Let’s just jump right into the first Friday Five of 2022. These are the things that have been on my mind this week.
ONE
Today is the last day of my 3rd annual post-holiday juice fast. This year I did the “expert” level program – the one with more green juices and fewer protein or “milk” drinks. I’m not gonna lie; the first 2 days were tough but as of today I’m feeling pretty good. I’m refreshed and ready to get back to my regular, healthy planning and eating.
Although the company I buy my juice from calls it a “cleanse”, that’s not why I do this. I don’t believe in “cleanses” or “detoxes”. I don’t do it to lose weight either, although it does have the advantage of getting rid of the holiday bloat from all the indulgences of the last 2 months. The main reason this has become an annual tradition is that I’ve discovered that spending a week not thinking about food gives me a mental and physical reset. A week of juicing cleanses my palate and helps dismiss any lingering craving for heavy, sugary, fatty, rich foods, which sets me up for a good healthy start to the rest of the year.
For those who are curious about the program I use, here’s the link. It’s not a sponsored or affiliate link and I don’t get any special credit or recognition from the company. I just like their product and their service: Pressed Juices
TWO
This is also the end of the first week of Yoga With Adriene’s 2022 Move program and I’m loving it so far. I’ve been a YWA fan for years and I look forward to her beginning of the year 30 Days of Yoga every year. It’s a nice gentle way to get back into moving my body again. And best of all, it’s completely and 100% free.
If you’re interested in learning more about the program, her FAQ is here: Yoga with Adriene 30-Days FAQ
The link to sign up for this year’s program is here (you can still sign up and start your 30 days from today): 2022 Move
THREE
This week I had my annual appointment with the dermatologist to do a full body scan and to address a few potential trouble spots. I strongly encourage everyone to do this once a year even if you don’t think you have risk factors for skin cancer. Me? I sunburned badly multiple times as a child when we lived overseas. At the time, in the 70s, we didn’t know as much about sun risk and so didn’t take the precautious I would have today. Unfortunately having burned as a child bumps up my already considerable fair-skinned risk factors. I’ve had one pre-cancerous spot removed from my chest, and so it only makes sense for me to be vigilant. Plus I always get a nice gift bag of samples and goodies! ❤
The whole thing took less than 30 mins, so schedule yours with your dermatologist for this year!
FOUR
If you haven’t made the Momofuku Bo Ssam Pork recipe that was published in the NY Times last year, you should do so soon! It’s become my go-to for pork shoulder, whether cooked in the oven or on the kamado grill. I add powdered ginger to the rub for a little extra zing. And the leftover pork mixes well with a tangy BBQ sauce for pulled pork sandwiches the next day! I’m planning on making it this coming weekend!
FIVE
My ongoing reminder to folks to get vaccinated for Covid if you’re not already, and to get your boosters, too! We have a lot of stuff planned for the coming year and, selfishly, I don’t want to have to cancel anymore plans! I don’t want anyone else to have to either!
Go to Vaccines.gov to find a location near you – or check in with your local pharmacy. We got ours at CVS and it was super easy and we were in and out in less than 30 mins!