Have you started your Detox yet? Have you already ditched it?
If your answers are yes and yes, you're not alone. Detoxing is big business these days and also a controversial one. Recent studies from the University of Southern California suggest that Detox books and kits did nothing but flush the toxins out of your wallet.
So what's a post holiday bloated girl/boy to do? Should you just relax and crack open that bag of crisps?
For years doctors and dieticians have scolded us on this topic. While Detox gurus claim that flushing out toxins from the system through diets, colonics, pills, powders and even foot pads is necessary to fight against environmental pollutants, medical experts and scientists say it's all a bunch of boo-ha and all you really need to do is drink tap water, stop smoking, drinking, ..etc.
Personally, I know that feeling of something not quite right with my body: bloating, headache, sluggish skin, just generally feeling fat and poorly. But, if I'm honest, I've tried Detox Diets in the past. I'm not convinced they work, they somehow remind me of the old cottage cheese and grapefruit crash diets of another time-diets that make you lose a lot of water weight and basically make you feel like crap...one thing I do know as a former fitness instructor is that if you're miserable in any diet and exercise plan...you will give up..
I've given this some thought and for myself I want to start 2009 on a positive note. I want to feel good and enjoy the changes I'm encouraging my body (and Spirit!) to take. If you're planning to kick start your system in a healthy way to lose a little weight and just generally feel better I highly recommend the now classic You Are What You Eat by Gillian McKeith ...In the meantime, here are a few tips to getting your body back in shape ...
1. Drink plenty of water 6-8 glasses of water, with or without lemon or herbal tea per day
2. On the subject of tea, infusions are best, if you must sweeten, just a little bit of honey...try Classic Yogi Tea or maybe dandelion, chamomile, peppermint, licorice or nettle. These infusions are great for cleaning out the system, can refresh you or help you to chill...there are so many to choose from these days and they taste great!
3. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables...remember to eat fruit first thing or at least a couple of hours between meals to avoid bloating and indigestion
4. If you already exercise, great! If not, try walking 3 times a week out in the fresh air or as much as you can, or do a bit of Yoga or Pilates at home. There are some great books and DVDs out now for all levels...A lot of my favorites are stocked at The Little Yoga Shop on this page!
5. Try a good multivitamin with added ginseng and maybe some extra vitamin C...an easy way to boost energy
6. Probiotic drinks and yogurts are scientifically proven to help balance out the digestive tract...they keep the immune system in check and, in time, help to flatten the tummy
7. Lastly, enjoy yourself. Getting healthy and in shape can be a stimulating lifelong adventure. Eat healthy, exercise, but choose the things you like. Life is short...have fun!
