In Week 2 of my cleanse, and the food restrictions are forcing me to get creative in the kitchen. I’m actually having a lot of fun.

Or I’m hallucinating from the hunger.

Either way, I think these photos say it all. Good, clean food can be delicious (and colorful)!

The top photo is part of this week’s more intensive detox. It is mostly vegetables, with a nice big serving of basmati rice. I sauteed some portabello mushrooms in olive oil with garlic, onions, red peppers, cumin and crushed red pepper flake. Also on the plate is a quick guacamole, cabbage (sprinkled with lime juice), chopped tomatoes and a wedge of lime. 

This second photo is of some doctored-up black beans and brown rice. I made the beans in my slow-cooker, so they were nice and soft and flavorful. I added some chopped baked sweet potato, more avocado, more red cabbage and tomatoes. The whole thing is sprinkled with lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. You know what it really needed? Some cilantro. Can’t wait until it really pops up in the garden!

Cleansing. It really is torture.