Prepping for the Cleanse: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Hello, friends! As we continue on our New Year’s Cleanse journey, it’s time to talk about the next crucial step—prepping for success. If you’re anything like me, you know that setting yourself up properly before starting a cleanse makes all the difference between smooth sailing and feeling overwhelmed.
The prep stage is where you gather your tools, your ingredients, and your intention. It’s a chance to plan ahead so that you’re not left scrambling when you’re in the midst of the cleanse. Think of it as putting together your garden tools before you start planting—having what you need on hand makes everything feel so much easier. So, let’s get prepared!
Why Prep is Essential
During this cleanse, we’re focusing on eating whole, unprocessed foods that support our health and help detoxify our bodies. That means we need to be ready to make some of our staples from scratch. It might sound like a lot of work, but I promise you, it’s worth it.
Prepping ahead means that when the cleanse begins, you’re not left staring at an empty fridge or feeling tempted by something less healthy. Instead, you’ll have your homemade salad mix, freshly made dressings, and flavorful broth ready to go. It’s all about making the process as seamless and enjoyable as possible—because food should always bring joy!
Preparing Your Salad Mix
Let’s start with the simplest but most important part: salad mix. I like to prepare my base salad mix at the beginning of the week, but only enough to last for about seven days. Anything longer, and those beautiful greens can start to wilt.
When prepping salad mix, I like to keep it simple. I use a blend of different lettuces, greens, and cabbages—these are the base that stays fresh and crisp. I avoid adding things like onions, celery, or carrots directly into the mix, as they tend to make the salad go bad more quickly. Instead, I chop those veggies fresh when I’m ready to eat. It keeps everything tasting vibrant and avoids any soggy surprises!
Homemade Essentials
One thing that really elevates this cleanse is making some of your pantry staples from scratch. Yes, you can buy certain items, but making them at home means you know exactly what’s in them—no added sugars, preservatives, or sneaky ingredients. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about creating these essentials yourself. Here are a few items I always prepare:
Homemade Mayo: If you haven’t made your own mayo before, you’re in for a treat. It’s fresh, creamy, and free from unwanted additives. (Check out the recipe at the end of this post!)
Bone Broth: A good bone broth is a staple during the cleanse. It’s comforting, full of nutrients, and perfect for sipping during those fasting periods. I make a big batch that lasts for the week—it’s like a warm hug in a mug.
Vinaigrette: Having a delicious vinaigrette on hand makes eating salad every day a delight rather than a chore. A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and herbs works wonders. I like to make enough for several days, so I can just drizzle and go.
Tips for Grocery Shopping
Before the cleanse officially begins, make sure you have everything you need in your kitchen. Here are some of my favorite tips for grocery shopping during the cleanse:
Stick to Whole Foods
Shop the perimeter of the grocery store—this is where you’ll find fresh produce, eggs, and other unprocessed items. Avoid the inner aisles where most processed foods live. Remember, we’re aiming to fill our bodies with natural, nutrient-dense foods.Make a List and Stick to It
Making a grocery list is a must. Write down exactly what you need for the week, from fresh greens to avocados to herbs and spices. Stick to your list to avoid getting distracted by items that don’t serve your goals for the cleanse.Plan for Success
Think about what you’re most likely to crave and make sure you have a healthy substitute on hand. If you’re used to snacking, stock up on cucumber slices, celery sticks, or roasted nuts. Having those ready makes it easier to make the right choice when hunger strikes.
Setting Up Your Kitchen
A well-prepped kitchen is a happy kitchen. During this cleanse, we’re focusing on simplicity and intentionality, so I like to clear out some space and make room for the ingredients and tools I’ll be using.
Clear Out Processed Foods: If possible, remove processed or sugary foods from your pantry and fridge. Out of sight, out of mind! Instead, keep fresh, cleanse-friendly foods in plain view.
Prep Tools: Have your tools ready—things like mason jars for storage, a sharp knife, a blender or food processor, and your salad spinner. A salad spinner might sound frivolous, but it’s honestly a lifesaver for keeping those greens crisp and ready.
Recipe Highlight: Homemade Bone Broth
Bone broth is an essential part of my cleanse routine. It’s packed with minerals, easy on the digestion, and the perfect thing to sip on during those chilly winter evenings.
Ingredients:
2-3 lbs bones (chicken, beef, or a mix)
2 carrots, roughly chopped
2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
1 onion, quartered
3 cloves garlic
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Water
Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme)
Instructions: Place the bones, vegetables, garlic, and vinegar in a large stockpot. Cover with water and let sit for 30 minutes. Bring to a boil, skim off any foam, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for at least 12-24 hours (the longer, the better!). Add herbs in the last hour of cooking. Strain, cool, and store in jars. Sip and enjoy!
Prepping for the New Year’s Cleanse is all about setting yourself up for success and making things as easy as possible for your future self. By preparing your salad mix, making homemade essentials, and stocking your kitchen with the right foods, you’re taking all the guesswork out of the process—and setting yourself up for an enjoyable cleanse.
So, let’s get prepping! Pull out those mason jars, stock up on greens, and get ready to make this cleanse a smooth and delightful experience. I’m here with you every step of the way—happy prepping, friends!
