We’ve all heard the word “detox” before, whether we’re talking about the body, the mind, or the lifestyle! When you detox, you’re taking the toxins, or the negative factors, out of your system. In regards to your body, eliminating the toxins and cleansing the system is the best thing you can do. A lot of health conscious people like to do this regularly – maybe a few times a year, even – and there’s no better time than after the holidays for a new year.
Scientifically, detoxing helps strengthen the immune system and ward off possible infections. Toxins also affect your body’s natural ability to burn fat. When you detox, these toxins stored in your fat cells are destroyed, and your metabolism increases – leading to weight loss!
What exactly are toxins?
They cane chemicals, artificial foods, pesticides, pollutants, metals, and poisons that all bring harm to our bodies. We interact with these toxins on a daily basis, and over time, they build up in our body. Your body naturally detoxifies in a few different ways – from the liver and the large intestine excreting waste to your kidneys filtering blood to your sweat glands pushing out toxins when you exercise.
Taking a few extra steps to help your body relieve itself of toxins will go a long way, and instituting some basic principals in your lifestyle will bring about vital change! Here’s three easy ways to start living a more brilliant life:
Drink more water!
You’ve heard it before, you’ve heard it a thousand times. But unfortunately, it’s totally true, and it’s totally essential. Staying well hydrated helps keep your body’s natural detoxifying functions move fluidly. It also makes you feel full, and you’re less likely to snack. And it keeps your skin clear! Do you need any more reasons? There’s plenty. It’ll increase your energy, prevent cramps and headaches, boost your immune system – the list goes on. Trust me – drink water.
Newsflash – you have to exercise!
Another big surprise. Exercising regularly is essential to the detox process. Getting your heart rate beating faster will cause your sweat glands to start working, and whenever you’re sweating – you’re burning fat and removing toxins. Intimidated by the gym? That’s ok! You can walk around your neighborhood. Walking 20 minutes a day is a great way to start, and has incredible benefits! There are tons of free exercise videos on YouTube – look for one that appeals to you, like kickboxing, or Zumba, or yoga. Find a friend you feel comfortable with and keep each other accountable. It works!
Eat whole foods!
Organic, whole foods are rich in fiber and will help you clean your gut of toxins. Fill your body with leafy greens, legumes, fish, and whole grains. Keep your processed sugars to the bare minimum – seriously – they’re the devil. Swap your sodas and juices for water. Drink smoothies!
OK but, how do I start?
Starting something new is often scary – I get it. The trick is to not overcommit yourself, and to not set yourself up for failure. One plan I have used before is The Smoothie Diet. It’s amazing because it is all laid out for you with a simple plan, so there’s no guessing if you’re doing the right thing! It starts with a 3-day detox. This will clean out your body and prepare it for the 3-week smoothie diet challenge. In those three days, you’ll toss out the crummy stuff in your fridge, get your body moving, and drink lots of water and smoothies. Within 3 weeks, you will drop pounds, and fully cleanse the body of its toxins. The Smoothie Diet is an excellent program that will guide you through each day, and you won’t be alone!
Try this Smoothie for a Natural Detoxer!
Apple Berry Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 Large Apple
– 1 Cup of Mixed Berries
– 2 Cups or 60 Grams of Baby Spinach
– 2 tbsp. of Chia Seeds
– 8 oz or 240 ml of Unsweetened Almond Milk
Blend and enjoy!
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