Cleanse

Nate and I started a cleanse today. I am posting this declaration because I need as much accountability as possible! I am addicted to sugar, anything made with flour and coffee with lots and lots of creamer - especially the Pumpkin Pie flavor that is out right now! UGH. None of these delicious treats for the next 24 days.

Nate has been turned onto a company called Advocare (www.advocare.com/110910203). He has found a miracle energy drink called Spark and we both have enjoyed the all natural, sugar free, great tasting solution to our sluggish mornings. I take it each morning before my workout and love how much energy I have! So, as we have researched the company and products, we soon found that all of Advocare's vitamins and supplaments are 100% natural, pharmaceutical grade, and tested by board certified doctors. I have heard the amazing benefits of the cleanse, so decided to give it a go since I feel like my eating habits and overall health could use a boost! Plus, I still want to shed the last 7 pounds of baby weight that just keeps hanging on...

Today is our first day. I have not had a bite of sugar today and I am missing it! But, I am committed and determined to follow the rules since I know I am going to feel great in the end. I have been scouring my cookbooks and the internet for "cleanse friendly" meals. Pretty much a focus on lean meats, veggies, fruits and complex carbs. A friend gave me this recipe and it is worth sharing! I would make it and eat if even if I WASN'T on the cleanse! Plus, the girls ate it. That says a lot about a dish that is mainly veggies!

Italian Vegetables & Meatballs
One quartered and thinly sliced zucchini squash
One quartered and thinly sliced yellow squash
One small onion chopped
2-3 TB olive oil
2 Cups of baby spinach
1 jar of your favorite marinara sauce
1 "jar" of water
Meatballs - I used 2 bags of Trader Joe's frozen Turkey meatballs (24 total)
Brown Rice
Parmesan cheese

Saute chopped onion with olive oil in large sauce pan. Add sliced zucchini, yellow squash and spinach. Saute until veggies are tender. Add jar of marinara sauce and then fill jar with water and add that to mixture. Add meatballs and bring to a low boil. Reduce, cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Serve over brown rice and top with a little Parmesan cheese.

If you have any more recipes that you think I may enjoy on our cleanse - PLEASE send them my way!! =0)