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 (made with good bacteria, not vinegar pickled)
- 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:
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Potassium Juice 3 carrots
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Ginger Root Boost 1 inch slice ginger root |
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High Blood Pressure Reducer 2 garlic cloves
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Yummy Green Drink ½ bunch spinach
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Homemade V8 (6 glasses) 6-8 tomatoes
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Cleansing Veggie Broth BOIL: 3 carrots |
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.
Stay tuned for the next post inspired by a Live Lighter reader, “An Easy and Gentle Cleanse for a First-Timer.”
Related posts:
March 11th, 2008 at 6:39 am
March 16th, 2008 at 11:39 am
I must admit, though, I favour my smoothies. Maybe because it’s because I’m a fruity kind of gal.
April 10th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
April 11th, 2008 at 12:18 am
April 11th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
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.
October 21st, 2008 at 11:40 am
October 22nd, 2008 at 7:10 pm
October 28th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
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.
November 22nd, 2008 at 11:42 am
November 25th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
December 1st, 2008 at 11:34 pm
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:32 pm
When I’m not cleansing, I try to have these detox blended meals a couple of times a week.
February 16th, 2009 at 7:01 am
February 18th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
April 24th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
July 9th, 2009 at 7:04 pm
July 13th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Live Lighter focuses on balance and health – losing weight is a permanent side effect of adopting a healthy lifestyle.
July 13th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
http://www.biodisc-energy.com/
December 5th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Can i take high proteins for lunch and dinner and as much detox soups as i like on the fat loss plan.
December 5th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
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
January 11th, 2010 at 5:00 am
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.
January 12th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
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
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:04 pm
January 25th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
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