A lot of you will know I did a cleanse in September-October last year. The after effects of that cleanse lasted many, many months – my good habits in place until winter took hold this year. Wanting to lead into the  year-end with energy and feeling fabulous, I’m about to embark on the same cleanse again.

Thus the menu planning. High protein, low carbohydrate, no refined sugar, no alcohol. I haven’t had coffee for five weeks, so at least my headache will be a little less hideous for the first few weeks.

As I type this I’m having my last supper of sorts … crackers with marintated feta, a generous gin and tonic, to be followed by some milk chocolate golden rough {chocolate with coconut for the uninitiated}.

Needless to say, Tasty Tuesday over the next few weeks will probably consist of me doctoring sugary dessert recipes so that they are gluten, sugar and dairy-free. I’m so glad I’ve become a lover of the chia pudding. I made a couple of other versions this week, and I think they may just get me through my evening need for something sweet. Paws crossed at least.

Savory meals though? Sorted. It’s just gotten really warm here, so a monstrous bowl of salad is always easier to eat in this weather. But a girl needs more than salad, no matter how varied and how many fun things are in it to give it taste and crunch.

Pinterest to the rescue. These are now all on my menu plan for the next month.

Roasted Acorn Squash and Apples with Quinoa, Kale, and Tahini Maple Dressing {I realise this is a Fall/Thanksgiving recipe, but I think it would be delicious cold the next day}

Vegan spring rolls with spicy peanut sauce

Roasted vegetable tart with eggplant crust

Corn fritters.

Oh yeah, yum.

If you’re interested in finding out how you too can head into year-end lighter and with boundless energy, leave a message below or send me an email – doghousedesign@hotmail.com.