Every January, after a holiday filled with eating and drinking everything in sight, I do a month long cleanse. No gluten, no yeast, no sugar, no alcohol, no dairy, no caffeine, no vinegar. It is basically the candida diet with a few additions. I do allow myself one piece of fruit a day, goat milk plain yogurt and, occasionally, corn and potatoes. What you end up with is a diet primarily consisting of protein, legumes, gluten-free grains, and vegetables.

The first week is tough but by the end of the month, I feel fantastic. I shed those extra pounds I gained during the holiday, increase my energy, rejuvenate my skin and clear my head. Once you get the hang of knowing the foods you can eat and simple dishes you can make, it really isn’t so bad. This time around, I was having some trouble coming up with quick yet satisfying breakfast options. Fortunately, my sister Ashley James came to the rescue with a delicious green smoothie. Easy to make, a little sweet and very filling. Enjoy!