WINTER IS COMING

For most of us winter is not an easy time, so what if we use this winter time to do something fruitful for your body, like detoxification? Most of us associate spring with cleansing, diets and detoxifying ourselves, in fact, spring is  far too late for that. Winter seems to be a period when nature dies, but actually it is being re-born!

Winter is time when there is the smallest amount of harvest in the earth, so naturally there should be the same amount of food in our lives. But because we have fridges and freezer, malls and international transport...we have access to everything all the time. In the past feeding ourselves was much more of a natural process. In winter people kept supplies under the ground or used natural preservatives like salt or fermentation. As a result, they were eating less in winter and in the early spring they actually fasted, because there was very little food left. (It is difficult not to see the connection with fasting in Christianity which happens every spring just before Easter).

And this is a natural time for cleansing, eating less and take more care of what we eat and the way we eat. But detoxification is not only about food, it is much more complex than you can even imagine.

Let me show you how to make it fun!

Let's starts withe answering the question:

What actually is detox...?

Basically, detoxification means cleansing the blood. This is done by removing impurities from the blood in the liver, where toxins are processed for elimination. The body also eliminates toxins through the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymphatic system, and skin. However, when these systems are compromised, impurities aren't properly filtered and the body is adversely affected.A detox program can help the body's natural cleansing process by:

Resting the organs through fasting;

Stimulating the liver to drive toxins from the body;

Promoting elimination through the intestines, kidneys, and skin;

Improving circulation of the blood; and

Refueling the body with healthy nutrients.

So detox is not starving and dieting. It is resting, improving, stimulating, promoting and supporting.

HOW TO ACTUALLY DO DETOXIFICATION?

Easier, smarter and fun!

First of all you have to  know - I am against any diet which makes you eat strange things or starve.

Moreover, detoxification should be a creative and healthy process which supports and works with your organs rather than destructive process. So do not stress about measuring calories and eating only leaves. I believe that we can eat everything what you want as long as it isn't harmful and clean. A healthy body knows what is bad and noxious and I promise that your body will let you know! So everything is about listening...Our aim is to clean by making your body feel cared for and loved.

Let's make a little list of things which support detoxifying, as it will be quicker and easier:

1. DRINK A LOT OF WATER

If you do not like plain water - put ginger, lemon or honey. It will be even better in the winter time.

This is the basic rule of detoxification, as you want to get rid of toxins from your body and water is necessary to flush your system. 

2. EAT A PROPER BREAKFAST 

Breakfast - let's look at this word - break and fast. It is first meal after night - it breaks the fasting. Sooooo...you have already been having a natural break/fast during the night, use it as a part of your detoxification process. Have a smart dinner - don't eat after 20.00 and the it should be filling, but not heavy (creamy soup, wholewheat grain, etc.), so you extend the fast period and help your organs rest and recover by night - this way you earn 10 hours of detox a day!
For breakfast have something which gives you a kick for the rest of the day - this is especially important in winter. Eat something thick and warm like oats with dry fruit.

3. DO NOT STARVE 

Eat 5 times a day, but have one or two liquid meals - soup or a shake or smoothie. There is no need to suffer. It makes dieting more difficult, but won't bring any good results or will result in a yo-yo effect with you eating more as a reward, because after such a long period of suffering we want to reward ourselves.

4. TAKE LONG RELAXING BATHS AND SHOWERS

In the shower scrub your body gently, but consistently - do not buy more toxic cosmetics - make your own scrub from coffee and cinnamon - refreshing and relaxing. For your bath use essential oils - lavender for relaxing and purifying and pepermint for refreshing and cleansing.

5. BREATH 
Go for long walks, spend as much time outside as is possible. Breathing is the easiest way to get rid of harmful substances. Inhale, exhale. Deeply and calmly. If you like and have time I highly recommend doing some breathing exercises for example pranayamas. (Pranayama is the formal practice of controlling the breath, which is the source of our prana, or vital life force; more here: https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/types/pranayama)

6. SWEAT
Gym, sauna, any type of cardio training is a good friend of detox. You need to sweat to get rid of toxins and your skin is the best way of doing that, because skin is biggest part of our body, so the biggest surface where toxins can leave your organism directly outside. But remember to take a quick shower after each exercise or sauna session. Otherwise they will get back in through the same surface!

7. RESEARCH AND SHOPPING
Research which vegetables, fruits and grains are the best for detox, make a list and buy enough so you do not snack in between your meals. Clever shopping is essential for a good diet. Put a bit of effort into find new recipes and cook a big pot of food so you can eat for 2 days without cooking all the time.

....do you have your own tested ideas? Answer if you like, in the comment to this post.

HAVE A GOOD WINTER!