Friends with Nature
Hi friends! How’s your day going??
I climbed a mountain today 
Michele, Liz and I took a day trip to Phoenix to explore Camelback Mountain, eat lunch and shop.
It was my first time hiking Camelback, and even though it was a little tricky, the views more than made up for it. We didn’t make it to the top and decided to head back down about halfway through- enough was enough and we were ready for lunch I always think that nature and I aren’t friends until I actually *get into* nature… then I like it 
We’ll definitely be going back.
Since we worked up an appetite hiking, we hit up True Food at the Biltmore. It was a little tempting to switch our plans to Seasons 52 (which opened RIGHT NEXT DOOR!), but we decided on True since two of the three of us had never tried it.
Anywhere that grows their own herbs outside the door is a winner in my book.
To start out, we ordered the herbed hummus:
and a side of crudités for dipping:
For my entrée, I rolled with the kale salad, sans parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs:
(it had a beautiful lemon vinaigrette dressing)
and the sweet potato hash.
Everything was SO fresh and flavorful- I think I need to try everything on the menu eventually
After we got our shopping fuel in, we hit up the Biltmore shops. We all did some serious lululemon damage I keep buying workout clothes because it’s ALL I wear, but am lacking in the *real* clothes department.
After Biltmore, we rolled over to Last Chance (nada there- it had been picked over already), Starbucks, then got back on the road back to Tucson. It as the perfect little short trip. I love girls days
So as y’all know, today marked the start of my 30-day detox, per my homeopathic doctor’s advice. It’s the last part of my treatment to get my hormones back in order (I’ve been seeing this doctor since last September), and at first, I was less than stoked about it. I like to eat what I want, not what someone else tells me to, ya know? After taking the weekend to think about things, I realized that it’s just one of those things I’m going to do, make the best of it and use it as a chance to be creative. I’m committed to doing it right, getting it over with, and recharging my body.
So what’s the difference between a cleanse and a detox?
The way my doc put it, a cleanse is like a janitor cleaning a long hallway. It’s a great way to straighten and tidy things up, but doesn’t really prevent anything from re-occurring.. A detox is like opening the doors and cleaning inside each classroom, to control everything else that comes in and out of the hallway. Pretty interesting, eh?
Please keep in mind that this ISN’T a fast, it isn’t a weight loss thing, and I’ll be making sure I get enough fuel to support my high activity level. I’ll just be eating different types of foods, not less – I’m a big fan of eating Please don’t do a detox without talking to your doctor and making sure you get enough nutrients to keep your engine running properly <3
Here’s the breakdown of what I’m doing for those of you who were interested:
Days 1-10: All fruits and veggies (steamed, fresh or roasted), quinoa, beans, lentils, almond milk, protein powder (the doc sent me a plant-based one he wants me to use), tea, kombucha, decaf coffee, cacao powder, supplements (I’m taking quite a few during this detox- including a detox pill, Fiber, and Supergreen pill) and condiments (Tamari, raw honey, cold olive oil, coconut oil and organic butter for cooking, herbs and seasonings)
Days 11-20: Add in nuts and fish
Days 21-30: Add in chicken and fermented dairy (I’ll be using goat’s)
So on Sunday night, I put together some resources to figure out my meals for the first 10 days:
The doctor’s recipe book was kinda lame (sorry, but green beans steamed with tamari is not a “treat”), so I used some recipes and ideas from Ani Phyo,Canyon Ranch, Kris Carr and Natalia rose.
Some things to look forward to:
-Experimenting with garbanzo bean flour (pizza, pancakes, bread)
-Choco-cado pudding
-Thinking outside the box (I love this kind of stuff!)
Here’s a snapshot of what I’ve enjoyed so far today:
-Extra large green juice
-Breakfast quinoa with raw honey, almond milk, organic butter
-Green tea and sliced bell pepper
-Kale salad, hummus, veggies, and sweet potato hash
and am about to make a protein smoothie and something fun for dinner
So far, I don’t feel different at all- great as usual.
Hope you guys have a great night and I’ll see you in the morning!
xoxo
G
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I wish I lived in an area where I could hike! I think it would be such an awesome workout.
I bet climbing Camelback Mountain was so fun. My husband and I have really been enjoying a lot of hikes lately. Good luck with the detox – looking forward to seeing the recipes!
so with the detox….Whole Foods hot bar date Friday night? 😉 (P.S. — not working!) And funny…just Saturday there was a girl in the store who works at the Biltmore lululemon in Phoenix! Funny how lulu paths cross. 😉
yes please!!! i’m so happy you’re off! we can grab lunch before dance trance- i get in pretty early! 🙂
A fantastic day for a hike in Scottsdale but shopping and eating is waayy better than dirt and sweat anyway! 🙂 I didn’t make it to the top of Picacho Peak…actually the entire hike frightened me and I will never go back!
When I used to live in Phoenix, Camelback is so pretty and a great hike. Even when you come down before reaching the top…b/c you have lunch and shopping to do 🙂
Love Nordstrom Last Chance and the Biltmore shops. Can’t wait to see pictures of you in your new duds in the upcoming weeks.
Your cleanse vs detox analogy, love that. And so happy that you’re on a path that you feel is right, for YOU! Keep us all in the loop how you like it and the results you’re seeing!
🙂
that hike looks soooo awesome! I am glad you had a lovely day!
Congrats on hiking Camelback mountain, it is still my nemesis. I like Piestewa peak better, so if you get a chance to hit that one you should, the top is all jagged rock and awesome. True food is amazing as well, and if you haven’t been you might enjoy chakra 4 herb and tea house which is in Biltmore area, it’s a raw/vegetarian cafe. I look forward to hearing about the detox, I’ve always been curious about them.
wow i’ll definitely have to try that next time we go!
Good luck Gina!
ahh i wish we had some elevation in florida. such a pretty hike!
That hummus looks amazing! I don’t think my stomach will feel satisfied until I get some for myself!
Wow! You look freakin’ HOT! Geez! Hard work pays off:)
aww, thanks girl 🙂
Looove your hair! The bangs look great 🙂 The detox sounds interesting and I can’t wait to hear more about it
I’m so jealous of your hike and your weather!!!! You look amazing as usual:) and that hummus plate-WOW!
thank you friend 🙂
I can’t wait until the weather gets nice here so I can hike!! 🙂 Can’t wait to see what types of interesting meals you come up with during your detox!
that view is amazing! good luck with the detox! i thought sun warrior was a plant based protein?
it is, but it’s grain-based. the only grain on the plan is quinoa :/ i’m going to miss it for 30 days
Sounds to me like this lovely cleanse it taking a step back and simply SIMPLIFYING. 🙂 A treat for your body. I hope you learn some great things and I can’t wait to hear meal ideas + recipes. Speaking from someone who would cook the green beans + tamari simply because I wouldn’t know what else to do- I look to you for continued ideas!
Gina I am excited to hear more about your detox — Everything so far sounds wonderful! But I understand not wanting someone telling you what to eat and what not to eat. But geeze, if I could have that sweet potato hash every day I’d be set!
for real- it was AMAZING 🙂
I am so ultra jealous of the selection of healthful restaurants in your area. Here in So. Louisiana, the majority of restaurants consider health food an iceberg lettuce salad topped with loads of olives, cheese, ranch dressing and either sliced deli meat or fried seafood/chicken. ew.
On the plus side, the lack of healthy food keeps me cooking and creative!
AMAZEBALLS are finished and chilling right now. I realized I should have made a double batch after husband came in, took a chunk out of the food processor and exclaimed them super delicious. I fear there won’t be any for me tomorrow.
definitely make a second batch 🙂
i feel your pain about the restaurants- after living in valdosta, ga for almost 4 years, i’m very thankful for the selection here!
The weather in Phx has been beautyful the past few days. Last Chance has been feeling picked over since Christmas. I look forward to hearing about your “detox”. I think it is more like a “reboot”. Green is another good vegan place in town ~~ although may want to wait until after your reboot — they have some delicious treats.
i’ll definitely want some treats 🙂
i LOVE true foods! I eat there everytime we go to lulu <3 That kale salad you had is amazing. I havent had the other things you tried. I need to explore the menu a bit more. I never have any luck at last chance either. My sisters can always find treasures though. Im more of a gym clothes girl for everyday wear and they are into getting dolled up on a regular basis LOL
I haven’t been on the blog for a bitty, and I love your hair!!! I think your bangs are shorter?? Anyhoo, it looks great!
thank you! yep new bangs
True Food is my favorite place to eat in the valley, any time family comes to visit that is the one place I have to take them. I haven’t had everything on the menu yet, but everything I have had is delish. The view from the top of Camelback is unreal, you will have to venture to the top at some point (but I totally understand that food was calling, I’m the same way!)
I am very interested to see how this detox goes. I have faith that you will keep it healthy 🙂
Lucky for me, I have never allowed myself to buy Lululemon, too much of a potential for serious damage for me!!
it”s an addiction for sure
It’s a crazy addiction! I was not in the area at all today, so naturally, I went in & picked up the No Limit Tank. IN LOVE! I’m applying to work at several of their stores within the area, fingers crossed!
Your detox diet definitely shows that detox and healthy healthy doesn’t mean low- fat, low- calorie or bland. Kudos to you for that, and for knowing what your body needs and wants!
Very interesting! I never really knew much about detox or cleanses – I DO know you’ll rock it though – you’re so good at this stuff! Looking forward to your updates on it and results!
My parents and aunt and uncle hiked camelback and always joked about it now. Apparently its so hard! I’m glad to know that even the Fitnessista had a bit of trouble with it.
i was sweating like a monkey! it’s serious biznazz
Gina… I’m really curious about having quinoa as breakfast… do you buy a special type to have for breakfast? or the same as you would for any meal? Thanks!
the same as any meal- it’s a fun change from oats
Just found your blog and wanted to let you know that your subscribe button doesn’t work!
Also, looks like an amazing hike! Cannot wait till it warms up here so I can hit the trail again!
in the process of getting it fixed! sorry about that :/
Look at you hottie! I love that shot of you up on the mountain 🙂 The detox looks really doable, and i’m excited to see what you come up with! Love you!
love you too friend! miss you <3
i live about an hour away from some amazing hiking cliffs with trails – no mountains here, but it’s beautiful! i miss it. too bad it’s winter and freezing here. i guess i’ll have to wait until april or may to get my hiking fix!
Wow, what a beautiful hike!! That meal looks so fresh and delicious! I think its great that you are coming up with a game plan and doing your ground work to prepare for your detox, it will definitely make the whole process much easier!
The hike looks like a lot of fun, and you look adorable in your pic. The eats sound yummy. I am excited to hear about your new recipes 🙂 I am sure they will be fab as always!
Why does your hair look so good after hiking a mountain in the heat! I would be sweating bullets and my hair would be no where near as straight and shiny. Ennnvious. Goodluck with your detox can’t wait to see what creations you come up with 🙂
thank you but it’s a facade- all of my hair underneath (and my bangs!) were sweaty betty
What about other gluten-free grains like millet and amaranth? Where do those fit in?
not on the plan- just quinoa. weird, huh? eggs aren’t on there either! was going to call and ask about those two tomorrow
That is weird! I love quinoa but I don’t think I’d be down with no millet (especially millet bread – I die) or eggs.
I cant wait to see what you do with this. im sure you’ll do something super creative with this!
That hummus looks so fluffy and good!
I’m excited to see what you do with your new detox. I’m sure you’ll have fun with it. 😉
restaurant with fresh herbs outside?? love it! good luck with detox! weird that eggs isn’t in there… i heart eggs! p.s. i finally received my emu oil today! so excited! and i got a part time job at the yoga studio i go to! yeehaw! 🙂
sounds like a good day to me 🙂 enjoy the emu oil!
such a great day! and i have an interview invite with lulu! i’m contemplating of quitting my other part time job esp bc my boss sux. working at lulu and at a yoga studio??! sounds so good to me before starting all this medicine residency stuff!
oh gina! i did your week 2 workout-and now i am in lots of pain, as in i am waddeling around like a old lady, and holding onto to things just to sit! what do you do when you are this sore? should you rest your body or still workout to stretch i never know what to do the day after i am this sore.
i’m sorry you’re so sore! make sure to stretch, foam roll, and take it easy tomorrow
That bowl of veggies and the sweet potato hash look so delicious!
I feel like Camelback mountain is becoming a blog celebrity. Last week Caitlin climbed it, then I climbed it with my bro, and now you!! We are making it famous, haha. Glad you had fun in Phoenix!
So excited to see what you make with garbanzo bean flour. I’ve got a bunch to use and need some fresh ideas! I’m sure your experiments will be delish as usual 🙂
Good for you for climbing a mountain!!! I’m excited to follow you as you do your detox. I like the hallway analogy!
I love hiking! I haven’t been in forever though; I miss it!
Hey can you have amaranth? It’s an ultra healthy grain. Also you can buy quinoa flour at most health food stores.
i’m not sure- i’m going to ask him about that today, and EGGS. i love eggs
I am a huge fan of hiking- I love having a purpose to a workout and it’s so much more of an accomplishment than just walking on a treadmill.
I am eating just about the same way as you are right now to see if I feel better. While I don’t have any ailments, my hubby and I saw a holistic health practitioner and we are trying to see if this helps with allergies and fatigue. Just like you, I don’t feel like I am missing out on anything…although I do miss me some chocolate!
I am stoked about following along with your detox. I weeded out wheat last week and my tummy is feeling much less angry and nasty (and my *ahem*… time spent in the bathroom is substantially less too, thank god!) 😉
good luck, i’m sure you’ll do great!
I love what is usually termed as cleansing or detox food. It’s my mainstay! If you need ideas I’m happy to provide to help your creativity :).
You can make a lovely and filling flat bread with chickpea flour and I have made quinoa flour pancakes that are amazing topped with a mix of cacao or carob powder blended with a bit of coconut oil and stevia. YUM!
Nature and I really *aren’t* friends. I am sure of it. 🙂
The word detox is almost synonymous to deprivation to me, but your doc’s plan actually sounds very doable…maybe even enjoyable. Very interested to hear if you feel/see any effects!
oh man, i can’t wait til the snow melts here and we can go hiking again! i miss it…your hike looks so fun!