After a very leg-focused morning Slim & Strong workout, I saw one of my private clients. I hadn't seen him in over a week and was quite curious to see him. He had joined the Detox and was telling me about how good he was feeling - almost surprised that a few days can make such a difference. In the past months he had been struggling quite a bit with his eating. Not that he doesn't know what he has to do. Not that he doesn't have the resources to make it happen. He was simply using food to soothe his enormous stress and whenever something came up that was too much, he would resort to all the foods that would in fact damage his health. Yet, that wasn't enough to motivate lasting changes. Fast forward. 10 days into the Detox, I'm more than amazed about his persistence ensuring he has veggies at every meal, drinks water aplenty, and keeps the booze at bay. He even had his first alcohol-free weekend in 40 years. Can you picture that?!
The result so far is: "I'm planning on continuing this way of eating after the Detox is over." A flatter stomach, better skin, no hunger, better digestion and a clearer mind. Why is he making it happen NOW? He is discussing his eating plans with his wife, thinks ahead and plans his meals, keeps a food diary and realizes that stress management is at the core of his health - weight-wise and mentally. Stress may always be pushing his buttons but this time around I have a really good feeling about his priorities having shifted...
Today I also gave a good workout to my messenger. Little did I know the two "packages" I wanted him to pick up for me were the size of a small truck. And yes, they were transported on his bike!
These guys rock, are reliable, fast and affordable and I highly recommend them for any messenger services in the city. Check out Mess Kollective.
Off I went to the country for the weekend and decided to ensure my own eating success for the weekend. My bag of veggies was packed, filled with baby carrots and bell peppers.
Once I arrived I got right to cooking two recipes I've been meaning to try. They're delicious and easy to make. Here they are:
Moroccan Vegetable Soup
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter (you can replace it by olive oil)
1 onion, chopped
225 g/8oz carrots, chopped
225 g/ 8oz parsnips, chopped
225 g/ 8 oz pumpkin (i used canned)
900 ml/ 3 3/4 cups vegetable or chicken stock
lemon juice to taste
salt and freshly ground pepper
For the garnish:
1.5 tbsp olive oil
1/2 garlic clove, finely chopped
3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and coriander, mixed
a good pinch of paprika
1. Heat the oil and butter in a large pan and fry the onion for about 3 minutes, until soft. Add the carrots and parsnips, stir well, cover and cook over a gentle heat for 5 minutes.
2. Cut the pumpkin into chunks, discarding the skin and pith, and stir into the pan (i used canned because it gets blended up in the end anyways). Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, then add the vegetable or chicken stock and seasoning. Slowly bring to a boil. Cover and leave to simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
3. Allow the soup to cool slightly, then puree in a food processor or blender until smooth, adding a little stock if the soup is too thick. Pour into a clean saucepan, and reheat gently.
4. Garnish: heat the oil in a small pan and gently fry the garlic and herbs for 1-2 minutes. Add the paprika and stir well.
5. Adjust the seasoning of the soup and stir in lemon juice to taste. Pour soup into bowls and spoon a little garnish on top, which should then be carefully swirled into the soup.
Moroccan Roast Chicken
serves 4-6
Ingredients:
4-4.5 lbs chicken (I used 5 chicken breasts)
2 small shallots
1 garlic clove
1 fresh parsley sprig
1 tbsp salt
1.5 tbsp paprika
pinch of cayenne pepper
1.5 tbsp ground cumin
3 tbsp butter
1 lemon
sprigs of parsley, coriander to garnish
1. Unless cooking it whole, cut the chicken in half or into quarters using poultry shears or a sharp knife.
2. Process the shallots, garlic, herbs, salt and spices in a food processor until finely chopped. Add the butter and process to make a smooth paste.
3. Thoroughly rub the paste over the skin of the chicken and then allow it to stand for 1-2 hours.
4. Preheat the oven to 400 degree F (gas 6) and put the chicken in a roasting tin. If using the lemon, quarter the lemon and place one or two quarters around the chicken pieces (or in the body cavity if the chicken is whole) and squeeze a little lemon over the skin.
5. Roast in the over for 1 to 1 1/4 hours (2- 2.5 hours for a whole chicken) until the chicken is cooked through and the mat juices run clear when pierced with the point of a knife. Baste the meat occasionally. If the skin starts to brown too quickly, cover the chicken loosely with foil.
6. Allow the chicken to stand, covered, for 5-10 minutes before carving, then serve garnished with parsley and coriander.
Note: I used mostly olive oil and very little butter and it came out nicely. I suggest you use double the amount as it gives you enough to baste the chicken and reapply seasoning in the roasting process. It also helps keep the chicken moist.
Food Diary:
Breakfast: 3 Eggs on 2 slices whole grain bread
Snack: 4 slices of bacon (totally admit to this not being a detox food. not really a LEAN protein either. Ok, you got me!)
Snack: baby carrots and bell peppers
Snack: a few grain crackers (didn't sit well. grains are a no-no for me)
Dinner: Moroccan Vegetable Soup and Moroccan Roast Chicken
Late night snack: Protein powder mixed with coconut flakes and almond milk
Exercise: Slim & Strong Workout
Supplements: New Chapter Every Woman II,
Enzymatic Therapy Metabolic Advantage Thyroid Formula, New Chapter Lifeshield Breathe. Tried PGX Daily today to add fiber and suppress appetite that's been ravaging me for the last week. Kept me full for a few hours. I use this here and there when I want to add fiber to my diet to improve digestion or just to fill up faster. You take 3-5 capsules 15-20 minutes before your meals with a glass of water. The fiber in the capsules fills your stomach, expands and ensures that you stay full. It also helps balance your blood sugar, over time can lower your cholesterol, and prevents blood sugar fluctuations - ideal to take before your cheat meals to blunt the negative effects.
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