Tag Archives: cleanse

12-Day Reboot: Amy’s Day 4

10-Day Reboot: Allison’s Day 10

by Allison Quinones

Day 10! I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Reboot and have loved this process of self-discovery.

Breakfast! My morning breakfast is always the same, flavored differently. Today it was cooked quinoa with almond milk, blueberries, strawberries, protein powder, ground flax, chia, and maca powder

Aspects of the Reboot I’ve found the most difficult:
Throughout the Reboot I committed to trying all of the elements listed in the guide. I’m happy to report that I’ve done them all, at least once! However, the most difficult has been taking time for Epsom salt baths, time outdoors, and a full 8 hours of sleep. To me, these three things all have one thing in common – they take TIME. Seeing how busy I am isn’t a groundbreaking realization, but I do know how nice it has been to actually take time for these things when I have been able to.

Turmeric Tonic tea at work meeting, although caffeine-free, my mind still believes it will help me feel more alert. I love turmeric for it’s anti-inflammatory purposes

Aspects of the Re-boot I’ve enjoyed the most:
Technology Turnoff and Breaking from Social Media are two things that I thought would be the most difficult. Not surprisingly, this has been SO refreshing. I’ve noticed my habits throughout the day when I go to switch on my phone and catch myself automatically going into social media. Going into Facebook or Instagram has become such a mindless activity for me, and I’ve been aware that I need to check myself on this for a while, but there was no real motivation to do so. I don’t miss seeing what the world of Facebook is doing, what new recipes or exercises are posted on Instagram, and I’ve found myself being less critical of myself through these two elements of the Reboot.

Lunch consisted of Butternut Squash Mac ‘n “Cheese” with Brown Rice Macaroni, Roasted Broccoli and Kale. This is from Oh She Glows blog. This is a favorite fall recipe!

A couple things I’ve learned about myself over the Reboot:
I’ve committed to staying away from social media, and it’s crazy how many times throughout my day I mindlessly turn on my phone and almost open Facebook or Instagram. I’ve enjoyed reading ‘Made to Crave’ which is a highly encouraging book on eating and body image. I’ve been putting off reading this for a while and I am so grateful for more time to read this book and focus on myself.

Secondly, I’ve noticed I CAN abstain from sugar and tortilla chips! My two weaknesses. I can do it in private at home and in public when there is a delicious bowl of guacamole, salsa, and cookies just waiting to be eaten up.

Afternoon snack of apples with cinnamon, drizzled in homemade coconut butter with a tablespoon of freshly ground peanut butter

My personality is to be very self-disciplined, so eating clean and exercise haven’t been a challenge for me. I enjoy prepping ALL my meals for the week on the weekend, so it eliminates any desire to eat outside of what I’ve planned for. I teach RPM spin at the YMCA and have enjoyed several HIIT workouts, as well as a few swims and a yoga class. These two aspects of my self-discipline give my body and mind self-care to help me function the best I can throughout my day.

Evening treat, leftovers from weekend baby shower. My own recipe of Lemon Cashew “Cheesecake” with Blueberries and Mulberries. It’s oil-free, refined sugar free (sweetened with Medjool dates), soy free, dairy-free, all plant-based!

Tips & tricks that have helped me:
Let people around you know what goals you’re working on. Your support system will then avoid innocently tempting you with a glass of wine or checking Facebook for a trivial reason.

Not pictured: My dinner on the run of Wild Rice Pilaf from Forks Over Knives.

10-Day Reboot: Trina’s Day 9

10-Day Reboot: Paige’s Day 8

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by Paige Clark

Day 8. It’s hard to believe that there are only two precious days left of my very first iGnite Re-boot! It has been a great experience so far and I’m already looking forward to incorporating what I’ve learned into my post-reboot life.

After getting a little over 8 glorious hours of sleep, I started my day with hot lemon water and apple cider vinegar while reading my devotional in the peaceful quiet of morning. (Note: Don’t let this fool you. While I earnestly wish that this were how I started each day, most of the time my mornings look nothing like this. Thanks to the Reboot I have been afforded the opportunity to refocus my time and choices and I’ve taken full advantage!

I’ve been so thankful for this time to focus on being intentional with each choice that I make throughout the day. From what I eat and drink and how much time I spend outdoors, to the way that I use my time just before bed and the number of hours I sleep each night — it has been an enlightening experiment!

Breakfast: A parfait of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries & a hard-boiled egg white

I’ll be honest and say that the first five days of the Re-boot did not really affect me. I didn’t feel any different than I typically do during a normal week and I did not know what to make of it. To be fair, my perfectionist personality lends itself to a rather disciplined lifestyle. Given that my regular eating habits and exercise routine tend to fall within the boundaries of the Re-boot already, my primary goal for participating was to learn how different foods affect the way that I feel. I have to confess that I’ve basically failed at this goal.

A delicious snack of almonds/walnuts and a peach while digging through work emails

I have been blessed/cursed with the ability to be completely content eating the same foods repeatedly and it has been more difficult than anticipated for me to branch out. I’m not opposed to trying new things, but I also know what I like and I am not very creative when it comes to food. Plus, I don’t cook. However, rather than beating myself up over not achieving my original goal, I have allowed myself to adapt my focus to varying the way that I eat rather than what I eat. More specifically, I have found that eating more frequently throughout the day and incorporating more protein into each meal has resulted in significant change for me. I still haven’t completely figured this out, but I am enjoying the challenge!

(Late) lunch: Spinach and kale salad with chicken, avocado, cucumber, pumpkin seeds, and a dollop of hummus. Not pictured: an apple.

Most noticeably, I have been finding myself eating at odd hours. I ate lunch at 2:30pm today. That would have never happened pre-Reboot. My only answer for this is that eating more protein throughout the day keeps me fuller longer and that I am learning to nourish my body with wholesome foods when I am hungry rather than when the clock tells me it’s mealtime.

During the opening luncheon, I quickly identified adequate sleep as the Reboot component that would be the most difficult for me to accomplish, so I really shouldn’t be surprised that this has presented itself as another key to my Reboot experience.

Highlight of the day: Spending the evening under the trees at beautiful Pease Park for Metabolic Circuit Training with Kathleen and an amazing group of iGnite women!

During the first half of the Reboot, I found myself struggling to fit in the minimum 7 hours of sleep per night and I was waking up exhausted. I love sleep, but I will admit that it is the first thing that I sacrifice when it comes to free time. I will find things to do around the house until late in the evening or wake up extra early to fit in a run before heading to the office without giving it a second thought. But sleep. Sleep is key. I slept for over 10 hours on Saturday and I woke up feeling like a new person. Since then, all of the other components of the Reboot seem to have been given new life and I have been feeling great! Prioritizing sleep is definitely going to be my number one take-away from this experience.

Post-workout dinner: Quinoa, black beans, and avocado with a side of green beans and asparagus. Another reason that I am thankful for the Reboot is that it has introduced me to quinoa. I know. Where have I been, right? Quinoa has basically been the extent of my branching out, but it just might be my new favorite food!

Time for bed and Day 9 ahead!

10-Day Reboot: Chelsea’s Day 7

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by Chelsea Kindred

My Reboot By The Numbers

7: The number of days I’ve successfully completed the Reboot. The same number of days that I’ve felt more clear-headed, more focused, more invigorated by the challenge of treating myself well- body, mind, and soul.

Lunch: Soul Boulder smoothie from Juiceland (coconut water, banana, blueberry, cherry, almond, cacao powder, brown rice protein, coconut oil, vanilla, cinammon)

76: Days until my wedding, something that is frequently on my mind. I wanted to participate in the Reboot to detox from the stress of wedding planning and my work travel season and to shift the focus back to feeling my best for these next 76 days.

4: The number of people I’ve raved to about the skin-glowing effects of dry brushing. Seriously, my skin has never looked better.

2: Happy hours that had to be rescheduled, one to Juiceland, one to the week after the Reboot.

83: Cravings for something salty crunchy, something rich and cold, something sweet and warm from the oven.

Dinner: "Deconstructed" taco bowl- cilantro cauliflower rice (from Ignite Reboot Recipes), black beans, grass-fed ground beef, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, shredded vegetables (brussels, broccoli, cabbage) and avocado

Dinner: “Deconstructed” taco bowl- cilantro cauliflower rice (from iGnite Reboot Recipes booklet), black beans, grass-fed ground beef, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, shredded vegetables (brussels, broccoli, cabbage) and avocado

1: Excruciating visit to Jester King Brewery to celebrate one sister’s birthday. The difficulty of being surrounded by wood-fired pizza and cold beer on a hot day cannot be understated.

2: Trips to the Greenbelt for the silence it offers, the peace, the gratitude for the lush green after a long summer.

Barton Creek Greenbelt

Facebook emails begging me to give in and check my Facebook!

8: Emails from Facebook, begging me to come back, to like that photo that someone tagged of me, to respond to the notifications, to spend my time clicking and refreshing and scrolling.

3: Meals at the airport where I said “No bread, thanks” and “What’s in your roasted vegetables?” and “What’s the sauce on the chicken?” and scoured the backs of packages of nuts for one that didn’t include canola oil.

3: Invigorating Ignite classes, in sunshine and in the pre-dawn hours, surrounded by strong women, enthusiastically challenging one another to be their best self, to remember that we are stronger together.

5: Recipes cooked from the Ignite ReBoot cookbook, including some pictured here, like the avocado boat and cilantro rice.

Breakfast: Avocado boat, tomatoes, cantaloupe and lemon water

6: Additional hours of sleep over the week, six more hours for my body to rest, my mind to clear, and to prepare for the next day.

2: Epsom salt baths that soothed aching muscles and offered me a chance to stay still- to pause, to reflect, to light a candle and read a book.

Bath time with an Epsom salt bath!

2: The number of books now on my bedside table with water-wrinkled pages.

Countless: Opportunities to talk about the Reboot, to say why it is important, and to share the community of Ignite with new people that I meet. Thank you, Ignite, for encouraging us all to take 10 days to streamline our focus and renew our commitment to ourselves and our well-being.

10-Day Reboot: Neissa’s Day 6

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by Neissa Brown Springmann, founder of iGnite

Having come off a hectic summer of selling our house then moving to San Diego in August, this Re-boot could not have come at a better time! So many of the healthy habits I have practiced for years have fallen by the wayside, and therefore my body, energy and overall health has suffered. So, re-implementing the Re-boot elements has given me a focus and routine — and I’m feeling great!

What I have enjoyed the most is giving myself permission to get 7-9 hours of sleep, properly hydrating, exercising outdoors and eliminating caffeine. Sleep, hydration, outdoor exercise and not drinking caffeine go hand in hand for me. When I sleep, hydrate and exercise, I make better food choices and I notice a distinct difference in the way I feel and function. Also, I am a caffeine abuser. It gives me a false sense of energy and therefore I don’t get the sleep I need. Then, when I don’t get the sleep I need, the whole vicious cycle of needing more caffeine, not properly hydrating, not making good food choices and then not feeling like exercising starts all over again. So, for me, eliminating caffeine and getting more sleep are the two most important pieces that set me up for feeling great!

Top left: For hydration and extra cleansing I love the SUJA Lemon Love from Costco. I found it in the San Diego Costco and it’s “Master Cleanse-ish” but without the maple syrup and is sweetened with Stevia. Next, is a jug of cranberry water, SUJA Organic Mighty Greens (also found in the San Diego Costco) and Kombucha (also much cheaper when purchased at Costco); Bottom Left: Morning Hot Lemon Water; Right: Numi Organic Chia Hot Caffeine-free tea on page 22 of our Re-Boot Booklet. I steep when I am wanting a warm coffee drink. I usually make it with Coconut Milk but I was out so I made it with Almond Milk.

My 2 favorite cookbooks

I do not enjoy cooking. I am not creative, and I loath the mess I have to clean up afterwards; therefore, too often I stick with the same boring things. However, what I do find most helpful is using two of my favorite cookbooks, Against All Grain and Everyday Detox, and the iGnite Re-Boot Booklet. These two beautifully written cookbooks are loaded with Re-boot friendly recipes. So, last weekend I dog-eared the recipes I wanted to use for the Re-boot, headed to the grocery store and have had a fully-loaded pantry and refrigerator.

Paleo and Re-Boot friendly pancakes from Against All Grain for the family, and a Strawberry Basil Blast from Everyday Detox for me. Bottom Right: Chocolate Chai Smoothie – A delicious meal or snack that is Re-boot Friendly!

Detox Salad from p. 28 of the Re-Boot Booklet with avocado and white fish. Bottom: Veggie and Shrimp Bonsai bowl from Wahoo Taco: brown rice, black beans, shrimp and lots of veggies

Detox Salad from p. 28 of the Re-Boot Booklet with avocado and white fish. Bottom: Veggie and Shrimp Bonsai bowl from Wahoo’s Fish Taco: brown rice, black beans, shrimp and lots of veggies

What has been the most difficult for me is that this Re-Boot has fallen during my husband’s birthday, so I haven’t been perfect. The kids and I made him a delicious cake and rather than not participate in the celebration (that would be terrible!), I enjoyed festivities, devoured my cake, had a class of wine with him and followed up with extra hydration and clean eating. I have found that when I enjoy a splurge or drink alcohol, the best antidote is to follow with extra hydration. It’s cleansing and seems to reverse the often times gross after-effect feelings.

Outdoor Band Exercise with my kids at one of our neighboorhood parks

What I once had to force because I was told I needed them, I am an Epsom salt bath and body-brushing lover. But, unfortuntely and ridicously, I have not made time to do either yet. This is another habit that I have dropped and I am determined to get at least two in by the end of the Re-boot.

All in all, I love the Re-boot! It always seems to come at the perfect time for me, when my good habits have dwindled. What’s always interesting is that on the front end, it seems like it adds an extra layer of complexitiy to my life, but once I’m in it, I consistently realize how it truly simplifies my life. I am more mindful, peaceful and rested. And, I LOVE taking a break from social media. I’m not a huge fan of social media, but when I do sneak a peek, it sucks me in! So, if anyone wants to permantly boycott it with me, let me know. I’ll be happy to be the ring-leader 🙂

10-Day Reboot: Karen’s Day 5

10-Day Reboot: Cary’s Day 4

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by Cary Fyfe

Hot.Buttered.Toast. I am sorry, I am, if this causes anyone to run like a wild animal to a pantry that has no — NO — bread in it. But this is where my mind is, because of Mercy Watson, and the Earth.

No, this is not a Re-Boot-induced delirium, and it will make sense — in a very odd way — in just a moment. But first, I will share a verbal and pictorial journal of my Thursday. So sit back, grab your green smoothie, and read on…

Breakfast: grass-fed sausage and a green smoothie

Breakfast: grass-fed sausages and a green smoothie

My morning begins with me whistling a tune and frying up my grass-fed sausages, little organic pigs and turkeys that got to play freely with their friends before they were…omigosh, I can’t think about that. So while little bluebirds land on my shoulder, I add my green smoothie to the picture, because the sausages look very sad and lonely on that plate. Doesn’t my smoothie look so cute in that little mason jar?? This healthy food is so pretty, and I do feel good! Really, the best part of this for me is that my very self is taking care of, well, my very self. That does feel good, and might be just enough. BUT, while I’m on this track to watch what I put in my body, I have become aware of something not-so-pretty: I like to snack. Fine, right? Would be, but I like to comfort-snack. Quite a revelation, and why I didn’t know it before is anybody’s guess.

After my dreamy breakfast, and feeling pretty smug about how “clean” I feel, (and already thinking about what I’m going to eat next), I head off to see my first student, a darling, brown-eyed seven year-old boy. My bluebirds and I work merrily with my student, and after he does his work, I get to read out loud to him, from a book called Mercy Watson. And — warning — change of tone…MERCY WATSON BE DAMNED. The bluebirds have flown, and dark clouds gather. Freakin’ Mercy is a happily rotund pink pig, and she LOVES — sorry again — Hot Buttered Toast. My favorite comfort snack.There is, I am not joking at all, a picture of hot buttered toast on EVERY page of that blasted book.

Mercy Watson and her hot buttered toast!

Oh.My.Gosh. Seriously, it’s all I can think about now! And as I’m reading, I’m thankful I’m just reading and not having to assess or teach or anything that requires my brain to think of something other than hot buttered toast! Somehow, I make it through the session with my dignity intact, and I move on to meet my next student, a high schooler. We are studying World Cultures, and I will be safe there.

First question on the practice test is about — really, people?? — the Earth’s CRUST. So Mercy Watson be damned again, not only am I thinking about hot buttered toast, but it’s WHITE BREAD toast! That was in my lunch every day when I was a kid! That is the only “crust” that I see! I lunge across the table in a panic, aggressively grab my cranberry water, and when I see my student’s look of concern (or is it terror?), I regroup, smile, and sip that nectar like the true lady that I am. We’re back on track, and I’m going to float away to King Cranberry’s Castle, where there is no candy…or toast.

Thankfully, I make it through the rest of the day with lots of nuts and safe crunchy things that are in the book of sanctioned treats, but now — should not have agreed to write about this particular day — I am hosting my Book Club tonight. No problem, I tell myself, they’ll eat clean and won’t think a thing about it. And then the Door of Doom slams again, because these women, they love their, we love our — I’m not going to write what we love, because I’ve already tortured you with hot buttered toast. Y’all know what it is I’m talking about, don’t you? Do not run to your refrigerator, don’t do it!!

At the risk of being ejected from this Reboot, I will write one more little tidbit, about whether or not I succumbed to, um, a glass of what my Book Club pals enjoyed. I did not partake (well, I did take a sip…really, it was just a sip, ask Leslie Yzaguirre, fellow iGniter, she was there). And now I feel really, really good– not because I am denying myself treats that I love, no…that isn’t what this is about. I am, rather, taking sweet care of my body, because it houses my little spirit that has been so kind to me all these years…and I am so happy to now know, that is quite enough.

10-Day Reboot: Payton’s Day 3

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by Payton Merriman

My first iGnite experience was participating in last Spring’s Reboot. I really enjoyed how I felt after the 10 days and was able to make some changes in my diet and exercise routine that I desperately needed.

Lunch: a salad from Trader Joe’s

Well, after the summer vacations, playdates, and eating out of the summer schedule I was ready to get back on track and excited to participate in the Reboot again.

I woke up feeling very refreshed after a good night’s sleep and even felt a little less “foggy” without my morning coffee. Coffee is probably one of the things I miss the most during the Reboot. There is just something about getting lunches packed and kids out the door in the morning that is a little better with that cup of coffee in hand! I have replaced the coffee with my hot lemon water and ACV.

Snack: rice cracker with peanut butter and apples

My on-the-go snack of almonds

One aspect I have definitely had to be more prepared for is making sure when I leave in the morning that I have snacks on hand to take with me. I found that I was eating a good breakfast and then would head out on the day’s errands and would not eat until much later in the day and was overeating because I was so hungry due to the amount of time between meals.

My kids have also enjoyed the new food choices in the pantry and refrigerator.

My son Weston enjoying an avocado for breakfast

This morning for breakfast I had scrambled eggs and avocado, and my 6 year-old asked if he could have some avocado also. I was glad to cut one up to add to his meal. Again this morning as we were having a snack of hummus and carrots, my 3 year old ate almost the whole bag of carrots while he was playing — he kept coming back and asking for one more!

The most difficult aspect so far has been not being able to make it to an ignite workout this week. My kids have been home sick this week, so I have not been able to do much exercise. I hope that everyone makes it to school tomorrow and I will be at Molly’s kickboxing class.

My son Weston and I sat outside and did homework and had a snack together

Overall I am enjoying this experience and look forward to finishing out the next 7 days!

Ending the day with an Epsom salt bath

10-Day Reboot: Molly’s Day 2

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by Molly Daniels

With this being the fourth time I’ve Re-booted with iGnite, I knew what to expect, and I knew what would be easy for me and what I would crave more than ever throughout the 10 days: my Mexican food with black beans, rice, avocado, corn tortillas and chips! I know I can have everything I listed excluding the tortillas and chips, and I told myself Sunday night that I was going to be okay without going to Trudy’s (my favorite) for 10 days — this would be good for my system! I think I actually want it more now than I ever have because I know I can’t have it (it = chips). I haven’t caved…so far, so good! 😉

Snack time around 10am while working: almonds, rice crackers and hummus 😋

Day 2 was great for me. I found that I had slightly less energy than I did on day 1 and struggled to make it through the 2pm slump. I took at quick 30-minute power nap before teaching my afternoon class and felt much better. SLEEP cures all! On another hand, I already feel ‘clean’ from two days of focus — my organs, my stomach, my mind…everything feels great!

Enjoying my book before bed

I am really enjoying and appreciating the quiet time I’m having. Usually, when I’m finished with work and sit on the couch to relax before we get dinner started, I can spend several minutes mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, Facebook, Words with Friends, and Snapchat and not even realize how much time has passed and been wasted. I note that I could have spent that quality time with my husband!! Because he is away for work this week, I am taking the time to read a new book my sister gave me two weeks ago. I love to read, but shamefully admit that I spend more time on social media. My sister asked me, “Will you be finished with the book by the time I come to Austin?“, and I can now say with certainty that I will be able to give the book back to her this weekend! My mind feels more at ease, and my eyes and brain thank me for not stimulating it with bright lights right before bed.

Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs with salsa and avocado and my apple cider vinegar

One aspect I am really trying to work on is getting more protein in my diet. I am a vegetarian (but I do eat fish and all seafood), and I do not enjoy cooking. My goal for myself for these 10 days and beyond is to spend time looking through recipes to find more creative ways to incorporate protein into my meals. It’s hard for me to do, but I will make it work! I did start the day off with two scrambled eggs, which satisfied my hunger when I woke up. I’ve learned I need to carve out more time for myself in the mornings in order to fit in my protein-packed breakfast rather than grabbing a bar and running!

Our Cardio Circuit workout

We’re AWESOME! Feeling good and happy after iGnite Cardio Circuit class at Rollingwood Park

Last week I didn’t get to fit much exercise in my schedule and noticed I was grumpy because of it. Being active is (obviously) a huge part of my life and not being able to spend time with the iGnite community in classes last week (outside of my own that I teach) made me sad! Knowing we are encouraged to exercise 4 days per week and spend time outside (and with friends!), I enjoyed a challenging and FUN class with Kathleen yesterday morning and 18 of my friends! It started my day on the right foot, I felt strong and proud and left with a smile on my face.

Day 3, here we come! We’ve got this!

the iGnite blog

Body + Mind + Spirit

Tag Archives: cleanse

12-Day Reboot: Amy’s Day 4

10-Day Reboot: Allison’s Day 10

10-Day Reboot: Trina’s Day 9

10-Day Reboot: Paige’s Day 8

10-Day Reboot: Chelsea’s Day 7

10-Day Reboot: Neissa’s Day 6

10-Day Reboot: Karen’s Day 5

10-Day Reboot: Cary’s Day 4

10-Day Reboot: Payton’s Day 3

10-Day Reboot: Molly’s Day 2

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