Detox Done Right

The “D”word that’s on everyone’s lips with summer fast approaching – DETOX! Don’t worry it isn’t as complicated as you may think.

Before I go off on a green juice tangent, let’s start with demystifying the word “detox”? Well, very simply it’s a period of time when one rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances. Pretty vague you say!? The good news is I’m here to share with you 5 tips to effectively start a detox that can easily translate into a sustainable lifestyle.

I promise this blog isn’t about downing litres of green juices for a week! You could lose some superficial weight that way, but the sad reality is that the minute you return to normal eating habits say “hello” to those stubborn kilos.

Here’s the simple how-to…

1. The Magic of the Mind

First things first, if you want to succeed at this there needs to be a mind shift. Many people think “detox” is all about cutting out, but wouldn’t it be so much easier if all you did was add-in?

Confused are you? It’s pretty simple, start slowly by adding some healthy green and leafy veggies to your current diet. A small change like this will eventually translate to a natural inclination of wanting to be healthy and so you will add-in healthier alternatives… perhaps even a superfood like Moringa (one of my best discoveries). Yes, we all want to lose some weight (and that is a welcomed side-effect of a good detox) but the ultimate goal should be to energize your body (no more mid-afternoon slump), rid your body of nasty toxins, feel great with a body that oozes happy endorphins and waking-up with a spring in your step.

Tip: A good detox attitude is half the job done! Slowly ease into the process with revival tonic like Viridan Organic Equinox Elixir.

2. Love your Liver 

Many people don’t think about the liver for weight loss or when detoxing, but this vital organ is responsible for metabolizing fat. It acts like a “pool filter” cleaning toxins out of our blood and helping us feel energized.

Good Health Body Cleanse is a great product for optimizing your liver health. It may be used as 7-day intense detox or 21 days for a subtler cleanse.

DNA Derma Psor is another great option, containing milk thistle it encourages liver regeneration but also assist the liver to cleanse itself of toxic substances such as alcohol, mercury, pesticides etc. Expect energy levels to start to come back, weight loss and radiant skin with this bottle of magic.

Tip: Add a detox tea (such as Detox Tea from Ozone Health) or warm water infused with lemon, ginger & pinch of turmeric to kick-start your day.

3. Get your Daily Greens

There is truth in the saying – “you are what you eat!”.  You knew it was coming, unfortunately there is no magic pill that will achieve lasting weight loss or health on its own. I promise, eating healthy doesn’t need to be bland or boring, in fact it usually opens up the door for some interesting experimental cooking. If you are serious about detoxing your body you’ll need to say your farewells to caffeine, sugar, gluten/wheat, processed foods and alcohol, but it’s not all doom and gloom. We are lucky to be spoiled for choice with many healthier substitutes, there are countless online resources to help you whip up uncomplicated meals in no time. Try to eat as organic as possible, read food labels (these are often VERY misleading), replace your sugary juices with freshly squeezed fruit/veggie combos – delish! Little changes like these often show big results.

I know we aren’t all perfect, and we all have our cheat days, so to cut cravings if you do fall off the detox wagon you can get a little help with AM Organic Healthy & Slim Nutritional Supplement or DNA Carb Fast, which decreases body fat accumulation, reduces appetite and helps you feel fuller for longer.

Tip:  Make water taste amazing by infusing with fresh fruit, you’ll want to drink loads more this way.

4. Get Moving

No, it’s doesn’t need to entail painstaking hours spent in the gym, again little changes to get active like dancing while prepping your healthy meals, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, going for a walk on a Saturday morning or even jumping on the trampoline with the kids. Exercise does wonders for releasing feel-good endorphins and filling-up your energy tank.

Tip: Download a few 20-minute workouts and do this 3-4 times a week in the comfort of your home… in your pajamas if you like!

5. Clear the Colon

If you are sitting with a rather sluggish system, chances are your body of dietary toxins.

These toxins wedged in the digestive track are absorbed by the bloodstream, and as result the body is unable to metabolize food properly. Your body will naturally work out bad foods, but a good detox plan consisting of a fibre-rich diet (think dark leafy veg, berries), and loads of water will help reboot your system…and get things moving along. One could also supplement with digestive enzymes after meals to normalize digestion.  DNA Detox is a fantastic all-rounder when comes to improving bowel movement, nutrient absorption and achieving a slimmer waistline.

Tip: Eat pineapple and papaya, these are excellent natural digestives.

So whether you’d like to do a quick 7-day detox three times a year or you are looking for a complete lifestyle change, allow your body to do what it does naturally, aided by healthy eating, being more active and supplementing appropriately…. this is secret sauce of a detox done right! And while you’re at it, throw in a digital detox because who needs unrealistic expectations of what we are supposed to look like – it’s how you feel!

Analita Farelo (VitaSoul blogger)