12 days of detox

How's your January going? Has it been the year that the healthy life style has stuck? Or has it not yet begun? Lots of you set resolutions or goals in January to be healthier and it's always a popular time to detox. So here are our 12 days of detox and our best advice.

1. Goals

Do you set them? Do you think about setting them but not do anything with them? My favourite quote about goal setting...

A study at Harvard University in 1979

In that year, the students were asked, "Have you set clear, written goals for your future and made plans to accomplish them?" Only three percent of the graduates had written goals and plans; 13 percent had goals, but they were not in writing; and a whopping 84 percent had no specific goals at all.

Ten years later, the members of the class were interviewed again, and the findings, while somewhat predictable, were nonetheless astonishing. The 13 percent of the class who had goals were earning, on average, twice as much as the 84 percent who had no goals at all. And what about the three percent who had clear, written goals? They were earning, on average, ten times as much as the other 97 percent put together.

Astonishing stats. WRITE YOUR GOALS DOWN. Use a vision board and stick it by your bed so you can visualise it happening. It really does work and if your goals are a priority, you'll do it! 

 

2. Water

One of the most basic rules. You need water to survive. Every function in your body needs water. Water is usually available clean and at low or little cost. But do you know what? SO many of us are daily dehydrated. It's not about money or time, it's just bad habits. So, make a new habit. Use a bottle of water or make a rule such as "every cup of tea I have a glass of water" or "every time I get up from my desk I have a glass of water". It's one of the easiest detox and fat loss methods in the book so get glugging!

 

3. Support network

As a personal trainer I see the success and challenge of this every week. I see the woman whos husband tells her she's boring repeatedly till she caves and has take away with him or the wife who loves to feed her husband or children. The people around you and especially the people you live and eat with need to be on board, supportive and backing you up with actions as well as words. They need to know your goals and support you. The days you want to quit or you reach for the biscuit tin - they're the ones that are there to help and guide you. So talk to your immediate circle of people and get them behind you.

4. Positive attitude

This will get you a long way. Think you can't do it? You won't do it. Think you can? You will. Be positive, be grateful and be happy. One of the best ways to start this is with an "attitude of gratitude". Try it today and write down five things you're grateful for and try saying thank you to someone. It's contagious!

5. Remove the toxins

Sounds obvious but no point in detoxing and re toxing at the same time! Cut out the caffeine, alcohol and red meat, ditch the cigarettes and beer while you detox. Eat and drink clean and give your body some recovery.

6. Throw out the crap

This is one of the keys to success long term. If you shop dirty, you'll eat dirty. So whatever is in your house - CHUCK IT! If it's worth something and you think it's a waste, bag it up and give it to a homeless person. If the food is in your house, you'll eat it so the first thing I'd advise anyone to do is THROW OUT THE CRAP! 

7. Get active

The advantages of physical activity are way too long for this blog post but in terms of a detox one of the best things you can do for activity is get outside. Get some fresh air. Bike, walk, run, skate, whatever you can to get outdoors. And guess what? Your skin is waterproof too, isn't that amazing? So you can still do it when it rains! No, i'm not mad. TRY IT! Running in the rain is actually really refreshing. So grab a friend this weekend and get outside. You'll feel great for it, yes you get a rush of endorphins and a glow in your face but it also helps freshen you, your skin and your head up so give it a try.

8. Lemon water

Hot water and lemon. What a blessing and one of my absolute favourite drinks. Again, the list is endless but to name a few...costs next to nothing, clears skin, balanes Ph levels, freshens breath, boosts your immune system, aids digestion, aids detoxification, increases energy levels....I could go on!!

9. Remove sugar

One of THE biggest evils on this planet. It's addictive, corrosive and it makes you fat. So cut it out! Out your tea, out your cooking and swap those sugary foods. Stay away from breakfast cereals, flavorings and fizzy drinks. Dump the sweets, chocolate and cakes. There is no benefit to your body from sugar. Enjoy your sweet things with honey, fruit sweet potato! After a few days of headaches (which shows you how evil it is) your hormones, energy levels, mood and appetite will all be so much more balanced, your skin will improve and you'll lose body fat. Again...I could go on!

10. Review and reward

Another great saying.

 "You're not a dog, so don't reward yourself with food"

A great quote. However, we do need to review and reward. We need praise, we need to feel good and we need to use it as motivation. With your goals set specific rewards - aim high and treat yourself to a facial, a shopping trip, a cinema trip with your mates, whatever is a genuine reward for you and tell people about it. Tell people how well you're doing. It feels great and you also might just inspire them to do the same!

11. Friendly bacteria

If you do a proper detox you're likely to flush out all bacteria including good bacteria. So after you've completed the programme always get friendly bacteria back in to replenish your gut and keep your immune system in tip top condition. Plenty of anti oxidants to protect you from free radical damage and a good quality friendly bacteria (not in drink form as these are pasteurised which ironically kills most of the bacteria in them) and take care of yourself and your gut. It's one of the most important parts of your body for staying well, digesting well and keeping your weight under control. I personally use a friendly bacteria in tablet form after any detox, after any illness or if I was ever to take those horrid things called anti biotics. Click here if you want to check out the one I use.

12. Fibre

Final tip is fibre. Everyone claims they get enough but the best test is always your poo! Yes, I said it! If you don't poo, you don't get rid of your toxins and you're getting a constant back log which sits and festers! You should be pooing every day and without sounding too much like a certain Gillian, it shouldn't be too stodgy or too runny. If you're constipated or have frequent diarrhea review your fibre. The best source? Organic veggies but please please, leave the skins on. It's where all the fibre is. Don't peal your carrots or over cook your broccili. Steam them and eat the as they're supposed to be. Keep pooing and you'll keep flushing those toxins!!

That's it! Easy right?!

I truly hope you've had a really fit and healthy start to 2014 and are feeling fabulous! If you're not and you want help...please get in touch.

Hannah Johnson

Cheif Catalyst at Lean Body Vision
hannah@leanbodyvision.com
0790 778 1497