Doesn’t the saying go, “it’ll get worse before it gets better”? Well, that’s happening.
I’m 6 weeks into my skin supplement routine. My skin is still breaking out (albeit, less but now it’s moved to my forehead) and my next, ‘beat-adult-acne-challenge’ is my diet. I’ve been a pretty healthy eater as of late—thanks to 2017 New Year’s resolutions—but I know I can do better. And, after hearing so many girlfriends talk about ‘rebooting’ their system with a detox, I figure my time has come.I’m trying a 10-day cleanse where I just say ‘no’ to gluten, dairy, refined sugar and caffeine (consuming no caffeine may make me ugly-cry, but I digress). Having decided this, reality sets in that I also have my eldest daughter’s field trip, a birthday party for my 3-year-old and a book club meeting at my house all within the next two weeks (on top of the usual life/work to-do list) while I’m trying to cleanse. Ugh.
The only way to get through this without losing my mind is calculated prep-work. I scan every recipe and write down the grocery items I have/I don’t have/how much I need. With all the fresh meals I’m supposed to make and healthy snacks to stockpile, I’m in for a big—and expensive—shop and at more than one store. Shopping and preparation may just be tougher than giving up coffee.
Hands up for a grocery pick-up service and to my surprise, Walmart has one too, Walmart.ca Grocery Pick Up. The prices are right and after a quick scan of my shopping list, I find that they carry the necessary hemp seeds, gluten-free oats and organic fresh fruits and vegetables. Knowing that I’m saving money and unnecessary stress has me looking forward to this eating challenge. I shopped online while the kids were in bed, drove up to a pick-up location at my preferred time and my order was even loaded into my car.
What I’ve learned (so far) about going on a cleanse:
- It requires serious meal planning. I spent my entire Sunday before my cleanse baking the ‘snacks’ and making a cashew-nut salad dressing for Day 1.
- You need to invest in a blender and a food processor to eat healthy. Pretty much 95 percent of my recipes required blending, shredding or pureeing something.
- If you’re not a whiz in the kitchen, this will test you. I chose a food-based cleanse which meant handling lots of ingredients, baking and slicing. For reluctant cooks like me, this is a BIG deal.
- I have less energy (the no caffeine perhaps?) but I’m not hungry.
- I really like roasted chickpeas and the homemade breakfast bars, but will pass on the protein powder mixes.
- I’m still figuring out how to manage my perma-sneer. I can’t be scowling when all my book club guests are sipping delicious wine and eating savoury cheese and crackers while I’m dining on lemon water and roasted chickpeas.
What I learned about Walmart.ca Grocery Pick Up:
- They offer fresh and organic produce, even packaged organic products you’d find at natural food stores. Hello organic chia seeds!
- The prices are wallet-friendly—even for my organic must-haves.
- It’s super easy. Order online at Walmart.ca or via the Walmart App, select the Grocery Pick-Up option, choose your local store or Penguin Pick-Up location (Harbourfront, Leslieville, Yonge and Davisville or Yorkville), set a convenient time and you’re done. P.S. You just need to show your confirmation order at your time of pick-up.
- My two-year-old fell asleep in the car on the way to our pick-up location, but no worries, they put all my groceries right into the trunk and she got the winks she needed.
- If you’re a condo dweller at Aura Condo, Iceboat Terrace Condos or The Met Condos, they’ll even deliver right to your door on Tuesdays and Thursdays with a minimum order of $50, for a fee of $10. Now that’s a win-win for any busy Toronto urbanite.
This post is sponsored by Walmart Canada as part of the Walmart.ca Grocery Pick Up program. In exchange, we have received perks in the form of compensation. Inspiration, opinions and photography are 100 percent our own. Thanks for supporting collaborations that keep Love, Mom alive and kicking.