Evolution To WellBeing

4 Sep 2014

Tags: nutrition, health, bootcamp sydney, bootcamp melbourne, bootcamp brisbane,

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We’re always hearing about the latest ‘Spring Cleanse’ or detox to help Shed unwanted baggage that we accumulated over winter but is there a magical cure to beat the bulge and getting back to your more slender end of summer self?

 

Many people resort to juice detox’s to help ‘kick start their metabolism’ in the hope that they will restart their systems and get them on a clean eating path.

 

A local company, that is slow pressed (the best kind you can buy commercially), list off the main benefits of a juice cleanse being

1. A regular nourished colon (What does a regular nourished colon feel like?... Smooth? And how do you know if you’ve got it?)

2. Increased stamina and energy

3. Increased mental clarity

4. Better sleep patterns and

5. A radiant complexion with healthy hair and nails.

 

Is it possible that after a few days you will be feeling all of these things? Perhaps, Yes; especially if you have a regular diet high in processed foods, sugar and gluten. Do I believe there is a better way to achieving these feelings? Yes, Absolutely!

 

I would argue that for many people embarking on a 3,5 or 10 day juice challenge, the benefits are more mental than physical. We are very good at convincing ourselves that something that is good for us is having all these great effects on our body= Placebo effect

 

I personally love a good juice in addition to a balanced and clean diet, not instead of. I also like to chew my food WAY too much so juice detoxes seem a little like Chinese Water Torture to me. Without real food, I lack energy, I end up lethargic and I get moody… really really HANGRY!

 

My Take on a Juice Cleanse

It should not be a quick fix/bandaid that will undo all of your winter's demons

Many people are under prepared for how they’ll feel in reaction to the elimination phase of the ‘cleanse’ … DON’T embark on a new training regime at the same time as a juice cleanse starts!

I believe it is important to introduce more vegetables and perhaps juices as part of your lifestyle first rather than the other way around

Many people aren’t getting the right juice- Is it organic and seasonal, prepped at home, slow pressed, is it predominantly fruit or mainly vegetable based?

Are you doing it for a physical result? Or is the result just to create awareness within your body? 

 

So... if you’re feeling a little sluggish, heavy and are carrying a few extra kg’s this side of winter my recommendations for a long term sustainable cleansing solution giving your kidneys, liver and colon a break ARE;

 

1. Pick a set time to dedicate towards cleansing that is achievable and that you can't blame your social life for sabotaging- I recommend starting with 2 weeks. If your diet is relatively clean try 4 weeks

2. Eliminate all processed foods particularly gluten and sugar

3. Prepare all your meals at home- cook extras and store/freeze them for time poor options

4. Make all your meals vegetable based and add your protein in small portions- salads, soups, stews, curries, roast vegies

5. DRINK as much water as possible- add natural cleansers to your water like lemon, herbs, ginger, cucumber

6. Cut out alcohol and caffeine for minimum of 2 weeks

7. Get as much rest and sleep as you can. Allow your body time to be slow and gentle 

Before you spend $XXX on the latest fandangle juice cleanse think about ways that you can cut all the junk and get back to eating real food, wholsome food, food that satiates and food that fuels your body.