TLS Detox Week 1: Stuffed Mushrooms

Have you ever heard of Transitions Lifestyle System? I hadn't until this past fall when two of my sisters and my cousin all joined this breakthrough weight loss program. My cousin lost 31 lbs in the 12 week program that cuts out carbs and sugars, and has since lost an additional 25 lbs. That is 56 pounds!! She went from a size 12 to a size 2 and has now decided to become a coach for the program along with one of my sisters who also lost 30 lbs.

Who can say no to a "family discount" on weight loss coaching that is going to do nothing but better my health? NOT ME :) I signed up for the 12 week program that consists of weekly group meetings for support (with the coaches), 4 week weigh ins, online support, and a "starter kit" with vitamins, supplements and a journal. I am going to document my progress over the next 12 weeks on this blog which will also include recipe ideas!

The TLS weight loss system focuses on the glycemic index, which is a system for measuring how quickly different foods allow the sugar they contain to spread into the blood. I'll get into more detail of that once I learn it at the weekly classes.

To start off this journey we must put our bodies through detox. It may sound scary and an impossible feat, but it really has not been that bad so far. For 7 days you are to cleanse your system by eating only fruits and vegetables, so that means no fats, carbs, artificial sugars...you get the idea. And it is best to not eat fruit in the morning because of the natural sugars they contain. It can be quite tricky figuring out what to have for breakfast! I have found a good combo that is working for me: 1 can low sodium V8 juice with a handful of grape tomatoes and a handful of chopped cucumbers. Warm lemon water first thing in the morning is a great way to start off the day! Spices are your best friend during detox to keep your food from being bland/boring, which could lead to cheating if you don't feel satisfied. A few people in the group have mentioned feeling weak or shaky from the lack of protein, so it is ok to add a 3oz portion to dinner, but only if you think you might die. And I'm pretty sure no one is going to drop dead from eating all natural foods.

Oh and I should mention.....NO ALCOHOL FOR 30 DAYS. Yikes. I do like my wine - *sad face*

Next week we will be receiving our "starter kits" and will be able to introduce protein back into our diets.

Now for a detox recipe!

Detox Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients:
6 small/medium portobello mushroom caps (stems removed)
1 zucchini, diced
1/2 cup diced yellow pepper
1 med. red onion, diced
4 cloves garlic (approx. 6 tsp minced) remember how I love garlic??
3 cups organic baby spinach
1/2 cup grape tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp low sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp Mrs. Dash no salt added Garlic & Herb seasoning
1/4 cup water (to wilt spinach)


Directions:
Preheat your over to 350° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the mushrooms cavity side up on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes until almost cooked through. Remove from oven and set aside. In a large skillet combine the zucchini, pepper, onion and garlic and saute over med/high heat for 5 mins or until everything is tender. *Note no oil/fats are allowed during detox so you can expect some sticking to your pan! Add the soy sauce, seasoning, water and spinach to the pan. Bring to a simmer and allow spinach to wilt. Finally, add the tomatoes in to the stir fry (I do this at the end so they don't turn into mush) and remove from heat. Scoop the veggie mixture into each of the mushroom caps and bake for an additional 10 minutes to combine flavors. Enjoy!

Happy Detoxing!!