One of my favorite quotes was said by Thomas Edison, "The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in a proper diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease." A detoxification diet or cleanse is a step in the right direction toward disease prevention, and a fabulous way to begin a healthier lifestyle.
Deciding to take on a detox diet is a process. The first step in the process is deciding why you want to detox, what is your purpose? It is wise to make a list of the reasons you personally want to detox before choosing one of the many options available. Some of the reasons people choose to detox or cleanse are the following:
-Jump start weight loss
-Quit drinking caffeine and/or alcohol
-Take diet/lifestyle to the next level
-Help create awareness of dietary addictions
-Eliminate sugar
-Eliminate toxins from major organs (colon, liver, pancreas)
-Eliminate yeast and inflammation from the body
-Become aware of potential food allergies
Once you have a clear purpose, you can then choose the duration of your detox. This is going to depend on your work and personal life schedule, and the time of year. Be careful not to set yourself up for failure by attempting your first detox in the midst of a hectic time in your life. For your first detox, I recommend a shorter duration, five to ten days. As you learn to detox, you will better understand the changes that your body goes through and can then adjust the length of time for future diets.
There are many benefits to a detox diet, and the longer the diet, the more changes and healing that will take place. As you rid your body of pollutants and toxins some of the benefits that you may notice right away include:
-Increased energy
-Improved circulation
-Improved digestion
-Clearer skin
-Weight loss
-Improved sleep
-Clarity and improved concentration
-Feelings of euphoria or well-being
You may also notice some interesting sensations in the body and mind while dieting. It is my feeling, and only makes sense, that the more toxins you put in your body daily, the more you will experience interesting or difficult side effects in the beginning days of your detox. The good news is that these seemingly negative feelings are really positive, it means your body is being cleaned and restored! Some effects may include: Headaches, tingling sensations in the body, mood swings (usually only in the first couple of days), anxiety or restlessness (this is when I choose yoga or meditation), dizziness or lightheadedness and insomnia. Be assured that these feelings are temporary, and are all a part of the process - it is the storm before the calm! You are not going to lose your mind, crawl out of your skin, or wither away to nothing. You will, however, feel challenged and very much alive and come out of the experience with a whole new idea of what eating and fueling your body means to you.
I encourage you begin thinking and planning your detox in the upcoming weeks. With autumn around the corner, a detox diet might be the perfect way to end your summer!
~One Body, One Life~
J.
