Episode 143: How to Do a Cleanse the RIGHT Way
Listen In
Summary
Summer is quickly approaching and with the season of bikinis and short-shorts upon us, you may be contemplating the idea of a 'cleanse' or 'detox' to tighten up those trouble zones.
Maybe you're thinking it would be good to erase some of the damage done to your body over the holidays.
Maybe you want to drop some left-over covid weight.
Maybe you're trying to get a handle on those sugar cravings before that beach vacation.
Whatever the case may be, let's talk about cleanses, detoxes, and resets... the good, the bad, and the ugly.
What is a cleanse?
A cleanse usually focuses on the digestive tract. Often on a cleanse you'll eliminate solid foods, or entire food groups, in conjunction with taking supplements to help 'clean up' the digestive tract.
What is a detox?
A detox usually focuses on detoxifying the entire body of pollutants, heavy metals, plastics, and pesticides. Detoxes also will usually swap out solid foods for 'detoxifying drinks' like green juices, teas, and mixture of lemon, cayenne, and maple syrup.
The Problem
There is no conclusive evidence that shows that skipping solid foods will benefit your digestive tract. The fact is, your body was designed to consume and break down solid food.
And solid good food contains absolutely essential nutritional properties that help both improve digestion and support your body's natural detox systems.
Fruits and veggies are loaded up with anti-inflammatory compounds, fiber which acts as a scrubby brush to your intestines, and water to help flush out toxins.
Your digestive tract is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of protein.
And healthy fat from things like olive oil, olives, coconut, and avocado helps your body absorb nutrients so you're able to function at your best.
Meanwhile, cleanses and detoxes don't only rob you of most, if not all of this, but they can actually undermine your efforts to lose weight.
- You usually eat significantly lower calories, potentially leading to a lower metabolism.
- If you're doing a juice cleanse, you're basically stripping all the awesome fiber out of fruits and veggies and just drinking the sugar that's in them leading to blood sugar and insulin spikes.
- You're often setting yourself up for a binge.
- Chances are you're gong to feel like crap during the detox because you don't have enough fuel in your body. And you probably aren't going to feel that much better for that much longer after it because you're probably going right back to the same habits you had before the detox.
How do you do a HEALTHY reset?
I prefer to use the term 'reset' because it's less about the short term result of cleansing the body. It's more about resetting some habits that will benefit you for months, if not years, to come. A reset will also help you reset some of your food triggers and cravings. Plus it can help reset your gut and metabolism by getting rid of the main culprits that are causing you issues.
- Identify your biggest 'problem foods'. This could be foods that leave you feeling bloated, lethargic, that cause constipation, diarrhea, or breakouts. This could be known food sensitivities. Or this could be foods that you feel your body could use a break from.
- Focus on what you're adding in even more than what you're taking out. This is an opportunity to really challenge yourself to eat way more superfoods than you normally do. Try including something green with every meal, snack on fruit instead of granola bars, eat fish instead of beef, and drink tons of water instead of soda.
- Speaking of water, try drinking 100 oz per day for a week to help your body flush toxins out.
- Prioritize sleep. This is when your body does a LOT of its healing work. But here's the catch, the goal should be to go to sleep by 10 pm since your body does most of its repair and detoxification processes between the hours of 10 pm and 2 am. The earlier part of the evening is when you'll also get the most deep sleep.
- Consider adding in a couple of supplements that may help support your body's natural detox processes (always remember to consult your doctor before trying new supplements).
- Cilantro, spirulina, and barley grass juice powder all help pull heavy metals out of the body.
- B12, dandelion tea, and milk thistle support the liver.
- Adaptogens like rhodiola, ashwaghanda, and holy basil help support your adrenals and reduce the stress on your body.
Want someone...
- Holding you accountable through these steps
- Helping you figure out your food sensitivities
- Coaching you to overcome cravings and emotional eating
- And making sure the results you experience from your reset actually last through the summer months and beyond??
The next round of Follow Your Gut (which includes my 30 Day Reset) begins March 14th! Click here to apply now!
------------------------------------
Let's Chat!
If you're loving these episodes, you'll love the customized advice you'll get on a free 'Kickstart Your Weight Loss' call with me! Click here to schedule yours now 😉
Hot News & Deals!
Click here to book a complimentary consultation if you want to lose weight and keep it off without restrictive dieting!
Ready to say goodbye to stubborn weight, uncontrollable cravings, emotional eating, and tummy 'fluff'? Click here to get on the waitlist for Follow Your Gut!!
Can't get enough health and fitness inspo?
Follow me on Instagram, TikTok, or join my #badasswarrior tribe in my free Facebook group!
Want to be reminded when a new episode airs? Click here to subscribe for reminders!
Your daily discount!
Click here to get 15% off your first Fre Skincare Set! It's designed for skin that sweats.
The owner of this website may receive compensation for recommendations made in reference to the products or services on this website. This compensation may be in the form of money, services, or complimentary products and could exist without any action from a website visitor. Should you purchase a product or service that was recommended by this website, it is understood that some form of compensation might be made to the website owner. For example, if you click on an affiliate link at this website and then make a purchase of the recommended product or service, the website owner may receive compensation.
The information shared in this blog and podcast are intended for informational purposes only. They are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any health conditions and you should always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine.
