Spring is right around the corner and it’s time for a new beginning. Yes, I know fellow Ontarions, Nature dumped on us this weekend (30 cm or 1 foot of snow here in Toronto). But really, I promise Spring is coming. And it’s the perfect time to clean out your closets AND your body with some detoxing and cleansing.
If you’re experiencing signs of toxicity and want to start feeling better now, as well as ensure a longer, happier life, then start by helping your body detoxify. You might be surprised to hear that one of the easiest and healthiest ways to do this is simply through food!
Nature has given us plenty of food which helps our detoxification processes (more commonly known as super foods with anti-oxidant powers). Just to name a few (source: Life Peak magazine, Vol. 2, Issue 4):
- Lemons
- Prunes
- Leafy greens
- Naturally fermented sauerkraut (made with good bacteria, not vinegar pickled)
- Papaya
The following are a few juice recipes that I used to lose 25 lbs in 3 months during a month long cleanse last year. They are to be juiced but a really good juicer costs mucho moula – and unfortunately, my other expenses take priority right now. So instead, I used my trusty blender. However, the consistency is hard to swallow – think really chunky baby food. So if you can afford it, use a juicer:
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Potassium Juice 3 carrots
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Ginger Root Boost 1 inch slice ginger root |
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High Blood Pressure Reducer 2 garlic cloves
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Yummy Green Drink ½ bunch spinach
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Homemade V8 (6 glasses) 6-8 tomatoes
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Cleansing Veggie Broth BOIL: 3 carrots |
I hope you enjoy these green drinks. Now I feel that I should warn you: when you’re detoxing, you’re going to experience an intensity of negative symptoms, i.e. headaches, moodiness, general aches and pains, etc. This just means that it’s working!
If you plan for it, though, you can ride out this detox storm so you can bask in the calm of the aftermath. Expect to feel uncomfortable as your body releases toxins and take it easy. For instance, don’t schedule to move on your detox or plan a bunch of social engagements.
Instead, focus on the detox. Plan your meals for the week, what you’ll do when you’re not eating (like cleaning and organizing those closets) and other means of helping your body detox (like physical activity, saunas or hot baths, etc.). I guarantee, it’s worth the effort to be healthy.
Stay tuned for the next post inspired by a Live Lighter reader, “An Easy and Gentle Cleanse for a First-Timer.”
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March 11th, 2008 at 6:39 am
These sound tasty. And the names of the drinks are great, straight and to the point.
March 16th, 2008 at 11:39 am
They’re not too bad, Emmanuel. Let me know what you think of them as you try them.
I must admit, though, I favour my smoothies. Maybe because it’s because I’m a fruity kind of gal.
April 10th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
has anyone really lost wieght fast from juice fasting?
April 11th, 2008 at 12:18 am
sorry, i mean does anybody know if the majority of the people who have done juice fasting lost 30-40 lbs in 30 days?
April 11th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Hi Frank. Thanks for your question.
I personally haven’t come across someone who’s lost 30-40 lbs in 30 days. But it might be possible.
Is it healthy, though? I don’t think so. Most health professionals agree that healthy weight loss happens at 1-2 pounds (or about 0.5 - 1 kilo) per week.
I really believe health should be the ultimate goal of any weight loss program. Most people who follow diets gain the weight right back. Why? Because they only changed their lifestyle for awhile.
From my research and personal experience, it is ONLY through a healthy lifestyle that a healthy weight can be maintained.
October 21st, 2008 at 11:40 am
[...] I found this great blog the other day called “Live Lighter” by Stephanie. There is a post about detox drink recipes where she shares 6 different recipes that she personally used to lose 25 lbs in 3 months. I found [...]
October 22nd, 2008 at 7:10 pm
is there a green juice mix for dabetes
October 28th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
@Michael: not from what I can tell, but as a diabetic, you should be concerned mainly with sugar content. These green detox drinks generally don’t have a lot of sugar (except for the added fruit juices, so maybe replace this with water, and the fruit, so maybe cut some of the fruit out and replace with veggies).
PLEASE see your doc before detoxing, though, JUST to make sure it’s safe for you. A major change in diet or exercise affects healthy people. There’s no telling how a pre-existing health condition will influence your reaction.
November 22nd, 2008 at 11:42 am
I noticed you use a blender but you suggested a juicer, a juicer removes the pulp, i have a vita mix and its really a blender, so which is better with pulp or without or does it matter? thank you
November 25th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Hey Bridget! I personally love pulp. There’s nutrition in there so if you like it, I’d say go for it.
December 1st, 2008 at 11:34 pm
do you just drink the whole month or do you alternate between “whole foods” and juice?
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:32 pm
@Jess - when I’m cleansing, I’ll clean up my diet for the month. I’ll end up eating whole foods for a couple of weeks, get down to just raw fruits and veggies, then blend for three days, juice fast for a couple, and then work backwards from there.
When I’m not cleansing, I try to have these detox blended meals a couple of times a week.
February 16th, 2009 at 7:01 am
I have been doing the above quite often indeed. Has anyone tried with the use of a bio disc ? It has really helped me and can feel a great change in the cocktail ! Feels more refreshing ! You should try it out with a bio disc. After alll health is wealth ! Expecially with diabetes, high blood pressure, etc..A NATURAL healer !
February 18th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
Thanks, Nirav, I’ll check it out!
April 24th, 2009 at 2:50 pm
what exactly is a bio disc?