I get it. Cleanses are convenient + trendy. You spend good money to get a few days worth of cold-pressed juice.
But what does that get you?
Feeling awesome because you're being "good"? Happy because you might have lost a few pounds in a few days?
Big question… does it last?
Or are you just going to keep eating and drinking all the other stuff that's making you feel like you need a cleanse in the first place?
What's the point if nothing else changes?
Why not have practices in place to make sure you'll always feel cleansed and at an awesome weight (which is the desire behind doing a cleanse, right)?
Feeling cleansed also includes your mind...because you know that if you're not in a good place mentally you're more likely to make poor food choices (hello sugar and processed carbs), which causes more weight gain, mental fogginess and low energy (which probably means you won't be hitting the gym or the pavement anytime soon).
I'm not against juicing. I think it can be used as a tool from time to time, but remember that the fiber (what makes you full and keeps your blood sugar from rising too quickly) is stripped out.
If you're doing it occasionally along with eating whole veggies, healthy fats and proteins, and no sugar and processed carbs, totally cool. And if it's a straight up green juice without any added sugar (boat-loads of fruit, I’m talking to you), even better.
It always seems like simple things are over-looked for the trendy. I have found simple to be the key.
The other key? Do it consistently. Even if it's the holidays. Even if you're going to be traveling.
I want to look and feel my absolute best. So simple tools are a part of my life. No excuses. No quick fixes. Even though I’m busy.
Unless you want to hire a personal chef or assistant to provide you with awesome meals, the real truth is you have to do it yourself and this requires making space in your life for it to happen. That's it :)
The best ways to make good, lasting food choices?
-Eat delicious, real food (veggies, healthy fats, high quality protein, fermented foods).
-Have delicious, simple recipes on rotation.
-Batch cook.
-Make sure you always feel nourished and full.
If you're having trouble making space in your life to eat in a way that will help you reach and maintain your ideal weight, hire a coach to assist in clearing out space to make the changes happen (and hold you accountable). It'll probably cost about the same as that juice cleanse and last much longer.
Click here to set up a free session to see if coaching is right for you.
Here's a salad that I'd eat for lunch or dinner with high quality fat and protein and fermented veggies. It's also cleansing ;)
Xoxo,
Lauren
Napa Cabbage Salad with Scallions and Onion-Soy Vinaigrette
Ingredients
-1 tbsp white onion, finely diced
-1 tbsp apple cider vinegar with the "mother"
-4 scallions, thinly sliced, whites and greens separated
-1/2 tsp salt
-1 or 2 tbsp tamari (gluten free soy sauce)
-1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
-1 medium sized head Napa cabbage, thinly sliced
Directions
1. Marinate the onion and scallion whites in the apple cider vinegar in a large serving bowl for at least 20 minutes.
2. Once the onion and scallions are marinated, add the salt and tamari to the bowl and whisk and then slowly whisk in the oil.
3. Add the scallion greens and cabbage and toss to combine; let sit at least 15 minutes before serving.
I had a similar salad on my recent trip and I was inspired to re-create it :)