Pocono Pabulum for Mind & Body: Detox Soup (and 3 day plan)

Detox Soup

I am not one who likes to throw around the word detox. As my mom asked me when I told her I was doing this homemade, mostly liquefied, diet for 3 days before Thanksgiving, "what are detoxing you from?" Honestly, it was just the best word I could think of for a simple plan full of only real, whole foods, that would help clear out my digestive system before the beginning of the Holiday Season. It's not a juice fast, or a cleanse, or a minimal diet at all. Just a simplified, hydrating meal plan full of nutritious organic fruits and vegetables, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and plant based proteins. Besides the kefir drink in the morning the "diet" is completely vegan as well, and gluten free, and incorporates no questionable (in my opinion) protein powders. It is not low in calories or fat however, so if you are looking to lose weight, simply modify the amounts of each smoothie to fit your body's needs. I am extremely active, and worked out, coached my son's basketball team, etc. while on this detox. The 10am breakfast smoothie has about 700 calories in it, if you drink 2/3 of it, (saving the rest for after dinner) and is loaded with healthy fats (40g), fiber (10g), and protein (25g). The lunch smoothie has over 600 calories (25-30 grams of fat from the avocado, almost 20g of fiber, and 5g of protein). The soup at night is much lighter, and if you are worried about calories you could easily omit the green drink or the extra serving of the chocolate smoothie in the evening. I just found this to be a fun, simple way to get myself on track before Thanksgiving, and I was honestly full and satisfied the entire time. I did miss chewing a bit by the end of the third day, and celebrated the next morning with a delicious New York City whole wheat bagel. Let me know if you try this, or a version similar to it, and how it makes you feel!

Louise’s 3 day detox plan

6:30am: lemon water

7am smoothie

7am: (3 oz.) berry drink + (8 oz.) kefir, mixed together

8am: caffeinated tea

10 am:* smoothie made with:
6 T. almond butter

1 1/2 C. organic soy milk

1 banana

2 T. raw cocoa powder

2 T. chia seeds

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

*(drink 2/3 of it, and save the rest for dessert later)

**PHOTOS below

1:30pm: smoothie made with:
1 avocado

1 pear

6 (1 inch) cubes of pineapple

4pm green drink

1 kiwi, optional

1 inch ginger, chopped up

juice of 1 lime

1 1/2 C. coconut water

**PHOTOS below

4pm: green drink (6 oz.)

5pm: herbal tea

6 – 7pm: soup recipe: (enough for about 4 – 5 meals)

** DIRECTIONS & PHOTOS below

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

8 cloves of garlic, chopped

1 T. ground cumin

1 tsp. turmeric

1 tsp. chili powder

8pm organic tart red cherry juice

½ tsp. coriander

12 C. organic vegetable broth

1 lb. organic carrots, sliced

20 oz. frozen peas

10 oz. fresh spinach

1 large bunch of cilantro

Salt and pepper, to taste

8pm: 4 oz. organic tart red cherry juice

The remainder of the breakfast drink, if desired

** Soup directions:

In a large soup pot, heat the oil over medium heat, then add in the garlic and cook for about 2 minutes. Stir in the cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and coriander, and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Pour in the broth, and add in the carrots and peas and bring to a boil. cook until the carrots are tender, but not mushy, about 15 minutes. Stir in the spinach, and garnish with cilantro, salt, and pepper. If desired, any other non starchy vegetables can be added into the recipe, in any amount. Enjoy!