Zach Cole

The Post-Holiday Detox

Going home for the holiday season is always delightful, to say the least. However, I find that when I surround myself strictly with family and friends, I tend to let myself go. Add that to the stress of finals, work, and general lack of motivation to go to the gym, my post-holiday, pre-Chicago body is certainly in need of a little work.

Salvation this year came in the most recent issue of Woman’s World. Mock the source all you want, but this is the very same publication that turned me onto the fabulous (and effective) shake diet.

So, what does said detox entail? Let’s find out …

Breakfast

1/2 C. plain, low-fat Greek yogurt (I prefer Yoplait of Fage)

1/2 C. berries

a pinch of ginger (I think I’ll be using fresh)

Snack

1 hard-boiled egg

6 cherry tomatoes or baby carrots

Lunch

3 oz. broiled/poached chicken breast (or 1/2 can no-salt-added tuna … ick!)

3 C. tossed salad

2 tsp. olive oil (mixed with vinegar, cayenne pepper, and herbs to taste)

Snack

15 raw, unsalted almonds or 22 unsalted pistachios

Dinner

4 oz. wild salmon

1/2 Tbs. olive oil + herbs and lemon juice

2 C. steamed spinach + corriander / tumeric

1/2 C. roasted sweet potato

**All meals and snacks are to also be consumed with 8 oz. of coffee or green tea and 10 oz. of water. Artificial sweeteners and salt are to be avoided.

The diet promises a loss of around 4 lbs. a day … we’ll see just how effective this detox will be.

Chicago (and 2011) … here I come!

Going Greek.

Not sure why I haven’t posted this lovely recipe sooner - but it is definitely one of my favorites.

Greek Yogurt à la Zach Cole

6 oz. greek yogurt (I use Yoplait)
A handful of chopped, dried apricots
A small handful of chopped, toasted almonds
A drizzle of Agave Nectar
1/2 c. fiber one (original) - for added fiber and crunch, if you so please

Not only is this packed with protein, simple sugars, fiber, and good fats - it is also absolutely delicious.  The tartness of the yogurt paired with the sweetness of the apricots and agave is absolutely wonderful, not to mention the slight crunchy, salty element added by the almonds.  A harmonious medley of flavors for sure!