GIVE YOUR BODY A DETOX Cleanse your Body with a Detox to Prepare for a Change in Diet
 | Now that summer’s over, the change of seasons is probably going to require a diet and nutrition overhaul. One of the best things you can do for yourself with the oncoming cooler months is to plan a healthy and nourishing meal plan that makes the most of the season’s fruit and vegetables. Still, shifting gears can also lead to weight gain, bloating, and diet blunders—especially with treats and goodies from the holidays dead ahead! If you’re in need of a quick diet fix and some motivation to continue onward with your healthy eating goals, a detox could be just what you need to get started. Detoxing can easily help you eliminate 5-10 pounds over the course of a few weeks. As long as you do it safely, you’ll benefit from increased energy, a clear mind, and even a reduced craving for sweets and fatty foods. A detox can also help your body readjust to the seasons; after the light salads and summer snacks are long gone, transitioning to heavier foods is much easier when your system is ‘cleansed’ and free of toxic waste. Ready to get started on that detox? Here are some simple tips and strategies: |
1. KICK OFF THE DAY WITH LEMON Just half a lemon squeezed into a glass will do plenty to wake you up in the morning—and you might even pass on that cup of morning coffee! Fresh lemon juice is filled with Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that can also help jumpstart your metabolism and get your digestive system into high gear. Try it on an empty stomach for maximum benefits. | | 2. GET FRESH FOR A FEW DAYS Fresh veggies, that is. Eating lots of raw foods may cause bloating at first, but it will subside after a few days and help with your body’s natural elimination and detox cycles. Load up on the freshest finds of the season; make a trip to the local farmer’s market for the latest crops, and pick organic when you can!  | 3. HERBS WILL CLEANSE YOUR SYSTEM Spas and health clinics use a variety of herbs and essences to encourage a natural detox, and you can enjoy the same benefits of burdock and nettle to cleanse the blood and improve the lymph system. |
4. SOUP IT UP! Colder temperatures are the perfect time to enjoy hearty soups and warm drinks. Cook up a detox soup made with broccoli, vegetable stock, mustard greens, celery, spinach, squash, and cauliflower. Any of your favorite veggies that can be cooked and steamed will work well for a hearty stew that can also help curb your appetite. 5. PICK FROM THE FRUIT ORCHARDS Make it a memorable fall outing to the orchard, and pick up some fresh apples and pears of the season. These work well as detoxing fruits, especially when they’re ripe and in season. Round up some friends for a trip outdoors, and enjoy the fresh fall air! | | Even though a detox can help flush away pounds fast, don’t expect them to stay off forever; detox diets generally make you lose water weight, and possibly just a pound or two of actual fat. The goal is to cleanse out your system for the oncoming months, and you can take part in a safe and gentle process with just a few diet adjustments. More Healthy Lifestyle Tips! | | | | | Also Try... | | | | | | Sabah Karimi writes on health, fitness, beauty and style for DivaVillage. When she’s not busy tweaking her healthy diet plan, you’ll probably find her shopping for the latest health foods. |
