Why Detoxing Isn't as Scary as You Think

You know how nice it feels to drive your car home after getting a tuneup? The oil is squeaky clean, the fluids are topped off, the windshield wipers are new, the tire pressure is at that perfect level and the car has been washed inside and out. It feels like driving a brand new car off the lot.

Well, just like our cars need a tuneup every 5,000 miles or so, a seasonal detox allows our bodies to become nice and new again, too. A seasonal detox allows your body to reboot your metabolism, boost your immunity, clear the cobwebs from your mind, give your skin a chance to glow and allow you to lose weight effortlessly.

However, a lot of people shy away from the detox idea because it sounds like three to five days of deprivation, cravings and dreaming of all the foods you want but can't have. Juice cleanses have become super trendy these days, with Facebook challenges, office groups and the like all jumping on the bandwagon. But did you know you don't have to suffer through a liquid diet to detox your body?

Your body is actually designed to detox itself quite efficiently. Your colon, kidneys, lymph system, skin and liver all work together to neutralize harmful toxins in your body and flush them out. However, in our fast-paced, modern society, we are exposed to more toxins than our bodies can efficiently handle. Our environment is riddled with harmful pollutants not only in the water we drink and the air we breathe, but also in the foods we eat daily. All these things keep our natural detox system from working efficiently and clogs it all up. This is a huge reason why you may be experiencing that afternoon slump, chronic lethargy, low energy, inflammation, migraine headaches, irritability and an inability to lose weight.

The best way to combat these symptoms is through a food-based detox. That's right: a detox that uses actual food. Just like getting a tuneup on your car, a food-based detox flushes your lines and pipes. It cleanses you from the inside out, gives your insides the scrub down they desperately need and lets you start over with a clean slate, not to mention a solid foundation for keeping the body clean and healthy. I eat detoxifying foods most days of the year, but that's because my whole life and job is nutrition. I understand that for someone with a crazy schedule, a demanding job, kids and more, life totally gets in the way. You can still reap all the fabulous detox benefits by committing to a five to seven day food-based detox two to four times a year.

Are you afraid that it will be too hard or that maybe you aren't worth it? I know for a fact that you are worth it because I know deep down you are just like me. You want to be happy. You want to feel energetic, vibrant, sexy, and comfortable with your body and weight. Do you remember what that feels like? Maybe a little fear comes up for you at the thought of not being able to eat your favorite foods. Are you concerned about giving up your daily coffee, chocolate or happy hour perhaps? Having these feelings is natural, but you know what's not natural? Feeling like you have to constantly count calories, not eat any fat and go around in circles from one diet to the next. The thought of doing that for the rest of my life sounds just plain exhausting!

There is no reason to be scared because, when executed correctly, you will not feel deprived. I like to keep it simple and eat wholesome, nourishing foods. The only thing you have to lose is some unwanted poundage, dark circles and puffiness under your eyes, and that feeling of lethargy that has been dragging you down day after day. Plus, depending on the depth of your detox, you could discover your blueprint for the foods that work for your unique body.

Here are my top tips for jumping into a food-based detox:

1. Don't anticipate the detox with a week of gluttony.

A lot of people think, "Next Monday is the start of my detox, so I better chow down on all the pizza, ice cream and fast food I can." This will only make the detox harder because your body will be shocked into it. When you set your date for the detox, instead of chowing down on all the things you think you'll be missing out on, try clearing out your cupboards of all the processed foods and sugar-laden junk, and trying some new foods from the grocery store to get started. Get prepared by finding ways to relax such as Epsom salt baths or massage, or take up meditation to get your mind right and allow you to focus on something besides food.

2. Have a plan.

Know what detox foods you will be utilizing, do your research, make a shopping list, develop a meal plan and find the determination to stick to it. If you are new to the detox arena, try doing only a three-day detox to start. If after three days you feel like you could continue it for another two or three days, then go for it! It's better to start small and extend the detox than to set yourself up for a 14-day detox and give up halfway through. As you are setting up for your detox, start by simply reducing the amount of caffeine, sugar and alcohol you consume so that you can cut it out during the detox.

3. Drink water.

I know you hear this all the time, but during a detox it is crucial that you drink as much water as possible. As your body starts to be able to actually process out the toxins that have been building up over the months (or years), those toxins get released into your blood stream and can cause major "die off" symptoms. Things like headache, fatigue, muscle aches and nausea can occur as these toxins flood your system in an effort to get processed out. Drinking as much water as you can will help it happen faster and more efficiently.

4. Get help from a professional.

Health coaches like me are experts in detoxification and its benefits, and we love to guide people through this life-changing experience. My company, Whole Green You, offers detoxes that coincide with the seasons. You can choose to go through it privately on your own, or get a group together to go through a detox at a reduced rate. Whole Green You loves to help with the detoxification process -- feel free to contact us for a complimentary session to determine what's right for you. Each detox can be customized to you or your group. Having the support of a group and a professional can make you even more likely to succeed and obtain all the benefits of a detox.

Whether you've never detoxed before, or you're a seasoned pro, everyone can reap the benefits of a food-based detox.

Sarah Haskins is the founder of Whole Green You, a holistic health coaching practice that specializes in helping busy men and women around the country increase their energy, improve their relationship to food, lose weight, deconstruct and control cravings, and reduce their toxic load. As a U.S. Army veteran with 11 years of active duty service to her country, Haskins' holistic nutritional approach has been implemented with many U.S. Army soldiers to enhance their focus, energy and athletic ability both on and off the battlefield.