HEALTH Spring cleaning for your body
The sun is shining, the street sweepers have been down my road, and last night I was able to stay out working in the garden until 8:30 p.m. Spring is finally here! It certainly was a long time coming, but these recent sunny days certainly seem to make a difference, not only in getting people outside to work in their yards, but also to work on their health.
As the temperature climbs and we start to shed the layers of heavy winter clothing, some may find they have put on a layer not so easily removed; one that can no longer be concealed by bulky sweaters or parkas. And so begins the annual quest to get back that summer body.
For many, the putting on and taking off that extra layer that accumulates each winter is a normal, yearly occurrence. And when we’re talking just a few pounds, the situation we find ourselves in amounts to little more than an annoyance.
For others, however, the adding of a few extra pounds each year has become cumulative and only when the extra weight becomes problematic — either practically, when clothes don’t fit; medically, when the doctor strongly recommends shedding some weight; or not liking what we see when we look in the mirror — do we take action. But you ask, where do I start? Regardless of which scenario you find yourself identifying in, the plan to get started, get results and maintain them through all seasons is the same.
Through experience and reports from clients, I can say without a doubt that the fastest way to lose that bloated feeling, shed any extra weight that’s accumulated and start feeling energized, is by detoxing and cleansing your colon, liver and kidneys. Essentially, it’s a spring cleaning for your body.
The colon, liver and kidneys are our bodies’ filtration system. Much like how the oil filter in your car collects dirt and foreign bits from entering your car’s engine, the colon, liver and kidneys filters out toxins and waste materials, preventing them from travelling through our bodies and making us sick.
Just as our cars don’t run very well when the oil filters are clogged and are full of gunk, our bodies, too, function well below par when fat, toxins and waste are gumming up the works.
When deciding on a detox and/or a cleanse, make sure that there is a sensible program around food to go with the supplements you are taking.
In my opinion, eliminating all food items and drinking some sort of tea or spice mixture for days on end is not healthy, nor does it provide long-term results. However, eliminating things that cause the body to retain bloat and waste, eating lean, clean and balanced, then flushing with lots of water and natural, plant-derived supplements, does.
Not only will these steps effectively detoxify the liver and kidneys, it will also cleanse and flush out that three to 10 pounds of waste most people unknowingly carry around in their colons and maintain our bodies’ internal balance at the same time.
Of course, the obvious benefits of eating balanced foods while detoxing are loss of bloat and weight, zero hunger pangs, balanced moods and more energy.
Detoxing and cleansing is work for our bodies, so exercise, with the exception of light walking or yoga, should be cut for the week of detox. I say a week as that is a good length of time to see and feel measurable results. People who smoke, drink more than three or four alcoholic drinks per week and/or have greater than 50 pounds to lose are recommended to do a two-week detox to receive the full benefits.
During and following a detox and cleanse, eating food in a way that allows the body to remain in homeostasis, or balanced, is critical to maintaining your results. Regardless of the types of foods we choose, it’s important to remember to eat in threes. When we remember to eat a protein, fat and carb together every three to four hours throughout the day (PFCs every 3), our blood sugar is stabilized, hormones are balanced, metabolism is turned on, fat is released, muscle is protected, energy is increased and results happen. Have you started your spring cleaning yet?
For more information on spring cleaning your body, as well as weekly weight loss and health tips, join Tania for free live coaching videos in the 8 Weeks is All it Takes group on Facebook or get started on your personal transformation online at fuelignitethrive.com.
Tania Gustafson is one of only five nutritionists and fitness coaches licensed and certified in Canada. She coaches a program of blood sugar stabilization, not diets, to achieve weight loss and health goals. You are invited to contact her for your complimentary health assessment by going online to fuelignitethrive.com or emailing her at tania@fuelignitethrive.com.