I don’t know why, but I can’t stop snacking… on all the wrong foods. I’m justifying my munching on chips or sweets as long as they’re considered healthy (lentil chips, fruit juice chews, etc.) and I worked out that day. Why am I surprised that the scale shows I’ve added a couple pounds, just in time for bikini season! Here is my cleanse, to help snap me back in shape when I’ve slipped. If you haven’t tried kicheri, it’s a delicious Indian porridge made of lentils and rice and lots of spices. It’s nourishing and filling, and helps you’re digestive system get back on track. It’s an easy weight loss program, because you’re never hungry! I also drink this hot turmeric water concoction first thing in the morning. Lemon juice has anti bacterial properties, so it cleanses your intestines and helps your skin glow. Turmeric is a powerful anti inflammatory, and ginger helps your body absorb all the nutrients, so this is an amazing drink first thing in the a.m. Try these simple recipes and let me know what you’d like me to prepare next!
[ingredients]
Kicheri – Ayurvedic Weight Loss Porridge
1/2 cup Basmati rice
1 cup Yellow lentils, split
7 cups (approximately) water
Pinch of salt
1 small knob of fresh ginger, minced
1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
1 tsp whole mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp coriander powder
1/2 cup chopped zucchini and 1/2 cup chopped carrots
Directions
Rinse the lentils, then soak them in water for about 2 hours. Rinse again. In a medium-sized pot, sauté all the seeds in the ghee until they start to sizzle and give off an aroma. Add the lentils, ginger and powdered spices, stir and then add the water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for half an hour. Then add the vegetables and basmati rice (I recommend giving the rice a good rinse as well). Bring back to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is fully cooked. Cook until most of the water is absorbed. Lentils and rice should be soft, add water if necessary.
[end-ingredients]
[ingredients]
Roni’s Skin Brightening Tea
1 cup hot water (not boiling because that can kill the benefits in the other ingredients)
1 tsp turmeric powder
juice from half a lemon
1 small knob of fresh ginger root
1 tsp coconut oil
1 tsp honey
Pour the water into a mug, add the lemon juice, ginger, turmeric, honey and coconut oil. Stir until the coconut oil melts. Drink first thing in the morning and enjoy clearer skin, mind and body!
[end-ingredients]