I’m almost done with my first week of the CLEAN cleanse and you guys have been awesome! The notes of support and encouragement have really kept me motivated. Many of you have had questions, so I thought I would take the time today to answer a few and share my favorite smoothie recipes (TIP: You can even make these if you’re not cleansing- just use protein powder)
Q: Why did you chose Clean over other cleanses?
A: I’ve done cleanses in the past - all juice cleanse, detox cleanse by BeWell, yoga detox cleanse -but I always felt I was missing something. Some were too restrictive, others to labor intensive, and with juicing I simply missed actually chewing something. I had been researching Clean since I read this post on goop, but just never pursued it due to cost. It is pricier than the other cleanses I’ve done, but they had a 20% off one day sale in August and I jumped on it. Their philosophy resonated with me and they also have a great blog and support system. When I’m on a cleanse, I need to believe in what I am following, otherwise I won’t change my habits. It needs to be sustainable, and so far this one has hit home the most with me.
Q: Is it just shakes/smoothies?
A: No, you make a smoothie for breakfast, eat a clean meal for lunch and then have a smoothie for dinner. The shake cleanses I’ve done in the past were the kind where you simply mix the shake powder with water or milk and try to force it down. YUCK! Clean encourages you to mix your shake up with just about any clean food out there. In fact, their meal plan guide has enough smoothie recipes for you to not have the same one twice during your cleanse. Have I mentioned they are DELISH?!? Seriously, even my husband has tried a few and really enjoyed them. They also have some great clean food recipes and give you tips on how to eat out if you need to while on the cleanse.
Q: Have you had side effects?
A: A few, but they haven’t been too bad- a slight headache the second day and really tired on the third, but other than that I haven’t even had cravings. In fact, I met some girlfriends at a bar a couple days in and I wasn’t even tempted by all the burgers, fries and beer they had. That’s a first! Usually I’ll break down and have a bite of something, but not this time.
Q: Are you already seeing results?
A: Yes. I chose not to weigh myself as this is strictly to get myself back on eating clean, but I already feel lighter and my clothes are fitting more like they used to :)
Q: It’s expensive, what if I can’t afford it but want to try it?
A: If you can’t budget in the full cleanse, Dr. Junger has two books that will essentially help you do it yourself: Clean and Clean Gut, Both of these walk you through how to get back on track and cleanse your body at a fraction of the cleanse cost.
Others who have done this cleanse told me I would love it and they are right. I already feel amazing and can’t wait to see how I feel after week 2. As promised, here are a few of my favorite recipes from the program. And if you have more questions, shoot them my way!
PUMPKIN PIE SMOOTHIE
Adapted from Tasty Yummies
• ¾ cup cooked pumpkin (you can use canned, but fresh is much better)
• 1½ cups unsweetened organic vanilla almond milk
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced
• 2-3 Medjool dates, pits removed (soak first if they aren’t soft)
• optional: small handful of raw pecans to make it even more creamy.
Clean additions:
• 1 packet Cleanse Shakes Vanilla (or other protein powder)
• optional: 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
Directions: Add all of your ingredients to the blender. Puree until smooth and creamy. If your pumpkin and/or almond milk isn’t cold, you could add a handful of ice, although this may make it less creamy. You can also add a splash of water or additional almond milk if your smoothie is too thick. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and/or nutmeg.
PEACH APPLE COBBLER
From the Clean Team
Crust and filling mixed all together in a creamy shake… Yum.
• ¼ cup pecans (whole or crushed)
• 1 cup coconut water
• 2 apples (any variety), cored and sliced into chunks (if organic, leave the peel on for added fiber and
nutrients)
• 1 cup frozen or fresh peaches
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons vanilla powder or extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ginger powder
• Pinch of sea salt
Directions: Blend all ingredients together until creamy and enjoy!
EURO NUT - My favorite! Very decadent!
From Clean community members James and Anneliese
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 dates or stevia to taste
• 2 tablespoon raw cacao
• 2-4 tablespoon hazelnut butter
• unsweetened coconut milk
• ice
• 1 packet Cleanse Shakes Chocolate (or other protein powder)
• optional: 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
Directions: Blend until creamy!
COCONUT CHAI SHAKE
From the Clean Team
• 1 cup coconut milk (unsweetened)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• a pinch of allspice
• 2 tablespoons almond or cashew butter
• ¼ cup shredded coconut
• 1 packet Cleanse Shakes Vanilla (or other protein powder)
• optional: 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
Directions: Blend until smooth and creamy
MALTED “MILK” SHAKE
From the Clean Team
• 1 cup coconut water
• ½ cup coconut meat (either from a young Thai coconut or organic shredded dried coconut flakes and an
additional ½ cup water)
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 3 dates, pitted OR a few drops of stevia to taste
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of sea salt
• 1 packet Cleanse Shakes Vanilla or Chocolate (or other protein powder)
• optional: 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
Directions: Blend all ingredients until smooth and enjoy!
CINNAMON ROLLS FOR BREAKFAST
From the Clean Team
Well, sort of! Imagine this treat without any guilt and in a glass!! This is delicious, nutrient rich and protein
packed with just the right amount of spice!
• ½ cup almonds and 1 cup water OR 1 cup almond milk (unsweetened)
• 1 cup coconut water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or powder
• 3 pitted dates
• 1 tablespoon pecans
• stevia to taste
• 1 packet Cleanse Shakes Vanilla or Chocolate (or other protein powder)
• optional: 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
Directions: Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Enjoy!
xx Erin