Detoxing doesn’t have to be an extreme event …it’s more about taking a little break from our sometimes addictive lifestyles, eliminating toxins and giving our bodies a chance to rest and re-balance by lightening the load on our digestive systems so that important recuperative processes, like strengthening our immune systems take precedence.
So how does a detox work?
:: Eliminate foods that create toxicity and inflammation.
:: Add foods which detoxify and that are anti-inflammatory.
:: Flush out toxins by increasing intake of clean fluids.
:: Increase nutrient density and decrease digestive load by including clear soups
:: Relax …stress causes toxins. By focusing on self care and remaining centred through the seven days the process is further facilitated.
:: Reflect by keeping a journal of how you feel and what you’re learning through the seven days.
It’s so easy to get addicted to sugar, caffeine, nicotine, alcohol without even realising it …unless we read the label it can be tricky to know what we’re actually eating …and manufacturers put sugar in so many things now, including savoury goods so it’s worth being your own food detective.
Many people go through life going from one quick-fix to the next. It’s easy to get used to feeling sick and tired, and after a while we stop questioning why we feel bloated, queasy, gassy and/or constipated …not to mention other conditions and illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol, colds and skin complaints like eczema or psoriasis.
Our bodies might be able to handle the toxicity levels now, but what happens in ten or twenty years time? Research shows that the quality of our diets now has a significant impact on the quality of life in the last ten to fifteen years of our lives …do we really want that?
Here are six little ways to help your body detoxify today…
:: Clean up what’s on your plate by leaving out toxic foods like sugar, caffeine, processed and refined foods, alcohol …basically eat whole foods as Mother Nature provides them …if it’s been through a factory, then leave it out!
:: Become an aqua-holic! It hydrates our systems, and helps flush out those often hard to shift toxins.
:: Go green …a great way to be kind to your liver, gall bladder and kidneys. Also a great way to cleanse the blood and improve circulation, promote healthy intestinal flora, prevent cancer and not to mention they’re packed with vitamins A, C, E and K, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and zinc, folic acid, fibre and chlorophyll. Think 50% of every meal should be green whether it be steamed vegetables, soup or juices/smoothies.
:: Sweat it out! Skin is the body’s biggest organ and by getting hot and sweaty, pores are opened and toxins eliminated faster. Treat yourself to a sauna, book a Bikram yoga class, or get to the gym!
:: Add more fibre! Easily done by leaving skins on vegetables, eating whole grains, adding seeds and legumes to your meals …a combination of insoluble and soluble fibre will help speed up digestive, fill you up faster, and for longer and keep blood sugar levels stable.
:: Upgrade your diet …by adding superfoods. You’ll instantly increase the quality of your diet and give your body what it needs to function optimally.
Please note: This easy to follow plan includes delicious food so you won’t be hungry! …nope, no silly starvation rules, no going to extremes. It’s easily integrated into a busy working life and has been tried and tested …so good in fact that it’s tempting to extend to 14 or even 21 days!
Sarah Lantry received her training at The Institute of Integrative Nutrition in New York City. She works with clients nationally and globally both face-to-face and via telephone consultations who have specific health conditions, weight issues, food addictions and cravings along with those who wish to increase energy, improve general health and immune function.
www.attitudetofood.com | [email protected] | +44 (0)7970 770 771
