A 'Clean' start..

Darlings, time has come for me to leap into my very first 'cleanse' for the year. Yep, it's 'detox time'..!

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As much as I have loved the abundant & carefree eating habits of the holiday period (I would have it no other way!) I have definitely reached a point where I want to give my body a much needed break so that it can readjust, recover and rejuvenate.

Those of you who read me regularly will know that my life consists of 3-4 detox routines per year. They help me stay healthy & happy, and infuse my life with a raft of positive side effects in health, appearance, performance, and just generally in a sense of wellbeing & inner peace that is hard to beat!
If you are new to the concept of detoxing/cleansing, please READ THIS POST for a good introduction. 

via Sweet Paul Magazine

Though of course you inevitably loose a little bit of weight on a good 'detox programme', it is important to know that it is not a 'diet'!
In fact I am hugely against any depriving diets or detox programmes such as the 'lemon detox' because cleansing is not about starving or alienating your body from vital nutrition, but rather to maximise it.

You should only really withdraw those substances that add congestion, toxins and pollution to your organs - such as meats, salt, sugar, dairy, caffeine, alcohol, wheat, nicotine, yeast, heavy metals, chemicals etc. Actually not only do you need to withdraw these, but also replace them with generous amounts of the right kinds of food - ones that are packed with nutrients and beneficial properties that will give your body the fuel it requires in order to perform the taxing tasks of elimination, detoxing, and healing.

01. Per Magnus Persson and 02. Susanna Blåvarg

Of course there are thousands of 'cleansing and detoxing' programmes out there. What works for me may not work for you, hence I urge each and every one to think hard and carefully about what is achievable and what will fit into your particular life style. 

It is also important to think about 'why' you want to cleanse your body because there are many programs out there that can help you achieve a specific goal such as;

- boosting your immune system

- breaking a candida cycle

- restoring the ph balance

- clearing heavy metals in your body

- detoxing the liver or/and kidneys

- expelling parasites

- recovering from long term or chronic illness 
etc etc..

via Cannelle et Vanille

Though tempting to dive deeper into one specific area, I usually prefer to do more of a 'general cleanse' where I focus on expelling toxins from all my key organs (stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, gallbladder, lungs, and skin). By doing this I allow my body to benefit somewhat from all of the above categories, though of course I can not reap the deeper rewards of a fully targeted programme.
I also want to say that even if you decide to cut out only one or two toxic things from your daily life and keep the rest the same, you will benefit. For example, you may decide to go at it without coffee, sugar, bread, dairy, meat, wheat or alcohol for a couple of weeks (the longer the better) - that too will have a tangible and positive effect on your health & appearance. 
Start by doing some research into some of the health areas/issues that concern you personally - e.g. tiredness, sluggishness, insomnia, bloating, mood-swings, breakouts, depression, joint ache, or what ever else may disrupt your life - and cut out a few known toxins that tend to cause those.

via Sunday In Bed

As my regular readers will know, I have grown fond of a 'detox programme' by Australian brand 'GNC Live Well' (I am not sponsored!) and I have used their so called 'detox kits' for years with great results. 
Other good programmes that are also excellent are:

1. Susan Cabot's 'Liver Cleansing Diet' 

90% of all people have over loaded livers! And this is not due to over consuming on alchol or drugs, but from living 'an average life' in today's world. Susan's books are eye opening and very well researched. I highly recommend this one for any/everyone!

2. 'The Life Tree' Cleanse

This company seems to have a great approach to health and living. I am so keen to try their cleansing programme. Including a 'parasite cleanse'! Maybe next time..

3. 'The Goop Cleanse' (by Gwyneth Parltrow) 

I am not a huge fan of 'meal replacement plans' but Gwyneth knows what she's talking about so I am endorsing this one.

And whilst you are over at 'Goop' please read THIS article on stress! xx

via Breathe Easy 

Of course you don't need a so called 'kit' or 'programme' do to a cleanse - you really can go at it without any herbal supplements or set plans! For me personally though, it is a lot easier to stick to the detox if I have something tangible to hang on to. My 'detox kit' keeps me focused & motivated, and by the time the 2 weeks of supplements have run out I am so much on track that I don't need them to keep on going. In fact I have been known to go on for up to nine weeks with enthusiasm and great results!

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Also, the herbal supplements assist certain areas of your body to expel the stored toxins. They make the elimination process a lot more efficient, and in some cases also quicker because their properties specifically target certain areas of your body.
The not so great aspect of the herbs is that the detox side effects tend to get more pronounced. The head- & joint aches, nausea, tiredness and what ever else you may feel will be better or worse pending on how toxic your body is. Though hard, the knowledge that the process is working keeps me going - i.e. the pain proves to me how much pollution is in my body, making it easier to push through.

via Dust Jacket Attic

This particular cleanse will be a tough one - not only because it is Winter (it's easier in Spring and Summer!) but mostly because I have totally allowed myself too much of the good stuff since returning to Sweden a few months ago. I have loved this 'free ride' thoroughly but now it's time to get back on track. I am set to do this (!) and I know that the few days of feeling 'under the weather' will give way to a more energetic & happier me!

via Janet Dick on Pinterest

Ok darlings, I am making myself hungry with all this talk about food so I better stop..! :)

I am kicking the detox off in the next week, and I welcome anyone who wishes to join me. Though I am not an expert, nor do I have any formal education in digestive function or detoxing I am happy to coach you through this as best I can.

Big hugs

xx Charlotta