Time to Detox?
“Do you think I need to do a detox?” As a health coach I get that question and others like it often at the beginning of every year: Questions like, “Rose, is a detox really necessary?” What is the point of doing a detox”? “Will I be spending all my time running to the bathroom if I do one?”
I do recommend a detox quarterly. Just like the change of the seasons, our body needs a detox to “shed” the old to bring in the new”. So my answers are: “Yes, now is the time to detox. It is necessary. There are many reasons to detox. And NO, you won’t be spending all your time running to the bathroom.” So let’s dive in!
What is a Detox?
“Detox” has become a trendy word many health-minded folks and pros alike use these days. But what really IS a detox? A detox is a popular way for people to restore their health, jumpstart their metabolism and kick off a weight-loss or clean-eating program. And done right, detoxing does a great job of helping you achieve those goals. There are many different ways to “do a detox” and the process you choose should be based on YOUR individual needs, challenges, goals, and preferences … and lifestyle too! Click here to read more about the “what and why”.
And while healthy eating and/or detoxing should not feel like an exercise in depriving yourself, nearly all programs include refraining from one or more main foods that may be the cause of many of the symptoms people suffer from most – tired, heavy, moody, headaches, congestion, itchiness, and stomach upset issues of one kind or another. The most popular of those “main” foods is sugar.
As a former “sugar addict” I can tell you from my own experience, the side effects of eating this legal yet lethal drug are real, addictive and extremely harmful. Consuming sugar does more than cause weight gain; it causes inflammation, a storage of belly fat, and spikes in your blood sugar that create a roller-coaster effect: it provides a burst of energy, but then it depletes your energy, so you crave MORE sugar. The more you eat, the more you want, and its effect on your body makes it nearly impossible to lose weight or reduce your symptoms.
Take the Detox Quiz:
Still not sure it’s time for you to do a detox. Answer these 7 question.
1. Did you over-indulge over on sugary foods during the holiday season?
2. Have you notices that you been feeling more sluggish or achy than usual?
3. Has your stomach been upset for days (maybe even weeks or years!)?
4. Do you suffer from headaches, heartburn, or have trouble sleeping?
5. Do you feel like your clothes have shrunk?
6. Do you want to get back on track, feel and look fabulous and have more confidence?
7. Would you love to fit comfortable into your favorite jeans?
If you answered yes to ANY of these questions, considering a detox or clean-eating program for 10 to 21 days may be a great start for you. Read more on the HOW and WHY you should consider a detox read my blog : Tick-Tock… What is and Why Detox?:
Before you dive into any detox or clean eating program here are some important things to consider:
1. Recognize that there are many types of detoxes – they don’t all involve juicing, fasting, or deprivation. In fact, my program includes real, whole food at every meal – plus snacks, and a wide variety of easy, delicious recipes.Remember, a detox isn’t just about what you DON’T eat – it’s also about what you DO eat and how you nourish your body, mind and spirit.
Ask me about my 10-day All Natural Sugar Detox Program!
2. Ask yourself how you feel, what you want and why you want it. Write it down.
3. Talk to an expert – as a certified health and nutrition coach, I’m happy to help you customize a program that’s right for you. YOU CAN DO IT. I can help you! Click here to get started www.roseannzaft.com
3 Simple Detox Recipes
Start your new year out with these 3 delicious, healthy, nutrient-rich recipes that are ideal for helping your body rejuvenate from everyday toxins or holiday indulging!
Big Green Detox Juice
This juice recipe contains cucumber, which adds phytonutrients with valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.
Ingredients:
• 1 green apple
• 1 large cucumber
• 1/2 bunch of curly kale
• 1 handful of spinach
• 1 handful of parsley
• 1 lemon
• 4-5 stalks of celery
Directions:
Push ingredients through juicer one at a time. Always put the cucumber through the juicer last to flush through all of the other ingredients. If you don’t have a juicer, head to a local juice bar for a green treat. You can also find some quality bottled green juices at the market (check ingredients!) although fresh is always best!
BETTER OPTION: Place all ingredients in a VITAMIX with 12 ounces of water and a handful of ice cubes for a SUPER DETOX GREEN SMOOTHIE! Click here to get a great deal on a Vitamix
Power Detox Soup
This delicious, satisfying soup recipe from Café Sunflower contains spices high in medicinal qualities and has powerful carotenoids and antioxidants that can protect your body from free radical damage.
Tumeric boosts detoxification, fights inflammation, reduces blood sugar, boosts cognitive function, promotes healthy mood, and supports weight loss.
Saffron is high in manganese, which helps regulate blood sugar, metabolize carbohydrates, and absorb calcium.
Ginger supports digestion, boosts the immune system, helps to reduce inflammation, and supports weight loss.
Cinnamon helps curb sugar cravings and is packed with a variety of protective antioxidants that reduce inflammation, free radical damage and slow the aging process.
Ingredients:
• 1 ½ cups cooked or 1 can Garbanzo Beans (rinsed & drained)
• 1 ½ cups cooked or 1 can White Beans (rinsed & drained)
• ¾ cup uncooked Green Lentils (rinsed & drained)
• 1 cup cooked brown/black rice
• 2 cups diced onion
• ¾ cup Celery (including leaves) diced
• 4 cups fresh or can diced Tomatoes
• 4 – 8 Tablespoons of chopped Cilantro
• ½ – 1 cup chopped Flat Leaf Parsley
• 2 ½ quarts Vegetable Stock
• 2 Tbsp. Olive Oil
• 1 tsp. Tumeric
• ¼ tsp. (2 packets) Saffron
• 1 tsp fresh Ginger
• 1 tsp. Tbsp. of Cinnamon
• 1 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt / to taste
Directions:
1. Heat the oil in soup pot over low heat. Add diced onions for 5 – 10 minutes, stirring until tender and starting to brown.
2. Add the spices and celery and sauté for an additional 3 minutes.
3. Add the tomatoes and continue to cook for 5 minutes.
4. Add the vegetable stock, lentils, and cooked beans. Bring to a simmer and add a tsp of sea salt and ground pepper.
5. Simmer for 30 minutes and check the lentils for doneness.
6. When the lentils are cooked, add the cooked rice, cilantro and parsley.
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with sea salt & pepper.
Green Curry Halibut
Ingredients:
• 4 4-oz halibut fillets, rinsed and patted dry
• 1 Tbsp coconut oil
• 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
• 1 Tbsp green curry paste
• 2/3 cup coconut milk
• ¼ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
Directions:
1. Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, about 4 minutes.
2. Stir in the curry paste and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
4. Move the vegetables to the sides of the pan and place the fish into the pan.
5. Spoon veggies on top of the fish, cover and simmer for 10 minutes, until fish is opaque and flakes with a fork.
6. Squeeze lime juice over fish, garnish with cilantro and serve.
More About Toxins and Detox
For more info about how and what to detox in your life check out my other detox blogs here:
– Taking a Look at Toxins
– Detox Your Home
– How to Detox from Emotional Toxins
And finally, if you didn’t read “Welcome the New Year with a Brand New You“ check it out. This the time to get a fresh start on a new year and a new you. Need help? I’ve got your back!
Blessings and Balance,
Roseann