Very easy diuretic soup

Hi, some of you who are trying to lose more weight may be interested in this recipe. It is easy and helps naturally with water retention. You will need:
1 sweet onion
3 or 4 stalks of celery
1/2 handful fresh parsley
lemons
2 1/2 liters of water (1/2 gallon and 2-3 cups)
Peel and cut the onion in big chunks, boil onion, celery, and parsley for 20-25 minutes. Pour in a strainer and put the veggies away. Your soup is ready. 30 minutes before lunch and supper, get a cup of the soup (lukewarm) and add the juice of half lemon. Drink! You can do this for 3 or 4 days and after a couple of weeks do it again. The soup can be kept in the fridge, you just warm it up a bit before drinking it. It is actually pretty good =)

Almond milk

I want to get 1 extra point today, so I am posting =) Almond milk is delicious and good for you, and it is not difficult to do you own. I love a good" almond milk-banana-blueberries/strawberries/raspberries-flaxseed" smoothie. 

Homemade Vanilla Cinnamon Almond Milk

Yield: 3.5 cups

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw almonds, soaked in water
• 3.5 cups filtered water
• 2-4 pitted dates
• 1 whole vanilla bean, chopped (or 1/2-1 tsp vanilla extract)
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• small pinch of fine grain sea salt, to enhance the flavour

1. Place almonds in a bowl and cover with water. It’s preferred to soak them overnight (for 8-12 hours) in the water, but you can get away with soaking for 1-2 hours in a pinch.

2. Rinse and drain the almonds and place into a blender along with filtered water, pitted dates, and chopped vanilla bean.

3. Blend on highest speed for 1 minute or so.

4. Place a nut milk bag over a large bowl and slowly pour the almond milk mixture into the bag. Gently squeeze the bottom of the bag to release the milk. 

5. Rinse out blender and pour the milk back in. Add the cinnamon and pinch of sea salt and blend on low to combine. Pour into a glass jar to store in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Shake jar very well before using as the mixture separates when sitting. If your dates or vanilla bean are dry/stiff, soak in water to soften before use.

Cucumber sandwich

Hello, the first day of the challenge was a success, some beginnings are easy. I do love veggies and want to share a delicious snack that I have tried lately: cucumber sandwich. You can get the regular big cucumber or the small english cucumbers, slice it lengthwise and fill it with cream cheese, ham, turkey, smoked salmon, the possibilities are endless...zero carbs yet you get the crunchiness. Sprinkle some salt and pepper to make it tastier...mmmm...easy, healthy and good!

Introductory Post

Hello, my name is Rebeca and I am from Spain but God´s providence has lead us to Toronto. I met Danielle 11 years ago when they arrived to Mataró with little Isaiah to help as missionaries in the work there. She kept on having babies and all had to be boys...they were the cutest thing ever. I learnt a lot from her and that helped me when I had my own babies. I still have my "On Becoming Baby Wise" that she always recommended, what a treasure!
I have 1 boy and 3 girls, ages 8, 7, 5 and 2 and a half. I homeschool (also got that from Danielle). When expecting I was never big and went back to my pre pregnancy weight quickly, every single time got out of the hospital in regular clothes. After my fourth one I started losing weight but did not get rid of it as quick. My sister is a nutritionist and I told her I was thinking to diet and ask if she would do an eating plan for me. That was only 6 months after the birth, I know it may sound ridiculous to some of you but those pounds were really bothering me. And she said something I will not forget. She said "if you do not lose this weight know you will end up thinking and believing this is the way you are". In 6 weeks 10 pounds were gone, end of story. I have always enjoyed exercising and loved healthy eating, that has helped me to "remain the same" except for the blue under my eyes =)
Also, after having my fourth I started running with my dad. I love it! But sometimes, many times, or most of the times it is hard to find the time to work out. I have never completely stopped but I have not been consistent, and I want to. But not for two months, I want it for life. I am very excited and encouraged and hope to see results by the end of the challenge. I do not think I will be losing much weight but I want to tone up and be stronger and feel good. May the Lord bless all of you in what He has entrusted you. Nice meeting you all!