Detox Your Way to a Fresh New You!

By KRISTEN KANCLER , Author of BODY BLISS 

How would you like to be at your absolute best in mind, body, and spirit? For those of you seeking an all-encompassing sense of well-being, we may have just the answer for you: a holistic cleanse.

Instead of pushing forward and searching for “more,” sometimes it is helpful to take a step back and get to the heart of the matter. A holistic cleanse is an effective and powerful technique that works to clear and rejuvenate the whole self. By removing blockages and impurities, you can return your entire being to its natural state. The results will have you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated all over. Just think of it as maintenance for your mind, body, and spirit! And don’t worry—whether you’re a cleansing newbie or a seasoned detox pro, we have the basics on this fabulous practice plus all the essentials to help you sail through it.

Before you begin, it is important to keep in mind that a cleanse should be a gentle process. Too many restrictions can rob your body of nutrients, drain your spirit, and drive you just a little nutty. To prime yourself for success, take some time to prepare, always remember to keep tabs on your well-being, and listen to your needs as you go.

Clear Your Mind

The pressures and responsibilities of day-to-day life can often lead to stress, feeling overwhelmed, and even depression. Detoxing your mind every so often is essential to understanding (and loving) your life. The first thing you should do to prepare mentally is to ask yourself why you want to detox. Are you feeling sluggish and in need of a boost? Is this a significant time in your life? A fresh, new season? Or did you simply overdo it during the holidays? Holistic cleanses allow an opportunity to take time for yourself and to give your brain some well-deserved R&R.

To reap the full benefits, clear your schedule of any extraneous events, meetings, and appointments so you will be ready to focus on you – give yourself as much time as you need, from as little as two to three days up to a full week. During the cleanse, focus on your life and everything that you want for yourself: take stock of your current situation, and if anything isn’t just how you want it to be, use this time to understand why and decidewhat steps you can make to improve it. Set some realistic goals and visualize your best “you.”

Refresh Your Body

Toxins can be found almost anywhere—in your home, your food, and your environment. Over time these toxins can build up and start to slow you down. To recharge your body, clear out these toxins by avoiding chemicals and eating the right kinds of all-natural, organic foods. Be mindful of foods to avoid, but focus on the bounty that is available to you. 

Foods to enjoy: all fresh fruits and vegetables (particularly good for detox: broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, onions, artichokes, beets, and greens), whole grains (including oats, bulgur, polenta, and brown rice), extra virgin olive oil, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, sea salt, vinegar, soy sauce/tamari, all herbs and spices, and plenty of water, lemon water, herbal tea, green tea, and rice milk.

Foods to avoid: processed foods, high fat foods, sugar, dairy, wheat, gluten, coffee, yeast, alcohol, and meat.

Take the time to understand the “ins and outs” of your temporary diet. Remember that your body needs fuel for sustenance, so always be sure to eat healthful, delicious, and balanced meals.

Energize Your Spirit

With an overloaded mind and congested body, it’s no surprise that your spirit can suffer, too. To cleanse and reinvigorate a weary spirit, it’s important to get in tune with your psyche and check to see that all your essential needs are being met.

During the cleanse, take time to relax and care for yourself. Luckily, there are plenty of gratifying ways to tend to your vitality. Here are a few ideas to put you in a relaxed and centered frame of mind: take a trip (or two) to the spa, luxuriate in a long, fragrant bath, write your feelings down in a journal, and laugh with your friends. You’ll be on your way to emotional bliss in no time!
So, there you have it—the experience of a holistic cleanse is a wonderful and magical journey to reclaim your natural self. It takes only a few days to get back on track, so anytime you find yourself overwhelmed and weary, just follow these gentle guidelines for a fresh, new you.

~Kristen Kancler