Weight Loss & Detox That’s Right Up My Alley

Detox With Greens

This kinda detox and weight loss regime is right up my alley – eat as much as you like of a dish you really enjoy, and lose weight. I’m in!

After packing on the summer and labor day BBQ pounds, I felt sluggish and overweight – just not at my best or comfort level. I decided to detox using southern style greens. Yes, greens as in, turnip, mustard, and collard greens. After dining out way too much, my body was screaming for any vegetables in sight. This approach and diet, just kinda came to me out of my cravings for green leafy veggies…and quickly, please.

A southern staple in the vegetable domain, greens (most popular being collard, kale, mustard and turnip greens) are packed with boosting antioxidants like beta carotene, which can protect your skin and lower risk factors of diabetes. Greens are also a great source of several B vitamins, including thiamine (B1,) niacin (B3,) and pyridoxine (B6.)

These greens are “very nutrient dense, says dietitian, Daphne Olivier. They’re loaded with the fat-soluble vitamins, A and K, and are also a good non-dairy source of calcium, and a host of other phytonutrients which, come to find out, enhances liver function.” A detox and fat soluble – wow.

Week 1, I mixed turnip and mustard greens, slowed cooked them with smoked pork until the lean meat fell off the bones. With the perfect smoked flavor & seasonings, I ate greens at least twice a day, sometimes three times, for a full 5 days. A couple of times, I ate boiled eggs for more protein and to take a break for breakfast, but I didn’t tire of the greens. I could eat them for breakfast too; some cultures do.

At the end of a busy, yet sedentary week, I’d lost 3-4 pounds to include a good digestive cleanse. I’m being cautious here. It was great! This is without exercising. Walking is usually my go to exercise/cardio for weight management, but I wasn’t motivated. I was too focused on a work project. Did I ever cheat, you ask? Ab-so-lute-ly! I had a couple of my favorite ice cream drumsticks for desert. The second weeks’ results with collard and mustard greens, were the same – down 3-4 pounds. KaChing!

So, in total, I’m down around eight (8) pounds to a number I haven’t seen since last year. No shit…stubborn fat gone. I’m now on the third week of greens, after taking a short break, usually over weekends.

There are umpteen Southern Greens recipes out there. Just search, but here’s my seasoning secrets. One of BFFs introduced me to Goya’s Ham Flavored packets; add two. Even with smoked meat, Goya boosts the southern flavor nicely. I also add powdered roasted garlic, smoked paprika, seasoned salt (your fav), a palm-full of crushed red peppers and black pepper.

*Be careful with the amount of sodium/salt used.