A Day of Detox

So whether you’ve had a rough Saturday night, just got back from a vacation full of binging, didn’t get to the gym all week, are stressed…or just need to kick start a new diet or workout plan…a day of detox is a great way to get you back on track and reset not only your body, but also your mind!

Now throughout your day of detox, the goal is to remain relaxed and focused and today is truly about you!  It is going to be full of eating clean and getting rid of all toxins in your body and is a great way to clear your head.  Remember, a healthy body gives you peace of mind!

Upon waking (hopefully not to the buzzing of an alarm clock), take a thermogenic.  This will not only give you a little kick to wake you up, but will also heat your body up and start the fat burning process.

Wait 30-45 minutes and then have a nice healthy breakfast:

·         coffee or black tea (ease into your detox and get a little caffeine boost) 

·         3-4 Egg whites and fruit – melons, apples, and blueberries are great for detox

·         Supplements:  multi-vitamin and fish oil
 

Take a Yoga class.  If you don’t have a group class that you can take, invest in a yoga DVD or stream a yoga class through the internet (aim for at least 45 minutes of yoga and stretching).  Yoga stretches out your muscles and tendons and will get your blood flowing.  It also has a meditative affect and will clear your head.

After your yoga class, hit the sauna for a little extra sweat!  Once your body is heated up (you’ll know cause the sweat will start pouring), stay in the sauna for up to 10 minutes (I bring in a cold water bottle and if it is the same temp as the room, I have stayed in WAYYYYY too long).  An alternative option if you don’t have access to a sauna is to run a very hot hot hot bath (I like to pour bubble bath with eucalyptus in it – opens up your sinuses) and sit in the bath for a good 20 minutes, this will not only open up your pours, but you will continue to sweat out all those toxins.

Directly after your sauna or bath (within 45 minutes of your yoga class), drink a protein/detox shake.  Below is a recipe that I like to use, though feel free to mix it up!  The protein is necessary to help restore your muscles and will prevent any potential soreness.

Green Detox Shake: (high in protein and antioxidants)

·         2 handfuls of Spinach

·         1 apple

·         1 banana

·         1 cup of Greek yogurt

·         5 strawberries

·         ½ an orange

·         6-8 ice cubes
 

Blend well and enjoy!

Shower/relax – drink PLENTY of ICE water!!  You will burn additional calories with drinking ice water because your body needs to use more energy to heat it up to your body temperature.  Your goal should be to drink at least 10-12 glasses today!

Lunch – light salad with chicken or tuna – be careful of dressings!!  Go for a light or fat free dressing that isn’t high in sodium! (Remember: sodium causes bloat, which we are trying to get rid of today!)

Afternoon snack (high in protein and antioxidants) – Enjoy a serving of detox fruits (melons, berries, or an apple) with low fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt

Dinner – Enjoy a side salad or steamed veggies with grilled fish or chicken (no red meat)

Before Bed - End your day with dandelion root tea.  Dandelion Root is a natural diuretic that stimulates the liver and supports healthy digestion.  Dandelion Root is an herbal tea and is naturally caffeine free so this will not keep you awake as you are winding down before bed.

Additional options/recommendations throughout the day to fully enjoy your day of detox:

At some point during the day, I put a deep cleansing or clarifying mask on.  This not only helps open up my pores, but also gives me a feel good, all around cleanse!

Drink at least 3 cups of green tea – keeps your metabolism high and will provide you with sustained antioxidants throughout the day.

Things to avoid on your day of detox: sugar, salt, carbonated beverages (cause bloat), excess fats and oils.

Why we are not cutting out food or food groups: You need to maintain your metabolism – so basically you still want to fuel your body and eat every 3 hours, and most importantly, you don’t want to “deprive” your body of anything.  This also prevents any cravings or any potential binges the next day.

I hope you all enjoy your day of detox as much as I do!!  I recommend having a day of detox as frequently as your schedule allows!  I try to do a Sunday day of detox every other week, or at least once a month!  Remember, this day is all about you and will not only restore your body, but will also help centralize you and clear your head!