Simple Cleanse
Winter is almost over – and Spring is right around the corner. This is a good time to think about feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Sometimes we just need a good reboot – and one way to do that is to cleanse our body with the most nourishing foods. Most people will feel bad after overeating during the weekend and then they’ll swear they’ll be good tomorrow or Monday. The day you will begin to focus on you and your health. But the day always slips through your fingers. And these days keep passing by. Your busy schedule got in a way and taking care of yourself has not only dropped further down your to-do list but it got off the track.
When I was struggling with digestive issues I was always so tired, both literally and figuratively. I was tired of feeling unbalanced. Tired of not having the energy to enjoy my life to the fullest. Mostly, I was tired of feeling like I was failing at achieving that elusive balance. I may have looked good on the outside, but on the inside I was foggy, irritable, moody, suffering from allergies, and feeling generally overwhelmed by life.
It was during my studies at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition that I finally realized I was not following the instruction we are given when we fly on a plane, “the in case of an emergency instruction” – put on YOUR mask first. If you are not taking care of yourself you really cannot take proper care of the others around you. Running on an empty tank, or a tank filled with junk does not serve you well. Taking the seemingly selfless path of not putting yourself first is actually counterproductive because you can’t take care of everyone around you if you are struggling.
So, at least once a month I schedule my reset – a one day cleanse that will help me clear my mind and detoxify my body from all kinds of junks. There are also times that I might need the 7-day reset, but today let’s start with one day and then progress from there – take it slowly but effectively.
3 Reasons why we need to cleanse our body:
ONE:
ENVIRONMENT: The reality is, no matter how clean we eat, we live in a very toxic world. Before we even open our mouths to take a bite of food, we are already exposed to vehicular and industrial pollution in the air and toxins in our cleaning products and cosmetics. So, even if you eat clean foods – it’s still a good idea to cleanse once a month.
TWO:
FOOD: Have you ever thought about the foods and drinks you consume? Many people eat whatever comes their way because of the struggle to have time to cook at home. You may find yourself eating processed foods or fast foods most of the time. Do you know that diet affects our behavior and mood? Dietary changes bring changes in our brains which lead to change in our attitude and ability.
THREE:
STRESS: Feeling stressed can create a wide variety of physiological changes, such as impairing digestion, excretion of valuable nutrients, decreasing beneficial gut flora populations, decreasing your metabolism, and raising triglycerides, cholesterol, insulin, and cortisol levels. -Mercola.com
Most of us are juggling way too much and going through the day at warp speed, trying to get more and more done. By having a high-stress level, not only is it harmful to your health, it’s harmful to your waistline as well.
Let’s start here:
I know 90% of Americans love their morning coffee. Here’s why no coffee when trying to detoxify your body:
- Caffeine decreases the nutrients absorption in the body, it dulls the taste buds making dense nutrient foods less satisfying.
- Makes the body acidic.
- Coffee is a stimulant, fires up your adrenal gland – not favorable to your lovely organs (liver and kidney).
If you really must have something warm or hot drink in the morning – try black or green tea.
First thing in the morning:
Upon waking – drink water with lemon and a dash of cayenne pepper
Breakfast Juice:
1 cucumber
a handful of kale
1/2 bunch mint
a handful of parsley
OR
Breakfast Smoothie
1 cup spinach
1 cup kale
1 banana
1 small cucumber
1 celery stalk
1 apple
1 tablespoon flax seeds
1 vegan protein powder – I use The Natural Citizen
LUNCH
Spring Salad and Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
1 small cucumber, cut into matchsticks
1 small carrot, cut into matchsticks
1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
a handful cilantro
1 avocado
DRESSING:
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients, stir to mix well
Instructions:
Place all vegetables in a salad bowl, except avocado and sesame seeds. Pour the dressing, toss, coat well. Add the avocado on top and sprinkle the sesame seeds.
DINNER:
Veggie Soup
Ingredients:
1 bell pepper
1 inch-size fresh ginger, peeled, finely minced
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 small carrot, small diced
1 stalk celery, small diced
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 cups vegetable stock
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon tarragon
parsley for garnish
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Heat a pan with olive oil, saute garlic and onions for 30 seconds, add the rest of the vegetables, stir to mix. Add tarragon, salt, and pepper, stir to combine well. Add the vegetable stock, stir, lower the heat, cover, simmer, for 2 minutes or until veggies are tender. Garnish with parsley.
SNACKS
MID MORNING AND MID AFTERNOON
ROASTED MIX NUTS (1/4 CUP)
TIPS to a magical cleanse
- Ditch old ideas that do not serve you
- Rest
- Hydrate
- Believe in yourself – you can accomplish anything you desire
- Forgive
- Love more
- ENJOY the new & refreshed YOU!
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DISCLAIMER:
This guide is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a physician, nor treats, prevent or cure any illnesses. The reader should always consult the advice of his/her medical doctor, licensed dietician or nutritionist, in matters relating to his/her health and to the symptoms that require diagnosis or medical attention. The information provided is for educational and general purposes only.