New Year’s Detox Plan – Food Based

New Year’s Detox Plan – Food Based

I’ve spent the last few weeks researching and reading a lot about detox. There is something about a new year that makes me want to get organized, declutter, clean things out – and that includes my body.

Good health is something that is easy to take for granted, but something which we should guard. However, doing a complete detox, such as a juice fast, is just never going to happen in this household. For one thing, we love food way too much. For another, I can’t imagine existing on juice for weeks while keeping my regular pace. I need protein I can chew.

First, I want to say I’m not a doctor. I’m not a dietician. I only know what I’ve read and studied just like you. I may not always get it right. So, please, please always consult with a doctor or professional before trying what I’m trying or any other plan. It is always best to be smart and look after your health in this way. While you’re at it, you should also have your doctor test things like your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and triglycerides.

This will all give you a baseline reading and you’ll be able to clearly see how eating healthier and adding a little exercise to your life helps improve your health. The proof is in the numbers.

That said, the book I most enjoyed reading was Dr. Ian Smith’s The Shred Power Cleanse. While I’m not following his plan exactly as written, if you have the willpower of say an Olympic athlete, you probably could do well on this plan. What I did take away from his plan that I think is smart is to drink a high powered, antioxidant filled smoothie to start each day. And also to eat cleaner and avoid the junk.

So, I am going to continue with my meal replacement plan in the new year and try to lose the rest of my weight. I’m in no hurry. I want to be healthier. I’m not running a mad dash, but a lifelong stroll. Here is my plan:

  • DIY Meal Replacement Plan like Medifast and similar
  • Purple Smoothie shake from Ian Smith once a day to help detox my body
  • Giving up diet cola (Lord, help me with this one, because I am so addicted to it and it is so very bad for me)
  • Eating as many whole foods as possible
  • Adding even more vegetables and antioxidant rich fruits like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc.
  • More water. Since I drink so many diet colas, I’ve been drinking less water. Water flushes our bodies and is so good for us. My goal is at least 6 glasses each day.
  • More exercise. I started a yoga class once a week but got away from going. I plan to restart on Monday and do gentle walking on my treadmill other days. At least 20 min a day 5 days a week to start. More later.
  • Less toxins in my home, too. I’m trying to do things more naturally. I became a Young Living distributor, so I can get a discount on essential oils and I’ve started drinking NingXia Red juice every day (which can also help with detoxing). It is rich in antioxidants. I plan to switch to their oral care line and their cleaning products later in the year, as I can afford it.

So, you can see that detoxing is an ongoing process. However, I don’t feel that it is an all or nothing proposition. If you can only add a berry rich smoothie with a little spinach and some chia seed to your daily diet, then that WILL still benefit you.

Will you see results as fast as someone who goes all out? Of course not. But something you do for your health is ALWAYS better than doing nothing for your health.

Happy New Year! Let’s work on being healthier together in little ways, big ways, and everything in between.

Lori Soard, the Crabby Housewife

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