So it’s January and I’m super original so I’m trying this cleanse rigmarole again. I knew over the holidays that I was going for it which was most convenient. Oh yes, I’ll have another cookie. A bucket of sausage balls. Another bottle of champagne. You see, it’s all good. I’m cleansing in January. I might have used it as an excuse to be indulgent over the holidays, but I was excited to take on the 21-Day Clean Program. After an attempt that wasn’t so stellar with another program, I’m thrilled to find the right fit for me. It’s basically the elimination diet that I completed in the Spring with an element of detox. I’m over halfway through the program and feeling pretty spectacular!

I have shakes provided through the program for breakfast and dinner complimented with additions such as avocado, blueberries, carrots, peaches, pineapple or whatever strikes my fancy that can be tossed in the blender. Lunch is my solid meal of the day and can be anything from the clean approved list. Not making the cut–gluten, soy, dairy, alcohol and various other no bueno items. Each meal is accompanied by supplements to aid the cleansing process. Don’t worry I’m not going tee-totaler, but cleaning it up a bit. After battling with various random ailments like stomach issues, daily headaches, restless nights, fatigue and brain fog it certainly seemed like there might be some toxic overload and food allergies wreaking havoc on my system. That coupled with being in my 30s have kicked me into high gear on focusing on my health.

Having done the Elimination Diet already (basically the clean diet without the shakes and supplement support) definitely helps make the process easier. I know the drill and have developed a few strategies to maintain it. I make a shake in my 48 oz Ninja pitcher every night which covers my dinner and then breakfast shake the next morning. As I’m not a morning person, this tactic ensures I have a shake ready to start my day. Making batches of items like kale soup on the weekends keeps me covered for weekday lunches. Eating clean can be a spendy endeavor so I took advantage of a free 30 day membership to Thrive Market which offers discounted healthy options that are often hard to find and break the bank. Black bean pasta. Tumeric paleo wraps. Yes, please! I can have my cake and eat it too. When I run out of essentials like avocado–the fatty, yummy, energy in my shakes–I make sure to note it on my phone so that I always have an up-to-date grocery list. Without a list, I inevitably forgot what it was I went to the store for in the first place. Even when I have a list there’s a chance I’ll miss something, but that’s another post for another day. I keep snacks such as almonds around just in case I need something RIGHT NOW, because no one wants to see me hit meltdown town.

A nice side effect has been the desire to clean-up other aspects of my life too. Bring on the winter cleaning! Clothes, beauty products, the fridge, junk drawers, finances, emails–watch out, I’m coming for you! New year, fresh start and me being all cliché thanks to a major kick in the bum from the 21-Day Clean Program.