Day 7

The Cleanse has been going well, and I have to say I am feeling sooo good! Not that I was a horrible eater before, but it's so easy to just snack when you want, or make what you want for dinner, without putting too much thought into it. I always feel generally healthy, without any major complaints, but I had been feeling a bit sluggish and bloated (one of the reasons I wanted to do this), in the months prior to taking on this cleanse. Being on Day 7, I feel like I have more energy, I feel happy and vibrant (though I got annoyed when George asked me to go pick up a sub for him for lunch...), and I feel stronger. I went to a Group Power class yesterday, and I thought it was going to be hard because I haven't been able to make it for a couple of weeks, but I found that it was actually easier than I remember, and I could lift more weight. All this good food is really helping!

Our scale doesn't needs a new battery, and I went to target today, and of course forgot to check what kind I needed...but that's ok. As I said before, I am feeling great, and I am also happy to say that my clothes that were getting tight, are not as tight. If you were to follow this Cleanse and wanted to lose a lot of weight, I think this could easily be done by limiting fruit intake. Everyday I tell myself I am going to eat less fruit, but it has just been so tasty, I've probably been eating more than I should. Maybe on Tuesday, when I can add in meat and fish, I will be able to stick to the fruit more for just the shakes and less for snacking.

For my meals I have mostly been eating salads. When I think about having salad for a meal, I can always think of plenty of other things I would choose before it. But once I make it and sit down with it, I realize how tasty and healthy it is, and wonder why I don't do this more often. Other than that, I have been trying to think other things I can cook, since I like to have something warm for dinner. Tomorrow I think I will try to make vegetable soup, that way I can easily heat it for lunch and dinner. My favorite thing I have made so far has been spaghetti squash. I have no idea why I have never used this amazing vegetable before. When comparing it to real pasta (yum!!), I probably wouldn't choose it. But if you are looking for a healthy alternative, this stuff is great! Here's how I made it

Spaghetti Squash with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Cut the squash lengthwise and put in a baking dish seed side down.
Fill the baking dish with enough water to come up about an inch and a half on the squash
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes, or until it can be easily pierced with a knife
After that, bake for another 15 minutes
Scoop out the seeds and discard, and use a fork to pull out the "spaghetti"

Sauce
I didn't really measure this, as I was making it up as I made it.
Chop tomatoes, onion, basil, and mince garlic
Put it in the food processor fitted with the metal blade (I think it would work in a blender if you don't have a food processor)
Pulse until it is at desired consistency
Put it in a sauce pan and cook it while the squash is cooking

I have to say, it was delicious! I am going to make it again this coming week. It tastes so fresh and yummy, it's hard to believe it's healthy.

As for my ice cream addiction...I am actually using my 2nd shake of the day as dessert. I make it with all frozen fruit, so it's nice and thick. Last night I ate it with a spoon when George ate his ice cream.

I love the benefits I'm getting from this Cleanse. I love how I have proven to myself that I can be disciplined, and it's not as hard as I thought it was to eat healthy. I love that I am feeling strong and healthy....but...I really want to eat other food too! It's hard at the end of the day, when I want to relax and unwind with a cocktail. Especially now that the weather is nice enough to go to the beach and sit on the porch! And it's also really hard at dinner time. That is the time that George and I always spend together. I love cooking for us and enjoying or meal together. We still spend the time together and have dinner at the same time, but it's not quite the same. I'm excited to plan a special dinner for Saturday, June 18th, when I am done!! Complete with cheese and wine and bread :)

Unfortunately, I have to spend the rest of the afternoon studying. Homework due, and two tests coming up this week. I also just found out that I passed my First Year Comprehensive exam! I really wasn't sure of the results when I took the test, so I am feeling happy and relieved that I don't have to retake it. Though I really wish I could have a drink to celebrate!