I am so bored - please stimulate my tastebuds!!

Well most of us are half way through the cleanse! Woo Hoo! Take some time to pat yourself on the back for a job well done so far! It is about this time that we are a couple days away from adding protein. Eating only fruits and veggies is getting a bit boring and sticking to the cleanse may be getting a tad difficult. If you are like me, the commercials on TV about the TGIF burger specials or the Olive Garden 4 course meal or my personal favorite - Chili's Fajitas commercial seems to be comming on more regularly! You may be thinking "why do they have to play these commercials during MY shows!! I am SO bored with my meals!" Well never fear - I have some great recipes for you to try!

1. Courtesy of Flora S: Cashew Yogurt (dairy free/ sugar free/ detox friendly!)
1 1/2 c. raw cashews soaked in water for 2-4 hours
3 dates or 1/2 c. raisins
1 Tbsp of Pure Vanilla
Juice from 1 large lemon

In a food processor - add raw cashews (minus water), dates, juice and vanilla. Add 1/4c. of cold water. Blend away! The longer you blend the creamier it will be! Add more water slowly to reach desired consistancy (you will need quite a bit more if you use dates). Put in fridge to cool. Spoon into a small bowl - add fruit on top!! YUMMMM!
**It has become a staple in the Laubach household!

2. Courtesy of Bill C. - Grilled Eggplant
1 large eggplant - sliced any way you desire
Brush with Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sprinkle with pepper or desired herbs
Throw on grill
** I love this one because the way Bill described this to me was that he was craving steak horribly! He threw this on the grill, and it reminded him of the fatty part of a steak!! For you meat lovers - Give it a shot!!!

3. Courtesy of Flora S. - Curry Lentil Soup
1 C. uncooked lentils
1 sweet potato - diced
1 C. Veggie Broth
3 1/2 C. water
1/2 large sweet onion chopped
2 Tbsp minced ginger
3 garlic cloves minced
1 heaping Tsp of curry powder
1 heaping Tsp of Garam Masla

In large pot - add broth and water with lentils and sweet potatos. Turn stove on med/med high. Bring to a boil slowly - turn down to simmer.
Add a dab of EVOO to a sauce pan and add onions and ginger. Saute' for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic. Saute' for another minute. Add spices to sauce pan - saute' for an additional 1-2 minutes until it is very arromatic. Add mixture to pot. Add a bit of water to the sauce pan and "wash" the bottom and sides - add to pot. Simmer for 10 min - ENJOY!!
**This is another Laubach favorite! If you like it soupier - only simmer for about 10 min - if you like it thicker like a stew - simmer for 15-20. The lentils will absorb more water and become creamy.

4. Spagetti Squash Bake
1 spagetti squash cut in half lenghth wise ( scrape out seeds)
2 garlic cloves - minced or sliced
1 Tbsp unsalted butter - cut in half OR EVOO
Pepper to taste and or other herbs (oregegno/ rosemary/ thyme)
2-3 ripe tomatoes - diced
1 large chicken breast - cooked and sliced or cubed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a cookie sheet lay squash rind side down. Add butter/oil, garlic, pepper and other herbs if desired. Bake for at least 1 hour. Take pan out and scrape innerds of squash leaving it in the rind. (it will be stringy) Add diced chicken and top with tomatoes. Put back in oven for 15-30 min. Transfer mixture to a plate or enjoy right out of the rind!

5. Quinoa is an excellent choice for "rice" alternative. It is all natural and packed with protein. You can find it anywhere, but the organic section of Giant has a good selection! Here is a website with some fantastic recipes:

http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/vegetarian-recipes/quinoa-carrot-zucchini-casserole.php


The way to get over bordom is to get creative!! Don't give in to the commercials you see on TV - trust me - if you went and "enjoyed" a 4 course meal at Olive Garden...You would not "enjoy" it later! Just ask myself and Dr. Nate! The very first time we did the cleanse we were in Iowa in grad school. We gave in to Chili's fajitas...it was the commercials that did us in! We were sick for 2 days - I STILL can't look at Chili's fajitas. If you are wavering and need some motivaiton - call me!! Set up your 1/2 point consultation!! I will get you back on track!

Keep it up!
Dr B