Reflections from Day 1 Purification

Hello friends! So yesterday was day 1 of our 21 Day Purification Program for me. I wanted to get one day behind me before returning to work. And I have to say I feel ok. A little sluggish this morning but not bad at all. I have reduced my caffeine to 1/2 cup yesterday and today I am planning on just going to straight green tea this morning. I will let you know how that goes!

Each time I have done the purification program it undoubtedly becomes a huge time of reflection for me. The first day I spend a lot of time purging and reorganizing, which is what I did a lot of yesterday. The fridge, the pantry, the spice cupboard! Oh! The spice cupboard! Spices are so important to me on this cleanse and I am learning more and more about the health benefits of spices. I also have a 15 year old son who is an avid "griller and smoker" who is all about the spices! So I reorganized the spice cupboard and ordered a new shelf to put my spices on so they can be alphabetized! I know, exciting!!

I started the day with a smoothie.

I started the day of course, with a smoothie. My husband (Ron) is doing this program also so I made 2! In this smoothie I added 4 scoops of SP Complete Dairy Free, Flax Milk (I like this one), filled the blender with spinach, added frozen berries, 1 banana, 1 apple, maca powder, beet powder, medicinal mushrooms, 2 dates and one tiny pinch of stevia powder (these powders are all available through Thrive Market . The beet powder makes it a pretty deep red. We liked this smoothie but will alternate each day. It was rich and creamy. The banana if you are monitoring sugars has a high glycemic index but it also produces that creaminess I like, so I will use 1/2 a banana.

Saturday I took a trip to our local Columbia Farmers Market (highly recommend!) I probably cannot even remember all the veggies I put into this broth. But I will name a few; leeks, onions, garlic, zuccini, bok choy, celery, carrots, spinach, oh my! I simmered this all day, about 10 hours then put it into quart jars. I used this broth in my vegetable lentil soup and it was delish! I didn't get a picture of that one...but I literally just put all the vegetables I had cut up (next photo!) into my InstaPot with 6 cups of my broth, onions, garlic and spices (thyme, basis, oregano) and a little cilantro. And of course green lentils. It was pretty good!

The next time saver I did on Saturday was to cut up all kinds of veggies and toss them in a big bowl. Carrots, celery, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, probably more but that will do for now! These can be used (and I used in lentil soup) in soups, salads, stir fry, buddha bowls etc. So this was a salad I made for Saturday. Even though I didn't officially start till Sunday Saturday was definitely a detox prep day! The salad dressing recipe I used is included in the next photo. Delish!

Asian Chicken Chopped Salad (obviously without the chicken and the almonds!) I added toasted sesame seeds, cabbage, carrots, green onions, red peppers. This is one of my favorite recipes!

Asian Dressing

1/4 cup coconut aminos 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil 1 teaspoon minced garlic 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger 3 large pitted dates (can substitute stevia is watching high glycemic foods.)

I have to be honest. By last night I was tired but felt really pretty good overall. A little muscle aches which is normal as we begin to pull toxins out. I was so busy yesterday I did not even get a second shake in which I will readjust as I don't think that is good! I think 2 shakes a day is a minimum.

I had mentioned in an earlier blog how important journaling is as we do a purification program. It is my belief that when we purge, we are not only purging toxins in our physical bodies but also toxic emotions. Emotions we have buried. Journaling is a way to release some of these old feelings and emotions in a healthy way. Cleansing is a time of going within, reflecting on our lives, where we are, where we want to go. It is a time to forgive both ourselves and others who have come across our paths. It is a time to love ourselves, take time for ourselves, take a long hot epsom salt bath, get a massage, sign up for a float spa (there is one in Columbia!). Think back when you were younger of the things that you were passionate about. Was it writing? Art? Music? Take a step towards something that makes your heart sing! But most importantly be gentle on yourself during this cleanse. Your body is working hard right now, you don't need to push it harder.

Wishing you all well as you begin this journey. There will be people joining in a little later and a couple who started last week, so where ever you are feel free to jump in at any time!

Yours in Good Health;

Susan Hoyle INHC