Jessica Giacalone: Bio

As long as I can remember I have always loved food. I enjoy all different kinds of food. I come from a family where everything revolves around food. Both my parents cook very well and would make a wide range of food for dinner including Italian, Asian, Irish, and American. Having an eclectic palate has made it easy for me to adapt to eating anywhere: friend’s houses, restaurants, and on the go. Three and half years ago I decided to make a big life change and become vegan. From the day I started I loved the way eating a diet of mostly vegetables made me feel. After nine months I started to eat dairy products, but decided to still omit eggs. I love my diet and find it really easy not to eat meat.

Gluten: I try and eat very little gluten because I am aware of the effects it has on our digestive tract, but find it hard to stick to a completely gluten- free diet because of the cost and availability of gluten free items in social settings. I feel 21 days without gluten will benefit me and should not be very difficult. I love quinoa, brown rice, and millet.

Alcohol: I am not a big drinker, but I occasionally enjoy a glass of wine at the end of the night to calm me down. Instead of alcohol on a stressful day, I will have a cup of chamomile tea.

Caffeine: Coffee! I love nothing more in the morning when I have not slept. I try and limit my caffeine intake staying away from sodas and energy drinks. On some days I enjoy a mid-day coffee for a pick me up.

Sugar: I very rarely have refined sugar or sweetened baked products. When I do need to use sugar I replace it with stevia, honey, or agave nectar.

Meat/Dairy Products: Being vegetarian comes naturally to me after 3.5 years without them.. Dairy products can be difficult not because of milk but because of cheese. I love anything with cheese.

I am really excited about the adventure we are about to embark on, but also nervous about life for 21 days without coffee and cheese. I am also very confident that the health benefits of this cleanse are going to surpass any anxious feelings I may have during the process.