Guest Post: My girl Lisa & Spring Renewal Detox

Spring is here my friends! Not only am I offering the Busy Women Mealtime Makeover in May, my friend Lisa is offering her Spring Renewal 10 Day Detox. My sister Jen and I did Lisa’s detox after the holidays and I am telling you what… It was amazing. My sister and I lost 15 pounds combined, felt fabulous, had more energy and our pants fit much better! It rocked – click here to check it out and sign up! Below Lisa chat’s about the importance of cleansing as Spring arrives. Keep reading.)
3 Ways to “Spring Clean” with Detox
(plus Lisa’s Glorious Greens Smoothie recipe)
Ahhh, wake up! Spring is here.  It’s time to cheer and shine like the sun!
I don’t know about you, but during winter, I seem to hibernate in my house. Usually around 6 pm every night, I put my jammies on and just stay in, hanging with the fam.  Nothing can get me out of the house when it’s freezing out!
So when spring arrives, I seem to have this renewed energy. Like I have a new spark.  A new beginning.  Not only does spring symbolize renewal and rebirth, it also reminds me of cleansing. AND a great way to supercharge the season is to detox.
Spring is the perfect time to do a detox because you can take a good look at habits and make a new plan. It’s a time to set goals whether it is cooking more at home, working out, or even taking more time for yourself when the baby is sleeping.
During springtime, you are filled with inspiration and have more energy to achieve your health goals. You’re more active, creative, and more apt to stick to your routines.
Once you experience a detox that incorporates whole foods and daily activities that support your body, there isn’t anything in the world that can compare to the feeling you get after a detox.  You may feel increased bouts of energy, eliminate your cravings, lose weight, reduce bloating and get rid of belly fat. You might even glow! Your mind is clear and focused, and even your mood can improve.
Here are my top 3 ways to “spring clean” with detox:

1. I suggest a gentle, clean food-based detox.  The first step is to eliminate foods that have barcodes. Michael Pollen, author of Omnivore’s Dilemma and Food Rules, suggests that we avoid foods that come in a can or box.  I usually remind myself of this rule when I shop.  For your food-based cleanse stick to organic fruits and veggies plus lots of dark leafy greens like kale, Swiss chard, collards. Spring time foods consist of dandelion greens, spinach, parsley, watercress, asparagus, peas, fennel, and mustard greens.
2. As you pump the green stuff, you also need to avoid the following:  added sugar, dairy, alcohol, caffeine, wheat/gluten, eggs, animal protein, corn, soy, and fruit juices since they are very high in sugar and calories.  Eating too many allergens can cause an imbalance and aggravate allergies and congestion.
3. Of course eating foods that nourish and detoxify are necessary for your cleanse, but the next step is to incorporate exercise.  Try gentle yoga, walking in nature, stretching.  You don’t want to run for 12 miles or bike for hours during your cleanse.  You will be completely exhausted.  Your body is working hard to get rid of toxins, and she needs to rest to restore during the detox period.   Taking time to breathe and meditate.  This time is for YOU.

Are you ready to try a detox? Have you done a cleanse before? Fill me in with your comment below.  I would love to know your thoughts on getting your detox on!
Lisa Consiglio Ryan is the founder of Whole Health Designs.  She provides detox programs for women who desire to embrace clean living. Lisa is also developing her own line of raw juices.
Join Lisa and hundreds of women for Spring Renewal 10 Day Detox.
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