Holistic & Dr. Sears Certified Health Coach educates families on simple, effective ways they can use to live healthier, happier lives. A blog where moms learn about nourishing foods so that they are confident and at peace with the nutrition choices they make for themselves, their babies, their families and in effect for our future generations.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

When should you detox?_Day 22 on Smoothies!

A big Thanks to all my readers for their prayers. My Dad's surgery went well. It was a total miracle and the amazing power of prayers pouring in from all directions. Now we are just waiting for his eye sight to get back to normal. I am positive with all your prayers that he will recover very soon.

THANK YOU!

My plan in the last few days hit a slump. I was totally worn out and had to drag myself to do even the basic chores. No, I was not physically sick but was mentally unstable. When the spirit is low nothing feels good and the well being of your near and dear ones is all that you have on your mind. Smoothies, juicing, detoxing all take a back seat.

The state I was in for the past few days made me wonder what is the best time to detox?

Is it Summer when it is hot outside and it is easier for the body to handle the raw and cooling foods that go with the detox?

May be Spring is a great time to refresh our system because of spring's association with growth and regeneration.?

Winters might not be the right season because we crave for root vegetables and warm/comfort foods that do not let the body detox then how about a detox during Autumn right before we hit the cold weather.

One can find different reasons and different seasons to do a detox but I personally believe that the best time to detox is the time when you are at peace physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. 

Now some of you might think that it's difficult to reach this state of perfect balance considering the busy lifestyle these days and infer that detox is not really for you. Well, the truth is if your life is going at a pretty steady pace and you are not making any major changes then you can do a detox anytime. Here is my checklist to decide if this is the right time to detox or not.

No major change in job: If you have recently changed your company or found a new job then your priority is your job. The stress of a new job might deter you from your detox plan.

No physical injury: Although detox is a great way to recoup from any injury, if the injury is new and you have to take medications to keep the pain/symptoms under control then it's not a good idea to detox. If you detox after you have healed you will have a total detox and will also be able to get rid of the toxins due to medications.

No mental issues: If you are stressed about how things are going in your life and decide to go on a detox just for the sake of it, then you will only achieve failure. You need to have peace of mind and eat intuitively while detoxing. If you are impatient and want to start right away then do little meditation or go on a retreat to correct your mental frame of mind.

No cold or flu: If you are under a spell of cough, cold or flu wait until you recover to start a detox.

No change of place/house: If you recently moved to a different abode then it's best to settle down in your new home and environment before making any major changes in your diet.

No upcoming travels/vacation: If you are going on a vacation and know that you will be eating out, eating at odd hours or eating plane food and leftovers then its best to wait till you get back from the vacation to start the detox. Try to stick to a healthy eating plan even while vacationing but keep the intense detox for after party. In fact, detoxing after a vacation is a great way to cleanse your body of the toxins that you accumulated during your stay away from home.

No big event: Many people like to detox before a big event (like a wedding or a big birthday bash) to lose few extra pounds and look vibrant. I personally think it's a great idea to do a little 3-5 day detox before a major function. But if you do so then you have to be very careful of what you eat during that event. If you eat too much then you might upset your system and feel sick. And you really would like to enjoy the party and not spend your time on bed when everyone else is out dancing. So, either be very careful of what you eat or keep the detox for after the d-day.

No unrealistic goals: Do it for the right reasons. Don't set unrealistic goals and try to lose 10 pounds in 10 days. Don't think of detox as a weight loss program. You will surely lose weight but if you keep weight loss as a by product of detox and focus on other benefits like cleansing your system, clearing skin, having more energy you will be able to enjoy your detox and gain much more.

No worries: Even if your plans fails mid way (like mine did) don't worry and just get back on track. Get up and get going!


Smoothie of the day:

1 cup spinach
2 leaves collard greens
2 slices mango
4 chunks pineapple
1 over ripe banana
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup strawberries
1 leaf of mint
1 tbsp flax seed
1 tbsp chia seed
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup fresh orange juice

Now this smoothie had more fruit than the greens and was really sweet and creamy. It has been two days since I had my smoothies so to get back on track I tried this combination with more fruit. I wanted to try something that excites me and motivates me to fall in  love with my smoothies all over again. Needless, to say purpose achieved. I can't stay away from my love for long!
Loved it so much that I forgot to take a picture till I was half way through. 


Confession Time:

My husband was concerned looking at my gloomy state. I am a very strong person but sometimes it's difficult for me to keep myself cheerful. So he decided to pamper me and took me to an Indian restaurant. I didn't mind eating a serving of rice and eggplant vegetable. I also had regular meals in the last two days. A big hiccup in my plan. Well, we will see how it goes from here.

Gratitude Time:
Thanks to family and friends! Relationships are so important. We just cant live in isolation. We normally don't understand the importance of our family till tragedy strikes. Don't wait till it's too late. Pick up that phone or skype or face time, do whatever it takes, but just let your close one know how important they are for you. Thank them for their presence in your life. You are what you are today because of your family and friends.


Prayers for Day 22 and on wards:

Thank You again for your prayers. I always believed in the power of prayer but now I am a firm believer. Please keep all the families who are dealing with illness, disease or hospitalization in your prayers. You might or might not know all these people but saying a small prayer won't take much of your time. Who knows GOD might hear your voice.

To a Healthy Beginning!

Cheers,
Parul


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