It’s time to Detox!!!!!

Post by Olivia Martino, Registered Dietitian and Co-Owner, Nourish Northwest

It’s safe to say we are now officially in summer!

Here at Nourish Northwest, I lead a seasonal cleanse, also known as a detox.  I love developing the seasonal recipes but I have to say the summer cleanse is my favorite because there are so many fresh fruits and vegetables to use.  This is a great time to start eating lighter, fresher and healthier.

I have two main reasons for doing a cleanse. The main one is that I get to a point in the long winter, where I feel like my eating habits aren’t the healthiest and I need to re-set. I usually feel as though I have been eating out too much, eating too much in general, choosing unhealthy foods too often and drinking a little more than I feel is healthy. Every year that I do this, I learn more about what my body really does or doesn’t need and how I can satisfy cravings and hunger with much less that I usually do.

 

 

The other reason I have for doing a cleanse is to give my body a chance to eliminate toxins and become more efficient at doing so. Toxins are everywhere. They are present in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. Toxins accumulate in our body and can lead to metabolic disturbances, and eventually to serious health concerns, such as chronic fatigue, headaches, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases and cancer. It is the liver’s job to rid the body of these harmful substances and it does so, through a series of reactions. Certain nutrients, such as magnesium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 are needed for the liver to do its job efficiently, and my cleanse involves eating a lot of foods that are high in those nutrients.

 

 

There are many different type of detoxes people do, ranging from complete fasting or water fasting, following the Master Cleanse, or simply choosing to eat “clean” for a couple of weeks. The cleanse that I have done for the past 7 years falls somewhere in the middle of the spectrum of extreme. I am not a proponent of fasting, or the Master Cleanse because these cleanses do not provide your liver with adequate nutrients to do its job. The cleanse I follow is food-based and does not involve supplements. You simply spend the first few days eliminating certain foods from your diet, consume mainly fruits and vegetables for the middle days and then gradually re-introduce the foods back in. It is challenging, but do-able.

Clients have reported feeling more energetic, more clear, less allergy symptoms and some have lost weight.  They have enjoyed introducing more vegetables into their diet and have loved the recipes.  Here are a couple of quotes from some happy detoxers:

“Although this was very difficult at times my whole appetite has changed.  So many of the cravings I had are just really gone and to really give me proof that this way of eating is something my body likes I lost 9 pounds.  Now, I am very aware that much of that is because I have so much I need to loose… but what a great affirmation of a way to approach food.” Blakesley  C.

“Overall, my body seems thrilled with the increase and variety of vegetables and fruit. I’ve maintained my workout schedule and in some ways have been able to push myself harder than ever. I feel strong and healthy.  This experience has altered my lifestyle. I definitely got what I was hoping for.” -Tina

 

 

I hope you will join our Summer Detox Group, from July 14th-July 25th with a pre-cleanse meeting on July 12th at 4 pm.

Cleanse package includes:
-12 day cleanse schedule
-12 day meal plan of delicious, healthy recipes designed by a dietitian
-Grocery shopping list
-Meal preparation schedule
-Cooking demo with recipes
-Phone/email support
-A pre-cleanse group meeting to ask any questions you have and meet your fellow cleansers.
Cost: $49

Register here and scroll to the start date of July 12th and click sign up.