Ok, let me guess, the last three to four days have been laden with turkey, diri ak djon djon, rice and red beans, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, potato salad, shrimp of some variation, red snapper, griyo, goat meat in some form or another, perhaps sauce or fried, kremas, pen patat, cake, and whatever else could and possibly could not fit on the table. And for the first few days you reveled in the feeling and taste. However, Thanksgiving celebrators all over the country suffer from the same pang the Monday after: GUILT.
That guilt was probably the reason I woke up this morning saying to myself, I will not wait until new years to make a weight loss or a health goal, it will start today. So why not transform that guilt into something positive. MOTIVATION.
Below is a 3-Day Post Thanksgiving Detox from Registered Dietician Joy Bauer that I think we all should try. Even if you haven’t committed to yet another permanent health goal, this detox is a great way to rejuvenate your cells and body. Thanksgiving eating has a way of leaving one feeling lethargic and slumpy, this is a nice way to get rid of that feeling. It will eliminate that bloating feeling, burn fat, and help you feel energized. The meals are vegetarian, but that’s purposeful, enough meat over the last few days. But you will have plenty of fiber, protein, antioxidants and tons of vitamins and minerals.
Three Day Detox Plan
Dinner
Eat only what is listed on the menu;
no added sugar, honey, sugar substitute, salt, salad dressing, condiments, etc.
Drink only what is listed on the menu;
no soda, fruit juice, alcohol, or diet beverages.
Enjoy black coffee or tea at breakfast (regular or decaffeinated).
Drink two 8-ounce glasses of water within 30 minutes of eating your lunch and dinner meals. Drink as much additional water as you d like throughout the day.
Drink one cup of regular or decaffeinated green tea after your lunch, afternoon snack, and dinner.
Breakfast
Lunch
Snack
Follow the same daily menu for three days in a row.
Joy’s Protein Power Smoothie
In a blender, combine æ cup skim milk (for vegan plan, substitute soy or almond milk), banana, cup frozen raspberries, cup frozen blueberries, 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 5 ice cubes. Blend until smooth and frothy.
Optional black coffee or tea
Lunch
Drink two 8-ounce glasses water (with optional lemon) within 30 minutes of eating. Drink as much additional water as you d like during the meal.
Large spinach salad
* Unlimited spinach leaves
* Unlimited antioxidant-rich produce (Best choices include bell peppers, tomatoes, carrots, red onions, broccoli, and sliced beets. You may also add cucumbers, mushrooms, celery, and cauliflower.)
* 1 cup red kidney, pinto, or black beans
* 1 tablespoon toasted, chopped pecans
* Dress with 1 teaspoon olive oil and unlimited balsamic or red wine vinegar
1 pink or red grapefruit
1 cup green tea
Snack
1 cup unsalted pistachio nuts (in shell)
1 cup green tea
Dinner
Drink two 8-ounce glasses of water (with optional lemon) within 30 minutes of eating. Drink as much additional water as you’d like during your meal.
Unlimited baked, grilled, broiled, or poached fish
Good choices include cod, halibut, haddock, and wild salmon, seasoned with fresh lemon and black pepper
Unlimited steamed broccoli with optional fresh lemon and black pepper
1 cup green tea or naturally caffeine-free herbal tea
Nadege Fleurimond is the owner & business manager of Fleurimond Catering, Inc., an off-premise catering firm serving the NY/NJ/CT/MA areas. She is also the author of a Taste of Life: A Culinary Memoir, a humorous and heart warming compilation of recipes and funny anecdotes. (http://www.nadegefleurimond.com)
Please submit thoughts and questions pertaining to the column via email at nadege1981@gmail.com.