Getting ready for detox

Some simple tips to maximize your success during our 21-day Purification Program

Detox is a great time of year.

I love the way I feel during detox.

My energy is up.

We eat great food.

Poop is massive. ;-)

If you are a seasoned veteran, you will have your own tips on how to enjoy the time during detox and I would ask that you please share those so that others can benefit.

If you are new to this, don't worry, it's not as dramatic or difficult as you may think.

I have decided that the easiest way to continue our connection and communication during detox is to just post blogs during that time.

So... if you have things you would like to share or questions you may have, please know that I will try to add them to future blog posts so others can read them as well.

With that, here are some tips that I think will really help.

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Tip #1: You are going to want crunchy

Something about detox time brings out a strong desire for something crunchy. It's like we all start to suffer some sort of potato chip deficiency.

Here are a couple alternatives:

1. Seaweed snacks- you can get these from an asian market but nowadays they are available at Costco and Whole Foods and PCC and many regular markets. Here is an example from Costco:

2. Kale chips- make at home or you can buy them pre-packed

Simple kale chip recipe:

Cut kale into chip size pieces and spread on bake sheet

Drizzle some olive oil

Sprinkle organic sea salt

Bake at 350 degrees or broil until crispy

Enjoy!

An example of one you can buy on Instacart:

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Tip #2: Chew your shakes

I guess I should first say that it's a good idea to take advantage of your shakes at least 2 times a day.

You will feel hungry.

Most of us either have bad meal timing or we just tend to eat too much so initially you will feel hungry. Utilizing the shakes as a mid morning and mid afternoon snack curbs that hunger but maintains healthy blood sugar levels.

But remember to CHEW YOUR SHAKES!

Yes, chew.

Saliva in your mouth is responsible for "tagging" food or identifying food as a carbohydrate, protein or fat. This allows the enzymes in your intestines to properly digest the food so you can absorb it's nutrients.

Also, the natural bacteria in your mouth is critical for "activation" of certain foods (like those in the cruciferous family) to get the most benefit out of them.

If you simply swallow your shakes as a drink you are not maximizing the benefits of the ingredients.

There are great shake recipes in the guide book so take advantage.

TIp 2.5- blueberries. Use a healthy amount of blueberries. They are great for taking the bitter taste out of some vegetables.

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Tip #3: Take it easy Week 1

Week one of the purification program is Cleanse week.

The herbs you are taking help extract and eliminate toxins from your system.

That means toxins are moving through your body.

Many people feel tired or a little run down.

Some will get a headache. Don't worry as all of that will pass rather quickly.

During this time you don't want to exercise vigorously as you will increase the toxic load from the exercise and you don't want that.

Stick to walking, yoga, pilates, or swimming about 30-60 minutes a day to stay fit and help flush out toxins but not add any extra load.

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Tip #4: Use intermittent fasting during week 2-3

Intermittent fasting (IF) is simply allowing at least 12 hours between dinner and breakfast the next morning. The essence of intermittent fasting is to allow your digestive system to rest.

However, there are many benefits to IF:

1. Insulin levels drop to facilitate fat burning and lowers blood sugar levels.

2. Human Growth Hormone (HGH) increases to help increase muscle building and fat burn.

3. Improves cell repair and removes waste material from cells.

4. Improves gene expression of those genes that reduce disease risk (diabetes, Alheimers, Parkinsons, cancer) and increase longevity.

5. Reduces inflammation.

6. Protects brain health and mood by increasing BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor).

And much more, you can look it up yourself.

A classic form of IF is 16:8. Meaning you fast for 16 hours and have a eating "window" of 8 hours. For example, breakfast 10am- last meal 6pm.

When combined with your week 2-3 supplements you will maximize the benefits of both intermittent fasting AND detox capabilities.

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Tip #5: Increase your exercise load week 2-3

Although it was not such a good idea to increase exercise during week one, it is a great idea to increase your exercise load during weeks two and three. The second two weeks of the purification program is designed to enhance and support your bodies natural detox organs (intestines, liver, kidneys, lungs and skin) so adding a heavier exercise load will provide the positive stimulus these organs need to help them achieve greater efficiency.

HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) exercises, running, weight lifting, sports are great add-ons during this time.

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Take advantage of one or all of these tips to make your detox time as enjoyable and productive as possible. You are doing something amazingly healthy for your body and mind during this time. Enjoy it!

And please remember to email me and share your thoughts, experiences, questions and I will continue to share them on this blog for others.

Thanks!