When I clean and cut carrot and celery sticks, I’m reminded of my childhood. We ate these popular crudité essentials often when I was a kid. I learned early that raw veggies sometimes make the best snacks.
Maria’s Cleanse Notes
Yesterday, I shared my appreciation of almond butter while cleansing. Well, these vegetable sticks often serve as the foundation of my almond butter spread. It’s so easy to plaster it across the length of each stick. Many times I place chopped dates on top. It’s my cleanse version of ants on a log.
Sometimes healthy snacking like this is just the thing I need to break up what can become cleanse monotony. As a household, we tend to cook in bulk, so there are lots of leftovers that make for easy meal prep as my cleanse days come and go. So my carrot and celery creations with almond butter are tasty meal interrupters.
In my post from last year, I discuss carrot and celery freshness, cutting techniques and why they’re a family favorite snack. Here’s a sample:
Carrot and celery sticks are kid-favorite, mom-favorite snacks and just plain old family-snacking fun. My kids have grown up on them. And they’re a staple on the serving platter when my husband makes his popular, Danny’s Chicago Chicken Wings (non-cleanse days). So easy to prep and forget – they last for days in the fridge.
Day 9 2023 – Carrot & Celery Sticks
Day 10 2024 – Nutritional Yeast
Francesca’s Take
I love crunchy snacks, and carrots and celery sticks are not only uber crunchy, but they also offer a variety of health benefits. Carrots are a rich source of beta-carotene, a precursor to
vitamin A, essential for maintaining healthy vision, skin, and immune function. The antioxidants in carrots also reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Meanwhile, celery contains phytonutrients and antioxidants that support cardiovascular health by helping to lower blood pressure and inflammation. Both vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, promoting digestive health and aiding in weight management.
Chewing these crunchy snacks can also stimulate saliva production, improving oral health. Including carrots and celery sticks in your diet satisfies snack cravings and provides a nutritious boost to your overall well-being.
Hello, I’m Francesca, and I’m genuinely thrilled to join forces with Maria on this extraordinary detox journey. With 14 years of dedicated experience as an integrative nutritionist, I hold a Master’s in Integrative Nutrition and am certified as a health and wellness coach. My distinctive approach seamlessly blends science-based nutrition with the art and science of coaching, guaranteeing each client a holistic and personalized experience. What sets me apart is not just my wealth of knowledge but my genuine passion for witnessing my clients thrive.
Currently pursuing a doctorate in Integrative Health, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to bring the latest insights and advancements. My commitment to staying at the forefront of integrative health ensures I can offer cutting-edge strategies to support the well-being of my clients. Please feel free to reach out if you have questions or comments. I look forward to supporting your journey toward optimal health and vitality.
To see access the daily updated menu of 2024 cleanse posts, please visit the Jumpstart January – 2024 Cleanse: María Felicia’s Daily Online Journal
Written by Maria Felicia Kelley with contributions by Francesca Orlando
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
The North County Moms
