“I’m revving my RENO engine!” quote from a Cleanse participant.
We did it! We launched another new product, the Eat-Clean Diet® 4-Week Cleanse and it’s been as exhilarating as delivering a brand new baby – which it kind of is, since it took months to create and develop. We didn’t have a name picked out for our newest addition, until hours before having the final product in our hands. You now know what the end result is, and you even helped choose the cover look.
We have had our moments, too. It was high, it was fun and it was energetic. The team who worked so diligently on this experienced numerous sleepless nights, working their magic both in front of and behind the computer. We emailed, texted, hung out on Google, shared documents and pretty much lived in each other’s heads for weeks. We popped champagne for toasts with Eat-Clean Ambassadors and friends, Marilyn and Esther, and co-author and naturopathic doctor, Dr. Rachel, for the launch. Live Facebook events have come and gone and now, with thousands on board, we are deep into the heart of the matter.
We have noticed some nervousness among you, in higher volumes than what we have seen in the other Tosca Reno Challenges. Today’s blog is all about giving you that extra hit of confidence and making the nervous jitters go away.
I recognize that for many of you, this is your first cleanse experience so it is natural to have some qualms. However, it is essential that we remain grounded and trust in the experience Dr. Rachel and I have created for you. It will not help us to let the wildness prevail. Trust the beautiful program that is there to give you structure and guidance all the way. Let it speak for itself. Don’t try to outdo or overdo. Start the Cleanse when we suggest – on October 19th. There is no rush. This is a time to draw in, to luxuriate in looking after oneself, to calm down, to trust, to reflect and to stop. Stop the busy-ness of life. Stop. Breathe.
I want to encourage you all to start the Cleanse when we suggest. Let’s do this together. How can you Cleanse though Canadian Thanksgiving? I won’t be doing that. Let us carry you through on the specified date. If we keep going off all over the place we will miss the beauty of completing the journey together. There is a great richness in our community. Just look what happened with Strike Sugar and Fitness Commitment. Our community of energy and love was unbelievable.
Trust that what the Dr. Rachel and I have built is a program that normally would call for a cost of well over a hundred or more dollars. We have given you this to help yourselves and we gave you our souls. The program will be increasing in price because it isn’t right to cheapen its’ worth. We are collectively spending hours online assisting with questions and support. Many programs don’t offer that.
We also wanted to spend some time clarifying some issues that have come to our attention since the Cleanse launched. We have to admit that we are as disappointed as you that there are some edits that did not get cleared up before we launched. But, we are human, and we do make errors from time to time. Keep these for your reference.
BUILD YOUR OWN DINNERS AND LUNCHES:
These are opportunities to flex your newfound cleansing muscles. Generally we give you the guidelines of how to build your meal based on the Macronutrient Guidelines we have provided. You can select a protein, fat and complex carb from the list of acceptable cleanse foods and create your meal. It gives you the chance to show off and try out your own cooking skills. We await the results. Send pics. Post them. Shout out to your talent! See pages 218 & 219 for a refresher on macros, portion sizes and how to put your Eat-Clean meal together.
Also, you’ll notice there is a typo for Week 1 Tuesday, Meal 3. It should read “leftover PORTUGUESE KALE AND CELERY ROOT SOUP”.
THE WHY of the NO LIST:
When performing a cleanse the idea is to create less stress for the digestive and processing organs. Think of it like not loading your kitchen sink garburator with corn husks and avocado pits. If you do that you plug up the entire system. We are not doing that. We are serving up healthy foods that do not overly tax the system. When we ask you to avoid the foods on the NO list this is because they are the foods that tend to cause the most inflammation, or that people are often highly sensitive and/or allergic to them. Unfortunately, a lot of these foods are also the most heavily genetically modified and/or pesticide heavy. In short these are the most challenging foods for our body so let’s give them a pass for the moment.
THE RECIPES
Our trusty Eat-Clean Ambassador and friend, Esther, did me a huge favour and re-tested some of the recipes that seemed to be giving folks a bit of trouble. I was in Halifax for my daughter Chelsea’s, graduation and could not stand in front of a stove to do it myself. Props to Esther. Here are her findings:
The Pots – Quinoa, Ginger Sesame Chicken Noodle, Miso Kelp Noodle, Curried Kelp Noodle
These little gems are easy to make and pack a delicious punch. Esther agreed that after I posted on Facebook about putting the pots in 4 cup Mason jars and adding enough boiling hot water to fill, that most of the confusion dissipated. I’m so glad because they are super easy to make and take with you on the road or to work. Fill the jars up, absolutely stuff them with Eat Clean, Cleanse approved ingredients. If you want more flavour don’t be shy to hit them up with citrus juice, especially lime, and USS – unrefined sea salt. Even fresh herbs from the Cleanse food list are fabulous in these pots.
Pumpkin Walnut Scones
These are delicious little goodies made better with the abundance of pumpkin in the fall. I’m contented knowing I can eat pumpkin on this Cleanse. But Dr. Rachel did help us adjust this recipe as did Esther and we have a slight modification that should improve the texture problems some of you reported. Dr. Rachel suggested increasing both flour quantities to 3 cups each. So there will be 3 cups brown rice flour and 3 cups almond flour or meal. Baking time can be increased to 30 minutes as well if you find you need more time.
Pumpkin Almond Pancakes
Esther tested the pancakes for us and found there was a bit of adjusting necessary. So much so that we just reworked the entire thing. When originally testing it worked out just fine, but for some reason it’s not happening anymore. What we’d like you to keep in mind is that pumpkin and flax eggs can be finicky. Since we don’t want to remove the pumpkin (that’s the whole point of the recipe), we decided to remove the flax eggs instead. Pumpkin can make these pancakes seem like they are not cooked through, so be wary of that. There will also be a difference between using canned pumpkin puree and homemade pumpkin puree. Phew! Okay.
Prep Time: 30 minutes to roast pumpkin if using home made pumpkin puree + 15 minutes to assemble including rest time
Cook Time: 3 minutes per side or until cooked through
Yield: makes about 6 – 8 pancakes
Servings: 2, 3 – 4 pancake servings
Ingredients:
3/4 – 1 cup nut milk of your choice
1 Tbsp ACV
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 Tbsp coconut or olive oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch USS
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp baking powder (without aluminum)
1/2 tsp baking soda (without aluminum)
1 scoop protein powder of your choice
1/2 cup oat flour
1/2 cup almond meal
Method:
- Combine nut milk with ACV. Set aside until milk curdles, about 5 minutes.
- Combine wet ingredients in one bowl.
- Combine dry ingredients in another.
- Combine wet and dry and mix until just combined. Let batter rest about 5 minutes.
- Add more milk if too thick. Add more flour if too wet.
- Heat griddle to medium high or high temp.
- Ladle out batter using a 1/8 cup measure.
- Let pancakes cook until bubbles form.
- Flip and repeat.
Zucchini Walnut Bread
This is a great recipe made all the better with the walnuts, which, we regret, we forgot to include in the recipe itself. It’s actually quite amazing how often this happens in recipe reaction. Somehow one key little ingredient escapes! Please add 1 cup raw, unsalted walnuts if desired. Walnuts are wonderful for the libido, so maybe that will prompt you to put them in the batter. Smile! I’m thinking of how to make your life better everywhere even in the bedroom.
The yield on the Zucchini Walnut Bread is one loaf or twelve slices. You can bake your loaf, slice and freeze so that you will have plenty on hand when needed.
The kale/turkey sausage soup makes a lot of servings but they don’t seem to be accounted for during week 1. Is it to be frozen and used for a different week? My attempt at the zucchini loaf failed. I tried to squeeze the water out of the zucchini but not enough unfortunately. Is it ok to freeze the protein balls?
Hello Terina.
Welcome aboard! I’m so pleased to be working with you.
This is a hearty and full soup. There is plenty to freeze so you can make a batch and store the leftovers.
People do love it. And yes the power balls can be frozen.
I am here for your support my friend.
Warmly,
Tosca
Thank you Tosca. I am enjoying trying new ingredients as well, such as figs which I have never had before. The fig pudding is delicious. As well, I had sent a Facebook request for your 4 week cleanse page and I have not been accepted as of yet. Hopefully soon so I can communicate with other members. Thank you for planning the meals as it takes out all the guesswork for me and encourages me to stick to the PLAN!!!
I have made it without coffee, so, far, I am starting to miss it a little bit,… I am feeling a sort of itchy throat, runny nose , like allergies , I don’t know if it’s seasonal or due to the cleanse..
I have had some trouble finding certain ingredients, like figs of all things!! and Nori noodles, but I am making due.
My Zucchini Paleo bread looked horrid , but tasted great, so I made it more of a casserole,.. yep it was that mushy! Warm it up and added walnuts, I liked it!
Hello Laurieann.
I am with you! Missing coffee but more for the social aspect than the coffee I realize.
I love your flexibility and inventiveness in the kitchen. Zucchini walnut casserole!
Best to you,
Tosca
Hi! I am nursing my baby now. Why is this diet not recommended while nursing? I’m out searching for an ‘eat clean’ diet plan that I can follow. What do you suggest?
Hello January.
Congratulations on your baby!
Perhaps give yourself some time to settle in with the baby and try the Cleanse in a year.
If you would like to try an Eat Clean plan that’s good for you and your baby and your family, try Strike Sugar. I built it so families could understand how much there is to eat that doesn’t contain sugar.
Warmly,
Tosca
I am finding the cooking and prep daunting especially as I am so tired. My headache finally went away today!
My “pot” meals are awful and I eat everything! My fig dessert was not thick but yummy. My bread was
delicious but came out all crumbly unable to cut. I do cook and bake I am feeling a bit deflated.
I will keep on going as I have bought all the ingredients!
Hello Pamela.
Well this Cleanse has certainly been a learning experience for all. When undertaking a Cleanse there is an implicit understanding that food from the grocery store won’t qualify and that there is some cooking and food prep involved. That is the nature of a cleanse.
That said I accept the responsibility for any errors that exist in the program. We are editing all week and putting out edits shortly.
With regard to the pot meals, many people love them, some don’t. Taste is a personal thing.
As for the dessert, I had made mine with homemade nut milk and the result was thick enough to stand a spoon in it. I think there is less water in home made nut milk. To improve the consistency of this recipe, use twice the amount of chia seeds.
We have posted several tips for improving the bread. Squeeze the zucchini well. Let the flax eggs sit. Let the batter sit. Let it bake longer in the over. I added 30 more minutes to the baking time and placed a sheet of parchment paper on top during the last 30 minutes of baking.
I hope these tips help.
I apologize for any inconvenience or frustration.
Warmly,
Tosca
Help…my zucchini bread flopped – it’s went concave. Any tips for round 2? Thx.
Hello Mia.
The zucchini loaf is a bit wet. I baked it on Sunday and found that I had to squeeze the zucchini very hard to get all the moisture out. I baked it for another 30 minutes and placed parchment paper on top of the loaves during the last 30 minutes of baking. This helped a lot. It is a moist loaf. Some people have found it easier to make muffins.
Hope this works.
Tosca
Hi Tosca, Love your blog so much! I have done the Strike Sugar challenge and am now doing the Cleanse with everyone. I have made the Zucchini Walnut loaf twice and didn’t have good luck either time. Really wet (even with extra baking time), and doesn’t rise at all – sinks instead. I have squeezed the water out of the zucchini as much as I can. Maybe I need more flour. Looking for help please. Thank you Tosca for your support always! P.S. Loved the Gorgeous Greens Smoothie this morning!
I just tries the gorgeous greens smoothie and WOW!! I was all prepared to have to” gag “it down but it was such a pleasant surprise!! I felt like I was drinking cake batter with none of the bad stuff in it! Great way to start the cleanse diet! Now ,…if I can make it without coffee the entire day that will be the miracle of all miracles!!
**TRIED
So happy to hear it. I too enjoy the taste and the good feeling of all those greens in my system.
TR
The zucchini loaf is quite moist. I made it on Sunday. Try squeezing all the water out of the zucchini and baking a bit longer. I baked my loaves for another 30 minutes with a sheet of parchment paper on top for good measure.
TR
Just another question regarding the meal plans. Is it ok to have the same meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) two or three times a week, replacing the recommended recipe? For example, I don’t have time to make a smoothie in the morning, can I replace the smoothie with the zucchini walnut bread and have that two mornings in a row? Thank you for your help!
Hi Lori. You can eat on repeat as much as you like.
Tosca, what do you suggest if you have to go out to dinner – someone’s home or a restaurant?
Hello Nancy.
Thank you girl. You bring up a good question. When we go out for dinner or a friend’s home, we are often at the mercy of whatever is in “their” hands. The best strategy I have ever come up with is to offer to bring a dish of your liking to your friend’s home, as long as that person doesn’t find that offensive. Otherwise, navigate the offerings and eat as you normally would. You can get back on track the next day.
The same applies to restaurant situations. Do your best to stick to clean options and eat always eat more vegetables. Steer clear of combinations of things especially if you don’t know what is in that mixture. Keep your food pared down and clean. OR, call it your treat day and get back on track the next day.
Warmly,
Tosca
Tosca, is is OK to build most of your meals using the protein/fat/complex carb ratio rather than following the specific recipes outlined in the menu with following the approved guidelines on the ‘Yes’ foods list?
Thank you,
Joanie
Hello Joanie.
You are welcome to build your meals your own way but my caution and it’s a big one, is that you must consume the cleansing foods at every meal. We have created the recipes and menu plan to do exactly that.
Let us know you how make out! I look forward to hearing about your journey.
Warmly,
Tosca
I will be starting on the 19th as well
Fabulous! See you there and then!
Thanks so much for the update & Inspiration 🙂 here we go!
Let’s rock and roll!
Thank you Tosca and your team! Your hard work is truly appreciated! I can’t wait to start!!
My team and I are so proud and pleased to be helping you. This is going to be one amazing experience for all of us.
Here we go!
Tosca
Will these updates be done in the book as well to make it easier when looking for it?
Hello Seraphine.
We are looking at how to accomplish this. I want to make this as easy as possible for everyone, myself included. For sure I will keep you posted.
Warmly,
Tosca
Thank you soooooo much Tosca’s!!!! You are a rockstar! I really appreciate all your help!!!
Happy to do it!
xo
Tosca
Thank you’ I’ts very appreciateed.
My pleasure!
So is the book ready to be downloaded?
Hello Angela.
You should have received your link some days ago. Go ahead and check your shopping cart or email and look for the email with the link to the download.
Let me know!
Tosca
Glad we’re not starting for a week, need to organize
Me too girl! What with Thanksgiving, showings for my house and work obligations …. I just needed more time.
Cheers,
Tosca
Thank you for all the hard work!
I love lifting heavy my friend!
Big thanks to all of you for working through this! Your passion is amazing! Really looking forward to starting.
I am most on fire when I have productive and beneficial work to do.
Feeling energized!
Tosca
This is wonderful Tosca, thank you and for the Team! Happy cleanse! 🙂
I am looking forward to doing this now. And I’m so glad to be doing it with you.
Warmly,
Tosca
You and your team’s generosity of time, knowledge and compassion just keeps on growing. Thank you for your commitment to all of us.
Our greatest wish is to be of service. I am driven to do just that.
See you during the Cleanse! It is going to fabulous!
Warmly,
Tosca
Thanks so much!! Appreciate the heads up!!
It is my pleasure!
I apprececiate all your time and dedication, Tosca and Esther!!
We are so happy to be of service. The goal is to help everyone achieve optimal health.
Let’s do it together!
Tosca
Ladies your support is greatly appreciated and calmingly felt. (is that a word?)
I will take your word – “charmingly” – and see you a “cleansingly” wonderful experience.
My computer tried to autocorrect me on that one!
Warmly,
Tosca
Thank you!
It is our pleasure!
Thank you!!!
With gratitude!
Thanks Tosca and crew! This was a massive undertaking and “stuff happens”, not to worry. Thanks for filling in the blanks. I’m counting the days and getting everything ready so I can hit the ground running on the 19th! Love you and all that you stand for and do for us. You’re truly a blessing.
Sheri
Hello Sheri.
Yes, for some reason this felt like a great deal more effort and frustration. Ultimately I know we will provide a powerful experience for everyone because our goal is nothing less than that. I put my own time on the line in order to deliver something life changing.
Thank you for your support.
Tosca
Thank you!
With pleasure!
Thanks Tosca,
I’m still reading the book I planed on starting on the 18th. I thought I was losing it when I read the walnut zucchini bread without the nuts.!
And do you feel better now? I sure hope so! Walnuts optional – in or out, the recipe shmeks!
Tosca
Tosca,
Thank you for your dedication and the time you all put into this cleanse to aid in our cleansing success! Have an amazing day!!!
Thanks Charlene. I can’t wait to get rolling. I predict there are going to be some life changing moments shared amongst the Cleanse participants.
Much success!
Tosca
Wonderful, thank you Tosca and Esther. I’m ready to give these another try. You ladies are ALL so appreciated.
Warmly,
Donna in Calgary
Thank you for the updates! Thank you for the cleanse!
Glad to be doing this Cleanse with this amazing group of folks!
Next week!
Tosca
Thank you SO MUCH! This will be most helpful!
With pleasure Donna!
See you in the Cleanse.
Tosca
My pleasure Sue.