Lunch Ideas for Cleanse Phase and the MNS 14 Day Phase II
Here are some ideas for lunch that work well all through the 24 Day Challenge:
- 2 hard boiled eggs plus salad and a piece of fruit
- Sliced grilled chicken (can be left over from the night before) with 1 tablespoon hummus and raw veggies (peppers, celery, cucumber, etc.)
- Grilled chicken caesar salad (without dressing, croutons or cheese) – works well in a restaurant
- Turkey burger (no ketchup) with steamed broccoli – works well in a restaurant
- Grilled 4 ounce salmon filet with steamed asparagus – works well in a restaurant
- 2 ounces of Tofu Lin cut into chunks in a large salad with mixed veggies
- 4 ounces Tilapia with steamed summer squash and zucchini
- Scoop of our favorite tuna/egg salad over romaine lettuce
Post 24 Day Challenge for Continued Loss and Maintenance
You can use all of the above or try my standby go to solutions:
- Advocare Meal Replacement Bar – I keep a box at work, and always have one in the car. It is my insurance policy so that I don’t make a poor choice if in a pinch. To be honest, I love them, and eat many days since then I don’t have to prepare or think about food during the day.
- Advocare Meal Replacement Shake mixed with frozen fruit in the blender*
* vanilla shake, 9 ounces water and frozen mixed berries or raspberries has maximum fiber and great flavor
I understand no dairy but what about coconut milk? I am about to start my challenge and am confused as to what to eat.
We do not advise any milk. Many of the alternative milks have added sugar and other products we are avoiding during the cleanse. The grocery guide should help you.
Can you use Mio on Advocare?
@ John,
Use Spark instead.
Can you have imitation crab meat?
@ April,
Avoid this since it contains sugar and wheat.
On the cleanse, is it ok to put Spark and Fiber with water and ice in a blender? It makes it thick like a smoothie. What about adding fruit to this blend also? I am not a big fluid drinker so I am forcing myself to drink water, but I do love smoothies. Just trying to make it easier on myself, but I dont want to defeat the purpose. Any thoughts?
@ Hillary,
You can mix Spark with the Fiber, but wait half hour before eating the fruit. You will enjoy shakes on Phase 2.
I’m on my first day of the 24 day challenge and I feel terrible.. After dinner I felt drained and have a little nausea too.. Is this normal? My stomach feels uneasy and I’m very gassy!! Help!!
@ Camila,
This may help.
I am doing a “Lean in 13” challenge or basically an adjusted Step 2 of a 24 day challenge. I was wondering if the time of day I eat my carbs makes a difference. I would still stay “on plan” of a carb at only 2 meals, just prefer to eat it with dinner rather than at lunch. Also I am a nursing mother. Thanks.
@ Erica,
We advise on the regular 24 Day Challenge.
I am on day 14 and I have only lost 5 pounds!!!I have lost 13 inches though. I have seen so many other poeple who have amazing results coming off the cleanse. I am doing everything correctly and drinking about 10 bottles of water a day. I am running 3 days a week. What can I do to start losing some pounds?
@ Cassie,
Average weight loss is 5-15 pounds but depends on how much you have to lose as well as other factors. Your inches lost is amazing! Read this post for additional help.
Can you have bulgar wheat instead of brown rice?
@ Annie,
No wheat on the the cleanse.
I just wanted to point out that if you are exercising and gaining muscle but loosing fat you may not see the weight in lbs as dramatic as the inches you have see. This is due to the fact that muscle is more dense than fat so all thought it weighs more it takes up less space. Also the more muscle you have the better for your metabolism.
Can I eat scrambled eggs on the 10 day cleanse?? Please help!
@ Samantha,
Scrambled with water added (no milk, etc.) and cooked in non stick pan. Hard boiled are best.
Samantha,
Another great thing to do with eggs is to take a cupcake tin, fill how ever many holes on the tin that you want to make an egg muffin and crack an egg in each hole. Then throw in whatever veggies you want. I do some with tomatoes, some broccoli, some red pepper, the skies the limit!! No butter, no milk, just pure egg and veggies! I even make some for my family that have more stuff in them like turkey sausage and cheese. But that’s for them of course!! =) I bake for about 30 minutes on 350 degrees. Anyway, once they have cooled they pop right out and I throw them in baggies, then the fridge, and everyone grabs one in the morning. Easy and fast…the way my morning HAS to be!!!
going on day 6 of the cleanse phase and i personally don’t feel like I’m making any progress, I’m following all directions and meal plans, whats going on? i exercise daily for 30 minutes of cardio, i thought for sure by now i would have seen results…?
@ Meghan,
Are you following these instructions? Drinking lots of water?
I’m on the 2nd day of my challenge. I’m a nursing mother and to me the recommended proportions are too big. 5oz. of meat in one sitting is too much for me. Is it ok not to eat all of it?
@ Nicole,
Our great foods guide advises 3-4 ounces for women. Aim for lean proteins like chicken, turkey, fish and tofu.
I am on day two of the 24 day challenge. I have been researching online and have seen that you are supposed to use the meal replacement shakes after the cleanse (days 11-24) but on my “fridge chart” it says to have one every day for breakfast after the fiber drink and two glasses of water. Which is correct?
Also, is rice paper ok to eat on the cleanse?
@ Tess,
Our group doesn’t use the meal replacement shakes on the cleanse since we are eliminating dairy.
Rice paper???
Rice paper has the same properties as white rice I believe, I would not chance it. I do not know of anything that you could replace it with.
Is Low sodium soy sauce still too much salt? Low sodium Worcestershire sauce?
@ Erin,
Avoid soy sauce – it contains wheat. Avoid the Worcestershire since it contains sugar.
rice cakes are suggested for a snack? Can we do chocolate flavored rice cakes? or just the regular plain ones?
One snack could be plain rice cakes (2 max) with natural no sugar added peanut butter (2 TBS Total max). THis does cause some people to stall, so it you are not losing at good speed, use the raw almonds or hard boiled eggs as snacks.
I am on day 8 and not feeling any changes, what can I do to make this more effective?
@ Anna,
Are you following these instructions?
I am confused. I seem to be getting different info on what you can and cannot eat during challenge. I heard you can have eggs but then I read egg WHITES. I have been putting a hard boiled egg on my salad. Some paper work I got from my Advocare rep says you can have herbal tea and then I read on here no. It also said you could have whole grain pasta and lean meats (in addition to chickern) and then I read no on the website. I had no on vinegar but then on website it says to put vinegar (not balsamic) and a little olive oil on your salad, Same thing on the shakes. My sheet has me having a shake all 24 days and then I read not the first 10 days. Please HELP! I want to do this right but it is very frustrating!
@ Donna,
Hard boiled eggs are advised.
Herbal tea is okay, but only in addition to water and Spark, not instead of.
Lean protein – not beef. Use chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, etc.
Some groups use the shakes in cleanse, but our group does not since we eliminate dairy for the first 10 days.
Vinegar is fine, but balsamic makes some people stall, so we avoid it.
What is a “normal” amount of sodium intake per day? Great site by the way!
@ Kristina,
There is no set amount. Try to eat your food without a lot of salt. you will earn to appreciate the natural taste of fresh vegetables and fruit!
are these foods OK- grilled chicken with salsa.
low sodium black beans?
how much hummas is OK daily?
oil and vinegar dressing. or balsamic vingerette spray dressing.
tuna with pickles and low fat mayo.
HB patty with tomatoes,
feta cheese low fat.
string beans
.crab meat. white chunk chicken.
all of this for cleanse.
what about pickles, chick peas, bana peppers
@ Jenna,
Pickles that have no sugar, and low sodium are okay in limited quantities. Chick peas – half cup can count as your carb.
@ jenna,
Hummus and black beans are considered your carb for the day. 2-3 tablespoons hummus or 1/2 cup beans.
No cheese on the cleanse. No beef on the cleanse. See the FAQs as they may help you for salad dressing and more.
thanks! i waws going by advocare recipes and thought meat ( 93% lean) was ok??
I found oil and vinegar is OK- that helps.
Thanks!
No beef on the cleanse – stick to lean proteins – fish, boneless chicken, turkey, tofu.
Use limited oil.
is it ok to eat brown rice on the clense?
@ Kelly,
1/2 cup brown rice once per day is okay as long as you continue to lose.
One more question for now. Is it ok to cook eggs in frying pan using Pam? Thanks!
@ Tonya,
That is fine. If scrambled, only add water.
I was wondering if Larabar’s were ok? Also is there any lunch meat that is ok? I had read somewhere that Jennie O turkey may be ok but I’m not sure what to look for. Thanks!
@ Tonya,
No Larabars. Use fresh fruit, not dried. No luncheon meat.
I am currently on day 5, I haven’t weighed myself yet. I feel better but feel nervous that this isn’t going to work. I have been 100% committed. When making tuna salad is it okay to make with 1 T of olive oil mayo? Also, when directed to eat hummus is it just plain. I have been eating roasted garlic because I love the flavor with red pepper. What are other good complex carbs? Do I have to have a complex carb. with lunch? I have been having as my afternoon snack.
@ Michelle,
If using Mayo only use the canola oil, and very small portion. Use some mustard. Complex carbs – once per day, and should be with a meal so that you are having protein at the same time. Be careful not too eat too much hummus, but the flavors should be fine.
I just started the 24 day challenge today and I was constantly hungry despite following the plan exactly as laid out. Will this get better?? Also is it okay to put Mio in the water to help get past having to drink so much?
@ Heather,
You shouldn’t be hungry if following this plan. You can always add more veggies. Stick to Spark and plain water for best results.
One more question, should the servings change to account for exercise? I want to make sure my body is getting enough nutrition.
@ Heather,
If you are following this plan and eating 3 meals plus 2 snacks a day, you should be fine. If you are losing too quickly, you can increase portion size a bit.
Hi, I’m on day 3 of my cleansing phase. I have dropped 3 pounds already…wow. My only question is when reading the labels on our food, what range do I need to stay within on the sugars and sodium intake? I just find that it’s a little confusing at times, because the things you think that’s healthy for you end up having too much of something in it. HELP!!!!!!!!!!
@ Stephanie,
Great results. Aim to eat as much fresh food as possible. When you do need to use food where you are checking labels – look for no sugar and very low sodium (under 50 mg).
can we eat the ratatoulli that is given on the site during the cleanse stage. It has splenda and canned tomatoes?
@ Michele,
You can use during the cleanse. It is a minimal amount of splenda (you can cut that down also), and as noted, be careful that the canned tomatoes don’t have added sugar or a great deal of sodium.
Is lemon pepper ok?? I have been using it in most of my meals. And what about some salt…I am usually a feign but have reduced drastically
@ A. Card
Lemon pepper is fine, but check the ingredients to be sure not loaded with sodium before you add any salt.
I am having trouble coming up with healthy/good lunch ideas… any suggestions? I am starting day 8 tomorrow.
@ Casso,
You didn’t like any of the suggestions in the post?
I am on day one of 24 day challenge and am still not sure what i’m suppose to be eating…is ANY meat allowed rightnow? What am I suppose to be eating? I know 3 meals and 2 snacks but what do i eat for meals…just fruit and veggies? or cna i eat meats??? help…
@ Stephenie,
Here are the instructions and food guide.
I’m on day 4 and completly exhausted. I think its from the lack of calories. I’m following the diet plan. Is there any way to combat this? I’m using the spark but still tired.
@ Thomas,
It sounds like you are not eating enough. You should be having 3 meals plus 2-3 snacks. You can use 2-3 Sparks per day. Feel free to use the contact us page to let us know what you are eating, drinking and taking. Include the amounts and time of day.
Hello, I am on the 2nd leg of the 24 day challenge and I did well during the cleanse as i love 12lbs. BUT, I am truly challenged with the variety of meals I can have and keep that balance with the rest of the family. I do cardio 4 days a week with 1 day of toning and 1 additional day of boot camp training and i find that even if i am following the meal suggestions i am gaining vs losing. What can i do to restart my metabolism and keep on the “burning” track? Any suggestions would be wonderful. Thanks! I’ve become a bit frustrated.
@ Alexis,
12 pounds is huge number. Are you using Catalyst and Thermoplus? Are you eating 3 meals plus 2 snacks?
I am in phase 2 of the 24 day challenge. I am concerned about the Advocare breakfast bar because they contain high fructose corn syrup. Thoughts?
@ Christina,
We suggest that you wait until after the 24 Day Challenge to use any of the bars.
This morning I accidently took the “30 min before lunch” supplement package with my breakfast. Now I am left with an extra “take with lunch” packages. What can I do with these?
@ Michele,
Just save in case you misplace a packet in future.
I am on day 12 and felt great days 1-9 but my stomache has been upset since. Is this normal?
I’m starting day 11 tomorrow and I see we can have whole grain bread in very small amounts, what about whole grain pasta??
@ Dana,
For best results, brown rice would be a lot better, or a half sweet potato.
i read somewhere that green tea was ok. does that include lipton DIET GREEN TEA? theres no sugar.?
@ Mandy,
For best results stick to Spark and water. You can use some decaf tea if necessary, but not these teas which have caffeine.
is grilled shrimp ok?
@ Mandy,
OK, but I wouldn’t do too often.
Why wouldn’t grilled shrimp be good any time? I thought they were low in fat but high in protein?
Mix in chicken, turkey and fish. Depending on how prepared can be issue with fat and cholesterol. For best results don’t eat every day!
I am on day 14 and as of day 12 i have lost 9 lbs!!! I am wondering about Sobe Water.I used to drink it all the time. Can I add that in, i was curious due to getting vitamins, if i would be getting too many with doing the 24 day Challenge? I am really missing it?!! Thanks!
@ Staci,
Great results! Stick to plain water and Spark for best results.
….what about egg whites with veggies for breakfast?
@ Andrea,
That is fine as long as not fried.
Are Veggie burgers ok if I eat it with brown rice instead of a bun?
@ Andrea,
After the cleanse, try the Griller’s Prime burgers. They have a lower carb content and taste fantastic. Some of the veggie burgers are loaded with carbs and sodium, so be very careful. I would eat with veggies, not rice.
While on the 24 day challenge can we add the frozen fruit in the meal replacement shakes or wait to do that after we complete the challenge?
@ Staci,
If you are losing well, go ahead and add the frozen fruit.
Can we eat the Black Bean Soup at Panera? This is what it is:
Plump black beans simmered in a spicy vegetarian broth with onion, red bell pepper, cilantro, garlic and cumin
@ Lori,
I would not. Has 3 grams of sugar AND 1270 mg of sodium – yikes!