Detox Guidelines

It's been a week now since my detox ended and I am still feeling amazing. I can't really see myself going back to eating as much processed food ever again and I hope it stays that way. I know how my old bad habits can creep back into my life though so it'll just be a matter of better planning and making conscious decisions. Planning seems to be the ultimate key for me. That and no junk food in the house.

I am also still going to continue eating my dairy and meat but in much smaller quantities. With caffeine, I don't want it back in my life. I'll have the occasional coffee with friends at a cafe but other than that, I don't need it or the nervy feeling I get from it. From someone who suffers from anxiety, this feeling of constant calm now is a blessing and of course I have my yoga practice to attribute to this as well.

Green and herbal tea on the other hand is divine! I never understood tea drinkers (without caffeine) but when it was forced upon me for those 10 days, I finally understood and there's nothing like a peppermint tea for my afternoon "pick me up". Which reminds me, I forgot to mention that while doing the detox, I never once had that afternoon slump feeling! Another reason to ditch the caffeine addiction.

Oh and eating whole foods and more fruit and vegies is cheaper!! I'm not paying for excessive packaging and I actually do eat less now but feel much more full.

Whilst going over my detox posts for a refresher on what to have for lunch and dinner tomorrow, I realised that I forgot to actually post the guidelines I was given. So here goes. I hope it's useful to not only me but anyone else interested.

Pre- Breakfast
Start the day with a glass of warm water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, to rehydrate after sleep and stimulate the digestive system and the liver early in the day. A raw vegetable juice first thing in the morning is a rich source of vitamins, to energise and refresh you for the day ahead.

Breakfast
Simply eating a healthy breakfast in the first hour of your day will give your body the fuel it needs to help stimulate and maximise your metabolism, thus your body will burn more kilojoules throughout the day. Psyllium Husks and LSA can be added to your cereal, or taken with water. Add 1 small scoop each day.

• Psyllium Husks are a rich source of soluble fibre, which reduces hunger and relieves constipation. Frequent bowel movements are associated with a decreased risk of colon cancer. In addition, psyllium husks are effective in reducing "bad" LDL cholesterol in the blood. It is important to at least drink 2L of water daily when consuming psyllium husks!
  
  
• LSA (linseed, sunflower seeds and almonds) is a good source of essential fatty acids such as omega 3 and omega 6, which are not produced by the body and must be acquired in the diet. LSA is also a source of resistant fibre to keep you regular.

Snacks
Eating healthy mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks help keep your energy levels up and help avoid over eating later in the day. You can alternate the snacks as you wish.

Lunch
Prepare and eat dishes that are high fibre, low GI and low fat.

Dinner
It is important not to overeat at dinner time. Digesting a large meal late in the day when your body is preparing for sleep burdens the digestive system and may decrease the quality of your slumber. Consuming excess kilojoules at dinner promotes weight gain, thus the detox evening meal is satisfying but light.

Additional
You only need one animal protein (or vegetarian equivalent) dish per day.

Fluid
Drink water, 2.5L per day
Green and herbal teas
Raw vegetable juice

Optional Extras

• Flaxseed oil is very high in essential fatty acids. It can be used as a salad dressing or mixed in a smoothie. It can not be heated.
  
  
• Dandelion root coffee: as you've kissed your morning latte goodbye, you may as well start to enjoy its characteristic nutty flavour.
  

Additional Detoxifying Foods

• Liver friendly foods include: pineapple, grapefruit, lemon, pear, artichoke, shiitake mushrooms, garlic, carrot, beetroot, cucumber, bitter lettuce and chicory.
  
  
• Fresh juices in moderation are beneficial. Be aware of their high energy content if you are watching your weight. If you are new to beetroot, take it easy as excess consumption may cause nausea.

Exercise
Equally important as a nutritious and varied diet is EXERCISE! Moderate intensity exercise, 5 times a week is recommended to keep your heart healthy, weight within the healthy weight range and help avoid conditions such as type 2 diabetes. A person who is doing high intensity exercise should increase the size of their snacks and the gram-portioned amount of protein in their meals. Seek guidance from a consultant.