Hi Guys! I asked Sara from @peruvianchick to join my blog today and give us a breakdown of the 7-Day Eclipse Detox and share her favorite detox friendly recipes. I’m also planning to InstaStory my experience with you every step of the way, so check in when you need some support!
I’m excited you’ve chosen to accept the August challenge, and proud of you for taking the time to focus on your HEALTH. Remember to slow down, breathe, and take note of any emotions that arise during the process. This could be a time of letting go of any negative thought patterns that limit you from living your best life. And Don’t forget to “Keep it Simple”.
Lots of Love, Virginia
When Virginia asked me to coach the 7-Day Eclipse Detox with her, my immediate response was a big YES! I share her love for helping others achieve a healthier lifestyle and I admire her Life Editing skills. Sometimes a “rip-off the band-aid” attitude is all we need to make big lifestyle changes. It happened in my life when I did my first 21-day detox, back in 2010. I was literally exhausted all the time (physically and mentally), taking two headache pills a day was the norm, and our average dinner routine consisted of a business meeting at a steakhouse which often included steak, cheesy mashed potatoes and wine.
My first detox was not easy, but ended up being so worth it. After the initial adjustment period of detoxing, I experienced boundless amounts of energy, mental clarity and a cleansed palette (this one is a biggie if you love cooking). By the end, it felt like I was wearing an all white outfit and I didn’t want to ruin it. I felt light, energized and hooked on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. That launched my side-career as a Detox Coach.
We’ve all heard the expression “you are what you eat,” but what exactly does that mean? Put simply, food is fuel, and the kind of food and drinks you consume determine the types of nutrients in your system. All of this greatly impacts how well your mind and body are able to function. So if we know that, why do we continue to bombard our bodies with sugar and processed foods? Well, because life happens, and that’s ok. Needless to say, I am a huge advocate of detoxing.
Following a detox-friendly diet gives our bodies a much needed break and provides a wonderful opportunity to eliminate any accumulated toxins we may have in our systems.
THE BREAKDOWN
Days 1-2: Whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Unsweetened nut milks, nut oils and nut butters, are ok. Avoid peanut butter.
Days 3-5: Liquid diet (mainly fruits and vegetables). Green juices, herbal teas, smoothies and soups.
Days 6-7: Whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Unsweetened nut milks, nut oils and nut butters are ok. Avoid peanut butter.
Day 8+: Go back to our “new” normal. Add eggs, poultry, fish, yogurt, whole nuts, whole seeds and other sensible foods.
KEEP IT SIMPLE
There are hundreds of “detox-friendly” diets out there, so I promise to keep it simple. A few tips:
• When it comes to whole grains: quinoa and pre-cooked frozen brown rice should be your best friends.
• As per the vegetables, keep a batch of roasted vegetables handy so you can quickly mixed them up with cooked brown rice, drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice and sea salt and pepper.
• Choose whole fruit (fresh or frozen), add them to smoothies, or enjoy them raw. Grilled pineapple sprinkled with cinnamon is a wonderful dessert.
• Fresh and dried herbs and spices can make any meal more flavorful, without adding sugar or salt. Chop some fresh herbs such as basil, chives, cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, tarragon, or thyme and add them to your grains and vegetables.
• Spices you can cook with include: allspice, anise, caraway seeds, cardamom, celery seeds, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, oregano, nutmeg, saffron, tamarind, or turmeric.
• Fresh or raw ginger and garlic can instantly make meals more interesting.
If you are feeling a little adventurous, below are four of my recipes to enjoy during the detox. I share a lot of recipes and tips on instagram, so Follow Me and we’ll stay on the healthy and empowering path, together!
With love and gratitude,
Sara (ig. @peruvianchick)
Ultimate Chocolate Smoothie
PERUVIAN CHICK’S ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE SMOOTHIE
In a blender place 1 cup frozen bananas (or zucchini), 1 tbs tahini (sesame seed paste), 1 cup spinach, 1 tablespoon maca powder (optional), 1 cup rice milk (almond or coconut milks are ok to use), 1 tablespoon flax meal, 1 tablespoon cacao powder, 1 tablespoon cacao nibs, 1-2 dates. Blend until creamy.
Thai Curry Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
THAI CURRY ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP
Sauté 3 cloves of minced garlic with the pulp of one medium previously ROASTED butternut squash, add 1 tbs red curry paste (look for the one with no additives), 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp coriander, 1/8 tsp red chili flakes, a touch of cumin and salt. Add 4 cups water. Let it simmer for a few minutes. Let it cool down and blend in SMALL batches. Add 1 tbs lemon juice, rectify seasoning. Serve and drizzle with full fat coconut milk. Top with green onions, cilantro, red chili flakes y listo!
Cauliflower-Quinoa Tacos
QUINOA-CAULIFLOWER TACOS
For the quinoa-cauliflower taco “meat” ~ place 1/2 cauliflower head cut in pieces in the food processor (or buy cauliflower rice), pulse until desired consistency. Mix cauliflower with 1 cup cooked quinoa and sauté in a pan like regular “taco meat”. Season with cumin, oregano, chili powder, garlic powder & sea salt (or use pre-made taco seasoning with no additives). Taste. Serve in gluten-free tortillas, add smashed avocado for creaminess, cilantro, lettuce and pickled onions.
Peruvian Style Vegan Fried Rice
PERUVIAN-STYLE FRIED RICE
In a very hot non-stick pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add 2 cups of chopped vegetables. Start with chopped onions. After about a minute, add sliced mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, peas, chopped broccoli, etc. Once the vegetables are cooked, add 2 cups of cooked rice (preferably cold and a day old), stirring constantly. Add more sesame oil if necessary. Add 1 cup of scrambled tofu (optional). Season with sea salt and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Taste. Sprinkle finely sliced green onions and serve.
