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!

Black Bean and Quinoa Soup

A great thing about fall, along with pumpkin, is making warm, hearty, comforting dinners. I'm not a huge fan of soups and stews seven or eight months of the year, but I definitely find myself craving a warm bowl of soup in the cooler months. There is something about being bundled up in a blanket and eating a bowl of soup that has comfort written all over it. Add a fireplace and snow outside and that would be downright amazing.