Day 4 Sugar Cleanse – Smoky Chili Beans

We are in Day 4 of the 10-Day Sugar Cleanse. How are you doing? Yesterday I was a bit moody, dragging in energy, and quite clumsy as I dropped my favorite VVC tea mug on the ground. Last night my sleep was crazy! Lots of tossing and turning and waking up. But this morning I woke up feeling refreshed. I think I’m over the hump. It’s usually at day 4 or 5 when things level out and I don’t actually have cravings or loopiness anymore.

I thought I would give up coffee during the cleanse because my usual morning habit including going to one of three of my favorite coffee shops to get a latte or americano with a taco. There isn’t a coffee shop in town that has non-dairy milk sans sugar! Then I realized I could probably take my own unsweetened soy or almond milk and get them to make me a latte with that. One coffeeshop obliged and actually kept the carton in their fridge for me. One this morning did not, but I was able to use my own milk in an americano. So it doesn’t hurt to take your own milk and see what their policy is on that! I’m now “that” person. And I will continue bringing my own milk even after the sugar cleanse. If I can prevent the sugar from sneaking in my diet I will do my best.

I made the most epic and delicious taco salad I’ve ever had last night. And it literally took 10 minutes to throw together because I had the beans and quinoa already cooked in the fridge! That’s the beauty of prepping some staples at the beginning of the week.

For the red quinoa, I sauteed it in a pan with dashes of cumin, chili powder, nutritional yeast, cayenne, and apple cider vinegar. My beans were already made and this is hands-down my favorite way to season pinto beans. They are rich and flavorful without any harmful ingredients!

Chopped up some romaine, tomato, cilantro, and avocado, grabbed some tortillas chips and salsa and had a taco salad in my face in record time. Give it a try. From the moans that came from both my dinner guest and myself you won’t be disappointed.

Smoky Chili Beans
Makes 2 to 3 servings

1 (14 ounce) can pinto beans, washed and drained
1/3 cup onion, diced
~ 1/2 cup water
1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
Dash cinnamon
Sea salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
Add onion, beans, 1/2 cup water, tomatoes and the rest of the ingredients to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Simmer for a few minutes with the lid on stirring occasionally. Remove lid and continue to simmer until most the liquid is gone. Stir occasionally. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste.