packet, frozen mixed berries (cherries, raspberries, blueberries and black berries),  one cup of almond milk, and ice.  I had my supplements and a probiotic after my shake.  It was really good, I like the mixed berries.  

For a snack before lunch I had some brown rice tortilla chips.  For lunch I had a grilled chicken salad with avocado.  I used spinach today and it was okay.  I hate the way spinach smells, gives me the creeps.  I used my same homemade dressing and it was delish!  After lunch I had my supplements and a probiotic.  

I prepared a chocolate shake for dinner..shocker!  Tonight I did switch it up a bit and tried pineapple.  The risk paid off because it was so good.  I used one chocolate shake packet, one cup of almond milk, ice, one stevia packet and frozen pineapple.  I also had my supplements and probiotic.  After dinner I prepared food for my lunch tomorrow.  I am trying a new lunch.  Tune in tomorrow to see how it turns out...I have high hopes!

Signing out.

Clean Cleanse Day Eleven: 10 to go

Clean Cleanse Day Eleven: 10 to go

Wednesday, July 31st:

This morning I had a mango vanilla shake.  I also had my supplements and probiotic.  For lunch I had a salad with grilled chicken and avocado.  I made dressing by using stone ground mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper, and fresh lemon.  For a snack I had brown rice tortilla chips that I made Tuesday night.

For dinner I had a chocolate shake.  I used a chocolate shake packet, ice, frozen blueberries, one stevia packet and one cup of almond milk.  Of course I had my supplements and a probiotic.  Sorry this blog is so similar to yesterdays, but now that I'm in a routine just trying to stay strong!

I'm feeling really good and very healthy.  I look the way I feel too!  I see a glow with my skin and I'm slimming down which is such a huge plus!  I desperately want a pizza and french fries, but I'm hanging in there!

Signing out.

Clean Cleanse Day Nine and Ten: 12 and 11 to go

Clean Cleanse Day Nine and Ten: 12 and 11 to go

Monday and Tuesday, July 29-30th:

I decided to combine these two days since they were exactly the same!  Don't want to bore anyone too badly.

Both mornings I had a mango vanilla shake.  I'm really enjoying this combination!  I also had my supplements and probiotic.  For lunch both days I had a salad with grilled chicken and avocado.  I made dressing by using stone ground mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper, and fresh lemon.  For a snack I had an apple and almond butter.  Definitely my second favorite snack on this cleanse.  The brown rice tortilla chips and guacamole first, obviously.

For dinner both nights I had a chocolate shake.  I used a chocolate shake packet, ice, frozen blueberries, one stevia packet and one cup of almond milk.  Of course I had my supplements and a probiotic.  Pretty boring these past couple of days!

Best part, Tuesday morning I weighed myself and I've lost over 6lbs!  Feels amazing and can't wait to continue the journey!

Signing out.

Clean Cleanse Day Eight: 13 to go

Clean Cleanse Day Eight: 13 to go

Sunday, July 28th:

Today I started out with a vanilla shake.  I ran out of frozen pineapple so I used frozen mango instead.  It was so GOOD!  I also took my supplements and probiotic.  We were very busy moving all day.  I ate a late lunch which consisted of romaine lettuce, grilled chicken I had previously made, avocado, and dressing.  For the dressing I used stone ground mustard, salt and pepper, olive oil and fresh lemon.  It was delicious!  I also made fresh lemonade which was heavenly considering I've only been drinking water!  I used water, lemon and half of a stevia packet.  After lunch I took my supplements and probiotic.

LUNCH!

For dinner I had a chocolate shake with frozen blueberries.  I also took my supplements and probiotic.  We then headed to our friends house in Venice for a BBQ.  TORTURE!  They had a cheese plate and rosé, I mean come on!  I stayed strong.  They did grill fresh veggies, so I had a few of those while they were eating so I didn't feel left out.  I

Overall, fantastic day.  David even finished putting our new bed together!  The place is really coming together.  I will post pictures soon.

Signing out. 

Clean Cleanse Day Seven: 14 to go

Clean Cleanse Day Seven: 14 to go

Saturday, July 27th:

I started off my day with a vanilla shake.  I used the usual ingredients, vanilla shake packet, one stevia packet, frozen pineapple, one cup of almond milk and ice.  I also had my supplements and my probiotic.  It was really good as usual.  We hired these two handymen to come over to our place to hang both of our TV's.  It was comedy hour.  These guys fought the entire time with each other, so it was a very entertaining morning!  After they left we loaded up for a fun filled afternoon at IKEA!  I brought some snacks with me, brown rice tortilla chips and a granny smith apple.  That held me over for our trip.

Walked through IKEA with my moon boot!  That's dedication.

Once we got back I prepared a salad.  It was past 4:00pm so I was very hungry!  I had the other half of my clementines salad from yesterday.  I added more avocado and grilled chicken I had previously prepared.  I made my dressing again using stone ground mustard, olive oil, salt and pepper and fresh lemon.  I also had my supplements and my probiotic.  It was so good!  For dinner I had a chocolate shake.  I used one chocolate shake packet, one stevia packet, frozen blueberries, one cup of almond milk and ice.  I also had my supplements and probiotic.

We then got ready to head the Hollywood Cemetery to watch Caddyshack with some of our friends!  Watching movies at the cemetery is one of our favorite things to do in LA!  There are over 1000 people there on blankets watching the movie on a big projected screen.  The weather was perfect and it was a nice to get away from all the packing.  I really wanted a glass of wine, but I happily drank my water instead :)

Caddyshack at the cemetery.  Notice the palm trees in the background.  So fun!

It was a great day and I'm feeling great overall!  

Signing out.

Clean Cleanse Day Six: 15 to go

Clean Cleanse Day Six: 15 to go

Friday, July 26th:

People have been asking me lately how I feel, so I want to elaborate on this for today.  I feel great.  I've had a little bit a sinus issue, just a stuffy nose really, but I knew that was part of the deal.  They said I could feel symptoms like that as my body is getting rid of toxins.  Other than that I feel refreshed, energetic and overall healthy.  My skin looks flawless and my eyes look whiter (I swear!) and my digestive system is working the best it's ever worked.  I've lost around 4 pounds so far.  Overall I'd say week one has been a big success!

This morning I had a vanilla shake.  I used one vanilla shake packet, one stevia packet, one cup of almond milk, frozen pineapple and ice.  I also took my supplements and probiotic.  It was delicious and filling as usual.  For lunch we had Clementine's at work.  I had half of a cobb salad with grilled chicken, avocado, red onion, cucumber, carrots, romaine lettuce and I made my own dressing.  For the dressing I used olive oil, fresh lemon juice, half of one stevia packet, stone ground mustard, sea salt and pepper.  It was amazing!  Along with the salad I also had brown rice tortilla chips I made, my supplements and a probiotic.  For a snack after lunch I had a granny smith apple with almond butter.  I drank plenty of water throughout the day as well.  On the cleanse they encourage you to drink enough water that you pee each hour. I don't know that I am using the restroom each hour, but I am using it frequently.

For dinner I had a chocolate shake.  I used one chocolate shake packet, one stevia packet, frozen blueberries and ice.  I also had supplements and a probiotic.  Our friends Jacobi and Kevin came over.  David and friends had beer, wine and Indian food...I had WATER!  Overall a great day and looking forward to another three weeks of progress!

Signing out.

Clean Cleanse Day Five: 16 to go

Clean Cleanse Day Five: 16 to go

Thursday, July 25th:

PHEW!  I am exhausted!

Okay, so today I woke up and made a vanilla shake.  I used a vanilla shake packet, one stevia packet, frozen pineapples, frozen raspberries, one cup of almond milk and ice.  I also took my supplements and a probiotic.  It was refreshing and kept me full until lunch.

My morning shake and my lunch.

For lunch I used one of the grilled chicken breasts I made last night.  I put the chicken along with lettuce, stone ground mustard, salt and pepper inside one of my brown rice tortillas and made a wrap.  It was delicious!  I also had some of the brown rice tortilla chips, my supplements and a probiotic.  For an afternoon snack I had celery and a gala apple with some almond butter.  So good!  I desperately wanted a coke today, but stayed strong and enjoyed plenty of water!

After work David and I worked on the new place all night.  We moved a ton of stuff from my old apartment to the new place.  We also got our new bed in the mail and we (David) spent most of the night putting it together.  I ordered it off of One Kings Lane and it is beautiful!  I will post a picture once it's set up :)

During the chaos of moving I also made a chocolate shake for dinner.  I used a chocolate shake packet, one stevia packet, one cup of almond milk, frozen blueberries and ice.  Original, I know.  It's called the "Purple Haze" and truth be told I would love an actual Abita Purple Haze right about now!  Staying strong and going to bed.  Good night friends!

Signing out.

P.S. If you're not a member of One Kings Lane and would like to join.  Click my link above or here and enjoy a $15 credit on OKL!

Clean Cleanse Day Four: 17 to go

Clean Cleanse Day Four: 17 to go

Wednesday, July 24rd:

This morning I started my day with a vanilla shake.  I think you're probably noticing a trend by now...vanilla in the morning and chocolate at night :)  Just seems right to me for some reason.  Anyways, I used one vanilla shake packet, frozen pineapple, one stevia packet, ice and one cup of almond milk.  I also had my supplements and my probiotic.

For lunch I had a real treat!  I went to Burger Lounge for lunch!  Who knew Burger Lounge had great salads?  I had the organic quinoa salad with grilled chicken.  On the salad I had Arugula, spinach, kale, roasted baby squash, red onion, toasted almonds, quinoa and I squeezed fresh lemon on top.  It was so GOOD!  I will definitely be treating myself this to lunch frequently throughout this cleanse.  It's conveniently located in Beverly Hills not far from where I work, which is a huge plus.  I also had my supplements and a probiotic.  For snacks later in the afternoon I had brown rice tortilla chips I made last night, fresh cherries, and a gala apple with almond butter for dipping.  Delish!

For dinner tonight I had a chocolate shake.  I used one chocolate shake packet, one stevia packet, frozen blueberries, and one cup of almond milk.  Purple and tasty!  I drank lots of water throughout the day as well.  I also prepared a few grilled chicken breasts on the George Foreman grill which I will use for lunches.  Looking forward to those versus tuna fish...

I honestly can't say at this point I feel much different.  I feel great, but haven't seen any drastic changes so far.  I'm not weighing myself frequently, but if my weight changes a significant amount I'll let you know.  I kind of want to wait until the end to weigh myself, but that probably won't happen!  I'm really hoping to see a difference in my energy level, but it just hasn't happened yet.  I'll keep everyone posted!  
Signing out.

Clean Cleanse Day Three: 18 to go

Clean Cleanse Day Three: 18 to go

Tuesday, July 23rd:

I am happy to report today that I am feeling much better!  I am using a boot to help me walk, but overall the pain in my toe is almost gone.  I did not take advil last night or anytime today (trying not to take medicine while cleansing).  This morning I woke up and made a vanilla shake for breakfast.  I used one vanilla shake packet, ice, one cup of almond milk, one stevia packet and frozen pineapple.  It was so tasty!  I love pineapple and it felt refreshing in the morning.

For lunch I had tuna fish I prepared over lettuce with fresh lemon.  I wasn't really feeling it, so sweet Beth (my friend and lovely co-worker) picked me up a chicken breast from Subway.  I don't think I should be eating Subway chicken, but I was hungry and seemed like the most convenient.  On this cleanse they encourage you to eat non-processed foods.  I was just so hungry!

I also ate two apples today, one gala and one granny smith.  I had some raw almonds and fresh cherries for snacking.  Oh and I'd like to mention during this entire time I've only drank water, except for a small amount of green tea last week.  I can only drink water, green, white or herbal tea.  Oh and I can also drink coconut water but I'm not a huge fan.

For dinner I had a chocolate shake.  I used one chocolate shake packet, one cup of almond milk, ice, one stevia packet, and frozen blueberries.  I love this combination and will probably be using it frequently.  I also made a run tonight to Trader Joe's.  I bought more brown rice tortillas and made more chips!  I had a few of those tonight too :)  SO GOOD, David even likes them!  If you are trying to go gluten free I highly recommend these.

No headache today.  Overall great day!


Signing out.

Clean Cleanse Day Two: 19 to go

Clean Cleanse Day Two: 19 to go

Monday, July 22nd:

I spent my first night at the new apartment last night!  It's so nice and I can't wait to have everything set up and make it our home.  I woke up to intense pain from my toe, but suffered through it and got ready for work.  I went to my old apartment down the street to get ready and to make my breakfast shake.   For my breakfast shake I used vanilla shake mix, frozen raspberries, fresh blueberries, one stevia packet, ice and one cup of unsweetened almond milk.  It wasn't too bad. Plus I took my supplements and my probiotic pill.

For lunch I had a leftover Asian Turkey Burger and served it over fresh spinach.  It was delicious, but honestly I've lost my appetite since I hurt my toe!  I forced myself to eat most of it.  After lunch I decided to visit my doctor.  She drained blood from under my toe nail and now I'm feeling much better!  Once I got back I had a gala apple and raw almonds for a snack.

By the time I got home from work it was around 7:00pm and I was hungry.  I used a chocolate shake mix, fresh blueberries, frozen raspberries, one packet of stevia, ice, and one cup of almond milk.  Tomorrow I promise I will try something else with my shakes!  Things have just been so hectic and that combination is tasty and easy.  I also took my supplements and a probiotic.

Once David got home we moved a bunch of my stuff over to the new place.  I was getting very uncomfortable with my foot, so I decided to take it easy.  At around 9:30pm I started to get a headache.  I think it is from hunger, although I'm not aching for food.  I'm trying to avoid taking advil because of the cleanse, so I'm going to go to bed instead.  I thought to myself today, it's actually a good thing to be so busy while doing this cleanse...I almost forget I'm hungry!  My toe is feeling better and I think tomorrow is going to be a great day!

Signing out.

Clean Cleanse Day One: 20 to go

Clean Cleanse Day One: 20 to go

Sunday, July 21st:

My Clean Program!

Today was a very big day!  David and I moved into our first apartment together and I started the real cleanse!  Right after we woke up we began to break my bed down.  During this one of my wrought iron bed frames fell on my big toe after I picked it up.  Needless to say, I was completely out of commission and can barely walk.  Excruciating pain, but luckily I don't have to be out of my apartment until August 1st.  We still have some time thank goodness!  Below is a picture of my foot under a blueberry ice pack.  I will spare you all of the grisly pictures...they aren't pretty!

 My shake frozen blueberries doubled as an ice pack!

I had a vanilla shake this morning as part of the cleanse, along with my supplements and a probiotic provided from the clean program.  With the shake packet I added raspberries, blueberries, and almond milk.  It wasn't too bad, a bit chalky, but at least filling.

Drew Brees helped me make it through shake one!  Thank you, Breesus!

While David and our friend John were busy helping our movers I sat on the couch.  Completely helpless.  I tried my best not to take advil because of the cleanse, but about five hours after the accident the pain was so intense I had to take some.  I don't think it will affect the cleanse too much and it was a last resort.

For lunch I was in so much pain I just decided to snack.  I ate some of my brown rice tortilla chips and an apple, plus another round of supplements and a probiotic.  For my dinner shake I tried the chocolate shake packet.  I added almond milk, stevia, fresh blueberries and ice, plus my supplement and a probiotic.  It was actually really good!  Today wasn't a great day, but it could have been a lot worse I guess.  Positive is my toe didn't fall off (my nail might), we have 10 days to finish up and no headaches today!  Thank you all so much for the support!


Signing out.

Pre-cleanse Day Three: The Clean Cleanse

Pre-cleanse Day Three: The Clean Cleanse

Saturday, July 20th:

Today is my last day of the pre-cleanse!  It's been a great three days so far.  I've had a couple of headaches, really wanted a pizza and wine, but hanging in there!  Big thanks to all for the support!

Today I skipped breakfast.  I had a really busy morning and just wasn't hungry.  David and I are moving into our first apartment together tomorrow, so as you can imagine things have been hectic.  Around 11:30am I had an apple.  I headed to Malibu for my friend Bianca's wedding shower.  It was so beautiful and full of yummy temptations!  While everyone was drinking mimosa's I drank lots of water.  They also passed around appetizers that looked delicious including ahi tuna, but I opted for lettuce and cucumbers with fresh lemon on top and almonds.  For the main lunch I made a mistake, but it'll be fine because I actually didn't eat that much of it...I had eggplant which is a food to avoid.  I didn't realize it!  I'm not going to let it bring me down, just moving on.  So for lunch I had white beans, asparagus, yellow squash and grilled chicken.  Luckily they had great options available for me.

Once I got home I made guacamole!  It was amazing with the brown rice tortillas!  I had a slight headache late afternoon, but it didn't last long.  Later in the afternoon I made a shake with raspberries, mango, ice, stevia, and almond milk.  It was okay.  Helped hold me over until dinner.  Nothing can come close to the guacamole.  I seriously think I'll eat this daily throughout the cleanse for lunch, haha!

Just missing the marg!

For dinner I had leftover whole foods from last night.  I had grilled chicken, peas, broccoli, brown rice and pineapple.  Tomorrow is the big day, full cleanse day one.  I'm excited to try the shakes.  So wish me luck on cleanse day one and the move!  Thanks for stopping by :)

Signing out.

Pre-cleanse Day Two: The Clean Cleanse

Pre-cleanse Day Two: The Clean Cleanse

Friday, July 19th:

I need to add something important from last night.  About 30-45 minutes before I went to bed I got a headache.  It wasn't terrible, but definitely bothered me since I don't get headaches.  I didn't take anything, but just decided to go to bed.

Today I started my day with leftover almond flour pancakes with fresh blueberries.  I enjoyed them yesterday because not only were they tasty, but also very filling.  I ate them around 9:00am.  I ate one granny smith apple for a snack mid-morning and then ate lunch around 12:45pm. For lunch I also had leftovers, I ate a leftover Asian Turkey Burger.  I had raw almonds and fresh cherries as well.  Sorry to bore you with the repeats, but I will not be cooking everyday!  

I got a headache after lunch, maybe sometime around 3:00pm.  I decided to drink some green tea and it actually helped.  I drank it hot and plain.  No additional headaches the rest of the day/night.  I will probably make a large pot of it tomorrow and keep it in the fridge.  Tastes great with stevia and fresh lemon over ice.

I got really hungry after work and felt like quitting.  I ate a gala apple and felt fine until dinner :)

For dinner I went to Whole Foods and got a pre-made chicken breast, broccoli, peas, and brown rice.  I did not feel like another turkey burger or tuna fish!  The dinner was great and I'm feeling good!  Best part of my cleanse today was discovering Brown Rice Tortillas at Trader Joe's!  I spoke to Debbie at Clean Cleanse this morning and she recommended I try the tortillas. I made the tortilla chips tonight in the oven, sprayed them with olive oil and topped with sea salt...Ahhhhh-mazing!  I can't wait to make the cleanse guacamole to pair with them.  This is going to make this entire process A LOT more bearable, trust me!  Also, Debbie was very helpful today.  I called her this morning and emailed her a few times late afternoon.  She was very patient, knowledgeable and answered all my questions.  Great customer service and support, I was very impressed.

Brown Rice Tortilla chips, my lifeline!  

Day two of the pre-cleanse took a turn for the best.  Guacamole here I come!  I have a wedding shower to attend tomorrow which might be tough....wish me luck!



Signing out.

Pre-cleanse Day One: The Clean Cleanse

Thursday, July 18th:

Let me start this the right way.  This is actually embarrassing for me because I honestly only share this information with close friends.  My starting weight before this cleanse is 138 pounds.  This is heavy for me.  I joined Weight Watchers in September 2012 with a start weight of 137 pounds.  I lost 13 lbs during that diet and since then I have gained it all back plus one!  My ideal and happy weight is 120 as I am 5'3".  I want to be extremely candid during this experience not only because I want to document this journey as my diary, but I truly want to share this with my friends.

The Clean Cleanse is suppose to "reset your body the right way". I don't want to fluff this up or make you all think it's something it's not.  I'm overweight right now and trying to get control before I get out of control.  I am not expecting to lose a ton of weight during this cleanse, but my goal is truly to reset my body and rid it of toxins.  Once that is done I am hoping it will jump start me into a healthier life style.  Maybe even returning to Weight Watchers as that was a successful and pleasant diet for me.

Today I am starting my three day pre-cleanse before I start my actual 21 day Clean Cleanse.  The pre-cleanse consists of eating three meals a day from approved "Clean Cleanse" foods.  By doing this you don't throw your body into a full tail spin, you actually ease it into the full cleanse.  During this full cleanse process I cut out all gluten, dairy, sugar and alcohol.  The cleanse consists of three pre-cleanse days, 21 day cleanse and a seven day re-introduction (which I'm most excited about).  During the re-introduction phase I introduction gluten and dairy back into my diet separately to determine if they are "toxic triggers" for me.  Toxic Triggers are food products that really cause my body to go out of whack.

Last night after I stuffed myself with wine and Mexican food I went grocery shopping!  Phew, that was exhausting.  It was a few hours of research, too much money and prep time afterwards.  I spent hours researching approved foods, recipes, and really trying to learn why I have to eliminate certain foods.  For instance, strawberries and bananas?   I eat a banana everyday!  Other than wine I think this is the most disappointing thing I'm going to give up!  I just love bananas!

This is me with my cleanser binder at checkout. 

So at the grocery store I bought all kinds of new, expensive items.  Who knew almond flour was so expensive!  $10 for a normal size bag?!  Seriously?  Moving on....  I also bought coconut oil, unsweetened almond milk, almond butter, etc. just all these things I've never purchased!  I also bought apples, cherries, celery, blueberries, onions, scallions, tuna fish in water, chicken, ground turkey, the list goes on and on.

After I got home from the store I began to prep.  I decided for my lunch I would prepare tuna fish and serve it over lettuce.  I made tuna fish that included celery, red onion, stone ground mustard, dill, salt and pepper and of course tuna fish.  Also with my lunch I had some raw almonds and fresh cherries.  It turned out really delicious!  This would be a great recipe to make cleanse or not.  I made almond flour pancakes with fresh blueberries for breakfast.  Very delicious and filling.

Pancakes on the left and tuna fish on the right.

For dinner I prepared pickled vegetables with an Asian turkey burger.  I served it over lettuce.  Turned out quite scrumptious!  It was really easy to make, simple flavors and seriously so good.  I am going to add this to my normal book of recipes.  Even David enjoyed it!

Asian Turkey Burgers

Throughout the day I drank a ton of water and overall wasn't hungry.  I had zero caffeine and all I drank was water.  I had one snack during the day and that was a gala apple.  Day one turned out much better than I thought!  Please feel free to ask me any questions.  If you'd like any of the recipes featured today you can email me at alicialeighalonso@gmail.com.


Signing out.

My Daily Crack

McDonalds Iced Coffee. My drug of choice: Sugar Free Vanilla Iced Coffee.

Go. Buy. A. Cup.

GTL

So my sister, Ashley, came in town last week for our Big Fat Cuban Reunion. We were laying in bed watching a Jersey Shore re-run and she looked at me and said, "Let's go to Jersey for my Bachelorette Party!" My immediate response was "OMG, get engaged right now."

How amazing would a Fist Pumping, Guidette Bachelorette Party be?!?! Even though Ashley is not engaged, I am going to start planning her bachelorette party right now since I'm the Maid of Honor. She hasn't asked me yet or anything, but I am her only sister, so its okay if I just assume the position, right? Okay, yeah, I thought so too.

So you maybe asking yourself, what do Fist Pumping Guidettes do on a Bachelorette Party? Here is the list:

1. First and foremost, nicknames. We must all have nicknames. For example, a possible nickname for me could be "A-Powww."

2. We must GTL before the trip, Gym Tan Laundry. Must be buff, must be bronze, and must be bangin in our white tee's.

3. We must go shopping at 579 or Rainbow for our attire. Think cropped shirts, short shorts and an animal print dress for the Bride (preferably zebra print). We will need big hoops, big heels, big sunglasses, french manicure fake nails, trucker hats and of course a Coach or LV Purse to complete the ensemble.

4. Must all have the poof, everyone must have a bumpits in their hair at all times, even in bed. I'm talking about the Hollywood bumpit. Nothing else will do.

Bump...bump, bump it up

5. We must master the myspace picture pose. Kissy face, chukin the deuce kinda pose people.

Dats wat I'm twalkin' bout

This is my sister, Ashley. Already a pro at the kissy face! LYLAS!

6. We must find tan, sexy, gorilla men to fistpump with at da club.

Will you marry my sister, Superman? See above pic.

7. Everyone must get Henna Tattoos on low back (or a real tattoo if they are feeling frisky).



8. The only kind of food allowed on the trip will be Italian. If you don't like Italian food get the Eff out of Jersey.

MAHHH! Gimme some Meatballs!

9. Everyone has to talk with a Jersey accent, even if it sucks.


10. Last and most importantly, everyone must fist pump all day, everyday.

Y'all Feelz Me?

Something Old, Something New

I know I've been MIA, so please accept my apology.

So I have moved back in with my grandparents. Remember them? I'm in the middle of relocating with Hertz, Sarah (my old roommate) got engaged (YAY!), so it was good timing to move back in with the ole ball and chains!

(Belita and Belo)


They just celebrated their 58th Wedding Anniversary! 58 years! Belo said, "I been with her my whole life, sisty fie chears" (65 years). So Belita made us steaks and we drank wine. I love my new roommates! So in honor of their milestone I am going to tell you some of my favorite Belita and Belo stories. I like to call them "Cuban Socialites."

1 They went to Mexico for a month long honeymoon. On this honeymoon they swam in a pool covered with flowers, had cocktails on the President of Argentina's yacht, and danced in a club where you had to take your shoes off because the tide covers the dance floor.

2 They spent four years apart while Belita was in America and Belo was still in Cuba.

3 I love their daily routine. It does not change. I hate change. Belita watches her Spanish Soap Operas on Telemundo and Belo takes two hours to get ready everyday.

4 I love when they tell me about their wedding day. And I'm even more grateful they were able to get some photos from Cuba of that day. It was the epitome of elegance and beauty. I mean they were, after all, Cuban Socialites. (side note: my scanner is in storage, so I can't upload pictures from their wedding).

This weekend we are celebrating Belo and Belita's 80th Birthdays! My entire Cuban family is coming to Baton Rouge and we are having a big dinner at Jubans. It will be a weekend full of love, family, wine and drama. I will fill everyone in on my Big Fat Cuban Reunion next week! ADIOS AMIGOS!

Te Quiero Mucho,

That Cuban Girl