Detoxing has recently become a bad word in our culture. People are quick to make judgements and assumptions. I am here to tell you that not all detoxing is bad. In fact I love detoxing. I love fueling my body with wholesome fruits and vegetables, I love the burst of energy, the decrease in inflammation and the vibrancy I feel after I detox. Detoxing becomes “bad” when you are not consuming any vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, or essentially any food for a sustained period of time. There are exceptions to this of course, water fasting and the master cleanse have been used to help rid the body of disease and illness under medical supervision.
I have been obsessed with green juice for over seven years now. It is a daily item on my meal plan, and something I literally look forward to everyday. Detoxing for me is just an extension of this. Finding something that makes you feel so good, down to your cellular level, and amplifying it.
I have completed numerous detox and cleanse programs over the years, and I can tell you that not all programs are created equal. When detoxing, it is first important to determine why you want to detox. Suffering from low energy, afternoon lull, digestive problems, autoimmune conditions, or perhaps you over indulged a bit last weekend and have finally decided to clean up your act. Once you have your reason, keep this in mind, it will be your motivation to get through. Decide how long you can honestly commit to detoxing, 3,5,7 or 21 days. Pick a time period that will realistically work for you. Remember you can always extend the detox, but you never want to over commit and leave yourself feeling disappointed. Pick a detox program that works with your lifestyle and will allow you to continue living your life, preferably a real food detox.
There are many concerns clients have about starting a detox. The number one question I receive is will I be in the bathroom for the entire detox? No! Detoxing does not have to be an intense bathroom nightmare. Depending on your typical daily diet, you may not notice any change in your bowel movements.
The idea behind a detox is to give your digestive system a break, let it rest. Decrease the inflammation in your gut, and your overall body. Increase the good bacteria, and flood your body with nutrients, enzymes, vitamins and minerals.
In my new book, Revitalize & Renew, I review the importance of detoxing, how to ease in and ease out of your detox safely. I provide you with a set by step guide to my seven day real food detox program. The best part about this detox program is that it is achievable and reasonable. You can choose to start by simply adding in 1 smoothie or juice per day, then in a week or so maybe you do a 24 hour detox, then a few months later you do 3 days etc… working your way up to the full seven days. (disclaimer: for full benefit it is recommended that you complete all 7 days) Revitalize & Renew is packed with healthy recipes and real food options. Even choosing to start slow and add 1 smoothie or juice in per day will help your body achieve a more alkaline state, and get your energy flowing!
For more questions about detoxing please contact me directly at jennifer@leanandgreenbody.com
Sierra grew up in a small town in New Hampshire and moved to Naples, Florida after graduating from Penn State University. While in college, she studied journalism and French. Running and yoga were always part of her weekly routine, but it wasn’t until graduation that she realized fitness was her lifelong passion.