Unless one is living on a pristine island far away from modern life, there is a good chance that our body is storing many types of harmful toxins in our organs and cells at varying levels.
Doing seasonal cleanses allow us to gently get rid of these harmful toxins and rejuvenate our key systems and organs in our body.
In order to successfully do the cleanse, plan 2-3 days in advance. Do the necessary groceries and remove the items that might tempt you during the cleanse. Clear up your social calendar as much as possible. Be strong and know that you are doing this for better health.
There are two parts to the Winter cleanse:
Detox Yoga
Detox Diet
Detox Yoga:
Since ancient times, Yoga has been used to encourage detoxification of the body and mind. Certain yoga (Asanas) postures help key organs in the body release the toxins thus cleansing the body from inside.
My dear friend Milauni Mrigank (Certified Sri Sri Yoga Instructor) shared these simple yet powerful Yoga poses that aid in detoxification. Yoga Postures for Detoxification. You can do these postures either in the morning or evening on empty stomach. However, if you have never done yoga before, it is recommended to learn these postures from a certified yoga instructor.
You can check Milauni's "Yoga" classes in the upcoming events section (coming soon) of the website.
Detox Diet:
By following the diet part of the 10 day winter detox, you will be able to lower the toxic load in the body, increase your energy, lower your cravings, lower inflammation, and lose some weight as well. It will help you start the new year with lots of vigor and with a positive mind set.
The following diet cleanse includes several links to "You Tube" recipes as a general guide. You can substitute ingredients in these recipes based on what is available in your area.
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10 Day Winter Cleanse
20 Mins Before breakfast:
Apple Cider Vinegar Drink: 12 Oz warm water, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (ACV), 1 teaspoon raw – unfiltered honey or organic maple syrup, juice of half lemon. Mix well and drink within 5 minutes. If can't take ACV, you can use warm water with lemon and honey.
Breakfast
(Pick one you like – Ideally rotate)
Option 1: 12 Oz Home made warm almond Milk
Option 2: 16 oz Basic Green Smoothie 12 oz water, 1 medium banana, 2 big handful of kale, 1 cup mixed berries, 1 tablespoon flax seeds
Option 3: Fruit bowl (Use seasonal fruit that is grown in season - ideally in our region). You can use Grape fruit, Oranges, persimmons, cup of mixed berries, pomegranate etc
Option 4: 1 cup cooked Oatmeal Cook the oatmeal in water (Use steel cut oats). Use almond milk if needed. You can add cinnamon, berries, chopped apples, some chopped nuts etc.
Note: You can also have a savory version of oatmeal, where you can add lots of veggies in it (Avoid oils).
Mid morning 10 oz Organic Nettle Tea: You can organic Nettle Tea bags from Whole Foods or even amazon. You can squeeze some lemon for enhanced benefits.
Lunch
(Pick one you like – Ideally rotate)
Option 1: Warm Salad (Avoid oils or store bought dressing)
Option 2: Lentil with veggie soup (Avoid Oil & Dairy)
Option 3: Bean Soup (Avoid Oil & Dairy)
Two hours after lunch: 10 oz Organic Dandelion root tea. You can get the dandelion root tea from whole foods or from Amazon.
Dinner
(Pick one you like – Ideally rotate)
20 minutes before dinner – Have the Apple Cider Vinegar drink
Option 1: Small bowl of Mixed Vegetable soup (Avoid or minimize oil & dairy)
Option 2: Small bowl of vegetable stew
Option 3 Big bowl of mixed Steamed vegetables
Option 4: Small bowl of vegetable Kitchri (Avoid oil and dairy)
Important: Keep the consistency of Kitchri on the thinner side.
Important: As a general rule, in the 10 day cleanse, do your best to avoid oils, dairy products, meat and processed foods. Also, Keep the quantity of daily meals just enough to satisfy your hunger. Avoid overeating eat and also avoid eating in front of the TV or other electronics. If you are not hungry for a meal, it is OK to miss it.
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