More On Detox
More on Detox
If you’ve been concerned about your health and have been considering what steps you can take to improving your lifestyle then a detox session could be the solution. It’s certainly not a quick method that will dissolve cellulite away, but it can certainly be a great way to improve overall health and wellbeing and in doing so can contribute to alleviating some of the factors that lead to cellulite.
The liver acts as a natural detoxifying unit in our body; its function is to break down harmful products that we receive from food, drink or other sources. We too can do our bit by reducing our extra intake of sugar, fats, processed foods, alcohol and caffeine. This way, our body gets a respite from a continuous need to deal with the low-nutrition processed foods- those with the excess salt and sugar as well as the more obvious damage from smoking and alcohol. These products, when present sufficient quantities can cause harmful effects like fluid retention, insulin release, fat storage and dehydration.
We can cut down these effects by using an easy, calming and restorative detox strategy lasting from two to five days, without complex recipes, fasting or spending hard earned money at slimming clinics. We can achieve this by just being kind to our bodies and simplifying our lives. Supportive methods of body care as well as anti-cellulite therapies like dry skin brushing, massage, exfoliation and moisturising for a healthy glow to the skin also go a long way in helping the detox.
- Ditch the alcohol and caffeine and drink only water, herbal teas or fresh fruit and vegetable juices.
- Make sure you drink six glasses of water a day, to help your kidneys dilute and eliminate waste products.
- Ban sugar, including chocolate (a few days won’t kill you).
- Ban processed ready-made foods.
- Cut down salt – no more than 6 g per day.
- Avoid saturated animal fats.
- Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, as fresh as you can find.
Apart from all the nutritional and antioxidant benefits, the fibre keeps your waste disposal system moving. Eat fruit and veg raw if possible, such as salads, or plates of cut fruit. Try to eat only organic produce, so you get the nutritional benefit as well as avoiding toxic pesticides. Include bananas because they are filling, potassium-rich (good for balancing your body’s fluid levels), great energy boosters and full of fibre. Go veggie, and eat plenty of nuts, pulses and wholegrains or get high-quality protein from fresh fish, or organic chicken or eggs. Try to avoid stress, especially if you’re the sort of girl who wants to comfort eat when you’re under pressure. Walk, run or cycle in fresh air – get as far away from pollution as you can. Create a calming, feel-good atmosphere at home with scented candles and low light. Go to bed early and get lots of restorative sleep. If you need to, use relaxation tapes or a warm bath to get you off to dreamland. Detoxing your body is good for your soul, too. Higher energy levels will make you feel more positive and motivated to get out there and do whatever it takes to zap your cellulite for good.
Note: Detoxing is not suitable for those in pregnancy. A developing fetus will require constant nutrients from a variety of sources andalso carbs, fats and protein. A pregnant woman should focus on a healthy consumption of plenty of fruits and vegetables and an overall well balanced diet.
Q: I’ve made efforts to include raw fruits and vegetables in my diet but somehow it upsets my digestion. Please give some ideas to handle this problem.
A: Eating raw fruit and vegetables does not agree with some people. On the other hand, steaming vegetables and stewing fruits are some of ways of food preparation which help retain their vital nutrients and antioxidants. Cooking vegetables on gentle steam rather than boiling, stewing fruit using small quantities of water, can make them very nutritious as well as digestible. A tasty breakfast can be prepared by mixing plain yogurt with lightly stewed fruits such as plums or rhubarb even without sugar.
Q: I’ve heard Grapefruit make for great detox fruits, is this true?
A: Yes! Grapefruits are a ‘super food’. They aid in toxin elimination with pectin and boost your immune system with plenty of vitamin C. They are also thought to reduce your appetite so having one before a meal may help you eat less. If you prefer your fruit a little sweeter the pink grapefruits are a bit less tangy.