AJ and I are detoxing! As if there is any question, I love to eat:) I’m not one to “diet”, I don’t like feeling deprived and, while no saint, I keep a balanced nutritious diet. However, a couple weeks ago, I woke up groggy and realized the “moving parts” in our lives were starting to swallow me, leaving me fatigued, moody and *gasp* staring at a dull and pimpled complexion in the mirror.
ACTION TIME: The objective of our detox is to increase our energy, sleep more soundly and help shed those nasty toxins that have been building up in the liver (extra glass of wine, pot of coffee, ooooh and cookie dough- yes, I ate that). The basic concept is to cut out gluten, refined sugar, dairy, caffeine and alcohol for 21 days. Vegetables, legumes, nuts, fruits and fish are the foundation of the diet. I admit that three days in, I was a cranky b*&#h and wanted to gnaw my arm off. BUT, by day 4, I was sleeping like a baby and springing out of bed before the sun rose like a fluffy bunny. Today is day 8 and the benefits are moving from the inside, out. Not only do my eyes fly open at 5:54am sans alarm clock, but I’m beginning to see a difference in my complexion too – moist skin, no breakouts,etc. I’m diggin’ this green-thing from multiple directions.
Our Vitamix lives permanently on our counter ready for our AM smoothies packed with fruits and veggies. There’s nothing like checking 3 servings of ruffage off the list before 9 am! This mango smoothie is one of our favorites. Aside from the color, you would never guess it’s packed with iron-rich spinach. Nom nom!
INGREDIENTS:
(Serves 1, approx 12 oz)
- 1 mango (approx 1 cup), peeled, diced and frozen (supports immune system, improves vision, clears complexion, may help prevent cancer)
- 1 kiwi, diced, frozen (lower blood pressure, supports immune system, regulates blood sugar)
- 1 cup baby spinach (helps prevent cancer, improves immune system, vision, complexion)
- 1 Tbs Tahini (strengthens bones and teeth, eliminates kidney waste)
- 1 Tbs lime juice (appox 1/2 a lime)
- 1/2 cup water
PREPARATION:
- Combine all ingredients in a Vitamix or blender and blend for approx 30 seconds. Add more or less water to achieve desired consistency. Enjoy immediately.
braveapron.com 
This really is unbelievable!
Hi Anna from BI, I’ve been enjoying your blog ever since hearing about it from your Mom. It would be wonderful to hear what other things you are creating with the ingredients you mention on your 21 day detox. Thank you!
Hi Kathy!
Thanks for the kind note. We will keep you posted. It has been amazing to feel the benefits in only 8 short days. Hope you are well and look forward to seeing you on the Rock!
Anna
I have been doing this for 6 weeks now. Nothing processed.. No flour.. No wheat.. No alcohol.. I am not springing out of bed at 5:45 AM!!
Hi Lisa,
Because we cut out so much cold-turkey, I wonder what is really helping us feel so rested and energized. In addition, we have eliminated coffee and only drink white or green tea. Also, the only sugar is from fruit, honey or maple syrup. And no dairy. *We did cheat on the day of the Blizzard and had Hot Coco with Marshmellows:) I could definitely get used to this energy.
Ok I trying this, you have inspired me!! Xo
Yay! Let us know what you think:)
Any connection to the infamous “LION” drink?
Exactly!
Hi Anna! I have to give kudos to you for being brave enough to try a detox out! I’ve been thinking of doing some kind of detox too for a while, since I’m pretty sure the amount of sugar and baked products I’ve been gorging on (which is pretty yum) isn’t as healthy as my taste buds think they are :c . I think I’ll do a detox in the summer, when fresh fruits and veggies are practically calling out my name and when it’s too much work to be in the kitchen for too long.
So I was wondering, after you complete your detox, do you think you could do a blog post about the tips and tricks about surviving through a detox? Along with how you could ease back healthily into your everyday life again? I would really benefit from advice from you, believe me 😀
P.S: I had no idea tahini was a *good* idea in smoothies! I can’t wait to try it out 🙂