Thanks to much of what we hear in the media, detoxing has earned a reputation for being unhealthy and even unsafe. There are so many types of detoxes which can often be “faddish”, everyone seems to be on one detox or another!
When you hear the word “detox,” you might immediately think of all-liquid diets, expensive supplements and short-term deprivation for short-term gains?
The truth is, a detox doesn’t have to involve any of the above, and depending on your current health status, probably shouldn’t because your body will not be ready for such a drastic change. However if you detox in a healthy, supportive manner, you can achieve longer more lasting results in weight loss, energy gain and full-body health.
The following are four myths you may have heard about detoxing. Understandably, these myths may cause you to be hesitant to try a detox. But let’s debunk these myths right now!
Keep reading to find out the truth behind these myths and why detoxing might be just what your body is craving!
Myth # 1: You won’t enjoy anything you’re eating while on a detox.
While you might have to eliminate certain foods that you enjoy, detoxing isn’t all about eating lettuce with a drizzle of olive oil! There are so many delicious recipes that can be prepared using healthy ingredients that not only taste amazing, but will both nourish and detox your body.
And the best part is, many of the recipes do not involve any fancy ingredients and can be prepared even by a cooking novice. In fact, my detox participants always discover new foods and recipes that they absolutely love that have become staples in their diets long after the detox ends.
If you follow the food guidelines recommended for the detox as to what to avoid and what to eat, there are countless options. I personally find detoxes a lot of fun because it can allow you to become very creative in the meals you put together!
Myth #2: You’ll constantly be hungry while detoxing.
While you might end up actually consuming fewer calories while following a detox, you should definitely not feel deprived or hungry. Besides, going on an extremely low-calorie diet can actually disrupt your hormones and metabolism, making your body less efficient in the long run.
A healthy detox should allow you to eat what you want within the detox guidelines and the foods recommended are possibly going to offer many more nutrients to your body than what you usually eat, therefore satisfying your hunger even while eating less calories.
Everyone’s caloric needs are different, so a detox should never dictate how many calories you consume. By consuming whole foods that provide you with the right nutrients, you help detox your body while feeling satisfied. My participants are always amazed that they never feel hungry during my detoxes.
Myth #3: You need to do an all-liquid detox to remove toxins from your body.
Liquid-only detoxes have had more than their fair share of popularity. But these types of detoxes can backfire, especially if the health of your body is not able to handle such a drastic shift in your eating habits. So not only do people usually gain back the weight lost on these types of detoxes, but such restrictive eating over time can be very detrimental to your health.
An effective detox will include a variety of whole foods to help nourish your body and produce long-term results. Your body will of course need liquid hydration in the form of water to help flush toxins from the body while detoxing.
An effective detox program should also help to encourage you to make some long term changes to your eating habits once coming off the program.
Myth #4: Detoxes are just a way for people to make money on expensive supplements.
Supplements involved in a detox should be just that, a supplementary part of the program, not the primary source of your nutrition. While on a healthy detox, you should be providing your body with most of the necessary vitamins and minerals from whole-food sources.
However, supplements may be recommended to help your body make the most of the nutrients it receives from these foods. For example, by including probiotics in your diet, you help your body produce vitamins, absorb minerals and remove toxins from the body.
Getting in Touch With What Your Body Needs Not Wants!
Aside from the benefits discussed above, detoxing is an incredibly effective way to identify if you have any food sensitivities, balance your hormones, and establish healthy habits for the long term.
It can be a wonderful opportunity when planned well to help you to slow down, to tune in and to pay attention to what is happening both physically and mentally.
I’ve worked with detox participants who not only have lost weight and kept it off, but who have also seen their energy level skyrocket, Their mind feel sharper, their skin clear up and even their allergies disappear.
Are you ready to discover the benefits of healthy detoxing for yourself?
Click here to learn more about my upcoming Energize & Revitalize 7-Day Detox Program.
It starts on Monday, April 29. Register by April 22 to save the early bird price of $50.
What questions or concerns do you have about participating in a detox?
Before you try something new, like a detox, it’s normal to feel hesitant. I want to hear from you. I would love you to email me at lynne@nutritionforyoursoul.com with your questions or concerns.
I read every email that comes into my inbox and I promise to email you back personally!
Your Nourishing Nutritionist,
Lynne Bowsher
Nourishment for body, mind and spirit
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Hello! I’m Lynne Bowsher, a Certified Mind Body Nutrition Coach and graduate of Functional Nutrition.
I work with women who are struggling with stress, fatigue and who are looking for more purpose in their life.
My wish is to help as many women as I can become embodied and to embrace and love who they truly are. 