DIY Daily Detox

Recently, after our move back to the island, my husband and I have been on a pretty tight budget, patiently waiting for his new career to kick off. We have been very fortunate to receive help from friends and family alike as we get settled, and much of this help has been in the form of shared meals and groceries. 

When you're on a tight budget and friends and family are offering you help, no matter how much pride you have, willingly accept it. As my aunt repeatedly tells us, "we have all been there, we know what it's like, and we know you would do the same if our roles were switched." And it's true. Josh and I have had a little bit of an internal struggle putting our own ego aside to receive the help we need, but the truth is, we have been learning that it's much easier to graciously accept it rather than argue with your wise elders who know a bit more about getting through life struggles than you do. We are so lucky to have these people in our lives.


During our grocery trip yesterday, my aunt and I were discussing detoxing. While there are now plenty of options to purchase detox kits, whether online or at your local wellness store, we are both firm believers in getting everything you need strictly from the foods you eat. We talked about cravings and how there are two types of cravings. "Lustful cravings," such as walking past the bakery section of the grocery store and seeing that delicious box of fresh baked chocolate truffle cake--- you know you don't need it, but it looks and smells so divine where you find yourself lusting over this. Then there's the "real cravings," where your body is simply trying to tell you that it needs a particular nutrient. Yes, when you follow a particular healthy-eating diet long enough (It's been a year and a half for me now), you get to the point where your body knows and craves exactly what it needs. In my case, this week my body is craving lemon for its detoxifying properties. And boy, do I know I could use the detox, as I haven't been doing this nearly as often as I'd like to.


I follow a three-step daily detox. I say daily because you CAN do this every day, but I prefer to reserve it to once or twice a week, adding an additional day or two on the rare occasions that I have a few drinks the night before.

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How it works: this routine works best if done first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking.




I start off oil pulling with about a tablespoon of coconut oil. If you're unfamiliar with oil pulling, this simply means swishing around coconut oil in your mouth for 10-15minutes to remove toxins from your teeth, gums, and tongue. It's a little weird/gross to get used to at first, but gets easier with time. (I will be posting a more in-depth description one of these days along with the many additional benefits of coconut oil). After 10-15 minutes, be sure to discard of the swished oil in the trash. DO NOT SWALLOW AND DO NOT SPIT IN SINK! Since oil pulling is actually pulling toxins out of your body, the last thing you want to do is swallow them. Also, coconut oil solidifies at room temperature, so spitting into the sink could potentially clog your drains, therefore the trash can is your best option.


Next, I follow with a warm water and salt rinse. I mix about a teaspoon of salt with 8oz of WARM water. I prefer Himalayan pink sea salt, considered the purest form of sea-salt, providing essential minerals, trace elements, balancing electrolytes, supporting proper nutrient absorption, eliminating toxins, balancing the body’s pH, and increasing circulation. Be sure to swish and gargle the mixture until finished. 

Finally, I make myself a concoction of lemon water. Lemons provide you with vitamin C, antioxidants and potassium. They also help balance your body's pH and help with nutrient absorption. Drinking lemon water first thing in the morning helps get your digestive system moving and re-energizes your body as it detoxifies and oxygenates your system. It's also great for your skin- keeping it clear and radiant. I slice two or three good-sized lemon wheels, squeezing the juice and dropping them into my bottle of ice water. I'll give the bottle a good shake, then drink the entire 16oz right away, before adding more water to drink throughout the rest of the day. 


For the remainder of my detox day, I try to stay away from (or at least limit my intake of) caffeine, meats, alcohol and processed sugars. I started my day ridding my body of toxins, putting more in would be counter-productive. Instead, I'll make myself a green smoothie for breakfast and snack on nuts, fruits and veggies throughout the day, being sure to stay fully hydrated with my lemon water.


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If you decide to try my daily detox, please feel free to let me know what you think! I appreciate any and all feedback!

Enjoy!

<3