Think you can’t reboot yourself in one day? Think again. Here’s how to feel better and more centered in just 24 hours.
Wake Up + Breakfast
Upon waking, make yourself a beauty elixir by squeezing half a lemon into about 6 ounces of warm water. By drinking warm lemon water, you kickstart your metabolism, alkalize your blood (which means more oxygen to your cells) and hydrate your body.
Before you start your 24-hour detox, set an intention for the day, and say an affirmation. One example is, “There is no emergency. I am complete.” Choose one that works for you!
Before you sit down to enjoy breakfast, take five deep breaths. By practicing deep breathing, you are sending oxygen to your cells and resetting your nervous system.
As you have your breakfast of a healthy Detox Smoothie (containing healthy ingredients like spirulina, spinach and cucumber), savor every sip. Be present in the moment.
Morning
As you leave the house to go to work or take your children to school, turn on some music. Music is a powerful way to bring your body and mind into a positive state. You can also buy CDs from motivational speakers or spiritual leaders, such as Gabby Bernstein, Tony Robbins or Pema Chödrön, and listen to their inspiring words.
Let’s fast forward to that mid-morning stomach grumble when you usually hit the coffee machine or maybe even grab a donut. Make sure you have planned for your day by pre-preparing healthy snacks (a great go-to snack is 10 walnuts and a green apple) so you won’t reach for junk. Enjoy your snack, and chew with delight.
Lunch
Time to reset the nervous system, so take five deep breaths before you enjoy your delicious meal.
FIERCE AND FABULOUS SALAd
Makes 2 servings
2 cups spinach
juice of 1/2 lemon
1 apple, chopped
1/8 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup fresh berries of your choice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
1/4 cup diced red onion
sea salt and pepper, to taste
In a large serving bowl, add the spinach, lemon juice and your favorite non-dairy dressing with a dash of sea salt. Massage until the spinach starts to soften and wilt, 2 to 3 minutes. Top with apples, pumpkin seeds, berries, onions, and parsley. You can also add an animal or non-animal protein if you would like.
Are you feeling relaxed yet? You are halfway through your 24-hour transformation, and you are doing great. Make sure you chew your food, and don’t overeat. You need at least 30% of the space in the stomach for optimal digestion.
Afternoon
Now you are nearing the afternoon, when many people get tired, but not today! You are going to consume one tablespoon of coconut oil by mouth or munch on a piece of Ezekiel bread topped with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, ½ teaspoon of almond butter and a dash of cinnamon to give you a boost of energy.
Almost done… You are coming home for the day. Make sure you give yourself some time to release the stress from your day. Take a minute to think about the day and how you can leave it behind you. Did somebody upset you today, or are you feeling content? Tap into whatever you are feeling, and be present for this feeling.
Do you see how different life can feel with a few small changes? It’s about taking mini-breaks to tune in to your true self. We are moving out of the emergency state into a calm existence where you can access your body and mind.
Dinner
If you need to take an extra few minutes of alone time, do so. Remember, we must take care of ourselves before we can take care of anyone else.
BEAUTIFUL GARBANZO BOWL
Makes 2 servings
1 can garbanzo beans, drained
1 cup bok choy
1 cup spinach
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 red pepper
1 mango
1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar
1 clove garlic
sea salt, to taste
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
Combine red pepper, mango, raw apple cider vinegar and garlic in a blender until smooth. You may need to add some water until it is fully combined. Toss the garbanzo beans and blended mixture in a bowl and let sit. Meanwhile, steam your bok choy until just tender. Mix with raw spinach, and let the spinach wilt. Top greens with olive oil and sea salt, then add the garbanzo mixture on top. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds.
Or feel free to enjoy a Paleo-style meal. Follow the recipe below, or make whatever veggies you have on hand into a salad and add chicken.
GRILLED CHICKEN
Adapted from a recipe by Ina Garten
Makes 3 to 4 servings
1/3 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, minced
1 pound boneless chicken breasts, halved and skin removed
1 head romaine lettuce, remove bottom and chop
2 large carrots, grated or julienned
In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and thyme to make a marinade. Place chicken breasts in a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour the marinade over chicken, and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight for a full burst of flavor. Heat grill, and cook chicken breasts for 10 minutes on each side until cooked through. Cool chicken, and cut diagonally into 1⁄2-inch thick slices.
Place romaine on a serving platter, and then top with julienned carrots and sliced chicken.
Evening
Tonight, I want you to do something nice for yourself, which can mean:
• Reading a book
• Watching your favorite TV show
• Having a bowl of coconut milk ice cream with some dairy-free chocolate chips
• Enjoying your favorite herbal tea with a spoonful of honey
• Taking a luxurious bath or a long shower
• Watching a good movie
• Rubbing healing oils on your body, like the Ayurvedic Aromatherapy Body Oil pictured above
• Saying some extra affirmations or watching inspiring YouTube videos
• Calling a loved one to catch up
See, we covered it all! You really can go from feeling depleted to energized in just 24 hours.
Remember, you can thrive in this non-stop world by mastering simple tools for simplifying your life. It’s as easy as giving yourself a break from the modern “emergency” state by eating the right foods and practicing deliberate self-care.
You Might Also Like
Post-Thanksgiving Green Detox Smoothie
9 DIY Cellulite Remedies You Can Do at Home
Protein-Packed Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
10 ESSENTIAL: Beauty Foods to Eat This Fall