Vegan Cleanse Starts Today!

In effort to give myself an uber dose of cancer fighting antioxidants, HDL improving fats, low density lipoprotein blasting fiber, and tons of vitamins, I am starting a two week vegan cleanse today. Plenty of research has pointed to the benefits of mono and polyunsaturated fats (found in such foods as nuts, avocado, and olive oil) in increasing the amount of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This type of cholesterol is the good kind that helps scavenge for the heart disease causing low density lipoproteins- important in a society where heart disease is the number 1 killer of men and women. Fiber, found in vegetables, legumes, and whole grains also helps lower LDL cholesterol, as does it flush the body of waste that builds up in the colon. Studies have also shown that humans and animals who eat low calorie diets (on average 1700 calories/day as opposed to 2000 calories per day) live longer, healthier lives.

This meal plan is aimed at preventing insulin resistance (no added sugars or artificial sugars are allowed), as well as lowering ldl cholesterol while improving hdl cholesterol, and lowering inflammation in the body, and improving the effectiveness of immune system cells by minimizing the work done by the digestive system.

Often times, our depression or sense of well being has much to do with the food we are putting in our bodies. Feed yourself right! I will keep you updated as to how I'm feeling over the next two weeks. For now, here is my meal plan.

Breakfast

Option 1: PB/Banana Shake

1c. organic light organic vanilla soymilk

2 tbsp. organic peanut butter

1 banana

2 tbsp flax seed

ice cubes

Throw all into blender and enjoy!

Option 2: Oatmeal with Nuts and Fruit

1/2c. oatmeal

14 walnut halves

1/4 blueberries

1/2 banana

Lunch: Mixed Green and Bean Salad

3 c. mixed greens

1/2 cup soybeans

1/2 cup cuban style black beans (in olive oil)

12 grape tomatoes

1/2 avocado

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Dinner: Tofu Stir Fry

In a pan, fry 1 block Trader Joes Extra Firm Tofu in 1.5 tbsp olive oil

In a wok, stir fry Trader Joes Fresh Stir Fry Vegetables in 1.5 tbsp olive oil

Season to taste with salt, pepper, curry powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, turmeric

Dessert/Snacks

Organic blueberries and strawberries

Organic grapes

1 Sweet Potato

Hummus with Broccoli

Red wine (1-2 glasses max)

Unlimited green tea and black tea (with soymilk)

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 1500-1750

Fat: 58 grams

Protein: 63 grams

Carbohydrates: 175 grams