Day 1

I am all about fresh starts.

For the next 21 days, I will refrain from eating all animal products (including dairy), caffeine, alcohol, gluten and sugar -- following the guidelines of Kathy Freston's Quantum Wellness Cleanse.

Doing the cleanse will be like a vacation, a reprieve, from my old and tired ways. And they most definitely ARE tired. While I'm not thrilled to give up my Valentine's Day Godiva chocolate and champagne, it is an opportunity to kick-start a momentum of consciousness and healing. I want to experience what it feels like to live on a plant-based diet for 21 days. If I like what I feel, it may evolve into a significant lifestyle change. Whatever the case, it can't hurt to experiment. There's also that nagging thought of swimsuit shopping in the months ahead!

Why the blog? Already some friends are curious about the process and my daily menu choices. Helping to inspire even one other person, if I can, is just one more reason to stay on track -- as I would have a more difficult time letting a friend down than myself. Accountability is motivating.

So, on to Day 1!

Breakfast:
Steel Cut Oatmeal
Blueberries
Raw Almonds
Water & Peach Blossom Tea






Lunch:
Brown Rice Medley (long-grain brown rice, black barley and daikon radish seeds) with kidney beans, fresh tomato and chopped Peru onion
Orange Slices
Edimame Rice Crackers



Dinner:
Black beans with Guacamole, Salsa and Lime
Celery Stalks & Spicy Hummus
Gluten-free Bread with Fresh Peanut Butter
Water & Jasmine Green Tea



(I intended to eat corn tortillas with my mexican mix, but we were out so I substituted gluten-free bread.)

Snacks today included an orange, rice crackers and hummus.

Exercise has been a regular part of my weekly routine and I will remain active. I work out at the gym 3 to 4 times a week and use a WaterRower at home.

Today's Exercise = 55-minute Bootcamp at the gym. Intense and fun!

Day 1 was a success and I feel really good. Thanks for reading!