6 Steps to a Gentle Whole Body Cleanse

In today’s busy world, it is becoming harder and harder to adhere to a healthy lifestyle the majority of the time. Social gatherings, cravings and lack of time can lead to eating less than healthy foods and drinking alcohol, an overabundance of coffee drinks and sugar laden sodas, juices and more. Once slip leads to two and all of a sudden you’ve given up your healthy regimen for one that has you sleepy, sluggish and unmotivated in health and fitness. Sometimes, an easy jumpstart is all you need to get back into your healthy routine. These easy steps to a gentle, simple whole body cleanse may get you back on track in the right direction.
1. Hydrate. A body that is not fully hydrated cannot function at an optimal level. It’s incredibly important to drink water. Not only will this help restore your energy, but it will also help your metabolism function efficiently and help your body release any built up toxins. Try adding fresh lemon juice to further enhance the detoxification process.
2. Stick to a Healthy Balanced Whole Food Diet for 14 Days. Pick lean meats such as chicken breast, turkey breast, lean beef (less than 10% lean), eggs, duck, fresh fish, shrimp, scallops, lobster and calamari. Stick to carbohydrates from vegetable sources such as green leafy vegetables, broccoli, green beans, kale, bamboo shoots, bell peppers, lettuces, tomato, snow peas and onion. Fruits such as apples, berries, grapefruit, orange, pear and plums are great to eat while bananas, melons, pineapple and mango should be reserved for after the first 14 days. Plenty of monounsaturated fats should be added in from nuts such as almonds, cashews, macadamia, peanuts and pistachios. Olive oil, avocado and canola oil are all great sources of monounsaturated fat. It’s important to have balanced meals consisting of a protein, a carbohydrate and a monounsaturated fat. Try the “Eyeball Method” for your measuring device. This method is simple and can be used anywhere you go. Protein should be the size and thickness of the palm of your hand, carbohydrates should be the size of two clenched fists and fat should be the size of the tip of your thumb.
3. Avoid All Processed Foods and Refined Sugars for the First 14 Days. While it’s a great idea to omit these completely from your diet, the first 14 days are critical in eliminating processed foods and refined sugars to break any sugar addiction and eliminate any unneeded sodium, additives and chemicals from your body. During this time period you’ll want to eliminate all breads, processed lunch meats, candy, sweets, cereals, juices, pasta, rice, pre packages meals, chips, sugary salad dressings and alcohol.
4. Avoid Fake Foods. Ingesting artificial sweeteners can create a toxic effect in the body. Eliminate all artificial sweeteners from your diet. Diet sodas, sugar free candy, sugar free puddings and dairy items should be avoided. Use raw sugar or stevia if you need a substitute to sweeten drinks or for cooking.
5. Limit Your Caffeine Intake. One glass per day is the recommended allowance for caffeine each day. Caffeine is a natural diuretic so while there are some redeeming qualities about it, it will also push water out of your body which can lead to dehydration. Stick to one glass per day and grab water after the first class of caffeinated beverage.
6. Rest, Relax and Rejuvenate. Your body will be thanking you for this gentle jumpstart. It’s also important to treat yourself right – body and mind. Add in yoga, a spa treatment, simple meditation and light stretching during your 14 day jumpstart.
This easy should help rid your body of unwanted chemicals and break your sugar addiction. Your body will be able to function and restore properly. You’ll be on your way to feeling energized and renewed once you complete this simple whole body cleanse. Make sure consult your doctor or registered dietitian if you have any questions regarding whether or not this program is right for you. Or come see us at the fitness retreat for more guidance!