María Felicia’s 2023 New Year Body… Cleanse – Day 3 | The North County Moms

Day 3

Break-Fast 

Dates & Sunflower Seeds

After my Day 1 fast, I wanted to circle back and share an important element of my break-fast that not only tells my body that our fasting episode has ended, it also has become my favorite, tasty wholesome snack. Taste will always be the first most important component because if it doesn’t taste good why eat it? But beyond flavor, they’re also satisfying and energize in a sustained way.

So at 8:58 AM yesterday (as I will today) I headed back into the kitchen for two specific items: Medjool dates and raw sunflower seeds. Why? These are two of my favorite break-the-fast kickers that naturally stimulate and slowly bring my body back to the recognition that it’s time to feed the machine — but gently and with graceful ingredients. 

Dates

Whole dates are gems. They are a low-glycemic food, so they do not spike blood sugar levels. Dates are high in fiber, too, which gives them carbs for the body to expend, and they are satisfying and filling. Since they release energy slowly, you experience a prolonged level of energy after eating them. 

Sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are my little perky protein specs shaped like raindrops. I opt for the raw ones (because, while salt during the cleanse is acceptable, no need to add it if the raw ones taste just as good, if not better than their salted cousin). I can’t get enough of pairing the firm, mild, but nutty seed with the sweet strength and moist, squishy texture of the date. Sunflower seeds are packed with protein, and are a “high-energy food source,” as noted by the National Sunflower Association.

Dates & sunflower seeds

Actually, this duo is my go-to car snack. I’ll admit, sometimes it’s mindless snacking—but in this instance, it’s acceptable because what goes in the body is all-in-all good. My youngest, Constantine, loves them, too. Sunflower seeds have become our shared mother-and-son, bonding treat.

María Felicia’s 2023 New Year Body… Cleanse – Day 3

Written by Maria Felicia Kelley
Disclaimer: 
Maria Felicia Kelley is not a medical doctor. The cleanse and fasting benefits she discusses in this post are derived from her own experiences and observations. Individuals should consult their own healthcare providers when eliminating foods from their diets.
@thenorthcountymoms | @1MariaFelicia 
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