Coming Off the Cleanse

When ending any kind of detox program, it's important to come off of it slowly and reintroduce foods at a gradual pace. I ate pretty much the same way as I did on the detox today. I had a smoothie for breakfast, munched on some peanuts, ate a large salad for lunch and snacked on collard green wraps in the afternoon. I had lots of energy and felt great all day!

I made a basic stir fry for dinner, using whatever veggies were left in the fridge, half a can of chickpeas that were leftover from another meal, and the last of the brown rice from Veggie Heaven. I was craving spicy peanut sauce (it's so good!), but I thought it would be too heavy after coming off the detox, so I added some red pepper flakes and peanuts to the mix.

I cleaned out the fridge making this stir-fry, so I'm off to the grocery store. The weather here has been pretty warm, so I'm going to be adding some more raw foods into my diet in the upcoming days. It'll be too hot in my house with the oven on!


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Spring Cleanse - Day 7

I have reached the end of my Spring Cleanse! I'm so glad I did it. Eating lighter helped switch my diet from winter foods to spring foods. I had lots more energy than usual, and I lost 4 pounds! I'm going to try my best to continue with the clean eating - smoothies, salads and lots of fruit and veggies.

Today was another student counseling day. My first student was at 8:00 and my last at 3:30. I started the day out with a smoothie made with blueberries, bananas, spinach, flax, hemp and maca. For lunch I had another large salad. The modified fast is over, so I was able to add seeds and nuts back into my meals today.



For dinner I made collard green wraps. I made raw sunflower seed cheese from RAWvolution by Matt Amsden, spread it on the leaves and then wrapped them up with veggies inside. I made extras to take to work tomorrow to snack on. They're so good!

I also sautéed a big pile of veggies - broccoli rabe, kale, red peppers, shallots, mushrooms and served them over the rice that was left over from yesterday's Veggie Heaven meal.


Once again, I had lots of energy, which made the day easier. And once again, I didn't need a nap after my student counseling was over!


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Spring Cleanse - Day 6

Day six of the spring cleanse seemed so easy! My body's getting used to the raw food and unseasoned veggies. I had lots of energy yesterday! I spent most of the day counseling students for the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. My counseling day started at 8:00am and ended at 3:30. I usually take a nap after my last student, but I had so much energy that I didn't one! Instead, I went down to the Vegan Bake Sale to see how it was going. I was surprised at how well I was able to control myself around so many delicious looking baked goodies. I brought home some raw cookies and brownies and two gluten-free cupcakes, which will just have to wait until after the cleanse to be eaten.

For breakfast, I had a giant green smoothie. It was made with bananas, mangos, pineapples and spinach. I also added flax oil, hemp powder and maca powder for a little extra boost. I made quite a lot and filled my large glass twice.



Lunch was another large salad with olive oil and lemon juice. I was able to eat in between student phone calls. I had snack of fruit salad later too.


Since it was a long day for me, Dennis picked up dinner from Veggie Heaven again. We each had a large plate of steamed veggies. I was pretty hungry by dinner time, but the veggies were very satisfying. It was difficult to pass on the rice that came with them. I put them in the fridge to make a stir-fry with another day.


We had mixed fruit for dessert. I can't believe how much fruit Dennis and I have eaten this week. We've gone through quite a lot. I need to make sure we keep it up next week.


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Spring Cleanse - Day 5

Day 5 of the cleanse gets a little tricky. The menu for both days 5 and 6 consist of nothing but vegetables and fruit - no nuts, seeds, beans or grains. I was worried about making it through the day and being hungry, but surprisingly, I had lots of energy today and I wasn't hungry at all. The day was also dedicated to cleansing the intestines, and psyllium fiber was added to the routine.

I started out the day with a chocolate cherry smoothie made from bananas, frozen cherries, dates, raw cacao and spinach. This morning, I was just set on making a smoothie, and forgot about the guidelines for the day. After making it, I realized I really shouldn't have had the raw cacao, but it was too late. I don't regret it though. The smoothie was delicious and I think it had a lot to do with my energy level for the day.

For lunch I had collard wraps and a huge salad, and I had a large fruit salad for an afternoon snack.


Dinner was a large plate of steamed veggies - broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms and red pepper. They were flavored with a little olive oil and lemon juice. It was a delicious meal. I'm really beginning to love the unadulterated flavors of vegetables.


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Spring Cleanse - Day 4

Day four and all is well! I started the day off with oatmeal again, and had fruit salad for an mid-morning snack. I had last night's stir-fry leftovers for lunch and snacked on some raw cashews. Dennis took a film making class in the City in the evening, and I didn't feel like cooking dinner just for one, so I got brown rice avocado rolls and salad from Whole Foods.

The toughest part of the day was after dinner, when I baked cookies for Saturday's Montclair Vegan Bake Sale. I made mocha almond chip cookies from Sweet Utopia. It was tough not being able to taste the cookie dough or try a cookie when they were done! I have a big bag of wheat flour leftover from my holiday baking, and I thought baking for the sale would be a good way to get rid of some of it.

Day four is dedicated to skin detoxing. Sesame oil is massaged into the skin, and then a bath with epsom salts is taken. A mask with bentonite clay is applied to the face and the hands. I added a little bit of bubbles to the bath, which was nice and relaxing, and and the oil and clay really softened my skin. I'm going to try to stick with doing this once a week.

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Spring Cleanse - Day 3

Yesterday was day three of my Spring Cleanse. The day was dedicated to detoxing the liver, so milk thistle was added to the daily plan.

I was hungry for most of the day, so I ate for most of the day. The beauty of this plan is that snaking is allowed as long as the snacks are whole foods. I had oatmeal with fruit and nuts for breakfast, and then a large fruit salad as an after-breakfast snack. I had brought collard wraps for an afternoon snack, but I ended up eating it before lunch. Lunch was a large salad added to the leftovers of yesterday's quinoa salad. I had some raw cashews as an afternoon snack.

Dinner was a huge vegetable stir-fry. I water sautéed garlic, red onions, sugar snap peas, cauliflower, broccoli, peppers, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, bok choy and raw peanuts, and then added a little olive oil and lemon juice. I made a huge pot of brown rice so that I will have some made up for tomorrow. It was really delicious. After a few days without seasonings, the taste buds really awaken to the taste of vegetables.

Other than being inexplicably hungry all day, I'm still doing pretty well on the detox. I haven't had any adverse reactions at all. I had a some rare free hours in the evening yesterday, so I was able to relax and take a nice hote bubble bath, which I really needed. I need to make sure I fit one in tonight too.


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Spring Cleanse - Day 2

Yesterday was day two of my Spring Cleanse. Like Monday, it wasn't a difficult day. I made all of my food for the work day on Monday evening - oatmeal for breakfast, fruit salad for a morning snack, quinoa salad with spinach for lunch and collard wraps for an afternoon snack. Unfortunately, I forgot the oatmeal. I ended up having the fruit for lunch and the collard wraps for my morning snack.

The quinoa salad was a good choice for lunch, because it was really filling and kept me satiated for the afternoon. I mixed together cooked quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion and chickpeas with a little bit of olive oil and lemon juice. I served it over a large bed of raw spinach.


I had an appointment after work, and I knew I'd be hungry by the time I got home, so Dennis picked up dinner. We had steamed veggies and brown rice from Veggie Heaven.

During a detox, it's important to slow down and spend more time relaxing and meditating. This week is already super busy for me though, and I haven't had any extra time to spare! I'm going to make an effort to do less later in the week though. (How strange is it that I need to make an effort to do less??)


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Spring Cleanse - Day 1

My Spring Cleanse has begun! I am doing a one week detox along with clients. It's a pretty simple detox for those who are already eating a relatively clean diet. The day begins with a tonic made from water, lemon juice, ginger, maple syrup and hawthorn berry. The diet is a whole foods, plant-based diet, which includes fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds. The diet for days 5 and 6 excludes grains, beans, nuts and seeds. Each day is devoted to detoxing a different organ with simple exercises and supplements.


Day 1 is devoted to getting adjusted to the modified diet. It wasn't difficult and I pretty much ate what I usually do. My day started out with oatmeal loaded with fruits, seeds and nuts. I had a big fruit salad for a snack and then a large garden salad for lunch. I found myself having some cravings in the afternoon - hummus and crackers, chickpeas and chocolate! I'm sure it's because I didn't include any grains or beans in salad.


For dinner, I made quinoa with a veggie-stir fry consisted of onion, garlic, asparagus, mushrooms, red pepper and kale. I used a little olive oil (up to three tablespoons a day is allowed but I'm trying to stay under) and lemon juice to flavor it.


I recommended that my clients make a small side salad with dinner each night, but I ignored my own advice. Instead I made collard green wraps, which were inspired by my friend Donna's delicious creations in the raw class we taught on Saturday. I mashed up an avocado with lime juice and and some seaweed flakes, spread it over collard leaves, then topped it with some pea shoots and chopped bell peppers. I rolled the whole thing up into a little spring roll-like bundle. It was delicious, and I've already made more to take to work tomorrow! I also used the leftover cooked quinoa to make a big quinoa salad for tomorrow's lunch. I'm hoping the quinoa, along with some chick peas, will keep the afternoon cravings away!


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Last Chance to Sign Up For My Spring Cleanse!

I know I've been talking a lot about my Spring Cleanse program, but that's because I'm so excited about it! The kickoff meeting is on Sunday and the detox begins on Monday. I will be detoxing along with my clients and blogging about it as we go through the program.

At the kickoff meeting, we will be watching the short film Processed People and five lucky attendees will win a free half hour chair massage! You don't have to live locally to participate though - we will have a conference call with out of towners later in the day.

You can choose the cleanse program that is right for you:

1-7 Day Cleanse. This cleanse is great for first-timers or those needed a quick tune-up. You choose the number of days that match your goals. Even one day helps to detoxify the body. $39.99

1-Week Cleanse. The moderate cleanse is great to do four times a year, corresponding with the change in seasons. Each day focuses on detoxifying different organs to give a more comprehensive body detox. $49.99

5-Week Cleanse. This thorough cleanse is only for those who can dedicate the time (and will power) to eliminate the toxins built up over years of neglect. Even first-timers can easily follow this plan which slowly takes you off of a toxic diet into the deep cleansing portion, then leads you back into a more balanced diet routine. $199.99
Not Sure? Reserve your seat at the "Cleanse Kick-off" meeting for $20 and have that applied to your program of choice, once you better understand the options. We will also be screening the short film Processed People.

Choose whichever program suits your needs and health goals. I will be running the detox programs with my colleague Karen Yagnesak CHHC, AADP. We will provide you with a complete detoxification program, recipes, personal and group support.

Join us!
Sunday, April 25th, 12:00 noon at the Bloomfield Wellness Center, Bloomfield NJ
or Sunday April 25th, 2:00 pm (EST) via web/phone for those not in the area

For more information or to sign up:
Email Dianne@DianneWenz.com
Call me at 973.866.0281 or
Visit http://www.bloomfieldwellness.com/Events.html


Consult with your doctor before beginning any detoxification program, preferably with one who is well versed in the latest peer-reviewed research on nutrition. Pregnant or nursing women or children shouldn't go on a detox diet. People with anemia, eating disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, terminal illness, certain genetic diseases, and other chronic conditions shouldn't try a detoxification diet or should do so only under the supervision of their primary care provider. It is not intended for alcohol or drug detoxification

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Spring Cleaning!

We spring clean our homes, why not spring clean our bodies? My Spring Cleanse program starts next weekend! 5 lucky attendees to the March 25th meeting will win a free half hour chair massage! Please contact me for further details or to sign up.

Detoxification, if done correctly, can bring you:
· An Increase in Energy
· An Increase in Concentration and Clarity
· A Decrease in Digestive Problems
· Clearer Skin
· An Improvement in Vision
· A Reduction of Aches and Pains
· A Reduction or Elimination of Food Cravings
· An Improvement in Sleep Patterns
· A Jump-Start to Weight Loss
· And Can Help You to Spring Forth to Improvement in Overall Health & Wellness

You can choose the cleanse program that is right for you:
1-7 Day Cleanse. This cleanse is great for first-timers or those needed a quick tune-up. You choose the number of days that match your goals. Even one day helps to detoxify the body. $39.99

1-Week Cleanse. The moderate cleanse is great to do four times a year, corresponding with the change in seasons. Each day focuses on detoxifying different organs to give a more comprehensive body detox. $49.99

5-Week Cleanse. This thorough cleanse is only for those who can dedicate the time (and will power) to eliminate the toxins built up over years of neglect. Even first-timers can easily follow this plan which slowly takes you off of a toxic diet into the deep cleansing portion, then leads you back into a more balanced diet routine. $199.99

Not Sure? Reserve your seat at the "Cleanse Kick-off" meeting for $20 and have that applied to your program of choice, once you better understand the options. We will also be screening the short film Processed People.

Choose whichever program suits your needs and health goals. I will be running the detox programs with my colleague Karen Yagnesak CHHC, AADP. We will provide you with a complete detoxification program, recipes, personal and group support.

Join us!
Sunday, April 25th, 12:00 noon at the Bloomfield Wellness Center, Bloomfield NJ

or Sunday April 25th, 2:00 pm (EST) via web/phone for those not in the area

For more information or to sign up:
Email Dianne@DianneWenz.com
Call me at 973.866.0281 or
Visit http://www.bloomfieldwellness.com/Events.html


Consult with your doctor before beginning any detoxification program, preferably with one who is well versed in the latest peer-reviewed research on nutrition. Pregnant or nursing women or children shouldn't go on a detox diet. People with anemia, eating disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, terminal illness, certain genetic diseases, and other chronic conditions shouldn't try a detoxification diet or should do so only under the supervision of their primary care provider. It is not intended for alcohol or drug detoxification

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Spring Clean Your Body!

We interrupt the regularly scheduled blog post to bring you the following message:

Are you feeling sluggish most of the time? Do you have problems digesting food: gas, bloating & constipation? Does your skin look like you're going through puberty again?

All of these are symptoms of the toxins we put into our bodies every day, from the food we eat, to the skin products we use, to the air we breathe.


As Spring is a time of renewal, why don't we renew from the inside, out? Join my Spring Detox Program today!

Detoxification, if done correctly, can bring you:
· An Increase in Energy
· An Increase in Concentration and Clarity
· A Decrease in Digestive Problems
· Clearer Skin
· An Improvement in Vision
· A Reduction of Aches and Pains
· A Reduction or Elimination of Food Cravings
· An Improvement in Sleep Patterns
· A Jump-Start to Weight Loss
· And Can Help You to Spring Forth to Improvement in Overall Health & Wellness

You can choose the cleanse program that is right for you:
1-7 Day Cleanse. This cleanse is great for first-timers or those needed a quick tune-up. You choose the number of days that match your goals. Even one day helps to detoxify the body. $39.99

1-Week Cleanse. The moderate cleanse is great to do four times a year, corresponding with the change in seasons. Each day focuses on detoxifying different organs to give a more comprehensive body detox. $49.99

5-Week Cleanse. This thorough cleanse is only for those who can dedicate the time (and will power) to eliminate the toxins built up over years of neglect. Even first-timers can easily follow this plan which slowly takes you off of a toxic diet into the deep cleansing portion, then leads you back into a more balanced diet routine. $199.99

Not Sure? Reserve your seat at the "Cleanse Kick-off" meeting for $20 and have that applied to your program of choice, once you better understand the options. We will also be screening the short film Processed People.

Choose whichever program suits your needs and health goals. I will be running the detox programs with my colleague Karen Yagnesak CHHC, AADP. We will provide you with a complete detoxification program, recipes, personal and group support.

Join us!
Sunday, April 25th, 12:00 noon at the Bloomfield Wellness Center, Bloomfield NJ

or Sunday April 25th, 2:00 pm (EST) via web/phone for those not in the area

For more information or to sign up:
Email Dianne@DianneWenz.com
Call me at 973.866.0281 or
Visit http://www.bloomfieldwellness.com/Events.html


Consult with your doctor before beginning any detoxification program, preferably with one who is well versed in the latest peer-reviewed research on nutrition. Pregnant or nursing women or children shouldn't go on a detox diet. People with anemia, eating disorders, diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, autoimmune disease, cancer, terminal illness, certain genetic diseases, and other chronic conditions shouldn't try a detoxification diet or should do so only under the supervision of their primary care provider. It is not intended for alcohol or drug detoxification

Like what you're reading? Then sign up for my healthy living newsletter!