5-Day Detox Plan 2.0

I’m not sure what the weather is like where you are, but it’s officially spring in NYC, and everyone is taking their clothes off. Seriously. On my walk to the grocery store yesterday, I felt like I was on freshman spring break (woohoo!). Bare legs, and backs, and midriffs, oh my! The amount of exposed skin may or may not have to do with the fact that I live a block from The New School and very close to NYU, and most of the people wandering the streets in my ‘hood are coeds, but that’s neither here nor there. The truth is, semi-naked spring is merely a sneak peak/reminder of what’s to come. Fully nude season (aka summer) will be here before we know it, and that means…

It’s 5-Day Detox time!

Last year’s 5-Day Detox Plan went over so well that I decided to put together a second set of detox recipes for your 2016 spring cleansing pleasure. Don’t be scared, friends. This plan is not a crazy crash diet or a gimmicky Goop cleanse, and it won’t leave you starving, homicidal, or strapped for cash. Promise. It’s simply five days of nourishing, real food meals that will make you feel like the smartest, prettiest, most energetic version of yourself. Consider it a jump-start for your healthy lifestyle and wonderland bod.

Below, you’ll find 5 daily detox menus, which I recommend starting on a Monday for the sake of convenience. These menus can be modified to suit your personal tastes and dietary restrictions, and you’re welcome to mix and match meals from any days you like. You should also feel free to swap in your favorite recipes from the original 5-Day Detox, and I’ve included some links to appropriate snacks at the bottom of this post. Since most of the recipes make 2 to 4 servings, I strongly suggest doing this program with your roommate(s), besties, or family members. As a wise man once said, teamwork makes the dream work. YOU GOT THIS.

(Virtual chest bump.)

Domesticate ME!’s 5-Day Detox Plan 2.0

DAY 1:

Breakfast: Matcha-Colada Smoothie Bowl
Lunch: Kale Salad with Roasted Cauliflower and Apple
Dinner: Zucchini Noodles with Portobello Bolognese

DAY 2:           

Breakfast: Peanut Butter and Banana Overnight Oats
Lunch: Quinoa Broccoli Slaw
Dinner: Cauliflower Fried Rice

DAY 3:

Breakfast: Strawberry Kombucha Smoothie Bowl
Lunch: Zucchini Noodle Salad with Spicy Almond Dressing
Dinner: Grilled Vegetable Salad with Farro

DAY 4:

Breakfast: PB&J Smoothie
Lunch: Golden Bell Pepper Soup
Dinner: Quinoa Risotto with Roasted Asparagus and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

DAY 5:

Breakfast: Chocolate Covered Banana Chia Pudding
Lunch: Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate and Avocado
Dinner: Seared Ahi Bowls with Roasted Cauliflower and Red Chimichurri

If you must snack while on your detox, please stick to vegetables, fruit, and reasonable amounts of raw nuts. And when you absolutely NEED a treat, try a Lemon-Coconut Energy Bite, Superfood Chocolate-Avocado Pudding, or a small piece of Dark Chocolate Bark with Apricots and Candied Pepitas.

For those brave souls looking to take their spring cleansing up a notch with a slightly more serious detox, I highly recommend checking out my friend Amie Valpone’s new book Eating Clean: The 21-Day Plan to Detox, Fight Inflammation, and Reset Your Body. I’ve mentioned this glorious book before (Day 4’s Golden Bell Pepper Soup is actually ripped directly from its pages), and it’s become such a handy resource for me that I want to spread its magic by giving away a copy of to one of you!

To enter the giveaway, simply subscribe to Domesticate ME! (if you haven’t already) by entering your email address in the box at the top of this site’s sidebar, and leave a comment telling me either A.) Your favorite “cleansing” meal (any meal that makes you feel good!), OR B.) Your best or worst detox/cleanse experience. (You know I like to be entertained…)

This giveaway will close on Wednesday, April 27 at 11:59pm EST. A winner will be chosen at random and announced in next week’s Casual Friday post. May the odds be ever in your favor.

p.s. Don’t hesitate to reach out during your detox with questions, or if you just need a little moral support. You can drop me a line via email, Twitter, or in the comments, and I’ll get back to you ASAFP, I swear. And should you choose to share your detox creations with the world, tag them #DomesticateMeDetox to spread the good word…