“But, what do YOU eat?” I get a version of this question almost weekly from clients and readers. I’m not sure how it’s taken me this long to get around to answering it! It’s one of the most common curiosities and people often wonder if I practice what I preach. Though my life is not a constant cleanse by any means, much of what I integrate into my approach is inspired by things that have worked for me in food and lifestyle. So much of maintaining health lies within daily habits and routines.
This week I’d like to share a “day in the life” glimpse of mine!
What does your morning routine look like?
I typically get up around 7 am and one of the first things I do is read my friend Ryan Weiss’s, “Waking up with Ryan” daily email. This helps me really start the day with a calm mind and fresh perspective.
My first go to is 16 ozs. of room temp water with lemon. This starts my day off right with a little hydration and the lemon adds nice wake up and detox for my digestion. Like many of you, I’m nothing without the vice of my morning caffeine! I make either organic coffee or matcha tea and add a tablespoon of MCT (I use Bulletproof XCT or Onnit MCT oil) and ⅓ cup So Delicious Culinary Coconut Milk, “Malk” or “Forager” unsweetened cashew milk and a dropper of Omica liquid stevia. This gives me a nice profile of healthy satiating fats and a wake-up call to my brain.
My breakfast primarily consists of juice including celery, cucumber, parsley, lemon, ginger and turmeric. I know this probably sounds boring, but I choose this combo because it helps detox my liver, kidneys, and decreases inflammation. I also add 2 teaspoons Nutrex Hawaiian Spirulina, Vimergy Barley Juice Extract Powder and a couple of tablespoons of hemp seeds (for a bit of protein).
Keep in mind, everyone is unique! What works for me, may not for you. I tend to do best starting my day with liquids. I find that it offers me the nutrients and keeps me satiated but without requiring a whole lot of digestive energy. This keeps me feeling satisfied but mentally clear to focus on the day ahead.
How do you stay hydrated?
I tend to always have mineral water on hand, I love Mt.Valley Spring Water. In a pinch, I’ll add a little Himalayan salt to filtered water. There’s more to hydration than just water! It’s the minerals that really make or break your hydration game.
What’s your ultimate lunch on the go?
I’m often on the go during lunchtime and I find salads or wraps are always my go to. My absolute favorite lunch is my twist on the classic BLT. I swap out bacon fora reuben wrap salad, thinly sliced marinated tempeh, herbed veganaise, sauerkraut, avocado and tomato wrapped in a collard green. Another quick option is my almond tuna which can be wrapped too or thrown on a bed of greens.
What’s your favorite pick-me-up snack?
I have a few afternoon pick-me-up options that I’ll go to depending on my needs. I’ll often have bone broth on hand if I’m craving something savory or a super seed bar to tide me over until dinner. When breakfast isn’t enough or if I’m really hungry, fermented coconut kefir yogurt with nuts and fruit do the trick. Organic India Tulsi Tea is my number one go to in the afternoon when I’m feeling like I need a quick reset. I often drink my tea while listening to an audio meditation. I find this quick check in really helps me move through my day with a more centered focus.
What are your favorite “convenience” foods you keep available for busy days?
I try to always have something quick available in my fridge in case things get hectic. I find that planning in advance really helps me get through chaos intact. I always have soups on hand for a quick meal option. It’s also nice to have things like quinoa, edamame, lentils, chickpeas, and roasted sweet potatoes prepped and ready to go at the beginning of the week. I’ll often keep these ingredients in separate tupperware and throw them together for a quick bowl.
How to you curb cravings?
When I have cravings, it’s typically for something salty. Luckily there’s endless salty snacks that can be healthy also. I opt for kale chips, sprouted pumpkin seeds, or baked tortilla chips with beet hummus. Homemade organic popcorn with nutritional yeast is another snack that I love on occasion.
What does your evening routine look like?
I do yoga in the evening before dinner and then typically eat around 7. One thing I find really important with dinner is to keep it as a sacred time meaning no phones or tv. Raising my kids, this was such an important time to emphasize family and connection. I light candles, turn the sultry music on (which the family is so tired of 😉 ) and set the mood which really creates the space and minimizes the temptation of distractions.
What’s your favorite dinner?
This is a tough one! There are SO many recipes I love but if I had to pick one I think I’d say lamb stuffed cabbage rolls for a meat option which I know doesn’t sound very sexy 😉 For a plant based option, it would be spaghetti squash puttanesca.
Do you have any bedtime snacks?
I try not to eat within a few hours before sleeping. If I’m absolutely starving I’ll have half a banana and dip it in almond butter or a handful of sprouted pumpkin seeds (loaded with tryptophan to help you sleep). Other than that I try to drink 16 ozs. of water 1 hour before bed to ensure I’m hydrated throughout the night. This is also a great time for a soothing herbal tea with a touch of stevia.
This is a typical day for me…now, sometimes life throws a wrench in it and my routine is thrown off and dinner is M Cafe, Real Food Daily, FalaBar, East India Grill, Pitfire Artisan Gluten Free Pizza, or Tocaya Organica from Postmates 😉 However, I find that when it comes to living a cleansing lifestyle, the routine and consistency work better for me and make it easier for me to stay committed and on track. After all this, remember to follow up with a good night’s sleep and reach out to me anytime for my easy lifestyle cleansing tips!
