Soup | Lilly's Table Blog

The highs of the holiday season, whether the stress was positive or negative, leaves most of us with a bit of a let down. Or maybe in my case it is really just a sugar crash after I realize my Christmas Cookie tin is empty.

As we commit to a renewed year of health, success or whatever your heart desires, I find this post-holiday time is a bit like climbing a mountain after dancing your way into a deep valley. While the holidays are a whirlwind of fun, I sometimes wish I was starting the trek up to all of my higher goals with the person who I was back in September.

Alas, here I am, my body a little more tired and my mind a bit more relaxed, but dare I say slightly unmotivated. With the enthusiasm of resolutions around me, I enjoy picking up on the excitement. Although, as in last year’s case, I gave myself a bit of grace, let go of my usual intensity and instead simply survived until I surrendered.

I didn’t mention food in that previous post, but it certainly, as always, was a big factor in what did and did not happen in my life. When I consider the meal plans I am sharing in January, I think about how many of you will wonder where the smoothies and juicing recipes are that will help throw you into all of your diet resolutions.

Let me share something I have learned from my dear friend Naturopathic Doctor Kaycie Rosen Grigel. January, despite its post-holiday gluttony, is a terrible time to detox.

I can hear you frantically wondering what I am talking about as you look at advertisements, posts and pins for all of the get-your-body-back diets that promise to help you drink & shrink into pre-holiday figures.

Now, it is not that I am against a good detox. Dr. Grigel has actually helped me with a detox that was an incredible experience and I honestly cannot wait to do it again. (I will even go so far as to say: stay tuned!) The reason to avoid a detox this time of year is actually more reflective of the rhythms of the season.

Even when I lived in mostly sunny & hot Tucson, January and February made me want to curl up, snuggle with a buddy and fill my body with warming, comforting foods. Although, please do not take me for an indoor only soul as I love to ski, snowshoe, read near a fire after sunset and dance outdoors whenever possible, too.

Regardless of my activities, only occasionally do I crave a cold, sweet (or even subtly sweet) liquid during the winter.
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I completely respect that a smoothie or fresh juice may be all you want to drink right now and I imagine if you crave them you know exactly what to throw in your blender or juicer. But, I implore you to step outside (as I so often ask my daughter to do on days when she refuses a jacket) and consider your natural place in this world. A chilly participant who needs to refuel for a season of staying inside cozy or playing outside while breathing in the crisp air.

Maybe this new year skipping the detox trend in January and opting for foods that truly refuel will give you the body and spirit you desire for 2014.

Of course, I also want to feel refreshed and rejuvenated after the gluttonous holiday season and my best strategies are with steamy vegetable packed soups, bone-broths and cups of my favorite herbal infusions and teas.

Lilly’s Table meal plans this month are full of plant focused warm-inspiring real food. A beloved recipe that can be made vegan or chicken broth based is the nourishing Hearty Miso Soup. One slurp and your body will be thankful.

I did sneak in a smoothie for this week’s meal plan as I didn’t want to disappoint- since ’tis the smoothie season, but it is a simple Banana Nut Smoothie which is protein packed with any nut butter of your choice. Perfect for those days (chilly or not) when you are craving ice cream! I am clearly still having a few post-Holiday sugar cravings. 😉