Before we dive into the details, let’s first look at the difference between cleansing and detoxing. Although the words are used interchangeably, cleansing and detoxing are actually different. Think of a cleanse as something long-term, anywhere from 30 days to two years, depending on the amount of toxins built up in the body. I do an herbal-based supplement program twice a year called the Total Cleanse. During this time, your goal is to eliminate anything in your diet that would cause more toxins to be stored in the body, such as wheat, dairy, meat and any processed foods. On the other hand, a detox is usually shorter in length and meant to give your body a healthy boost if you’ve fallen off the healthy-eating wagon a bit. Make sure you take a good probiotic daily during this time, as this helps your body ensure there is enough good bacteria in the body. Sometimes cleansing and detoxing can flush out all bacteria, and you want to avoid that. Right now I am also obsessed with Cell Food, which helps your body become more alkaline and is loaded with essential minerals.

So what is detoxing? It does not mean you have to eat grapes and hummus for an entire week, or throw out everything in your kitchen and head to the nearest Whole Foods. Doing a detox just means you will choose to eliminate foods that cause inflammation and toxicity, and replace them with fresh, whole foods that repair and rebuild the body.

There are several variations out there, but I created this gentle Detox because it is realistic, flexible, and inexpensive. Follow these simple steps as many times as you like.

1. Take a look at the items under the “Foods to Enjoy” category, and incorporate as many as possible into your diet. Go for local, organic and whole foods.

2. On the first day of your detox, pick one item from the “Foods to Avoid” section to eliminate for the rest of the week. On the second day, choose another item to forgo, and so on. Repeat this each day, until you have eliminated seven items by the last day.

3. To help your body heal itself, enjoy one or two cups of the Repair recipe and the Rebuild recipe each day.

4. Lastly, enjoy a soothing bath with the Relax ingredients. This supports elimination as your body rids itself of toxins.

Because this is such a gentle detox, you shouldn’t experience too many side effects. However, achy, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and headaches are possible. Don’t worry if you do, this is actually a great sign that your body is eliminating toxins.

So take some time now and decide when you will do your detox. You will feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and so very glad that the word diet can be put to rest once and for all. Once complete, you will feel more healthy and happier than ever before!

Foods to enjoy-local, organic or whole foods Filtered water Fish Lean chicken or turkey Fresh vegetables Fresh fruits Legumes Brown rice Quinoa Rolled oats Nuts Seeds Herbal tea

Foods to avoid-processed foods Sugar Alcohol Dairy products Gluten (wheat, rye, barley) Red meats Pork Peanuts Hydrogenated oils Caffeine

Repair Soup

Broth-4 cups (May use Chicken and roasted garlic, Chicken, or any organic broth – except beef)

Water-4 cups

Wild rice-1/2 cup

Carrots-20 baby or 2 large

Green beans-2 handfuls

Tomatoes-2, chopped

Raw greens (spinach, mustard, collard, etc.)- 1 handful of each

Green onions-3 stalks, diced

Red pepper flakes-1 tsp

Curry-1 tsp

Paprika-1 tsp

Black pepper-1 tsp

Basil-10 leaves

Place all items in a slow cooker except for basil. Cook on high for 3 hours. Top with a few fresh basil leaves, chopped.

Rebuild

Liquid Protein (1oz) (I use Genesis Today’s) OR Whey/rice protein powder-1 scoop

Flax oil-1 tbsp

Ground flaxseeds-1 tbsp

½ Scoop of GenEssential Greens

Ice-1 cup

Filtered water-1 to 2 cups

Frozen/fresh berries-1/2 cup

Place all items in a blender. Add filtered water until you reach desired consistency.

Relax

Epsom salts-2 cups

Baking soda-1cup

Lavender oil-10 drops

Add all items to hot bathwater. Soak for 20 minutes.

*The information on this site is designed for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Thank you!

~by Kimberly Olson
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