The No Date Detox

Okay, so the picture here makes it look like I’m on a man-hating mission – but I assure you, I’m not. It’s just that I’ve decided that I’m going on a detox…The No Date Detox. I realize this might sound a little radical coming from the girl who writes about love and sex but it’s for the best. Formulated by, Kristen Gale who told me about her No Crush Detox, I thought I’d take it a step further and eliminate where the crush may even begin…the date. Here are the guidelines I must adhere to:

SAY NO TO: Dates of any kind, being set up by friends, accepting drinks from men, giving and receiving numbers, throwing on my dimples for Mr. Potentials or accepting to read any books from friends on the rules of dating or what men really want.

SAY YES TO: Italy, working on my projects, cooking, laughing and being lighter, running more, staying focused and continuing to write so that I move forward on getting what I really want.

God, this is beginning to sound like a New Year’s Resolution. I promise you that I won’t start talking to myself in the mirror…

SIDE EFFECTS INCLUDE: cravings for the opposite sex, temptations to accept dates, excuses like, this isn’t a date, we’re just going out as friends, and butterflies that appear to be on a combination of speed and steroids in the abdominal cavity when approached by cute Mr. Potentials. So if I slip and begin to bite the corners of my lip and flirt, then I need to remember to walk away…

Walk away from the sugar bun Melissa, just walk away from the treat in front of you.

So to satisfy my sweet craving and give myself a little love, I thought I’d make myself a little treat…

BEET IT LOVE
3 organic beets (red & white) cut into thin wedges
2 tbsp ginger
1 tbsp ghee
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp cinnamon
Handful walnuts & sunflower seeds
Pinch sea salt
Preheat oven to 425F.
Wrap all ingredients (except for the nuts and maple syrup) in parchment paper and tightly secure into a pouch. Bake for 45 minutes and unwrap and leave under the broiler on low (make sure the oven rack is mid way or on the lower part of the oven) for an additional 10 minutes and add in walnuts and maple syrup.

Serves 1 -2.
You’ll notice I’ve used both red and white beets here. I’ve done this for both esthetic purposes and also to utilize varying nutritional profiles. The red has more of an affinity to our blood, while the white has more of an affinity to our lungs based on Chinese Medical philosophy. Our lungs control respiration and opens up to our skin. This is probably why white beets are used naturally for issues like dandruff. In most detox formulas, you’ll see that beets also play a role. This likely has to do with its ability to purify the blood and aid the liver. It strengthens the heart which is where our joy originates from and helps to sedate the spirit (in a good way). When we feel agitated and nervous, beets help to promote circulation and move stagnated emotions that are logged in our system. Perfect sweet and sexy food.