Are you ready to shed some weight and renew your energy? You’ve heard that your neighbor felt so much better after she tried a “detox,” and you wonder: “Does it really work? What does it cost? Should I do it, too?”
Detox or cleanse are words that are thrown around all too often these days. It seems everyone is trying this detox or that cleanse in order to feel better. You must admit, all those health claims are intriguing:
- Lose 10 pounds in 7 days!
- Feel better than ever with our ABC detox!
- Restore your body’s function with XYZ cleanse!
- Regain the lost energy you crave!
The question is: Do they work? Can it really be the cure all? Could it be the answers to your weary-mind’s prayers?
Quite possibly, yes.
Well sign me up!
Then, there is the fee and all the products. The frugal alarm is going off!
Are there more cost-effective options?
What is a Detox anyway?
Let’s start with the understanding of what a cleanse or detox can do for you. According to Wikipedia, a detox is “a process, real or perceived, of removing toxins from the body.” A cleanse means to “rid of impurities.” They sound very similar, so we will use the terms interchangeably here.
The basic premise of a detox is to allow the body rest and restoration from the toxic buildup it endures daily. This can be due to the food we eat, lack of sleep, stress, unknown food allergens, environmental toxins, and nutrient deficiency.
Cleanses can offer restoration of body systems such as the digestive system, the liver, and the adrenals. The blood and bowels can be cleaned of impurities. The immune system and internal inflammation can be reduced by removing the usual suspects such as sugar, gluten, dairy, and caffeine.
Depending on the level of detox you would like to try, you may be enlisting on a juicing-only regimen, fasting, or a whole food diet. Some help the body along with herbal supplements, natural laxatives, and colonics. There is a wide variety of options along with their various price points.
Results may vary depending on level of commitment and the internal environment of a person. You will learn something new about your body and how best to take care of it. Weight loss is a welcome bonus to the purge of the toxic load we have absorbed from our surroundings.
How can you reap the benefits without breaking the bank?
10 Steps for a Cleanse on the Cheap
1. Drink a cup of hot water with juice of ½ a lemon every morning. This helps to stimulate the liver.
2. Load yourself up on water! At least half your weight in ounces. Add another 8 ounces for every caffeinated beverage you consume. This helps to flush the kidneys.
3. Decrease the amount of caffeine you ingest (preferably none). Drink green tea if you need it, herbal tea, or a coffee substitute like Teechino or Dandy Blend (Amazon). Taking out stimulants helps to restore the adrenals.
4. Take supplements: Probiotics are a must for healthy gut flora, in addition to a quality Fish Oil such as Cod Liver Oil, Vitamin D3, and a whole food supplement.
5. Drink apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon in water before a meal (start with one meal, possibly work up to two). This helps to optimize your absorption of Vitamin B12 and Iron from your stomach by increasing your stomach acid. Most of us actually LACK stomach acid.
6. Eat high quality REAL foods that are easily digested and seasonal. If you’d rather do a juice cleanse, use organic vegetables.
7. Engage in some light exercise such as walking. When you do a cleanse you need to be easy on yourself, so skip the vigorous workouts and just take a yoga class or go for a walk.
8. Start a journal. Write out thoughts and feelings that may be stored in your body. Negative emotions, stress, and daily troubles have a huge impact on the way our body assimilates nutrients.
9. Create a relaxing ritual. Take a bath at night, sip some herbal tea while the kids are in quiet time, meditate, or pray to slow you down.
10. Get to bed earlier than usual and aim for at least 8 hours of sleep per night. Best to be in bed no later than 10 pm. This is when the body starts to repair itself.
As you can see, it is possible to do this on your own, however you may want to consider working with a professional for your first try at a cleanse. I especially recommend starting with a real food cleanse versus a juicing or fasting detox for any busy mother. We need to slow down, but we also need to have enough energy to go on with caring for our kids, our home, and our day-to-day duties.
Six Pros of Working with a Pro
1. A detailed protocol of what to do every step of every day.
2. A community forum. The moderator is your expert to ask questions, discuss reactions, and receive ongoing support. The bonus is you learn so much from the other participants!
3. HOW-TO videos for recipes, self-care ideas, and visual aids to help you understand the process.
4. RECIPES! The recipes are specific to the body system you are aiming to restore.
5. A grocery list for ease of preparing for the week of food.
6. Accountability and safety. People are more likely to follow through with a detox if money is paid. You want to get your money’s worth! Also, since you are under the ‘care’ of a professional, you know that you are being looked after during the process.
Whether you decide to go the frugal route or jump in with a professional, taking five days, a week, or a month to restart your body will benefit you and your family in numerous ways. When you feel lighter, fresher, and better than you have in a long time, you will spread that joy to everyone you encounter. You may even change your day-to-day eating routine, continue on a specific supplement, or make a resting ritual a weekly treat.
*If you choose to do a juice or fasting cleanse, please make sure you speak with a medical professional. This article is written in an attempt to educate you on cleanses and detoxes.This article is not stating that these tactics will cure or prevent disease. But, it will make you feel so much better!
**************************************
Looking for more information and an extended plan? Check out The Plan: Eliminate the Surprising “Healthy” Foods That Are Making You Fat–and Lose Weight Fast
.We’ve heard rave reviews about this book. It’s a cleanse/detox plan to help you figure out what foods are good or not good for your body.
Looking for more whole food resources?
Follow Frugal Living NW on Pinterest!
Fantastic range of boards from best recipes andtips for frugal livingtogardening andbudgeting help.
This post may contain affiliate links. See the disclosure policy for more information.
