Tag Archives: vegetables

Getting Rid of Toxins: Detox Day 4

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The day finally came. The one I’d only heard about but had yet to experience. You know the one I’m talking about– the day of the detox where you feel like utter dog poop because of all the toxins surging out of your body. I’m sorry, did you think I was talking about something else? No, no engagements on this side of the internet.

But I guess it’s a good thing that this day finally came. Because even though I’m swamped with feelings of sluggishness, fatigue, bloating, and headaches, they’re signs that the toxins have finally started to leave my body. Wahoo!

I’m sure my fatigue has something to do with the dog waking me up at 5 in the morning again. Must close more doors.

 The other symptoms, however, aren’t really connected to my lack of sleep. I was fine this morning: worked out, went to the chiropractor, took the dog for a walk, made lunch. But afterwards– after lunch– I was just hit with exhaustion and general feelings of crumminess. I tried distracting myself from them– reading a book, laying outside, watching tv, taking a nap– but nothing seemed to work. It wasn’t until I wandered into the kitchen to start preparing dinner that I felt better. Really, it was after I started cutting up vegetables for a stir-fry that my headache and fatigue vanished. Funny how that happens. I don’t think I was hungry, because my lunch left me really full. Which is weird, considering I had a light lunch. I did nibble a little on some things before dinner just because I was in the mood to munch, and I’m wondering if that helped anything?
Who ever knows.

Nothing newsbreaking to report with my meals today. Quinoa porridge for breakfast, topped with raw granola, cherries, and coconut butter; socca bread spread with avocado, chard salad, an apple and some almond butter; cheddar chive amaranth (okay, no cheddar, just nutritional yeast) and veggie stir-fry. And because I was craving something sweet after dinner, I ate a frozen banana. Love those.

Here are some pictures from the day:

And to end things, a short recap of Detox Day 4:

  • Finally remembered to dry brush before a shower. Such a great feeling! You just feel like you’re scraping off all the toxins on your body and stimulating your circulation.
  • Wondering if my bloating had anything to do with the socca bread, made from chickpea flour. Was it just too much fiber for my body to handle, or was my body actually ridding itself of toxins? I think it might be all to easy to blame feelings of discomfort on “getting rid of toxins,” when really there might be other causes.
  • Although I ate a ton of veggies for dinner, that frozen banana was the perfect end to my day. And it actually helped move things along. Na-mean?
  • I like starting the day with a glass of warm lemon water and ending it with a cup of detox tea. I think the tea helps me relax and take my mind off of wanting to eat things I can’t.

I’ve had some fun whipping up detox-friendly meals in the kitchen. Can’t wait to share more photos tomorrow!

Market Plunder

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I spent my Easter morning walking back from a friend’s house. No, it was not a “walk of shame,” it was a wholesome sleepover. My host mother is gone for the weekend and didn’t want me spending the entire time by myself, especially since I’m not able to open the shutters while she’s gone. I’m about to lose all my skin pigmentation after spending an entire day indoors.

Because I would be alone for dinner tonight (and lunch), and since I’m not allowed to use the stove, I had the brilliant idea to go to Marché Bastille to pick up some veggies, salad, and marinated artichokes. But when I emerged from Metro Place Monge, I realized that I had a market right in front of me– and I can’t think of a better way to spend my Easter morning. Who cares about scrounging for Easter eggs– why not search for the perfect dinner?

You all know that I constantly bemoan my lack of fresh veggies here, so I was very excited by the prospect of a fresh, healthy salad. I was envisioning mesclun, artichokes, and feta. Perhaps some apple.

If you’re headed to Paris– or France in general– I suggest that you make a stop at the market an obligatory checkbox on your list. They’re all over, and it’s an experience that you won’t encounter in America, regardless of how many farmers’ markets you frequent.

First of all, the vendors are all so friendly. While I can’t speak for them, they always seem so happy to assist you and help you find exactly what you’re looking for. When I asked for mesclun, the vegetable vendor happily plucked bits of greens from a variety of bins, as if he were playing the piano. The cheese vendor very cheerily sliced a block of feta in half for me, and the man selling middle-eastern delights, like olives, tapenade, and roasted peppers, wanted to know if he had given me enough artichoke hearts.

And don’t get me started on the man selling honey. Among the usual jars of jam and honey, he was selling mini jars as well, for 2.10 euros. I’ve never tried miel de chataigne– chestnut honey– but since I’ve been living in Paris for 7 months, I found this appalling and in need of urgent fixing. If you don’t know, Paris is full of chestnut trees. For a better idea, look at a Madeline book. Those are chestnut trees, and they are everywhere. The little jars are so cute, and I plan on collecting several– I’m in need of shot glasses. What is cuter (and more pretentiously study abroad) than little mason jars that once contained chestnut honey? The vendor was so nice, and while I already knew what I wanted, I could tell he was very knowledgeable about the different flavors of honey. And there were a lot.

I just had a delicious salad for lunch (gotta balance out all these chocolate easter eggs that my friend gave me), and I feel like a different person. Mesclun, kiwi, artichoke, and some feta cheese. I love living in Paris, but it will be wonderful getting back to meals like this. I miss having to think of what I’m going to make for my next meal.

I can’t think, however, of a better way to celebrate Spring and Easter than scouting the markets for fresh produce. Revel in the season’s bounty. Happy Spring!

Eat some asparagus for me… that’s one vegetable my host mom forgets exists.