Spring is right around the corner and it’s time for a new beginning. Yes, I know fellow Ontarions, Nature dumped on us this weekend (30 cm or 1 foot of snow here in Toronto). But really, I promise Spring is coming. And it’s the perfect time to clean out your closets AND your body with some detoxing and cleansing.
If you’re experiencing signs of toxicity and want to start feeling better now, as well as ensure a longer, happier life, then start by helping your body detoxify. You might be surprised to hear that one of the easiest and healthiest ways to do this is simply through food!
Nature has given us plenty of food which helps our detoxification processes (more commonly known as super foods with anti-oxidant powers). Just to name a few (source: Life Peak magazine, Vol. 2, Issue 4):
- Lemons
- Prunes
- Leafy greens
- Naturally fermented sauerkraut (pickled with good bacteria, not vinegar)
- Papaya
The following are a few juice recipes that I used to lose 25 lbs in 3 months during a month long cleanse last year. They are to be juiced but a really good juicer costs mucho moula – and unfortunately, my other expenses take priority right now. So instead, I used my trusty blender. However, the consistency is hard to swallow – think really chunky baby food. So if you can afford it, use a juicer:
| Potassium Juice
3 carrots |
Ginger Root Boost
1 inch slice ginger root |
| High Blood Pressure Reducer
2 garlic cloves |
Yummy Green Drink
½ bunch spinach |
| Homemade V8 (6 glasses)
6-8 tomatoes |
Cleansing Veggie Broth BOIL: |
I hope you enjoy these green drinks. Now I feel that I should warn you: when you’re detoxing, you’re going to experience an intensity of negative symptoms, i.e. headaches, moodiness, general aches and pains, etc. This just means that it’s working!
If you plan for it, though, you can ride out this detox storm so you can bask in the calm of the aftermath. Expect to feel uncomfortable as your body releases toxins and take it easy. For instance, don’t schedule to move on your detox or plan a bunch of social engagements.
Instead, focus on the detox. Plan your meals for the week, what you’ll do when you’re not eating (like cleaning and organizing those closets) and other means of helping your body detox (like physical activity, saunas or hot baths, etc.). I guarantee, it’s worth the effort to be healthy.
Did you enjoy this post? Get more like it by subscribing to Live Lighter’s RSS feed or via email. Stay tuned for the next post inspired by a Live Lighter reader, “An Easy and Gentle Cleanse for a First-Timer.”
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{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
These sound tasty. And the names of the drinks are great, straight and to the point.
They’re not too bad, Emmanuel. Let me know what you think of them as you try them.
I must admit, though, I favour my smoothies. Maybe because it’s because I’m a fruity kind of gal.
has anyone really lost wieght fast from juice fasting?
sorry, i mean does anybody know if the majority of the people who have done juice fasting lost 30-40 lbs in 30 days?
Hi Frank. Thanks for your question.
I personally haven’t come across someone who’s lost 30-40 lbs in 30 days. But it might be possible.
Is it healthy, though? I don’t think so. Most health professionals agree that healthy weight loss happens at 1-2 pounds (or about 0.5 – 1 kilo) per week.
I really believe health should be the ultimate goal of any weight loss program. Most people who follow diets gain the weight right back. Why? Because they only changed their lifestyle for awhile.
From my research and personal experience, it is ONLY through a healthy lifestyle that a healthy weight can be maintained.
is there a green juice mix for dabetes
@Michael: not from what I can tell, but as a diabetic, you should be concerned mainly with sugar content. These green detox drinks generally don’t have a lot of sugar (except for the added fruit juices, so maybe replace this with water, and the fruit, so maybe cut some of the fruit out and replace with veggies).
PLEASE see your doc before detoxing, though, JUST to make sure it’s safe for you. A major change in diet or exercise affects healthy people. There’s no telling how a pre-existing health condition will influence your reaction.
I noticed you use a blender but you suggested a juicer, a juicer removes the pulp, i have a vita mix and its really a blender, so which is better with pulp or without or does it matter? thank you
Hey Bridget! I personally love pulp. There’s nutrition in there so if you like it, I’d say go for it.
do you just drink the whole month or do you alternate between “whole foods” and juice?
@Jess – when I’m cleansing, I’ll clean up my diet for the month. I’ll end up eating whole foods for a couple of weeks, get down to just raw fruits and veggies, then blend for three days, juice fast for a couple, and then work backwards from there.
When I’m not cleansing, I try to have these detox blended meals a couple of times a week.
I have been doing the above quite often indeed. Has anyone tried with the use of a bio disc ? It has really helped me and can feel a great change in the cocktail ! Feels more refreshing ! You should try it out with a bio disc. After alll health is wealth ! Expecially with diabetes, high blood pressure, etc..A NATURAL healer !
Thanks, Nirav, I’ll check it out!
what exactly is a bio disc?
if i wanted to lose 10 lbs how long would it take me
@Aliya: it totally depends on several different factors, especially the current level of your health.
Live Lighter focuses on balance and health – losing weight is a permanent side effect of adopting a healthy lifestyle.
@Mordinruth: “what is a bio disc?”
http://www.biodisc-energy.com/
I want to loose 5 stubborn kilos with a poor metabolism.
Can i take high proteins for lunch and dinner and as much detox soups as i like on the fat loss plan.
Hi Uzma,
Those 5 stubborn kilos will come off with more protein and building your muscles.
And yes, enjoy as many detox meals as you like. They are very nutritious, low in calories and will keep you full so you don’t feel deprived.
Good luck!
Steph
The point of a cleanse is not to be nutritious, it is to rid the body of old toxins. You need acidity (lemons/limes), heat (cayenne pepper), macronutrients with relatively low calorie intake (NOT FRUIT, maple syrup is best), and a supplement to restore bacteria into the intestines.
These recipes above are not a REAL clease, rather they refer to EATING CLEAN. There is a difference. Eating clean will help you lose weight (body fat) and keep your metabolism active and is a great way to live. Cleansing is ridding yourself of toxins and will help you lose weight by excreting toxic build up within your body.
Thanks for your comment, Stan. I totally agree that the Master Cleanse recipe definitely works!
I’ve also found the recipes above work, too (as well as other cleansing systems). It’s like the chicken and the egg conundrum:
Toxins are stored in fat cells, when you lose weight, toxins are released. It also works in reverse, when you rid your body of toxic build up, you lose weight in the process.
I love these green blender recipes because they are low-calorie meals packed full of nutrients that have incredible healing powers! The phyto-nutrients, as well as the fiber, found in fruits & veggies cleanse our systems of cancer-causing free radicals and other internal and external waste our overloaded systems just cannot get around to processing.
Most of the recipes are really tasty, too!
Steph @ Live Lighter.org
hello! i love your website and im happy to know that i am doing good on part of my morning meal i been drinking the potassium juice. Now i know im detoxing my body reazon why of symptoms. My question are ones my detoxing prosses is finish can i continue drinking the juice ? will the symptoms stop? will i be able to have a normal day with out the all day use of restroom?
Hey Judy! So happy you’re enjoying the green detox juices/meals!
And yes, these are meals super healthy for you (especially the ones with the nuts as the protein makes them a complete meal) – feel free to continue eating/drinking them on a regular basis after your detox. I do!
Symptoms should only last for about 3 days, maybe a bit longer depending on how much your body needs to detox. Your body WILL eventually catch up and you’ll find your bathroom breaks return to normal. (Just make sure to drink lots of water to guard against dehydration.)
However, if your symptoms do not lessen in frequency or severity, please visit your doctor. Everyone’s different and I’ve found that weight-loss sometimes reveals underlying health conditions.
Steph @ Live Lighter.org
Hey, Have you people read about 21 pounds in 21 days detox. You people should give it a try…and then you guys should talk about weight lost…It is possible…I have done….and it works…
Hi Cindy,
What else can you tell us more about the 21 pounds in 21 days detox?
I tried this drink and absolutely love it !
Also created a different version by adding some beets. (really Red)
I think this complements the detox provided by going in the sauna.
To see the sauna benefits, please visite this link…
http://www.montrealsauna.ca/sauna-benefits.php?lang=en
I think it interesting.
Hope more people will think detox when going to the supermarket.
Thank you for your homemade recipes
You can also try this one that I am using to lose weight. Worry not, coz it’s all natural. I found it here http://www.myefusjonpage.com/g/gillmana/639/. The taste is really good, and it is the most effective for me. You can try it too.
All the great info! If I don’t want to spend the time to blend up these drinks everyday, how long do you think it would last if I make a big batch and store in the refrigerator? I also considered buying one of those Vacu Vin 2.35 L containers which comes with a pump so you can vacuum seal whatever is inside. Maybe that would extend the length of time it stays fresh? Or do you think depriving the fruits/veggies of oxygen would have a bad effect? Thanks!
Hey Josh,
Thanks for your excellent question as I’m sure many people would live to save time in preparing these detox drinks.
I store my blended meals in the fridge on occasion but they are the MOST nutritious right after you blend them. I’d recommend storing your batch for no more than a day at the most.
Your idea for the Vacu Vin container is a good idea, though. I don’t think depriving the detox meal of oxygen would do anything but save it from growing bacteria and maybe(?) breaking down.
I wonder if there’s any way to measure the nutrient content of food stored in these types of containers? Anyone know?
Can’t wait to try the `Green Lemonade’ juice recipe posted on StyleBust.com: http://stylebust.com/2010/08/03/going-green-from-the-inside-out/
Hello! I’m preparing for a major internal body cleansing. My concern is toxins being released without breaking out in a rash. I will not be using a juicer. When juiced my body rejects it and I vomit immediately. What steps and juice recipes do you suggest?
Hi Sharron, thanks for visiting Live Lighter and I’m happy to hear you’re about to embark on a cleanse!
(BTW, I always recommend asking the professional advice of a trusted health practitioner before making any drastic changes to your lifestyle, including a cleanse.)
Answers to your questions…
Skin irritations and other detox symptoms may develop when the toxins are released too quickly. Therefore, I’d suggest giving your body a chance to adapt to your cleansing diet by cutting out foods one by one over a longer period of time. (I did this my first time cleansing and barely experienced any adverse side effects.)
Here are a few posts to give you a few ideas in what to cut out, how and when:
1) http://livelighter.org/an-easy-gentle-cleanse-for-a-first-timer/
2) http://livelighter.org/a-safe-enlightening-3-day-fast/
3) http://livelighter.org/how-i-lost-25-lbs-in-3-months/ (skip to step #5)
As for juicing…
Personally I blend all my green detox drinks and several Naturopathic docs have recommended Live Lighter recipes to their patients because of the fiber benefits. There’s a ton of recipes in the Live Lighter “green detox meals” category:
http://livelighter.org/category/cleansing-detoxing/green-detox/
Hopefully your body will accept these blended meals better than it does the green juice! If your body does react negatively, ask your health professional why this might be happening and for alternative cleansing suggestions.
Happy detoxing!
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