Erica Mesirov

Spiralize 2 zucchinis and 2 carrots (medium). For the cheese sauce, blend 1 cup cashews, 1/8 cup nutritional yeast, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 2 turns white ground pepper. Add and blend in 3/4 cup non-dairy milk, 1/4 cup agar flakes, and 1/8 cup olive oil. Finally, blend in 1 tbsp white miso and 1/2 tbsp lemon juice. Overlay zoodles with sauce.

No need to go to a spa or retreat to detox. Just a few things that you can do at home daily to cleanse naturally. Drink warm lemon water and apple cider vinegar. Add turmeric and other herbs to your diet. Ensure you get 40 winks. Eat local fresh produce and work up a sweat with exercise or a sauna. Sip on organic juices and smoothies. Fire up your lymphatics with a body brush massage.

Walk barefoot to ground your body and for anti-inflammatory benefits. Hug a pet or loved one. Munch on a bowl of antioxidant-rich blueberries to stall early aging. Drink refreshing spa water. Treat your sweet tooth with beneficial dark chocolate. Don’t be stingy with spices. Take regular time-outs and go on a holiday. Get enough sleep. De-stress by taking a walk in nature.

Crash diets lead to internal swelling, slow down metabolism and trigger body into fat storage mode. Excluding fiber-rich veggies stalls the digestive system - slowing elimination process. Toxins seep back into the blood stream causing inflammation that leads to fat storage. Low-calorie diet increases hunger hormone levels. Instead eat good quality protein and fats.

Maca is a great source of vit B, C, E as will as iron, magnesium, and calcium.. It’s an adaptogenic herb that helps your body adjust to stressors. It works as an aphrodisiac and helps increase sperm count. Maca boosts energy levels, enhances memory function, reduces stress and anxiety, betters skin tone, balances hormones and can help kick your caffeine addiction.

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and seeds like flax seed are fiber-rich and help in digestion. Berries like strawberries are great sources of antioxidants. Nuts like almond can help lower cholesterol and aid weight loss. So does garlic. Coconut oil and fermented foods are good for the gut. Tea is a healing beverage. Including these foods in your daily diet helps digestion, detoxification, and immunity.

The feeling of being imperfect can be demoralizing. The best approach to imperfection is to admit that you will never be perfect - no one is, so don't kill yourself over it! The best part of acceptance is that even small achievements start becoming much more valuable. Keep in mind that as long as you are trying your hardest and doing the best you can, you are perfect.

The Dirty Dozen list put out by the Environmental Working Group includes foods with high pesticide levels - apples, peaches, nectarines, strawberries, grapes, celery, spinach, sweet bell peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, snap peas and potatoes. Dairy, soy, beef, coffee and corn are on the extended list. If possible, buy organic versions of these foods.