When someone tells me, “Oh, I am going to go on a detox” or “I found a cleanse that I am going to try”, I cringe a little inside. I bite my tongue with my opinion and respond with “Oh really? What is your reasoning for that?” And most people answer with things like: “I’ve been eating like junk” or ” I need to lose weight”.
Wanting to eat healthier and losing weight are GREAT goals and I am always happy when people are interested in improving their health. However, most people do not know what a true detoxification (of your body) is. It is not just about making better food choices; a true detox is described as “cleansing of the blood” and removing toxins from ALL of your organs.
Removing toxins from your body is of course ideal and depending on the individual, necessary (!!) BUT…that does automatically lead to weight loss? Healthier eating habits? A sustainable diet or lifestyle???
Juices, teas, cleanses & detox kits…take this, drink that, and they market that you will get your dream bod like THAT. Uh uh…it unfortunately doesn’t work that way.
Permanent weight loss requires realistic changes that you can sustain for the rest of your life. I get most frustrated when people look for the quickest fix or easiest way to get fit. News flash: It ISN’T easy. It takes consistent effort but…you can maintain it! 😉 I unfortunately see people try a detox or cleanse and do REALLY good for a couple weeks…only to fall back to old (unhealthy) patterns.
Why?? Because extremes are not the answer (or necessary!)
Going on a detox is great, but healthy lifestyle changes are even better!
Here are ten straight forward and simple ways to naturally “detox” and heal your body, from the inside out. These are safe and healthy for anyone to try! 🙂
- Drink more water: Did you know that water makes up approximately 65% of our bodies? Adequate water intake is necessary for proper body functioning. It is a natural detoxifier for our bodies, as it helps replenish balance within our cells and to flush out toxins. Drinking more water will increase energy levels, improve digestion, circulation, and organ functioning. It also reduces bloating, improves skin tone, and increases mental clarity. Drink up!
- Eat your veggies: Being healthy isn’t always about eating less…it is about fueling your body with the nutrients in the proper quantities. Vegetables contain high levels of micronutrients (vitamins & minerals) that are essential for overall well-being. They are also high in fiber and low in calories, which provide satiety and aids in proper digestion & energy balance. Try adding 1 cup of veggies to your dinner or have a colorful salad with lunch. Try incorporating 1 new vegetable a week to your meals.
- Reduce your sugar intake: Highly processed foods containing white sugar, flour, trans fats and/or GMOs are highly inflammatory to our bodies, increase insulin & blood sugar levels, fatigue, and provide little nutrients! Aim to reduce and ultimately eliminate all these “foods”.
- Get moving: Physical activity will improve circulation, energy levels, digestion & strength & endurance. The more you move the energy you gain! Sweating is a natural way of removing toxins from the body. Regular exercise also increases serotonin levels (aka the happy hormone) so you will be fitter AND happier!
- SLEEP: Sleep and proper recovery is one of the most underrated factors when it comes to naturally balancing your hormones, improving energy, and detoxing. Sleep is when our body removes toxins, grows & restores energy & cellular balance. Prioritizing sleep is crucial to truly optimal health. Aim to get a consistent 7-8 hours a night. Set up a nightly routine that will help train your body to get ready for bed.
Extra Credit Tips:
- Get R & R: With our non-stop busy lifestyles, rest and down-time is usually pushed on the back burner (if it even exists!) Unfortunately many people deal with chronic stress (physical, mental, environmental and emotional). High cortisol levels are linked to ALL major diseases and decreases your overall health! High cortisol levels have been shown to decrease hormone production, which regulates your metabolism, moods, digestion, etc. Reducing stress (and ultimately balancing your hormones) is critical for optimal wellness. Schedule time each day for you: it might include reading, meditation, prayer, or spending time with loved ones. Keep a gratitude journal or practice breathing techniques. Reduce or eliminate the stressors that you can control. Your Negative Nancy friend? Buh-bye! Find a new project or hobby that will keep you excited about. All these little things add up!
- Invest in Quality Supplements: Even though the optimal way to nourish our bodies is through whole foods, we can’t always eat the “perfect” diet with all vitamins and nutrients. Some might just be starting out on your health journey and know that they aren’t eating all the veggies they should be (yet). Supplementation is a great way to fill the gaps between your diet. It ensures that you are intaking the proper nutrients that your body needs. I recommend (to all):
- Whole-Food Based Multi-Vitamin
- Whole food based guarantees that is not synthesized, and it is easier for your body to absorb it (versus just an expensive bathroom trip!)
- Omega 3 (with EPA & DHA)
- Most common form is fish oil; 1000mg is the RDA for most adults. Look for labels that say “enteric coating” and “molecularly distilled” for better quality.
- Whole-Food Based Multi-Vitamin
- Take a Probiotic: Your gut and digestive tract is full of organisms and bacteria (yummy right?) Probiotics are a type of “good” bacteria that you DO want in your GI tract, as it helps to fight off bad bacteria & foreign organisms. Adding in a probiotic supplement can dramatically improve your gut health, and can reduce IBS symptoms, bloating, etc. Think of it as a natural cleansing agent 🙂
- Eat your SuperFoods: Superfoods get their name because they are rich in anti-oxidants and/or omega 3 fatty acids. These fight against disease, aid the immune system, reduce toxins, and improve heart and brain health!
- Foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids:
- Salmon
- Tuna
- Walnuts
- Flax (seed or oil)
- Foods rich in anti-oxidants:
- Dark leafy greens (there are those veggies again!)
- Berries
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Carrots
- Foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids:
- Reduce the “hidden” toxins: Some stressors may include:
- Environmental toxins
- Pollutants/Smog/Fumes
- Household Cleaners
- Excessive caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco consumption
- Abusing OTC medications or antibiotics
- Consistent negative thinking or influences
- Environmental toxins
Not know where to start? Interested in making these healthy changes but need direction? With any questions or inquires about my services, feel free to email me at allisonbergstromfitness@yahoo.com 🙂
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