Is Detox a Dirty Word? Discover 3 Ways to Safely Detox Without Pills, Kits and Starving

Back to school, back to routines, back to life.  After the summer fun, you are ready to buckle down with your health and get ready for the holiday gluttony coming up.

A great way to prepare for the holidays is to cleanse.  Don’t worry, the cleanse I am talking about doesn’t require celebrity priced shakes or funky smelling powders.

About nine years ago I tried my first 10-day detox with my acupuncturist. It was hell. I remember spending more than $200 on supplements and a concoction that tasted like paste. The first few days were a fast, and I was starving! I got to add some broth near the end, but I was so weak and felt hungry all the time. Needless to say whenever someone mentioned detox, I ran for the hills. The words that came to mind were deprivation, starvation and torture.

After experimenting with a few different food-based cleanses and researching detox programs during my nutrition certification program, I now think of detox as glowing, vibrant, energizing and light. 

So why the change? Once you experience a detox that incorporates whole foods and daily activities that support your body, there isn’t anything in the world that can compare to the feeling you get after a detox.  You may feel increased bouts of energy, eliminate your cravings, lose weight, reduce bloating and get rid of belly fat. Your mind is clear and focused, and even your mood can improve.

There are lots of “detox” regimens out there. Some require fasting or calorie counting. Some promise a flushed colon or invigorated spleen. While these types of detox programs (which mainly come in a box) seem safe, I do not recommend cleanses that eliminate whole foods.  Many of us are so busy and active, and if you aren’t eating, you can set yourself up for illness, feeling weak and unproductive.

Here are my top three sure fire detox steps to detox the safe and healthy way:

      1.  I suggest a gentle, clean food-based detox.  The first step is to eliminate foods that have barcodes. Michael Pollen, author of Omnivore’s Dilemma and Food Rules, suggests that we avoid foods that come in a can or box.  I usually remind myself of this rule when I shop.  For your food-based cleanse, stick to organic fruits and veggies plus lots of dark leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, collards.

Greens have lots of chlorophyll that feed our blood and fight against free radicals. That, my friend, is reason enough to eat your greens. Looking younger is always a plus.

      2.  As you pump the green stuff, you also need to avoid or limit the following:  added sugar, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, wheat/gluten, eggs, animal protein, corn, soy, and fruit juices since they are very high in sugar and calories. 

     3.  Determine the length of your detox.  I recommend a program that is 10 days.  Anything less than 10 days is not beneficial. It takes time to make changes, and your body needs time to adjust to eating differently, getting rid of toxins, and establishing habits.  Usually my clients start to see changes around Day 8 and really feel the full effects by Day 10.  If you are new to detoxing or want a power-boost to jump start healthy living, then 10 days is a good start.

Are you ready to try a detox? Have you done a cleanse before?  Leave me a comment below.  I would love to know your thoughts on getting your detox on!

Oh, and I'm teaching The Detox Toolkit at Annapolis Whole Foods on Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.  Come and learn more about detoxing safely and have a chance to win a free detox box full of my favorite cleansing goodies.

Register here:  The Detox Toolkit Workshop

Lisa Consiglio Ryan is a Certified Health and Nutrition Coach for busy, active women and their families. Areas of expertise include weight loss, stress management, detox programs, and special diets such as vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Services include private consulting and group seminars.

Get your FREE guide to healthy living:  5 Shockingly Simple Steps to Getting Your Hot Body Back for Good.

Contact Lisa at Whole Health Designs for more information on health coaching programs: http://www.wholehealthdesigns.com.

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