The first week of the 2012 Whole Living Action Plan focuses on fruits and vegetables to give your digestive system a break from processed foods and heavy grains. Start your day off right by taking in a nutrient-dense smoothie that will keep you sharp until lunchtime.
No juicer? No problem. Each of the seven detox smoothies featured in the plan only require a blender. Whether it's immunity-boosting vitamin C or antioxidant-packed berries, a powerhouse smoothie will help eliminate toxins and help you feel refreshed all day long.
Smoothies aren't the only way to enjoy fruits and vegetables in liquid form; also try these detox soup recipes.
Tell us if you're up for this Challenge of the Day after the jump.
Tomorrow's Challenge: Boost Your Snack Options
From: Elaine | 1/4/12 at 7:44 am
I don't have a juicer or a blender so I will just skip the breakfast in a glass approach.
From: Jami | 1/4/12 at 8:40 am
Since I was an infant, I've had a really difficult time with fruits and veggies - mostly because of the texture, I think, as I enjoy fruit juices and have recently started to like things such as broccoli and spinach, if they're cooked. I think smoothies will be an excellent way to increase the amount of fruits/vegetables I get in my diet. Thanks for the recipes!
From: GG | 1/4/12 at 9:47 am
It's really hard to drink a cold smoothie when it's 19 degrees outside!!! I really wish there were a few warm breakfast options.
From: Mary Beth Halsey | 1/4/12 at 9:54 am
I had a breakfast smoothie yesterday and one for lunch. Felt virtuous until bedtime, but need something more solid this morning. Will try the smoothie detox once a week.
From: kathi sullivan | 1/4/12 at 10:07 am
I agree with GG. This morning I pulled out the part two of yesterday's smoothie, which now looks like a leaden mass to me and put the kettle on. I am now drinking warm water with lemon.
I also feel that you need more recipes that have more fluid in them. I find myself looking longing at fresh fruit.
From: Tara | 1/4/12 at 10:25 am
Just tried the Kale and apple smoothie. Yum. Even my 2 1/2 and 4 year olds liked it!
From: Kellie | 1/4/12 at 10:28 am
I was just wondering why lentils and legumes were not allowed until next week? I get low blood sugar and protein really helps me keep my energy and focus. Unfortunately fruits and veggies don't usually cut it and I don't want to overdo it with nuts. Any suggestions?
From: California mom | 1/4/12 at 2:17 pm
It is about 80 degrees outside and I am getting a little sunburn out on my balcony. These smoothies look like just what I needed. Love the Kale and Banana one. Must try today.
From: California mom | 1/4/12 at 2:18 pm
It is about 80 degrees outside and I am getting a little sunburn out on my balcony. These smoothies look like just what I needed. Love the Kale and Banana one. Must try today. Needing to detox due to recent diagnosis of breast cancer. Stage 1 thankfully.
From: Patricia Blair | 1/4/12 at 2:20 pm
I am on my fourth day of the detox cleanse. I feel absolutely fantastic! I am loving all of the recipes I have tried thus far. I've got to go out of town on business next week and I am trying to figure out how to keep the program going - or at least how to maintain during the week and then start back in when I return home.
From: A | 1/4/12 at 3:51 pm
I'm on day 3 of the cleanse. No juicer or blender, so purchased daily detox bottled juice blend (by Evolution -- low sugars) from the grocery store. The green juice by this co. was horrid, but the 'Rejuvenation' (red: carrot, apple, celery, lemon, beet) is pretty good. Lots of water consumed. Made the butternut squash soup and it will last for lunch practically all week! The steamed broccoli salad recipe was very filling. I have had 1/4-1/2 cup of nuts for snacks and a package of Trader Joe's seaweed snack as well. However, I too am missing proteins. I'm a vegetarian so always get my protein through beans & legumes...looking forward to adding them back next week! Not feeling that much better, overall, but haven't been hungry and adore the squash soup!
From: Jerri Jones | 1/4/12 at 4:04 pm
So far my husband and I are still doing well through Day 3. I appreciate the smoothie recipes as we do not have a juicer. I've got the mild headache and strange stomach sensations once-in-a-while that go along with a cleanse, but is hurting me one bit. I know how great I'll feel probably tomorrow. Made the "Dried Fruit and Nut Bites." Had enough ingredients for 3 batches. Helps having this on hand when cravings arise. I love this challenge and am a fourth-year veteran.
From: EK | 1/4/12 at 4:27 pm
Is anyone else really tired on this? I am so exhausted. I dont feel refreshed at all. Going to wait it out and see if it changes.
From: Jerri Jones | 1/4/12 at 7:02 pm
"Elimination" certainly began happening today! The "cleanse" part is doing its job.
From: Tracy | 1/4/12 at 11:59 pm
I am very fatigued EK. I am luckily on vacation so I just lied around all day. Feeling better today than yesterday though. No headache today! Mornings are the hardest. I don't have a juicer so I've been doing carrot juice or the berry smoothie. I eat lunch soon after because I can't wait. I literally felt light headed getting up. The kale chips are saving me. They are a comfort food and remind me of potato chips. I've been sleeping a lot, although woke at 5 am today from strange dreams. Hoping tomorrow is even better.
From: Brittany | 1/5/12 at 1:13 am
A few questions for everyone:
-- is it ok to eat whole fruit, either as breakfast or as a snack?
-- i'm not getting the stomach growls. In fact, I always feel full, perhaps too full. That seems strange considering that I'm not consuming very much food. Is this a problem, maybe a sign that cleanse isn't working?
From: Sarah | 1/5/12 at 12:06 pm
Day 4 and I'm feeling pretty good. I've tried the smoothies all 4 days--love the beet/carrot one. I was very tired yesterday from not sleeping well the night before, so I cheated and had a hard-cooked egg with my dinner. I would rather that than overload on nuts. This is my first cleanse ever, so I'm going to forgive myself if I need to make a few adjustments. So far, I've swapped cauliflower for the squash in the soup because I don't like squash, and had the egg last night.
From: Helene | 1/5/12 at 12:21 pm
Feeling very tired on this plan, It is day 5 for me as I started on New Years... I feel very low energy and sleepy.(I think this might be from a lack of protein.)
I have been running regularly and I really have no energy for a run this week. I made it to hot yoga once. I might try again tonight to make it to a yoga class. I am not really feeling refreshed just very weary.
Also, repeated the same meals over and over again is hard for me. I like variety, this is tough.
From: Kirby Larson | 1/5/12 at 3:06 pm
I made the carrot, mango, mint smoothie and it was delicious! I'm eager to try the beet smoothie tomorrow and I've never been one for drinking vegetables.