I started the Advocare 24-Day Challenge last week. If you’re not familiar with the program, it’s a twenty-four day comprehensive supplementation and nutrition program designed to give your body the jump start it needs to help you reach your goals (weight loss, energy, and/or overall wellness). It starts with a ten-day cleanse eating whole foods and grains while eliminating dairy, coffee, sugar, and processed carbs. (Don’t be scared off by the no coffee part. They offer a great Spark drink.) The second phase continues the same eating plan while adding in a small amount of dairy and whole grain carbs. My husband lost 18 pounds last month on the Challenge (Angela’s husband lost 14 pounds) and has kept it off so I’m eager to see what the results will be like for me.
As a mom of three picky eaters I need to find meals that fit in the plan but not require me to make separate meals at 5 pm. I would also like to continue eating this way after the 24-Day Challenge is finished so finding recipes that please every palate is a must.
Here’s what’s for dinner at my house this week:
Monday — Quinoa Patties with roasted cauliflower and chicken sausage — I make the quinoa patties with almond flour and take out the cheese. I’ve also made a Mexican version with salsa and green chiles.
Tuesday — Simple Roast Chicken, quinoa salad with baby spinach, sliced almonds, and balsamic vinaigrette
Wednesday — Chicken & rice soup with lots of veggies; grilled cheese for the kids
Thursday — Dinner club with friends. We’re good friends so it won’t be rude for me to ask what they are having and bring food as needed.
Friday — Asian turkey meatballs with brown rice (huge hit in our house)
Saturday — Turkey meatloaf with cauliflower mashed potatoes. Yea! I will be in the second phase of the Challenge and can start eating a bit of dairy. Cauliflower mashed potatoes are two Yukon Gold potatoes boiled with half a head of cauliflower then pureed with butter and milk.
Sunday — Italian turkey sausage with marinara sauce over roasted veggies; add noodles for the kids
If you’re looking for more whole foods meal inspiration or learn more about Advocare and the 24 Day Challenge, check out my Facebook page!
Find more great recipes on Frugal Living NW! Find more frugal homemaking posts here. Find past menu plans here.
What are you making for dinner this week? Be sure to leave a link to any recipes in the comments!
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I looked at the Spark drink and was surprised that it contains caffeine and artificial ingredients. I like the dinner ideas, though.
The Spark is not essential to the challenge but if people are giving up coffee it’s an alternative. Advocare offers many supplements that are naturally derived.
I make a califlower puree that is dairy free. I steam a cut up head of caluflower until its very tender. I then place the califlower in a blender with some salt, pepper, olive oil and enough chicken stock to get the blender going. Puree till smooth. It’s so delish.
Good News and thanks for the recipe shares! I started my first 24 DC February 2011. Advocare helped me and my husband lose a combined 130lbs. Me personally, Advocare helped me break through a plateau and lose 90lbs. We have maintained and are on to the next journey of finishing strong with our goal weights.
Good luck! We had great success with the 24-day challenge. It was the perfect starting off point for us to learn what kinds of foods our bodies really needed as fuel and was a great kick start to eating Paleo. Can’t wait to hear how it goes for you!
We’re having one of our favorite recipes:
Mini Bacon & Cheese Frittatas
http://motheronamission.wordpress.com/2013/04/04/mini-bacon-and-cheese-frittatas/