Let’s put to rest the unhealthy perspective of what “detox” has come to be known as in society today.

What it is NOT:

• Drinking juices for a set amount of days: the lack of fiber, and amount of sugar will send your glucose and A1C levels to the ultimate spike! Of course you’re going to lose weight, you are literally excreting every ounce of nutrients you are drinking down…whatever is left over is turned into an insulin bomb!

• Limiting calories for a duration of time without changing your nutrition intake (aka your diet). I don’t think I need to explain this one in much detail…but cliff’s notes version: restricting the same type of calories you consumed before, then losing the weight (if you’re lucky), then adding back the “normal” amount of calories will almost always result in gaining more weight than before.

• Locking yourself in a padded room without any temptation. Now, this is done for studies, and in severe addiction cases, but a normal individual trying to lose weight…not only is it extreme, it’s extremely unhealthy for anyone mentally and physically. And Yes! This is a detox that some attempt by locking themselves in their own home! So avoid the isolation detox! It makes interacting around others in social situations after almost impossible without losing your mind!

What a Detox is:

• Definition of Detox: “a process or period of time in which one abstains from or rids the body of toxic or unhealthy substances” (Oxford Dictionary) No where in that statement soes it say “only drink juices; restrict calories” or “isolate yourself”.

• Removing toxic food, substances, and habits from your daily life.

• Integrating whole and nourishing foods, possibly healthy supplements to assist detoxifying the body, and healthy daily practices that will heal your body from inside out.

The 5 Easy Detox Habits

1. Cut Out Toxic Foods: It may be hard to adjust to eating absolutely no processed foods. So here is my tip on which foods to begin with: Gluten, Dairy, Refined & Seed Oils, and any box or bag that contains more than 5 ingredients (or ingredients that sound like they came from a lab).
   

2. Remove Toxic Substances: Substances are not always narcotics. They are anything that can cause an addiction. Not to be a party pooper but Sugar & Coffee are not your friend. Especially if you have any kind of health condition. Considering these are extremely hard for individuals to remove cold turkey, I suggest weaing off of them slowly. It may take two whole weeks to wean off completely, and that is ok.
   

3. Prioritize Sleep: Our bodies were not meant to function on 3-4 hours of sleep every night, and yet that is sadly the “norm” of adults in our society. Give yourself a solid 7-8 hours every night so your body can truly get into rest and digest mode.
   

4. Create Healthy Habits: This one will help you hit your sleep goals, just by helping your body turn off your “fight or flight” mode throughout the day. Some ideas: Walk Outside, Minimize Screen Use (Phone & TV), Journal, Creating a Morning Routine, or Creating a Bedtime Routine, So many of us live in “fight or flight” mode when it is not necessary, leading to so many chronic illnesses. Slow down the pace!
   

5. Low Impact Exercise: This may not be a popular one for many, but when you are barely sleeping, eating tons of processed foods, and running on all cylinders throughout the day…your body is going to freak out when your heart rate goes even higher on that HIIT run! Here’s the good news…you can still exercise, just in a different way! Walking, Yoga, Low Impact Hiking, Low Weight Training, and Stretching are a few of the incredible low impact exercise practices that can be implemented daily. Give that amazing body a rest!

If you are battling any kind of chronic illness, autoimmune condition, or newly diagnosed disease, check in with your doctor for further methods that can assist you on a detox to help you heal. What is listed above will make only positive impacts on your health. If you struggle with removing toxic foods or substances reach out to a health coach, like myself. The support is there! Detoxifying your body may not be easy for everyone, but it is absolutely worth it! You are worth it!