Better than Detox Challenge

After two weeks, you will feel fresh and great with these do-able tips. A detox without the detox?

All done without colonic irrigation, herbal potions or punishing exercise programs!

Detox. A word usually associated with drug and alcohol programs but in recent times, many people turn to detox diet programs to cleanse the body and liver after punishing food feasts and days of alcohol overload.

Some people use food and drinks like others use drugs and alcohol; food and drink can act as pacifier-relaxants or stimulants.

If you've been abusing food and so abusing your own body, get back to basics to help invigorate and refresh your sluggish mistreated body. You can't truly cleanse the liver or purify the body but you can add vitality and freshness that feels like purification.

Before you spend more money on the latest detox or diet program, do these straight-forward zero cost free tips.

Take the challenge. Do these tips for at least two weeks and see how you feel.

D

Drink more water

Ditch the caffeine

Dump the alcohol and diet drinks

  • Under-hydration may lead to lack of energy, tiredness, constipation (poor elimination of wastes and toxins), headache, and dull and aged looking skin.
  • Start with at least 2 litres of water for a couple of days and then reduce down to about 1-1.5 litres daily after that. If you are overweight, you may need more water. If you are petite, you may need less. Unflavoured soda or mineral water are also okay.
  • Ditch all caffeine (tea, coffee, guarana energy drinks, cola). Be warned: If you've been hitting the caffeine hard, a sudden withdrawal of all caffeine drinks will trigger a bad headache that could last days!
  • Ditch diet drinks, sugared drinks, and alcohol. To help you go alcohol-free, check out my article on zero alcohol wines.


E

Enjoy at least 2 pieces of fresh fruit plus 2.5 cups of vegetables or 5 cups salad everyday.

  • The softening fibre will bind cholesterol and improve bowel function. These add natural healing nutrients, cancer fighting agents, and vitamins and minerals to protect against anaemia.
  • Sudden increases in fruit and vegetables/salad might cause tummy wind and loose soft bowel motions, so be prepared for this side effect. You body will adapt.

Eat at home more and avoid foods prepared away from your home because you don't know what's in them.


T

Turf out processed foods and other 'stuff' you think is junk.

  • Move back to simple foods that nourish.
  • Add fresh herbs and spices rather than commercial salt laden sauces


Tame the obsession with scales as well; you'll be happier long term. Put the scales out of reach and out of sight.

  • Turn off the TV, DVD and big screen when you eat. Make eating the main event. Turn off all screens when you are not actively watching or using them.
    • Avoid distraction when dining to make eating the main event. You will eat less and get more enjoyment.


    O


      Open your lungs and be active for an extra 20 minutes each day.

      • Deep breathe to relax and clear out stale air from deep in your lungs to better oxygenate your system.
      • The extra activity helps release stress and allows you to relax and maybe even sleep better.

      Open you ears and eyes to nature's relaxing sounds and images.


      X

      eXcite your tastebuds with a new herb, fruit, vegetable or different grain.

      • Aim for a new flavour everyday.

      eXtend your time in the kitchen and with relaxed dining rather than the supermarket.

      eXperiment with new fresh flavours and foods and extend the variety of real foods, not processed foods, in your day.


      All 'detox' programs are a social challenge and require more time and commitment in the kitchen.

      The side effects from most 'detox' dietary programs include headache, abdominal wind, weight loss, and possible problems with gout and the gall bladder.

      Warning: This two-week approach suits anyone who is basically healthy but you are cautioned to seek advice from your own doctor and dietitian before starting any dietary program or major lifestyle changes including this one.

      More radical 'detox' programs are not recommended, especially during pregnancy, or if you have a medical condition, a weakened immune system, or are very young or elderly.