.Wonders Never Cease…
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The Farmer’s Market Santa Barbara, CA
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I’m 3 days into the first “Cleanse” I’ve ever done in my life.
I tell you, I’m just ripping through those resolutions!
Despite the title of the post, this is not really about losing weight but rather about trying something new that is also going to be GOOD for me. (oh T.J.’s croissants…I miss you already)
As a novice cleanser I didn’t want to do anything that was too deprivational as I knew that would just be setting myself up for guaranteed failure. I know myself too well to even attempt fasting or juice only cleanses.
Instead, I chose to do a 7 day “Earth Season Cleanse” offered by the “Alchemy Arts Center” here in Santa Barbara. The Center is a relatively new and lovely spa/holistic retreat/cafe that amongst many other worldly and other-worldly delights offered the cleanse in either a 7 or 13 day package.
No sugar, animal based proteins, alcohol, carbs, or dairy for 7 whole days is more than enough of a challenge for me, thank you very much. Especially if you’re living with someone who is not doing the cleanse with you (ahem..)
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So every morning you pick up your prepped food for the rest of the day from the Center.
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This is not it.
Although this is one the many delicious items they serve in the cafe. And who could resist food, no matter how good it is for you, served on such gorgeous dishes?!
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This is a sample of what your menu might be on a given day.
Despite portions being relatively small, everything is very tasty.
The juices are especially delicious, particularly the Adrenal Boost.
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Breakfast every day begins with a fresh shot of wheatgrass juice. Today’s fare included Miso soup with green vegetables and quinoa. Soup for breakfast might not appeal to some, but I love to order the Japanese Bento Breakfasts when I stay in hotels that offer it so I was very happy with my soup (Listen, at this point, I’m happy with anything I’m allowed to put in my mouth)
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uh uh uh…no carbs girlfriend
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Supplementary Food Cheat Sheet; greens steamed or in a small salad lightly dressed are allowed.
“lightly dressed” is so subjective, isn’t it??
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photo Jean-Francois Campos
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Another delicious item on the menu at Alchemy Arts; Chilled avocado soup
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The Farmer’s Market Santa Barbara, CA.
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Elle Decor
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Another of my personal faves from the Alchemy Arts Cafe are these incredibly fresh vegetable spring rolls
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But why am I tormenting myself with these right now-I guess the wraps have naughty carbs right?
As I write this I’m sipping my evening tea of fresh lemongrass which tastes just like being in Thailand. It’s delicious.
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Only 4 more days and then…
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I’ll be celebrating successfully finishing my “Earth Season Cleanse” with a 50 minute float in the Alchemy Arts Center’s iSopod floatation tank.
Yes, I’m a little nervous (anyone remember “Altered States”?!) but my curiosity is definitely trumping my nerves.
I let you know how it goes!
In the meantime,
Eat your greens and don’t talk about cocktails in front of me.
I barely survived lunch with two friends yesterday sipping my juice like a martyr while they enjoyed a most hearty fare.
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Swing out Sister, raw almonds are also allowed.
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For more information on The Alchemy Arts Center in Santa Barbara click here
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