After a party-filled holiday season, I decided it was time to wring out my liver and expand my diet past the expanse of cookies that seemed to follow me around. When I first heard about Cook! SF's Real Detox plan, I knew it was meant to be though my wallet put up a good fight.

You see, I have a history of cheating on diets and detoxes but with Cook! SF's structured meal plan, I wouldn't have to think about what to eat for the next 21 meals. My main reservation was giving up my three main vices: coffee, wine and chocolate. No gluten? No dairy? No problem, but no coffee?! Even though I was sure that I would spend the next week in a zombie-like haze, I decided to take the plunge regardless.

I awoke on day one enthusiastic about my first meal, only to quickly realize the 'meal' was a strawberry smoothie. It was surprisingly filling (for a few hours), though gritty from the protein powder. Thankfully, snacking within moderation is allowed and actually encouraged because I probably would have caved otherwise. I'll be honest, the first day was pretty rough and I found the food lacking in the flavor department. I questioned whether they gave you the worst food on the first day to make you appreciate the rest of the meals more. Whether it was intentional or not, it worked.

Day by day, the meals got better (some were even delicious!) and there were a few so filling that I had a hard time cleaning my plate. Oddly enough, one of my absolute favorite meals of the week was the gluten-free granola. I'm making it my life's mission to seek out more of that stuff, seriously. Yes, it was relatively smooth sailing until day five...when a friend came to visit from NYC.

What can i say? I slipped. At least I made sure my two drinks were gluten-free? Who am I kidding, I felt so guilty about drinking that I started getting really edgy to my friends. I decided to slip out and go home to sulk and watch trashy tv instead. The next morning I woke up ready to make up for my trip to the bar. I jumped right back on track and somehow managed to make it through the night, despite spending the evening with a pile of peanut butter chocolate chip cookies and a bottle of wine in front of me. And no, I'm not kidding.

And then there was day 7. I woke up before the sun to get ready for an all-day photo shoot and needed coffee bad. I caved and had about 6 oz. of black coffee, and was bouncing off the walls before I knew it. I stuck with the meals even though I was away from home all day and let me tell you, the last dinner (all-bean chili) tasted like sweet sweet victory.

The moral of the story? No one is perfect, but don't let that stop you from trying. Even though I slipped up a few times, I still found myself feeling noticably better a few days into the plan. The meals were satisfying, I curbed my sweet tooth, my stomach felt less bloated and I lost a pound. The downside? It's expensive, some of the meals left me desperate for more flavor and the delivery truck doesn't give you a time estimate so clear your schedule on delivery dates.

All in all, I definitely think the Cook! SF Real Detox Plan is a wonderful way to get you back on the right track to a healthy diet. It made me become more conscious of what I eat and think the effects will continue to benefit me on down the road.