2018-12-19
For the month of December I am testing my self control by doing a challenge I call: Dull December. The challenge is No Alcohol, No Sugar, No Oil, and No Processed Foods. All fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. Read more about my challenge here: Dull December Challenge. My goal is to keep my body really clean and healthy for this time of year when everyone tends to get sick. I hope this post brings inspiration to you to get healthy and some tips if you want to take my challenge!
I’ve been working on my morning routine. My ideal morning would be waking up before the sun to watch the sunrise. Make a hot water with lemon and apple cider vinegar and enjoy that while I write in my Five Minute Journal and do my morning pages. Followed by meditation and movement.
I like to fast for at least 14 hours between dinner and breakfast. Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. The most common intermittent fasting type is the 16/8 where you fast for 16 hours and your eating window is 8 hours. But 14 hours is good enough for me.
When you fast, your body adjusts hormone levels to make stored body fat more accessible, your insulin sensitivity improves and levels of insulin drop (Lower insulin levels make stored body fat more accessible), boosts metabolism, and increases longevity.
I usually just like a green smoothie or fruit for breakfast but this morning I was hungry for something with lots of fiber so I made these amazing oats with berries and topped it off with lots of chia seeds.
My favorite tea is chaga because there are so many health benefits from the chaga mushroom. Chaga mushrooms are a nutrient dense superfood that are high in antioxidants which will help keep your immune system strong, fights inflammation, and so much more. And that is why I love having a cup of chaga tea everyday.
This challenge has been really fun for me to find vegan recipes that contain no oil and nothing processed. I found an amazing Oil Free Caesar Salad from Plant Based Blonde. I followed the recipe except the only thing I left out were the capers. To be honest lunch is my least favorite meal of the day but this salad was such a treat. The dressing is so good, I highly recommend making this recipe.
I’m a huge fan of bowls. My favorite is roasted broccoli, sweet potatoes, and brussel sprouts on a bed on quinoa with lots of sriracha. My second favorite bowl is this Mexican bowl. I start with my base: Quinoa (sometimes I do lettuce) and my toppings are black beans, corn, grilled zucchini, avocado and lots of spicy salsa. Bowls are so filling and so delicious.
I’m already halfway through my December challenge and I feel great! I thought it was going to be really difficult because I love me some pasta, vegan sausage and wine but I wanted to give my body a good detox before the new year. I'm really proud of myself for not giving into any temptations and still going strong. I'm really looking forward to the new year and developing healthier habits.
7:00am
Hot Water with Lemon + Apple Cider Vinegar
I’ve been working on my morning routine. My ideal morning would be waking up before the sun to watch the sunrise. Make a hot water with lemon and apple cider vinegar and enjoy that while I write in my Five Minute Journal and do my morning pages. Followed by meditation and movement.
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10:00am
Breaking my fast with Gluten free Oats with Berries
I like to fast for at least 14 hours between dinner and breakfast. Intermittent fasting (IF) is an eating pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating. The most common intermittent fasting type is the 16/8 where you fast for 16 hours and your eating window is 8 hours. But 14 hours is good enough for me.
When you fast, your body adjusts hormone levels to make stored body fat more accessible, your insulin sensitivity improves and levels of insulin drop (Lower insulin levels make stored body fat more accessible), boosts metabolism, and increases longevity.
I usually just like a green smoothie or fruit for breakfast but this morning I was hungry for something with lots of fiber so I made these amazing oats with berries and topped it off with lots of chia seeds.
 |
- Calories:336
- Carbs: 16g
- Protein:10g
- Fiber:55g
12:00pm
Tea Time
My favorite tea is chaga because there are so many health benefits from the chaga mushroom. Chaga mushrooms are a nutrient dense superfood that are high in antioxidants which will help keep your immune system strong, fights inflammation, and so much more. And that is why I love having a cup of chaga tea everyday.
 |
2:00pm
Kale Caesar Salad
This challenge has been really fun for me to find vegan recipes that contain no oil and nothing processed. I found an amazing Oil Free Caesar Salad from Plant Based Blonde. I followed the recipe except the only thing I left out were the capers. To be honest lunch is my least favorite meal of the day but this salad was such a treat. The dressing is so good, I highly recommend making this recipe.
 |
- Calories: 436
- Carbs: 32g
- Protein: 24g
- Fiber:6g
7:00pm
Mexican Bowl
I’m a huge fan of bowls. My favorite is roasted broccoli, sweet potatoes, and brussel sprouts on a bed on quinoa with lots of sriracha. My second favorite bowl is this Mexican bowl. I start with my base: Quinoa (sometimes I do lettuce) and my toppings are black beans, corn, grilled zucchini, avocado and lots of spicy salsa. Bowls are so filling and so delicious.
 |
- Calories: 675
- Carbs: 104g
- Protein:60g
- Fiber:23g
I’m already halfway through my December challenge and I feel great! I thought it was going to be really difficult because I love me some pasta, vegan sausage and wine but I wanted to give my body a good detox before the new year. I'm really proud of myself for not giving into any temptations and still going strong. I'm really looking forward to the new year and developing healthier habits.