We are half way through the SP Cleanse! I have to say… I am surprised at how much I have enjoyed it.
What I have learned so far:
- Eating clean does wonders for my energy level (hello, 7 mile run!)
- It also helps me to sleep like a baby
- I can be pretty creative with finding a variety of foods to eat
- I like love spaghetti squash
- My mom is a fun person to cleanse with (and is an amazing cook… but I already knew that)
- When I don’t eat enough/often enough, I get headaches and I over-eat
- Carbs (even rice) at lunch cause me to crash hard at about 230p like clockwork
- Lentils get old really fast (If I ever see another lentil again, it will be too soon. No joke.)
- I don’t crave things I thought I would: pizza, beer, totchos, meat (except for lamb and pork, oddly enough)
- Things I do crave are mostly pretty healthy: oats, hummus, crusty bread, ice cream (weird – I am more of a cake person), red wine, good cheeses (mainly gouda and herbed goat cheese)
- I actually do possess some self-control
The point of this was NOT to lose weight, but to cleanse my system and jump start some better habits.
That being said, I am down a few lbs and I am damn happy about it! 
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Ok. I am about to post the best cleanse-approved recipe so far.
We had a roasted butternut squash in the refrigerator begging to be used. Despite our veggie diet, we had not made a good soup yet.
How about a good fall soup?!
Specifically, a Butternut Squash Apple Soup.
Good Morning, delicious soup!
Hours after she ate it, my mom kept saying “Laura, that soup was amazing.”
(This really meant a lot - see above comment about what a good cook she is!)
This recipe is on the sweet side due to the apples, but packs a little heat on the end thanks to the red pepper-infused olive oil.
Local product shout-out: I love Sweetwater Growers’ infused olive oils. They carry them at Whole Paycheck Foods and Kroger in Atlanta – I’d be interested to know if you have seen them in other states!
I <3 infused ingredients
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Make this soup. Now.
Butternut Squash-Apple Soup
- 1 T Red pepper infused olive oil
- 3 Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Butternut squash, pre-cooked and diced*
- 2 Apples, diced (I used Gala)
- 1/4 C Yellow onion, diced
- 1T Rosemary (fresh)
- 5 C Vegetable broth
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric powder
- Salt to taste (I used 1/2 tsp)
- Freshly ground pepper
Heat olive oil in large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and roast until just beginning to brown.
Add pre-cooked* butternut squash, apples, onion, rosemary, and veggie broth and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and allow to simmer for 10 mins (until apple is tender).
Using a hand mixer or blender, puree ingredients. Add additional seasonings – turmeric, salt, and pepper. Mix and allow to cook 5-10 mins more.
Pour into bowls, drizzle with rosemary-infused olive oil, garnish with fresh rosemary spring, and enjoy!
Makes 4 servings
Notes: You can use regular olive oil and add red pepper to taste. Be creative with the seasonings! I would love to try this with some cinnamon and nutmeg, or with so cumin and smokey paprika for a spicier soup. Don’t be afraid of the salt – it does a lot to bring out the sweet apple taste (I used a blend of sea salt and herb-infused).
*To pre-cook squash: Cut in half (soften in the microwave if too hard to cut). Place cut side down in a baking dish and fill with ~1 inch of water. Roast in 350 degree oven for 45 mins, or until outside skin is soft to touch.
***
Time for my experiment of the day: Will running errands in my running clothes mean that I will go to the river for a run before heading back home? 
Is your mom a good cook?
3 comments
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Professor Vegetable
November 23, 2011 at 4:54 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My mom is not a good cook. She’ll be the first to admit it too. LOL! If I had the ingredients I would make this soup now.
Laura
November 23, 2011 at 5:05 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It’s fine to not be a good cook… as long as you admit it. LOL!
professor veg
November 24, 2011 at 2:36 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That’s true and she does. I’m trying to get her to go a vegetarian restaurant for Thanksgiving. All she says is that it is unamerican if she doesn’t have turkey or something that tastes like it. LOL!
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