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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These are great recipes. This is the best way to detox ourselves with something that we can enjoy and still be healthy.
If you want more green drinks you can refer on this link: http://www.energiseforlife.com/cat–Alkalising-Supplements–ALKALISING_SUPPLEMENTS/green-drinks.html
Thanks for sharing, Ross!
These are some great recipies that I will. I am alays looking for recipies to clean out my system and make me feel more healthy. I am going to try these.
Great, De Anna! Hope you like them!
These recipes sounds great, I’m definitely on it, not sure about my hubby though! lol
lol, Tosha, ya, my hubby won’t try ‘em at all!
The best juice right now at Tico’s juice bar in princeton NJ:
Kale
Spinach
Celery
Lemon
Ginger
Green apple
Cucumber!
Try 16oz two times a day for a week and start living my friends.
Saludes
Ammel
Nice, Ammel. Thanks for sharing! I’ll try making this here in Toronto, might be awhile before I make it to NJ.
Thanks for the info! I’m in Texas….but I’d love to give this one a try. What is it mixed with?
Nanette
I lost 20lbs this past month fasting on that recipe. I got from that documentary “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead”. I feel great.
Haha, I found this site because I’m watching “Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead” on Netflix right now.
How much of each ingredient do you need to use???
Hey Rich, I’ve just been winging it. Put however much of each ingredient you wish depending on your tastes. And don’t be afraid to experiment!
Did you eat solid food along with your juices?
Hi Kim, thanks for your question. It depends – if I’m cleansing, no. If I’m just using the blended meals for weight maintenance, extra vitamins and fiber intake, then yes, I may eat something solid with it, like toast, depending on how active and hungry I am.
Thanks for your response. I made some green juice, but can’t finish it all. Can long can it stay fresh in the fridge?
Hey Kim, I missed your comment! I’d use it within 24 hours to benefit from the full nutritional value.
Impress your friends with these cocktail recipe at your next occasion. http://goo.gl/AMKie
this is great! Im just starting a big detox will try these out! thanks for posting!
You’re so welcome! I’ve posted a ton more for you to choose from in my green detox meal category: http://livelighter.org/category/cleansing-detoxing/green-detox/
Happy Cleansing! Steph
could you give me more info on what you ate to lose 25 lbs in 3 months and what you ate during that month of detox? I’d appreciate an email or comment on my blog, thank you!
Hi Lucia, thanks for stopping by Live Lighter. I’ll pop on by your blog!
I lost 20 lbs in 4 months and I want to lost more , thank you for sharing this
Congrats and you’re most welcome! Please, enjoy.
How exactly do you go about the detox? How much of the green juice do you drink per day if it’s for detox and weight loss purposes. Just got a juicer for Christmas and want to do it right!!
Hi Elaine, so happy you popped on by Live Lighter for some recipes and advice. Try this post for suggestions in an easy, gentle cleanse for first timers: http://livelighter.org/an-easy-gentle-cleanse-for-a-first-timer/
If you are looking to detoxify, cleanse and nourish your body from the inside out, a natural detox drink can help eliminate and remove toxins.
Juicing
Hello to everyone,
I would love to try this detox my hubby just got me a juicer for my b-day I’m so exited know my question is I work out 5 days a week and I was wondering how am I going to get my protein and if I do this for a month will I start loosing muscle?
Hi Bernice! Good question, that’s why I love my blender as I can add nuts or nut butter to my detox recipes. What I’d suggest when using a juicer is to munch on hand-fulls of nuts throughout the day.
LOVE that I stumbled across this site. I’m about 2 months into eating more organic, juicing, growing my own vegetables! I’m concerned my hubby is nearing some big diseases – very tired, run down, headaches, bowel issues, moody…! And he IS (thank GOD) willing to do a detox. I want to make sure I’m putting in the freshest foods, rather than supplements with additives. Like fennel seed is not the same as fenned root…? But is good for colon detox? I’m concerned about him sticking with this during the day when we are in separate places for work. I will continue to look around here and SO appreciate all the info and posts!
Congrats, Cindy, on your clean eating these last 2 months. And, whew, you are a very lucky woman that your hubby is willing to do something about his troubles.
I’m not sure about the fennel seed vs. root question, they should do the same thing in our bodies, but the seed would have protein in it.
Here’s something to send to your hubby: http://livelighter.org/an-easy-gentle-cleanse-for-a-first-timer/ and when you and he are ready: http://livelighter.org/a-safe-enlightening-3-day-fast/
All the best to you and your hubby, Cindy!
Please take a moment to review the green drink recipes my coworkers and I come up with from day to day 5 days a week.
If you’d like to see a sample of our recipes go to twitter.com/drinkurgreens
Thanks,
Williams & Friends
Thank you, Williams & Friends, for sharing!
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