Category: Detox

Detox Day 3: Fluids and Raw Foods IN, 10 Times More Pee OUT

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Gavins Point Dam Release, Photo by: Omaha USACE

Pee Angels!

I’ve seen you in my crystal ball, and you are doing some SERIOUS peeing! Do you love it or hate it? Well, it’s good. REALLY good. Here’s why: You’ve been dehydrated. When that happens, your body holds back water like a Dam. It thinks you’re in a drought situation, so it clings onto as many ounces as it can as a means of survival. This translates into a slower metabolism (body panic mode), inefficient kidneys, bloating, water retention, and a really bad holistic poker hand.

SO, by scarfing down tons of raw foods rich in H2O and drinking herbal tea and water all day long, every cell of your body celebrates. The Dam is lifted and away goes the bloating, body sadness, and the toxins that are purging themselves from your person while you detox. Guess I shoulda put toilet paper on the Detox shopping list!? You’ll also note that your pee is very light in color. Another reeeally good sign. You’re hanging on to the good nutrients and flushing your system of the bad. Hurray!

For more hydration excitement, check out one of my most popular posts from 2011: The Water Solution: Younger Skin, More Energy, and Less Flab.

Now for Day 3: If you’re following the Detox meal plans exactly, know that this morning’s Shamrock Smoothie is one of my absolute favorites. It’s green, it’s better than great, and you can freeze leftovers in popsicle molds or rinsed-out yogurt containers with popsicle sticks or chopsticks (strategically placed in the middle) for scrumptious frozen treats later on. Who said no dessert on the Detox? 🙂

You’re almost halfway there–Keep up the fabulous treatment you’re giving your precious body, and keep sharing your experiences! XOXO

Detox Day 2: Why Detox, and Why is Raw So Great Anyway?

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Photo by: The Sean + Lauren Spectacular

Standing Ovation for the Day 1 Survivors! Now it’s easy PEASy from here, starting with Day 2. So… tell me your Highs and Lows of Day 1 and I’ll tell you mine. Ok, I’ll just tell you mine. (But you can still tell me yours…)

Highs: 1) Surviving a coffee-free AM, and actually kind of liking it. 2) Never feeling low on energy, hungry, or like a space cadet as I always expect is going to happen when I detox. Quite the contrary this time around–I multitasked like I had taken that drug in Limitless in the AM, staying calm and thoughtful all the while, and I actually got my son to preschool on time for the first time in forever. 3) Spending more quality time with my kids as I sipped my 20 cups of herbal tea. That urge to cram a chore into every second of my day had miraculously lifted, and yet I was still highly productive. This Detox is like magic! 4) Seeing snow for the first time this season. Pretty sure the Detox was responsible.

Lows: 1) Not being able to finish/ tossing out my kids’ breakfasts (DELICIOUS gluten-heavy pumpkin shortcakes I made last week). 2) A mild headache that hit around dinner time, but annoying enough that loud noise made me cover my ears. 3) Skipping dessert–I love me a little dark chocolate after dinner. And while I know a little won’t hinder the detox, I kind of like going a week without, just to prove to myself that it’s not an addiction 🙂

Which brings me to an important question that goes something like this: Wait a sec, why ARE we detoxing? I don’t know about you, but I eat preeettty stinkin’ well. WELL, I’ve just posted all about it on the Cooking with Trader Joe’s blog. My favorite reason is that it helps you say sayonara to unhealthy food cravings. Who’s not ready to be able to drive BY rather than drive thru a Popeye’s?

And then there’s this other question that’s such a curious thing. Why so much raw stuff? How come foods have to be mostly raw on a detox? The answer is simple: more digestive enzymes, more water-soluble vitamins (C, and B’s mostly), easier digestibility to encourage the detox process, and a faster resting metabolism (thus encouraging the disappearance of love handles). Cooked foods actually have advantages too, which is why a combo of both over the long-term is ideal. Read all about it in a previous post here.

Keep sharing questions, breakthroughs, feedback, etc., and keep feeling joy in the healthy being you’re restoring! Happy Day 2! XOXO

And We’re Off! Detox Day 1 with Green Apple Juice Video

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Here we go! I feel great already, how about you?

So, yes, I (too) ate a big fat peanut butter sandwich last night on some thick, thick bread. It was DIVINE, but now that that’s over, let’s get ’em!

To start out Day 1, here’s a quick video of the Green-Apple Juice in a juicer (ignore my 6-year-old daughter who thinks she’s Inspector Gadget). I do prefer this concoction juiced vs. blended, but blending is perfectly wonderful too. If you’re blending and you don’t have a high-power blender like a Vitamix or a Blendtec, the first thing you need to do is put one of those on your 2012 holiday wish list. Or, perhaps you need to think about rewarding yourself at the end of this Detox with one of those. The next thing you need to do is if you don’t think your blender can handle the raw apple and leafies even with the 4-8 ounces of water and ice, consider using a food processor for the veggies and apples, and then blending that concoction with the water and ice. It can’t hurt.

Juice vs. Blend? Check this quick info by my pal Kris Carr of Crazy Sexy Life. She talks chlorophyll and alkalinity–it’s worth a read. And as for types of juicers, I was given the Jack Lalanne Classic Juicer as a brand new hand-me-down, and I really like it. It runs about $100 if you buy it from their website. Just an FYI. Please feel free to share juicing/juicer/blender/blending tips if you have them. As another FYI, I use my Vitamix daily (smoothies, soups, hummus, dips, etc.–I even got rid of my food processor!), and my juicer once or twice a week. Not saying that’s what everyone should do, but just facts on one nutrition professional’s appliance usage.

Still feeling good? Hungry? This day is by far the hardest, but you can TOTALLY do this. Don’t forget, however, that you can increase your serving sizes of Detox food if you’re feeling like you’re really low on calories. Add fresh fruit, raw nuts and seeds, or an avocado for quick, extra energy.

Good luck today! Please don’t forget to laugh, taste and savor every morsel and sip, and let us know how you’re doing — use the Comments section to share and question! XOXO

7-Day Detox Complete Shopping List & Days 1-4 Menus Posted

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Photo by: Christaface

Monday is right around the corner! Check out all the Detox info here, along with the full shopping list here. And check out menus for Days 1-4 in the menu bar above.

Is your tea kettle dusted off and has your blender been cleaned? Did you find all the parts to your juicer (if using)?

Are you phasing out coffee, bread, meat, and dairy?

You’re ready! The remaining menus for Days 5-7 (which also appear in SKINNY DISH!), will be posted on Sunday, and each day during the Detox I’ll be posting videos and fun detox info.

Enjoy your last day of prep! Questions or comments welcome now and anytime during the detox. Let’s get our veggie on!

SKINNY DISH! 7-Day Detox Shopping List for Days 1-3

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Photo by: Rafael da Silva

List is up here. Happy shopping!

Shopping List for Days 4-7 will be up later today.

Update: Day 4 has been added to the Shopping List. Days 5-7 will be posted tomorrow. 

SKINNY DISH! 7-Day Detox Starts Monday, January 9th!

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Friends! Friends who ate too many Kwanzaa cookies! I’m leading a 7-Day Detox starting this coming MONDAY, January 9th based on the one in SKINNY DISH!. Check out my dedicated SKINNY DISH! 7-Day Detox Page and read all about it. Prep and shop over the next few days and then juice with us, blend with us, and chow down on some seriously healthy food for a mere 7 days. Your tush, your belt, and your general person will fall in love with you all over again.

Skinny Dish! is HERE!

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Dear Health Champions,

Today I’m proud to announce the official launch of my Trader Joe’s-inspired cookbook and nutrition guide, Cooking with Trader Joe’s Cookbook: Skinny Dish! This book will eternally set you free from lengthy meal prep and calorie-counting as you back-flip through quick, mouth-watering veggie dishes, learn “The Five Rules of Skinny,” and wow your family and friends with your new profesh chef skills… laughing all the way.

So, if you haven’t done so already, cartwheel yourself over to Amazon this week and snag a copy.  Together we can hit the bestseller lists! Here’s how else you can help:

Get it while it’s hot. Save on shipping and grab a copy for aunt Shirley, uncle Fred, and even total strangers. When to buy? This week! Oct 17-22. I’m confident that the metabolic-boosting tips, detoxing plan, and 90+ easy breezy recipes will be one of the best holiday presents you can give yourself and your posse. And, don’t feel left out if you’re not a Trader Joe’s shopper or don’t have a TJ’s nearby—the recipe ingredients can all be found at your local grocer. Extreme couponers too!

Spread the word. Share news about Skinny Dish!’s arrival on Facebook, Twitter (use #SkinnyDish and see sample tweets and status updates below), or write a review on your own site. Copy and paste this link as you share: http://tinyurl.com/SkinnyDish

DC-Area folks. Join me at Barnes & Noble in Georgetown this Friday at 7:00 PM for a recipe-tasting and book-signing extravaganza. Or, bring your copy to Capital City Cheesecakes in Takoma Park, MD on Sunday, November 6th at 1:00 PM (during the Farmers Market) for another scrumptious tasting and signing. More options? Check ‘m out here.

Thank you in advance! I hope you enjoy the full-page photos, fun side of healthy eating, and scrumptious grub as much as I do!

XOXO
Jen

Sample Tweets:

Ta da! #Skinny Dish! is finally here! Grab a copy & enjoy the road 2 simple slimdom thx 2 @DCdietitian : http://tinyurl.com/SkinnyDish

Tired of dieting & rebounding like a killer whale? Snag #Skinny Dish! by @DCdietitian & never rebound again!: http://tinyurl.com/SkinnyDish

Need simple & delish ways 2 dive into beans & veggies? Snag newly released #SkinnyDish by @DCdietitian 2day! http://tinyurl.com/SkinnyDish

Sample Status Updates:

Dietitian Jen Reilly’s “Skinny Dish” is finally out! Order your copy today and start craving veggies like a wild tiger! http://tinyurl.com/SkinnyDish

Just ordered “Cooking with Trader Joe’s Cookbook: Skinny Dish!” by nutritionist Jen Reilly. Can’t wait to try the simple, healthy masterpieces! http://tinyurl.com/SkinnyDish

The Water Solution: Younger Skin, More Energy, and Less Flab

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Photo credit: Greg Riegler Photography

Most people (90% of the US population) are dehydrated. While you might not be exhibiting serious signs like vomiting at random and walking around as grog central, your body is still not operating at optimal capacity, your energy level is much lousier than it could be, and you’re storing fat and making wrinkles at mach speed. Health Unicorns, let’s get this under control. No more excuses. Here’s why you need water, how much, and tricks for getting it:

WHY WATER

  • Your skin needs constant hydration. Raisins are dehydrated grapes. Do you like the way raisins look?
  • Discourage chunkiness. Without enough H2O, your kidneys stink at their crucial jobs and your liver picks up the slack… and your liver can no longer do it’s main job of breaking down fat, which encourages fat storage and cellulite on your rumpus.
  • Better sleep, faster metabolism, more energy. Your body is more at peace when it gets enough agua. Without it, you’re restless, slowed down, and strung out. And people notice.
  • Detoxification Nation. Toxins (anything from pollutants, food additives, and heavy metals) can’t white water raft the river out if there’s no river.

CALCULATING HOW MUCH YOU NEED

  • Method 1: Half your body weight in ounces. If you weigh 162 lbs, you need 81 oz of water per day (~2.5 liters).
  • Method 2: The Replacement Method. You lose 1.5 liters in urine, and 1 liter through breathing, sweating, and BMs each day. Your super healthy diet is ~20% water, so get at least 2 liters per day.
  • Method 3: The Man/Woman Approach. Men: 3 liters per day. Women: 2 liters per day (pregnant or breastfeeding women: 3 liters per day).

HOW TO DO IT

  • Drink 8 oz at the start of each meal or snack. Make sure it’s filtered.
  • Get the coolest looking refillable bottle at the most posh store. Keep it at your desk and refill it every time you come back from the loo.
  • Drink water while you’re waiting for your coffee to brew, pasta water to boil, and child to stop asking for a second dessert.
  • Seltzer it or add cucumber slices, or lemon, lime, or orange wedges for a new spin. Add a dash of cayenne pepper to increase it’s detoxifying power.
  • Herbal teas count, and some give you better digestion (ginger, peppermint), better sleep (chamomile), and whiter teeth (I’m sure there’s one).
  • Avoid diet sodas and artificial sweeteners to meet fluid needs. They leave your body wondering why it didn’t get any sugar out of the sweet-tasting beverage, causing you to eventually crave and scavenge for sugary treats.
  • Caffeinated beverages actually aren’t “negative fluid” if you’re a regular user. You get 80-90% of that fluid. But nothing is as good as straight-up filtered H2O. Did you read recently about how too much caffeine can make you hear voices, specifically Bing Crosby singing White Christmas?
  • Take more showers and get it through osmosis. Ha! Don’t you wish?!
  • If none of these tricks work, just bite the bullet and chug. You might like how you feel after a few days!
Other secrets to staying hydrated? And did you know hot water weighs less than cold?

Gluten-Free and Fabulous

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It seems like no matter where I am… grocery store, nutrition counseling clinic, REI, playground… I find myself recommending a gluten-free 10-day experiment to folks who are feeling zapped on energy, gassy, irritable, unable to focus, and unexplainably bummed out. So, despite feeling fantastic, focused, and strangely excited by everyday chores, I decided to do, track, and share my own dietitian-approved gluten-free day.

Gluten–which is the Latin word for “glue” (tasty!)–is the protein portion of a wheat kernel, and important in giving wheat flour it’s elasticity. You may have heard of Seitan, aka the “wheat meat”, which is pure wheat gluten, and pure protein. Gluten, unfortunately, is responsible for a whole variety of allergies ranging from very mild and often unnoticeable to extremely painful, disruptive, and seriously serious (such is the case with Celiac disease). Gluten also tends to cause inflammation, and while I’m personally quite a fan of the glue myself, it’s amazing how great people feel after ditching it for 10+ days. Here’s how my gluten-free day tasted:

Breakfast
Gigantic glass of water, 2 cups coffee with soy creamer & sugar
1 slice of DELICIOUS Udi’s Gluten-Free Whole Grain Bread (Know of any good egg-free, gluten-free breads?)
Hot cereal made with 1 cup cooked quinoa, raisins, chopped apple, vanilla soymilk, and cinnamon

AM Snack
Water
1 Trader Joe’s FIBERFUL fruit bar
1 plum

Lunch
Water
1 cup baby carrots
Large arugula salad with 3 pieces of homemade baked tofu (recipe in upcoming Trader Joe’s Skinny Dish! book)
2 gluten-free Sesame Cherry Chewies (again in the upcoming Trader Joe’s Skinny Dish! book)
Rice crackers
2 small squares dark chocolate

PM Snack
Water
Apple
Trader Joe’s Roasted Seaweed Snack (whole package)
1/2 Haas avocado w/ sea salt (HEAVENLY!)

Dinner
Water (skipping the Hefeweizen, but could opt for a gluten-free beer)
2 corn tortillas with vegetarian refried beans and loads of stir-fried bell peppers

Late-Night Snack
Water
1 slice Udi’s Gluten-Free Whole Grain Bread with peanut butter and sliced banana
Chamomile tea

What I Wanted to Eat But Had to Pass Up…
The kids’ leftover cinnamon raisin toast at breakfast, pretzel sticks, graham crackers, a whole grain tortilla, and a whoopie pie.

If you have the right ingredients on hand, this is totally doable, tasty, and energizing! Other glue-free ideas?

Raw vs. Cooked: Which is Better?

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With raw diets and juicing being all the life-extending rage, what’s the real scoop with raw vs. cooked foods? Check out my recent post on Crazy Sexy Life for all the answers!