Control Alt Delete: a Fresh and Modern Detox
There is a universal shift that happens during spring – everyone is looking for a clean fresh start. Gardens are raked, closets are gutted and our bodies are just begging to get outside and play. In keeping with the theme of spring cleaning and in response to an overwhelming demand for ‘cleanse’ and detox advice, I am going to share an easy 7-day ‘Un-tox’ that I have affectionately named Control-Alt-Delete.
The purpose of this cleanse is to clean the closets and set a new course. It is not going to have you losing 20lbs in five days, it is not going to leave you starving and it is not going to require that you take 40+ pills per hour. If this has left you disappointed then I am sure that Dr. Google can offer some additional solutions. What you WILL feel is energized, healthy and ready to build your empire.
Materials Required:
- Blender (any blender will do)
- A place to plug-in your phone other than beside your bed
- A good attitude
- 1 hour of meal planning on Sunday night
- Water bottle, not made of plastic (try glass or metal)
Dietary Guidelines:
- Foods to remove: sugar, caffeine, alcohol, red meat, processed anything.
- Foods to Include: Organic, Non-GMO foods. Lots of natural colour and lean protein
Exercise Guidelines:
- Move daily. Walk, Run, bike or workout like normal
- You can still exercise like normal while you are detoxing. If you feel like you have cut your calories significantly, adjust your exercise accordingly.
Daily Routine:
1st things first – Hydrate 1 large glass of water with lemon. This can be hot or cold. (500mL)
Fiber blend: Combine 1 tbsp ground flax + 1 tbsp of chia seeds. Take with another glass of water. (You need to keep your bowels moving during a cleanse. We are aiming for at least 1 bowel movement daily. Having trouble, add more water) (250mL)
Move: if exercise or movement is not normally part of your morning, enjoy it in the evening.
Breakfast: (Yes, you need to eat breakfast) – Green Smoothie with Vegan protein (Why vegan, I want you to avoid dairy. Whey is the protein found in milk.)
Green smoothie: Use this as an inspiration, 3 leaves of kale, 1 apple or pear, coconut water, a handful of spouts, dark red fruit and a banana. Adjust your quantities for taste and texture. Turn it up a notch and add coriander AND dandelion greens. (tried it? You are super hardcore)
Hydrate: 1 large glass of water with lemon. This can be hot or cold. (500mL)
Snack: Apple and almond butter
Lunch: Arugula or spinach salad with a lean protein (Non-GMO tofu, fish, chicken or nuts & seeds)
Dark green leafy salads are rich in nutrients. The bitter nature of arugula and spinach are good for the liver.
Hydrate: 1 large glass of water with lemon. OR 1 large mug of detox tea (see above) (500mL)
Snack: Power bar from one of my favourite bloggers (www.elanaspantry.com)
Move: Have you moved yet today? For real? …in the very least, get outside and walk for 30 minutes. This is a great week to try something new. Yoga, Barre, think outside your box
Hydrate: 1 large glass of water with lemon. OR 1 large mug of detox tea (500mL)
Dinner: Quinoa or brown rice, chicken, steam greens with lemon (kale, collards, spinach, etc…). Check out some additional detox recipes at another favorite whole foods blog.
After dinner snack: try some berries. Or if you are really looking for some excitement, try freezing some blended berries and add them to Popsicle molds…
Sleep Routine: Sleep is critical to rest and restoration. If you are already moving and eating well, creating a healthy sleep routine may end up being the most powerful element of your Un-tox week. Set a 30-minute routine prior to heading to bed. Be consistent with your routine all week. Ensure that your room is completely dark and that your phone is plugged in in another room.
Mindfulness Practice: If you are having trouble falling asleep. Try this cool FREE app (download the free version). It will provide a 10 minute guided visualization to help you rest and relax.
Ok, now repeat. 7 days to go!
DELETE: ok, so we have controlled and altered some of your typical habits, now I challenge you to delete a habit that you know is dragging you down. Maybe it is afternoon candy, sugar in your coffee or excessive snacking after dinner. Un-tox is about choosing habits that help, not hamper. Share your deleted items below – it will likely serve as inspiration for others.
The best way to detoxify is to stop putting toxic things into the body.
Dr. Andrew Weil
Good luck this week. This is a gentle reset for spring. If you want something more specific, personalized or intense, let’s talk. We can create a tailored Un-tox experience that is right for you.
See you on the other side of clean!
