When it comes to our health, most of us are guilty of overlooking the basics. We put off doctor’s appointments, we eat unhealthy foods on a regular basis, and we don’t exercise nearly as often as we should. But one basic element of good health that many people overlook is regular body cleansing. A detox diet is an essential part of any healthy lifestyle, and it’s something that everyone should incorporate into their routine. This guide will teach you all about the importance of body cleansing and how to get started on your own detox diet journey.
Doing a cleanse is a good way to reset the body and calm the mind. Some people start a cleanse to make a lifestyle change or with the goal of weight loss. Many people eat out of habit and this can be a detrimental experience when we are trying to control what we eat, when, and why.
The mind is a big component of eating as well as addictions and dietary habits. Cleansing helps to eliminate toxins from the body and ease digestion while jumpstarting the body’s metabolism.
Pre-Cleanse
Begin the cleansing process by starting with a pre-cleanse a few days before beginning the cleanse. Start to eat whole foods two to five days before the cleanse to slowly prepare the body. Adding organic foods during the pre-cleanse phase is a good idea to encourage cleansing of the body.
Dark leafy green vegetables, red, purple, and yellow veggies are all great to eat during the whole foods phase. Fruits can be enjoyed, though some people choose to avoid bananas and mangos. Grains and rice can be eaten as well as legumes, lentils, nuts, and seeds. Some people include a small amount of meat and eggs.
Eating healthy during the pre-cleanse phase will help prevent any adverse effects from detoxing too quickly during the cleanse. Be sure to drink 8-12 glasses of filtered water per day. If you have a hard time in taking that amount of water you can add lemon, chlorophyll, or minerals to modify the taste and improve absorption.
Foods to avoid during cleansing and in the pre-cleanse, phase includes alcohol, sugar, caffeine, red meat, processed meats, white flour, refined sugars, foods with preservatives, dairy, fried foods, candy, canned foods, and cigarettes.
During the Cleanse
Start each day with a glass of warm water with lemon. You can add chlorophyll and minerals if needed. Drink a juice 1-2 hours later and every few hours throughout the day as you become hungry. Keep a food journal and also make note of your mental and emotional states throughout the cleansing process.
We often gain insights and new ideas when cleansing because toxins are leaving the body leading to greater mental clarity. Light exercise and sweating can also help with detox processing, and an infrared sauna, steam room, baths, massage, or acupuncture treatment can help facilitate this process.
Yoga, stretching, light exercise, and walking also move stuck energy and can facilitate the cleansing process. Avoid vigorous work and get plenty of rest. Be sure to hydrate after sweating.
If you become hungry and require something more substantial, you may want to incorporate smoothies in addition to juice. You can make a smoothie from organic fruits and vegetables and can add avocado or soaked nuts to boost nutrient and mineral content and also provide more substance. A snack of fresh fruit or soaked nuts are also an option for fiber.
Post-Cleanse
After undertaking the cleanse, you will want to ease back into eating heavy and solid foods. Begin with foods that are natural, like fruits and vegetables, green smoothies, soaked nuts, and seeds, or herbal teas. On the following day, you may add heavier foods like protein smoothies or a warm vegetable-based soup.
Eating proteins and heavier vegetables can be added pithing 3-5 days of the cleanse, but this will be determined by how the body feels as new foods are added back into the diet. Continue drinking lemon water first thing in the morning and throughout the day. Eating healthy foods will help to maintain the cleanse and allow the body to continue to heal and establish health.
Conclusion
Body cleansing is an important part of overall health and well-being. It helps remove toxins from the body, supports healthy digestion, and can even help improve moods. If you’re looking for ways to cleanse your body naturally, we have a variety of resources to help get you started. Click here to check out our resources and find the perfect way to start cleansing your body today!