Spring is finally here!!! Just in time for the end of my 21 Day Detox experience.  I lost a good amount of weight and feel “cleaner”, but most importantly I have learned a few new eye opening perspectives on food and health!

#1. Count Chemicals Not Calories

It’s amazing how we can eat any amount of a food that is clean (aka not processed and full of chemicals) and have no guilt about it, and not gain weight!  Our bodies are designed to process natural ingredients, and are much happier when we fuel them with easier to digest, non toxic foods. Here are two recipes from the Detox class that I literally did not want to stop eating!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Coconut Cranberry Pecan Truffles

A simple recipe from Dr. Erica LePore’s Detox class, and adapted from Clean Food by Terry Walters.

1/4 C     unsweetened, shredded coconut

1 1/2 C  pecans

1 C         apple juice sweetened dried cranberries

1/2 C    almond butter 

1/4 C    pure maple syrup

Combine all ingredients (except c0c0nut) in a food processor until firm consistency, roll into bite-sized balls, and then roll in the shredded coconut. Enjoy right away, or store in refrigerator.

 #2. Exercise Because You Love Your Body,  Not Because You Hate It

I used to dread the gym.  I used to think I looked ridiculous being so big and trying to run on a treadmill.  I would go for a week, do way too much, be sore and disappointed the next day, and if I didn’t lose weight I’d think, “what’s the point?”  But with this new perspective, I look forward to the gym and I am disappointed if I can’t make it.  Now I do it for myself because I feel good after, not because it’s part of a weight loss plan.  Setting small goals and increasing them when I am ready is a huge confidence booster. Also, sweating is great because it is one way our bodies release toxins!

#3.  Not Because “I Can’t” but Because “I Want to”

Packaging is sneaky.  Chemicals are hidden everywhere.  When I am deciding between foods, I easily choose the healthier option now, because I want to and it’s my choice.  I no longer have the mindset that I am on a diet and “not allowed” to eat this or that.  I actually crave fruits and salads and prefer them to chips and candy.   I am finally free of the addictions!

 Are You an Addict Too?

Addiction to certain foods is real, and dangerous.  Most people are addicted to sugar, caffeine, carbs, and even certain chemical additives in processed food.  Here are some questions to ask yourself.  I answered yes to all of them before the Detox.

 *Are you afraid of how you will feel if you don’t have a certain food for one day?

*Do you feel sluggish, tired or physically in pain if you do not have a certain food for one day?

*Do you feel stressed, angry or depressed if you can not have a certain food when you want it?

For more information about sugar addiction:

• Prevention Magazine has an online quiz Are You Addicted to Sugar?
• www.PsychologyToday.com has an interesting article about How to Get Over Your Sugar Addiction
• And Sugar Addiction 101  

For more information on toxins in food and some more delicious recipes, check out www.21DayDetoxPlan.com and Dr. Lepore’s new facebook page!

What food are you most addicted to?  How many days do you think you could go without them? If I can do it, so can you!