Let me clarify, I’m not referring to alcoholic beverages! I’m suggesting delicious & nutritious, easily prepared & digested, smoothies, juices and soups! I just got home from a Healthy Education Retreat at one of my favorite places on the planet; Sanoviv Medical Institute, located in Rosarito, Mexico. It’s there that I was introduced to a “liquid day.” The idea is to have one day per week that you intake only liquid food. It’s a great way to give your digestive system a rest, take the pressure of planning & preparing meals for a day and balances out occasions, like parties or dinner out, when you may be more “indulgent.”
This is a great opportunity to eat (drink) a plethora of greens and intake a lot of water (add lemon), which will flush out toxins and recharge your digestive system. There’s a phrase I want you to remember, “liquefy your food and chew your liquid.” Most of us don’t chew enough to break down our food for adequate digestion, and it also causes us to overeat. It takes twenty minutes for your body to realize that you’re full, therefore, slowing down and chewing 20 to 30 times, depending on the softness and density of the food, before swallowing, is a proven way to reduce the amount of food you eat. As for “chewing your liquids,” simply swish around in your mouth to stimulate the digestive enzymes necessary to break down and absorb the nutrients.
Here are some suggestions for what to include in your liquid day:
- Plant based protein shakes, adding in some super foods such as, maca powder, cacao powder, chia seeds, flax seed oil, avocado’s, organic leafy greens and berries. Blend your shake with water, coconut milk or nut milk. Make your own nut milk if you have a high power blender, it comes out better than store bought, super creamy! Soak one cup of almonds, or nut of your choice, for 12 hours or more, drain and rinse, place in your blender with 3-4 cups of water. Add some vanilla, dates and cinnamon if desired. Blend on high for one to two minutes, and that’s it! Homemade nut milk to use in your shakes! Stays fresh in a mason jar in the fridge for about 3 days.
- Green juices are detoxifying and easily absorbed antioxidants. Full disclosure, I’m not a “juice lover,” and I don’t have a juicer. If I feel my body is craving pure juice or I want to do a one-day juice cleanse, I purchase at one of the amazing organic juice bars in my area. I personally prefer to blend or eat my vegetables to get the fiber they provide. However there are great benefits to juicing and adding juice to your liquid day, or everyday, may work for you.
- Soups and broths are nourishing and delicious! Creamy soups are easily made in your blender, defrost your bone or chicken broth and use as a base or drink straight up with some Himalayan sea salt. Delicious! The health benefits of bone broth are off the charts in addition to giving you a glowing complexion. If you don’t have the desire to make your own, ordering high quality broth is available.
What I like best about designating a “liquid day” during the week is the break from preparing meals. Keep it simple, that’s the idea! Sit down with your partner and plan the menu for the week ahead. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experience if you decide to give it a try.
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