So we hear about it all the time: "Yo man, I'm about to do this juice cleanse. Ugh, I don't know if I can do it, but I think it will be good for me....I bet the toilet and I will become well acquainted."
To confirm: Yes you will be well acquainted with the toilet. Yes it can be a tremendously healing and detoxifying experience.
The times have changed. We don't eat, move, or lead a life like that of our ancestors. We have UN-wilded into an explosion of processing and convenience. In some ways, it has benefited us, but when it comes to what we consume, I would debate otherwise.
There are foods that are packaged in boxes with ingredients that are barely pronounceable, let alone comprehensible. What we call meat has been genetically modified several times, that I question what mystery food we are really eating. Our vegetables have been sprayed with pesticides with the expectation that it is safe to consume for human beings.
Unconsciously, we are consuming foreign materials that are bodies aren't meant to digest, absorb, and assimilate. Our body talks to us by presenting symptoms like elevated liver enzymes, indigestion, sugar crashes, bloating, mucus, inflammation, and the difficulty of losing "pesky" fat. However, it's often ignored and chalked up to "oh that's just the way it is"....
It doesn't have to be.
So what does this have to do with juice cleansing? Well the consumption of conventionally farmed and processed foods have led to us accumulating toxins, waste, and harmful microorganisms that are now residing in our colon and our fat cells. It's one of the many reasons we don't feel at our best. This is where someone begins to think about juice cleansing. It's a way to clean out our colon, infuse our body with nutrients rich in vitamins and minerals, and clean out our fat cells so that there is room to actually use fat efficiently for energy ("burning the fat"). However, it doesn't have to be a pure juice fast. As a matter of fact, I feel as though integrating whole foods, juices, and smoothies are a great way to "cleanse" your body. I believe it is a more complete and balanced way of re-vitalizing our bodies. You don't exclude nutrients. Integrate.
OR as I like to call it: RE-WILDING our nutrition closer to that of our ancestors.
Some of my daily "cleansing habits" :
1) Drinking a liter of water in the morning with some lemon.2) Drinking a green smoothie consisting of:
Recipe
-Cucumber slices (half the cucumber chopped)
-1 tablespoon of coconut oil
-1 frozen banana
-1/4 cup of blueberries
-1 Tablespoon of local honey
Don't let the green-ness throw you off. You can barely taste it. Instead, it ends up being really enjoyable and energizing!
3) Getting some form of vegetables with every meal. One way to make sure that you are eating clean and fresh vegetables is by joining a CSA (community supported agriculture). I just joined my co-worker, Bekki Callaway's CSA and its a great investment into my health. It provides a really convenient way of ensuring that I get a variety of fresh and local vegetables every week. To find out more, visit Join a CSA!
4) Picking meats that are from grass-fed, non-antibiotic/hormone fed, humanely treated, cage-free, or wild sources.
5) Eating grains or other carbohydrates that aren't refined, modified, or bleached. Organic brown rice, quinoa, or sweet potatoes are great options.
These are just some ways you can keep your body functioning at an optimal level. If you want more ideas about whole food, juicing, or smoothie cleansing check out my friend Tanuja's page from The Love Your Body Project.
Also we will be collaborating on a tele-seminar April 16th (free of charge!) that will help you discover the secret to knowing how to consume foods that are best for your body, how to move and exercise in ways that are suitable for you, and how to manage your overall health from a well-rounded and complete perspective! The information is truly invaluable.
To sign up click the link below:
The Secret To Intuitive Wellness . I look forward to seeing all of you there!
Much Love,
Sumair
My pleasure :)
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