Spring Training
This winter was a difficult one that left many feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and blue (common symptoms of the "Winter Blues.") Clearing your skin, mind and body with a cleansing for the change of the season is a great way to regroup. One of the best ways to feel lighter and put a little spring in your step...and your life is by ridding the body of toxins. Abstaining from some food, drink or fasting for a short period of time is important to regain energy and uplift your mood. Many of you have expressed feeling lethargic, bloated and tired all the time. Spring is the best time to re-energize your diet and never feel tired again. Let's get your body in training for the season ahead!
I'm not suggesting deprivation or starvation. Every time I make the suggestion to do a cleanse or detox I see the look of panic in the eyes -don't worry you will see food again! Purging toxins and awakening from the sluggishness that winter brings is a good idea. During the season our bodies will crave serotonin, so it's easy to reach for refined carbs and sugars that give you that good feeling. But those foods will only set you on a cycle of ups and downs with a negative effect on both your mood and your weight. It also creates unhealthy food cravings, fatigue and reduced mental clarity. These dietary habits also create acid waste that is then deposited in our organs and tissues, leading to inflammation, disease and a thinning skin.
Most people today are over acidic, including most vegetarians, but especially those following (SAD) Standard American Diet or whose health is challenged. Cleansing and fasting release toxins and can be stressful. That’s why people often feel wiped out at the end of a fast or during a cleanse. You want to make sure during any cleansing/detox to set some time aside as part of your total body renewal. For example take time for reflection, maybe a walk in the park, do some form of exercise like yoga, get a massage and facial. Think of it as your time to renew mind, body and spirit!
There are many cleansing programs and in the age of information overload all you have to do is use Google and you will find something. It doesn't mean you are getting the correct information for your body type. One thing I dislike is when people say to my friend told me this product, cleanse, etc is great. Are they a professional? Do they know your skin or body? Most of these programs are poorly designed and ineffective-containing many laxatives that make you think something is happening. You don't want to waste your time or money on a program that has no impact and even worse can weaken your immune system.
Get advice and support from those getting the results you seek. Make sure you go with a company that will support you by phone if you have questions or concerns. If consulting a holistic practitioner, find out if they: follow a healthy diet; do their own cleanse often; rarely get sick themselves; and are vibrant, enthusiastic, compassionate, and energetic. You want help from people who are living examples of the benefits of the program they are offering.
I always do some form of fasting/detoxing this time of the year and this April I will be engaging in a total spring renewal purification. I will first start by taking a much needed respite to the Bahamas, where I will be taking a truly holistic revitalizing break- recharging physically, mentally and spiritually! You can learn more about my yoga vacation in my April Posting. Upon my return with my mind and body ready to go I will start "The Purification Program" guided and supervised by my friend Dr Lou Granirer. The 21-day purification program is a very effective way to detox, lose weight, reduce cholesterol levels, improve lipid profiles, and support all of your organ systems that play a role in purification. The purification program is more than just a diet. It encourages you to adopt a healthier lifestyle, which, in turn, helps you look and feel better. The program emphasizes whole, organic, and unprocessed foods; whole food supplements; and water. Vegetables and fruit are eaten from days 1-10, with select proteins added at day 11.
If you aren't willing to do a 3 week cleanse I suggest following some of my "Body In Balance" tips to get you on the right track and you should definitely be incorporating raw foods and juices to your diet. A " juice fast" can be another good way to jump start a healthier routine and purge some toxins. I believe adding juicing to your regular diet all year round. However, even taking a few days of just ingesting raw juices can aid in this process!
Taking some initiative between the urge to get outdoors again and the desire to clean out winter’s gloom, it’s a great time to promote the idea of spring renewal — outside and inside.
Until next time,
Claudia