Cleanses, Detoxes or Diets???
I have been hearing this a lot now that the holidays are over. Are you doing one of these? I was listening to the radio yesterday morning and they were talking about it as well. A dietician from the U of C was saying that detoxes and cleanses can sometimes be harmful. She explained that when someone does cleanse or detox that we could sometimes deplete our body of the nutrients that it needs. We may not give our bodies the protein it needs or enough of the essential fats, or if you’re exercising you maybe lacking the necessary carbohydrates.
I think that we have to do our research if we are going to cleanse, detox or diet. If you really feel like you may need to make some changes then research the product or program that you are planning on doing. Everyone’s body is different and needs different nutrients to fulfill their daily routine. Sometimes when dieting we can experience a yoyo affect which can be harmful to the body as well.
You may want to consider making healthier food choices for 2012 by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, or perhaps no eating after 7 pm. Maybe limiting your white sugar intake, or incorporate a green smoothie three times a week. Get out for a walk four days a week. Make your goals so they can be achievable to you. When you start to notice how good your feeling you may decide to keep the habit. It takes thirty days to create a habit. I remember that from my yoga instructor.
I have decided to do a five day green smoothie cleanse. I definitely had foods I normally don’t eat through the month of December. I incorporated cheese…boy that is a weak spot for me, I was like a kid in a candy store when the cheese came out. I also had raw treats that I made and pasta. In saying that I still managed my blood sugars, I will let you know what my next A1C is…
In my smoothie today I put in chard, spinach, cilantro, ginger, cucumber, zucchini, celery, broccoli, hemp protein powder and coconut meal (the white meat from the inside of a young coconut). Instead of water I steeped some nettles tea and used that as my liquid, and used less than a half-teaspoon of stevia. Then I added some chia and ground up flax seeds…doesn’t that sound like a meal! It was pretty thick and boy was it good!
I think that it is also important to listen to how your body is feeling…are you weak? or shaky? When cleansing you may experience some fatigue or a headache but try to be aware of what your body is going through. You may need to rest more, or eat more.
If you want to share your New Years goals, I invite you to respond.
These are some fresh veggies from market that I picked up yesterday.
January 6th, 2012 at 9:14 am
Well you were an angel at Christmas compared to me. I ate and drank everything in site. On Jan 2nd I started a post Christmas detox. No sugar,booze and white carbs. Eating lean proteins and veggies only. It was hard!! I was tired and had a headache, just as you mentioned in your blog. Doing this for a short time has made such a difference. I have dropped some pounds, no longer have cravings and sleeping better. Good luck with your clense.
January 6th, 2012 at 10:40 am
I’m glad to hear that you are noticing a difference already and that the symptoms of having a headache and low energy are gone. It is surprising also that the cravings will go away as well, and you actually feel better for it!