Pasta with Creamy Avocado Sauce

Omgosh, I've been dying to post this recipe. I actually made this right before I began my detox, so I had to finish my detox posts before I could share how glorious this recipe is. Unfortunately, I've been slammed this week (a couple of 14 hour days will make a girl plop down, face first on her bed and neglect everything, including her blog), so I'm just now getting around to finally sharing this deeelicious pasta recipe.

Detox Recipe Round-Up

If you are one of those people who hates the word "detox" like I talked about in this post, you might want to reconsider your feelings. I've done various cleanses, detoxes, and other modified diets, and I've had the best experience with this particular detox. I feel better all around--I sleep better, I am not reliant on caffeine to get through the day, my skin looks better, and I'm not constantly craving sweets or salty snacks. I also lost a few lbs, but that is just an added bonus to how great my body and mind feel. If you are interested in trying a detox, I highly recommend browsing Whole Living for their wellness plans (I used the 2011, specifically). Here are the do's and don'ts of the exact detox that I did.

Need more convincing? How about that before my detox, I couldn't survive a day without a few cups of coffee, something sweet after every meal, and carbs with every meal. And when I say carbs, I mean the most decadent bread or pastas; not exactly whole grain, healthy carbs. And when I say sweets, let's just say that ice cream didn't last long in my house. Modifying your diet for a couple of weeks does wonders to how your body reacts to the foods you feed it and how foods actually taste. I can't even eat some of the sweets that I was accustomed to devouring because they are too sweet now. Never thought I'd say that!

Spicy Broiled Tilapia

My last detox recipe--so bittersweet. I've actually been done with my detox for a few days now, but this recipe was just too easy and way too delicious not to post.

Roasted Chickpeas

I have a confession to make: I'm a snacker. The first part about changing is admitting that you have a problem, right? My problem, or one of them at least, is snacking. When I'm bored, I snack. When I'm hungry, I snack. When I'm thirsty, I snack. When I have a craving, I snack. When I'm up late and think it's time for fourth meal, I snack. I have a snacking problem. Help!

Breakfast Rice Pudding

It has been about a week since I last blogged. For the few of you who might be wondering if I'm surviving this detox, I am. I'm alive and well and detoxing away! I am in the second half of my detox, which means the end is in sight. And surprisingly, or not, I'm not counting down the days. This detox really hasn't been all that bad...except for one minor issue: I've been forced to break my routine of eating oatmeal every morning. I know, I have this weird obsession with oatmeal. I eat it at least five days a week and never seem to get sick of it. Even in the summer, I make oatmeal. Nothin' like a bowl of oatmeal and some fresh fruit to start your day on the right foot. But because I had to cut gluten and most oats are processed with the same machines and in the same factories as gluten products, technically oats are not gluten-free (unless otherwise specified). So, what's a girl to do if she can't have her beloved bowl of oatmeal? Try this Breakfast Rice Pudding, obviously.

Detox Quinoa Salad

"Detox"--it's a word that you either love or you hate, but probably hate. In the past four days since I started my detox, I've had friends ask me about my experience. Without fail, the reaction I've received is a raised eyebrow or even a slight groan followed by something along the lines of "Wow...that sounds horrible." Gee, thanks guys; as if depriving my body of every food and drink it has ever loved wasn't reminder enough. Despite that, I don't hate this detox. I've already started noticing benefits even after four days. If I stick with this for the full two weeks, who knows how great I'll feel. So, "detox", I'm one of the few who loves you. Let's be friends, at least for the next ten days.

Roasted Asparagus and Cauliflower Soup

First recipe post of 2014 is a detox post--go figure. I, along with probably the majority of the world's population, made some sort of resolution, promise, or goal for the new year. I usually skip this tradition and just opt for making goals throughout the year. However, this holiday season (and last six months) have been especially fun and crazy busy. And, unless you are superman or woman, usually that means less time for eating well and exercising. In my case, that can be translated to occasionally eating a vegetable in the form of a potato and casually neglecting my gym membership for months at a time. Go me!

New Year, New Blog

Happy 2014 y'all! I can hardly believe that it has been six months since my last post. So much has happened in those months that it feels like six years worth of events. My life is finally settling down, and I'm ringing in the new year with many goals for me to work toward and new projects and hobbies for me to try; one of those being this blog.

I know, I know, this blog isn't exactly a *new* hobby. But a six month break makes it feel almost new. It's as if I broke up with my blog, took some time for myself, and am now at ready to be in a relationship again. Cooking to Perfection, will you give me a second chance? Good thing blogs are always there for you, even when you neglect them for months and months.