Ready for a Spring Detox?

Are you feeling sluggish and bloated? Are you tired when you wake up or need a nap in the middle of the afternoon?  Do you have trouble sleeping or losing weight?  If you answered yes to any of these questions then it may be time to consider a 21 day detox program to recharge your body’s own natural detoxification system.

My preferred components of a detox program include eating real food and incorporating strategies to reduce stress and enhance the body’s ability to get rid of toxins.  It’s a good idea to give yourself 3-5 days of preparation time to clean out your pantry, grocery shopping and wean off caffeine (sorry, no coffee) before you start the program.  Also, consider soliciting friends and family members to join you.  Being accountable to others is a great way to pave your way to success.  So let’s get started.

Diet:

My detox plan eliminates processed foods, sugars and artificial sweeteners as well as categories of foods that may provoke inflammation.  So for three weeks, I encourage you to also avoid the following: gluten, dairy, corn, soy, night shades, peanuts, caffeine and alcohol. Here’s what you can eat:

Fruits:  Fresh or unsweetened frozen

Vegetables:  All fresh or frozen except for night shades (white potato, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant) and corn.  Try to eat 2 servings of leafy greens each day.

Protein: Grass fed beef and pork, organic poultry, free range eggs, wild caught fish, wild game meat

Starches: Brown, black or wild rice, amaranth, millet, quinoa, buckwheat and gluten free oats.  All legumes except soy.

Nuts and seeds: Any that are raw and unprocessed. No peanuts.

Dairy Substitutes:  Unsweetened almond, cashew, coconut or hemp milk. Ghee or grass fed butter.

Beverages:  Tea (green or herbal) yerba matte, plain orunflavored sparkling water.  May use lemon.

Oils: extra virgin oil, organic coconut, flaxseed

Vinegars:  Apple cider, white, rice, balsamic, red

Herbs and Seasonings:  All plain spices/herbs, mustard and coconut animos (for soy sauce)

Sweets and treats:  Stevia, cocao nibs, cocoa powder

Stress relief: 

Meditation, deep breathing and yoga are examples.  Walking in nature daily also is a great way to relax.

Releasing Toxins: 

Drink plenty of water (at least half your body weight in ounces/day), take daily walks and consider taking detox baths as great options to help your body pee and sweat out toxins.