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Saturday, January 23, 2010

3-Day Mini-Cleanse: Day 3!

Ah the joys of a 3-day mini-cleanse! On Day 1, motivation is super high. On Day 2, you only have one day left to go. And on Day 3, you're done!

I know many people who set out with the best intentions to do a week-long juice fast or a long detox program only to fall by the wayside when cravings strike. But THREE days? It's easily doable, because the end is always in sight!

Day 3 was actually a few days ago as I write this but I remember: Breakfast Juice was the leftover Pineapple-Apple-Collard-Celery juice from the day before. (Day old juice is not as alive as freshly-pressed juice, true. But it is still pretty darn clean and healthy - not to mention already made!) Lunch Smoothie was a basic Ultimate Green Smoothie, a la Teri Kerr's Ultimate Detox Diet's Breakfast Drink plus greens. Dinner was divine: A beautiful Sprout Salad with fresh lentil sprouts, two kinds of lettuce, grated carrots, black olives and cherry tomatoes, served alongside of Kelp Noodles warmed in Organic Marinara Sauce and topped with grated Raw Local Cheese.

This Kelp Noodle dish was the first (and only) non-raw food of the cleanse. My Community Superfoods store (where I sell kelp noodles at cost, btw) was open that night from 5-7, and I was very hungry and chilled when I got home. Convenience raw foods like kelp noodles come in quite handy in such situations, and I am not averse to eating cooked foods from time to time, especially in winter (hence my "HIGH raw foodist" moniker. Not to be confused with monocle, lol).

Anyway, the dish came out quite tasty. I sauteed some red onion and garlic in a little coconut oil first, then added the marinara and Italian herbs, simmered a few minutes, then added the kelp noodles, turned off the heat and stirred till coated. Transferred to two bowls and garnished generously with grated raw cheese. It was delish. Even Zack approved (much to his surprise - his dubious expectations for the kelp noodles pleasantly reversed upon tasting).

So that was it. The 3-Day Mini Cleanse had come to a close. Kudos to Zack for hanging in as long as he did, and I feel happily lighter and alert. This is good, since many deadlines and responsibilities have convened at once in my life, including two talks in two weeks, the first of which was today!


This morning, I gave a free talk and taste at Green Field's Market on Energizing Raw Breakfasts. I brought soaked almonds for everyone to peel (so easy!), freshly made Almond-Chia Milk, Sprouted Buckwheat Cereal with Cinnamon-Coconut Oil and assorted dried berries and superfoods for people to try. At the end of the talk, I made some refreshingly alive Ginger Green Juice in my Omega 5008 juicer - and of course, everyone loved it! Lots of fun.

My top recommendations for energy-boosting raw breakfasts are any one of the following options. Eat or drink as much as you need to feel satisfied but remember: the lighter the better for maximum energy to carry you to lunch. (FYI, I don't take grains in the morning, but the sprouted buckwheat makes a wonderful dessert, especially when stirred into a mix of raw cacao, coconut oil and stevia or sweetener of choice, as shown me by my raw friends Jude & Jontz Johnson!)

Raw Breakfast Suggestions (choose one)

Fresh Fruit as desired
Raw Vegetable Juice
Fruit or Green Smoothie
Bananas or Dried Fruit with raw nuts/seeds or raw nut butter
Nut Milks and Nut-Milk Based Smoothies
Sprouted Oatmeal or Buckwheat

If you'd like a copy of the recipe handout from the talk, please let me know!

In love and light, Diana

8 comments:

Lida said...

Detox and cleansing really helps in keeping our body fit and sick free. It's good that you've discussed about this here. Keep up the good work.

Diana said...

Thanks for stopping by, Lida!

Catherine Fabrizi said...

Hi Diana, I am clueless about sprouted grain bread - can I get it at Whole Foods? Is it usually frozen? Is frozen considered raw? Is sprouted more alive/digestible?
xoxo

Diana said...

Hi Cathy. Yes, you can get the sprouted grain bread at whole foods or even your local chain grocery store sometimes. The most common brands are Food For Life Ezekial Bread, always frozen, and Alverado St. Bakery, usually frozen but sometimes not. These breads are made with grains that have been soaked and sprouted prior to grinding to break down the proteins for increased digestibility and better blood sugar impact. Some of the products contain the whole sprouted grains also.

Sprouting does activate the enzymes but the breads are baked, however, making them neither raw nor living foods.

:) Diana

Anonymous said...

Hi Diana, I just love,love your blog! Its a highlight in my week! I would love a copy of the recipe handout from your talk. Cant wait for more words of wisdom!!!
:) Katie Forsley

Diana said...

Oh, Katie - you are so sweet! Thank you! Sending you the recipes - enjoy!

Anonymous said...

Hello Diana,
It's truly refreshing reading your upbeat blog. Thank you. I have a question. Where can I get your book, Chia Seeds?
Marly

diana allen, ms, cns said...

Hi Marly,
I am so glad you enjoy the Eat to Evolve blog and hope you'll be a frequent guest! "Chia Seed" is coming out March 1. You'll be able to buy it on Amazon, or ask for it at your local health food store - that's where the Woodland Health Series booklets are often found. I'll be posting links and a picture of the cover on the blog when it launches, so stay tuned for details - just a couple of weeks to go!
In joy, Diana