1/11: Meals, fitness, hello detox

Hi! Happy Sunday! Hope you’ve had a wonderful weekend so far. <3 We got back from Disney and have been enjoying the weekend here at home. 

Us at disney

(After a very full day of fun! I got some questions about my grey sneaks from this post; they’re Ked’s from Nordstrom Rack.)

Head’s up: the rest of this post is about a little detox that the Pilot and I are going to do for the next 21 days. If you think this would be an uncomfortable or triggering topic for you, please skip the rest of this post and I’ll see ya back in the morning with some weekend adventures. What we read can affect our bodies and minds, and it’s up to us to be smart about it. Lots of love to you. <3

Today is a hefty meal prep day, because the Pilot and I are kicking off a 21-day detox. We’re just taking it back to basics, and focusing on whole, clean foods for 21 days. The Pilot had looked into a couple of stories where people went on a three to four week “detox” and cut out processed foods, refined sugars, alcohol, etc. Not only did this reset their cravings for certain foods and bring back healthy habits, but it had a dramatic impact on energy levels. He wanted to experience the difference for himself, and see if there were any long-term changes he wanted to make in his diet, where he didn’t feel like he needed coffee to power through the afternoon at work. I asked if I could join him, and he said of course. 

So here’s what we’re doing:

21 days of no refined sugar, white flour, cow’s dairy, coffee, or alcohol. I’m going to miss that nightly glass of vino.

Here’s what we’re going to focus on:

Produce (fresh fruits and veggies)

Smart starches (oatmeal, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and quinoa)

Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, seeds, fish, Omega oil)

Protein (organic turkey and chicken, eggs, and wild-caught fish)

Also, I’m going to keep track of everything we do so I can share it all in one spot when we’re finished! I’m excited for a little reset.

Soup  1 of 1 7

Here’s what I’m thinking for dinners for this week:

Slow cooker greek chicken soup

-Rotisserie chicken with mashed cauliflower and grilled zucchini

-Pesto grilled salmon with roasted veggies and sweet potato

-Coconut-crusted mahi mahi with salad and roasted veggies

Roasted red pepper sweet potato soup with grilled chicken

Paleo bread  1 of 1 5

Plan and prep:

Paleo bread

Chop fruits and veggies for salads

Grill chicken 

Make dip for veggies and salad dressing

List

Here’s what’s on the tentative fitness plan:

Sunday: Long walk with the pups (this is scratched because it’s been pouring all day)

Monday: Teach BODYPUMP, teach spin 

Tuesday: OFF

Wednesday: Teach Spin, teach Zumba

Thursday: Teach 2 barre classes, maybe a nice walk or short yoga sesh thrown in there

Friday: OFF

Saturday: Teach Zumba  + 20 minute strength blitz

(No Orangetheory this week since it’s a heavier active teaching week.)

What’s the week looking like for you? If you’d like, please share your meals and fitness plan in the comments section. Do you and your partner/husband/cat eat the same way, or differently? Have you ever done a mini detox or anything similar?

Have a lovely Sunday!

xoxo

Gina

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56 Comments

  1. Gina on January 11, 2015 at 4:07 pm

    Good timing! We’re doing something similar, so will love having your meal plans for more ideas! Quick question: Di you consider a barre class a total body strength workout?

  2. Stephanie on January 11, 2015 at 4:18 pm

    im in the middle of a “detox” as well. Similar to what you are doing except no grains and coffee is allowed (I have 1 cup a day and love the ritual). I’ve also made a commitment to hit 10,000 step a day which is doable with an effort as long as I take my dog for a good walk. My husband barely eats anything I do, so I freeze lots of leftovers 🙂

  3. Carly on January 11, 2015 at 4:18 pm

    i just love reading these posts. I do all my meal and workout planning on Sunday’s as well so it’s fun to follow along.
    My boyfriend and I are doing a detox of sorts post-holidays as well. Although I’m not being quite as strict as you (still love my morning coffee and a glass or two of wine a week). But definitely focusing on veggies, lean proteins, healthy grains and less sugar! We have a trip to Jamaica March 7 so I have that to work towards (pumped that winter shape up falls in there too!!) just got HIIT it! In the mail as well so I’m excited to read that this week! Happy Sunday 🙂

  4. Jodie on January 11, 2015 at 4:20 pm

    I am doing a similar “detox”. I bought all my groceries today. The only difference with mine is I am drinking coffee but only in the morning. I drink my coffee black so I figure not too bad.
    I too will be journaling how I feel. I think I will try your Greek chicken recipe.

  5. Annie B on January 11, 2015 at 4:32 pm

    Would love to see a couple WIAW posts amid the detox! I’ve been thinking of trying something really similar in the next couple weeks since I’ve been getting 3pm chocolate cravings like crazy since December!

    Also- did my first Hiit It! workout this morning, and couldn’t believe the little sweat puddle I accumulated, haha! 😉 Using the heart rate levels you specified in the book along with my monitor was so helpful!

  6. Crystal Myhr on January 11, 2015 at 4:55 pm

    This is the best timing! I’m doing my first detox starting tomorrow as well. I’ll be following the Wild Rose meal plan but it sounds quite similar! Can’t wait to follow along your journey!
    Xo

  7. Giselle on January 11, 2015 at 5:08 pm

    I’m on day 7 of my Whole 30! Feeling great so far but definitely missing my wine! We have to end it a few days early since we are going to Hawaii. Because let’s get serious, who wants to do the Whole 30 on vacation!?! Not me!

  8. Jess on January 11, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    I need a restart. I find coffee makes me anxious (well I am anxiety prone and it makes it worse) but somehow it has found its way back into my diet. Among other sugary refined things that give me the illusion of energy. Haha

  9. Lauren on January 11, 2015 at 5:16 pm

    Starting week 3 of beach body’s 21 day fix tomorrow. The diet is very much like what your are doing, though with a focus on portion control. It’s been a couple of weeks and I still have cravings, but I can see differences in my skin and it’s helping me loose some of the few pounds that have been harder. Looking forward to hearing how it goes for you and your hubby.

  10. Linda @ TheFitty on January 11, 2015 at 5:19 pm

    No cows dairy, so you can have goat dairy? Can I ask why goat dairy, sonce both are acidic?

  11. Jolene on January 11, 2015 at 5:22 pm

    I bet this detox Is “glorious ” !! Such an amazing thing to do for the new year’

  12. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West on January 11, 2015 at 5:47 pm

    Hi Gina! Oh wow, that’s so cool you guys are doing it together. My husband and I do eat fairly similar, but I’m a bit healthier than him most of the time. I’d love to see what I feel like on a reset, but would definitely miss my wine on the weekends! Looking forward to hearing about your experience!

  13. Becky @ TheBexFactor.com on January 11, 2015 at 6:08 pm

    That detox sounds like a great idea. I usually do well with those kinds of things, that aren’t too restrictive. Instead, I’m starting by just cleaning up my diet and getting back on the paleo train. I’m a single mama so I just plan what I need to eat and hope my son will eat something too. haha.

    Fitness this week includes PIYO and a kb class. and hopefully I can make it to the yoga studio.

  14. Sara Crandall @ Lake Shore Runner on January 11, 2015 at 6:08 pm

    Can’t wait to hear how this goes. I would love to do it sometime so I could reset my sugar cravings. Right now I am working on doing it by cutting out all unnatural sugars.

  15. AJ @ NutriFitMama on January 11, 2015 at 6:23 pm

    Sounds like a nice plan you have going on. My family and I do NOT eat the same way- my 6 year old daughter and I eat very similar- we are both vegetarians and eat mainly whole, unprocessed foods. My husband and other two kids eat meat, and also tend to eat more processed foods (not a ton, but more than my 6 y/o and I).

  16. Christina on January 11, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    Def excited to see how the detox goes and what meals and snacks you plan! Can’t wait for follow up posts

  17. Courtney Violet Bentley on January 11, 2015 at 6:50 pm

    Wow you teach that many classes crazy! I feel like the three classes I teach a week is a lot! Thanks for sharing xo C

  18. Livi @ Eat, Pray, Work It Out on January 11, 2015 at 6:57 pm

    I can’t wait to hear about your detox!! It sounds awesome!

  19. kristin | W [H] A T C H on January 11, 2015 at 7:02 pm

    so great to have solidarity during a detox. godspeed!

  20. Christine on January 11, 2015 at 7:05 pm

    Any tips on how to do this as a vegetarian? I really want to do this but besides beans and eggs (I know quinoa too) not sure what other non-processed proteins I could add. Good luck!

    • priya on January 11, 2015 at 7:48 pm

      i eat a lot of beans, organic tofu, edamame, and tempeh are also good sources.

      (i was going to say greek yogurt but that’s cows dairy… haha),
      i guess some nuts and seeds can have a good amount of protein

      • Christine on January 12, 2015 at 5:46 am

        We eat a lot of tempeh around here too! I always wondered if tofu and tempeh were considered “whole, clean” foods. I guess I get stuck figuring out what’s processed, what’s not. I just added hemp seeds to my oatmeal so that’s a good start. Thanks for your suggestion. I can do this!

    • Jenn on January 12, 2015 at 10:24 am

      I started to follow the Clean program by Dr. Junger a couple weeks prior to Christmas (I know, horrible idea) and while I felt really great, as a vegetarian I felt bored with my meals. His program is more limited with what veggies you can and cannot eat so that cut the variety even further. By not having those protein options available to me, I kind of set myself up for failure. The holidays bore down on me and I bailed after a few days. I’d like to try it again, but will need to plan better meals.

  21. Heather Cory on January 11, 2015 at 7:42 pm

    Totally on the ‘detox’ bandwagon, mostly just trying to add in more veggies and whole foods, and cutting out eating out/drinks. Meal prepped some crock pot chicken curry and lots of salads for lunches this week! Prepping and meal planning on Sunday makes grabbing healthy lunches and preparing healthy dinners all week so much easier! For workouts I’m continuing my twice weekly bootcamp sessions and hoping the weather is nice for a run or two. If not I use my Nike Training Club app to get a good sweat session going at home!

  22. priya on January 11, 2015 at 7:49 pm

    are you just coming up with the detox or are you following a plaN?

  23. Christine @ BookishlyB on January 11, 2015 at 8:00 pm

    Just curious how that works with a toddler- does she eat what you guys eat or do you cook seperately for her? Or a little of both? Good luck! I know I could use a step back from sugar.

  24. Lauren @ The Bikini Experiment on January 11, 2015 at 8:16 pm

    Can’t wait to hear about your re-set! My boyfriend and I eat very similarly. I would describe myself more as “Paleoish” because I eat some grains, beans and dairy in moderation. He is closer to strict Paleo. Happy Sunday!

  25. Laura B @ FitMamaLove on January 11, 2015 at 9:23 pm

    That soup looks so good! My hubby and I eat the same–he just eats more! And he has specific things he likes to eat before he goes on one of his long bike rides. My stomach can also handle loads more garlic than his can. 🙂 I’ve only ever done a week-long sugar detox. I wasn’t checking labels or anything, we both just went without added sugar and treats for a week to get back to normal after too many holiday sweets last year.

  26. Elle on January 11, 2015 at 9:27 pm

    I’m trying to get back on track too… a little less sugar and caffeine and more fruits and veggies. Hopefully this week includes some meal prep and a couple runs. Last week’s -15 windchills made it impossible to get out for a run!

  27. Amber Schumann on January 11, 2015 at 10:29 pm

    That’s awesome that you and hubby are taking on the challenge together! I have no doubt that you’ll do great…I’m interested to here the hubby’s take on it.

    I did the Whole30 (scheduled perfectly to finish the day before my 30th birthday and my second Half Marathon)–not entirely planned at that point. Just woke up one day and thought “let’s do this!” Hubby wasn’t thrilled… Not only did he think I was crazy, but he bummed out about all the time I spent in the kitchen (had to cook every.single.meal in addition to different meals for him and our daughter). Lots of late nights prepping in the kitchen. I felt AMAZING on it, and live by it about 75% of the time now…sacrificing that 25% mainly for convenience. And booze. 🙂

    I am hoping to get him on board one day with me.

  28. Lucie@FitSwissChick on January 11, 2015 at 11:58 pm

    I am doing a similar thing right now, after 2 months of indulging I think it is high time 🙂
    I also will join an old Dance School tonight for Hip Hop, I can not wait to see if I still love it as much as back in the days.

  29. Sarah F on January 12, 2015 at 12:39 am

    Good luck on your detox! I did a similar one a couple of years ago- it was 21 days of no flour, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and limited intake of other items (certain fruits and such). I found I really didn’t like it, as I’m the type of person that once someone tells me I can’t have something, that’s all I can think about having. I craved cupcakes for 21 days straight, and as soon as I could have them again- I didn’t want one!
    My boyfriend’s out of town this week (he’s a big meat eater) so I’m enjoying a week of vegetarian meals. Black bean nachos, vegetarian chili, autumn stew, Thai curry with shrimp. Heavier meals with the cold, but filled with delicious nutrients.

  30. CARLA on January 12, 2015 at 3:14 am

    LOVELOVELOVE the disney pic.

    xo

  31. Sara on January 12, 2015 at 4:58 am

    I’m on the detox bandwagon too after taking a short break this weekend while out of town! It definitely makes me feel so much better! I still let myself have some wine and coffee though 🙂

  32. Racheal @ Running with Racheal on January 12, 2015 at 5:10 am

    I do a similar detox for 10 days about twice a year as a reset. I like way it helps my cravings, but I do have to say that my energy never goes back up because I miss my coffee so much! Maybe 10 days is too short, and if I gave it the full 21 (or longer) I would feel the benefit of going caffeine free?

    Good luck and I look forward to reading what you report back!

  33. Sylvia on January 12, 2015 at 6:51 am

    What is that soup in the pic? it looks delicious!

    • Fitnessista on January 12, 2015 at 8:00 am

      i can’t find the recipe! it’s a soup with quinoa, pumpkin, roasted veggies and spinach

    • Catie on January 12, 2015 at 11:41 am

      http://fitnessista.com/2013/10/soup-er/
      I often make this one from a previous post. It looks similar, if not the same…

  34. Sarah on January 12, 2015 at 6:52 am

    We (hubby & I) are smack in the middle of our 21 day Daniel fast. During the fast we don’t eat: Bread, (including all refined flour), meat (including fish), dairy (including cheese), sugar, and alcohol.

    The 1st week was hard. This 2nd week we have found our grove. I anticipate the 3rd, and last week to be good, if not a little monotonous. There are plenty of Daniel’s fast recipes online that we are enjoying! We are eating a lot of fruit, veggies, brown rice, soups, salads, beans, & natural peanut butter. Basically vegan for 3 weeks. We feel great. The kids are only fasting off sugar – Their choice. They mostly eat what we eat, especially at dinner. Breakfast and lunch looks “normal” for them. We eat healthy anyways, so it isn’t a big stretch. I only miss cheese.

    Tip: We don’t focus on a food depravity during fasts. It’s part of a bigger picture, with our spirituality. Meaning, focusing on God, and increasing time spent with Him, and experiencing lots of blessings and breakthroughs 🙂 It’s an amazing time.

  35. Amy on January 12, 2015 at 7:20 am

    I LOVE this idea- my husband and I have been talking about doing something similar! Would you consider posting your next-day meals? Would LOVE to follow you 1 day later! Or, posting your grocery list/meal plan (similar to what you did today).

    Really excited!

    • Fitnessista on January 12, 2015 at 7:53 am

      i’m going to put together everything in one spot after we’re finished! this way it won’t be all over the place and confusing. i’m tracking all of tom’s stuff, too. 🙂

      • Amy on January 12, 2015 at 8:01 am

        That is awesome, thank you!!! My meat-eater husband will appreciate having Tom’s, too. Can only handle so much quinoa… 🙂

  36. char eats greens on January 12, 2015 at 7:21 am

    I want to go a month without alcohol, and was originally going to back it January, but then I thought February might be better since it’s a shorter month. This just shows how I don’t want to give up nightly wine haha. I miiiiiiight need to hop on the train sooner haha

    • Fitnessista on January 12, 2015 at 7:52 am

      that’s going to be the hardest part. i LOVE my nightly glass of vino

  37. Alisha on January 12, 2015 at 7:55 am

    This sounds like a great idea! I just started my first HIIT-It workouts today and was thinking I’d like to reign in my diet a bit (too much pizza & sweets). I definitely will keep my morning cup of coffee though!

  38. Melisssa on January 12, 2015 at 9:16 am

    I starts the 21 day fix with Shakeology last week. I have to say after 7 days of clean eats, tons of water and exercising every day I feel amazing. Plus I am getting in plenty of food, just the right foods. Really taught me portion control. I was definitely over eating. Good luck to you! I am looking forward to a glass of red in 14 days!

  39. Tracy on January 12, 2015 at 9:53 am

    My gym (Lifetime Fitness) does an Evolve 21 day detox that I’ve been wanting to participate in. Theirs alleviates all animal products and gluten in addition to your plan. I’m not sure I can give up my greek yogurt or eggs (and CAFFEINE!!) since I don’t eat meat. Your plan seems more doable for me. I’m looking forward to your review!

    • Fitnessista on January 12, 2015 at 2:44 pm

      ahhh i LOVE lifetime fitness! i think giving up eggs would be the hardest for me

  40. Debbie on January 12, 2015 at 1:05 pm

    For the past couple of years I have given up alcohol for the month of January. After indulging too much over the holidays it feels good to take a break from it. But the no coffee thing….I don’t know about that. Good luck!

  41. Maria on January 13, 2015 at 7:19 am

    My husband and I are doing the 21 Day Sugar Detox. Pretty similar to this except we can have caffeine, although I’m trying to wean myself off and the only fruit we are allowed is 1 serving of a green tipped banana, green apple or a grapefruit. I thought I’d miss my glass of vino, but so far I’m doing great 🙂

    • Fitnessista on January 13, 2015 at 1:46 pm

      i already miss the vino haha

  42. Allison on January 19, 2015 at 3:47 am

    I finally made the Paleo bread that you always link to from Elana’s Pantry. It turned out really well! So glad I tried it. Of course, I didn’t have the same size loaf pan she used, so my bread didn’t rise as high. I’ve been eating it with almond butter for snacks. Yum!

    • Fitnessista on January 19, 2015 at 2:18 pm

      it’s my fave with almond butter, cinnamon and honey 🙂

  43. Danielle Dunn on January 21, 2015 at 2:11 pm

    The crockpot is my cooking bbf, honestly kind of stink at cooking without it…so I absolutely gotta try that Greek Chicken Soup & Sweet Potato Soup! Both look amazing!!
    xo Danielle
    http://stylecrushdiaries.blogspot.com

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