Now that the new year is here, many people ask me about a “realistic” cleanse. To me, this is all about healthy eating: choosing whole foods, and seasonal foods, eliminating foods that contain unnecessary additives, and remembering to hydrate. As a first step, cut out inflammatory foods such as gluten, dairy, and processed sugar for 10 days to 2 months. Surprisingly, it may evolve into an on-going lifestyle change!
Eating cleaner can lead to a boost in metabolism, less overall inflammation, less joint pain and fewer body aches, less bloating and gas, a decrease in anxiety and depression, better focus and concentration, and better healthier skin, just to name a few benefits.
Need a little guidance? Try any vegetables, and all fruits—have at em’!!–rice (brown or basmati are good options), quinoa, steel cut oats, eggs (optional), meat (if you are generally a meat eater), non-dairy milk (nut, rice, coconut, and hemp are good substitutions), honey, maple syrup, and molasses make more than adequate sweeteners. There are lots of nutritious and filling food options to choose from that fit the gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free parameter. Start eating healthier and you will start to feel better the whole year through.
Contributor:
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.