Happy New Year! For the past three years I have featured the crunchy radish clean up plan on my site to help get your January started on a healthy note. If you are new here, I always like to state that I don’t believe in detox’s or cleanses, but do appreciate a few days of strict, regimented eating of REAL WHOLE FOODS. The last two months of the year feature lots of opportunities to indulge and to overdo it. People are inundated by holiday parties, family celebrations, and any excuse for sweets and drinks. Come January 1st, most people crave a fresh start. Enter the crunchy radish clean up. This year’s clean up plan is 3 days, but feel free to reference the past 3 years of plans listed below if you want to continue for longer.
eat real food
The framework is simple. Eat real food. This year’s plan is vegan, gluten, diary, sugar-free and low in sodium. Eliminate alcohol and reduce caffeine intake to one cup of coffee a day. To be realistic, there is NO way that I would give up my morning coffee, and I do not expect or ask that of you either. If you want to, great. For the rest of you, stick to one cup and transition to green tea for the rest of the day. For clean up plan options that include dairy and fish, see past year’s plans below. The recipes that are featured are uncomplicated and contain some repetition as I believe that setting the groundwork for healthy eating habits should be simple. I encourage you to get into the kitchen and start with basic cooking techniques to prove to yourself that eating healthfully and cleanly can be just as easy and more economical than ordering from seamless or paying $500 for a week of juices and smoothies.
The clean up plan does not need to be followed to a "T", and I encourage creativity. If you want to stick to a strictly vegan plan, fabulous - follow days 1 thru 3 of this year’s plan. If you want to integrate fish and eggs, simply swap around the dishes from previous year’s - choose your own adventure style. Don't like some of the ingredients? Use ones that your prefer. I am laying the groundwork for how and what you should be eating 90 percent of the time. You should favor plant-forward meals, eating with the seasons, when feasible, and integrating fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, and kefir regularly.
For Tips, Tricks, and Portion Control Guidelines Check Out My Guide HERE
Resolutions?
While I don’t believe in setting unrealistic resolutions, I do believe in setting realistic goals to help to keep you in check for the months to come. These goals do not necessarily have to be food or workout oriented. My main focus in 2019 is to be more connected and present with my family and friends. So much of what I do is virtual and being plugged in - it can be nauseating. I know I am not alone here. I want to savor my time and be fully in it. To do that, I am going to be more vigilant in keeping some distance from my phone, whether it is in a drawer while I am working, in another room when home, or tucked away in my bag when I am outside or socializing. My phone has become an appendage and I do not want Jack, Andrew, my family or friends to think that it is more important than they are.
*These plans are intended as a guide for individuals in good health. If you have a medial issue or have specific dietary needs, consult with your medical practitioner.
