The subject of cleansing and detoxing can be quite controversial. Some experts say cleansing and detoxing isn’t necessary because the body already removes toxins through its elimination organs (lungs, skin, kidneys and digestion). Other experts say It’s a way to recharge, rejuvenate, and renew. I personally feel anyone in good health can benefit from cleansing. I also want to emphasize that I am not a medical professional. This article is based on my personal experience and I suggest that anyone thinking about doing a detox or cleansing regime or any type of dietary change should consult with their physician first.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let me take you on my journey. I was born a vegetarian in the 70s (long before it was cool, with cool products). Basically back then you ate fruits and vegetables. I HATED this as a child, I was always the elephant in the room. For the last 20+ years I’ve gone back and forth between eating fish and lamb to being a vegetarian. Even when I was in a meat eating phase, I only ate meat about 3 times a week because I really prefer eating healthy and clean food. I have done several fasts in my lifetime, but I can honestly say this is the first time I’ve really done a detox (or cleanse). For the last couple of years I have not had the best diet, actually it was the worst it had been in my entire adult life. It first started when I remarried and my new husband wanted ‘man-food’ (meaning fried, bread, and sweet). Trying to pretend I was a good Stepford wife I obliged. I fried chicken, served bread and butter, desserts you name it. Finally about a year in I came to my senses, and told my husband he could eat that crap if he wanted to but, I was only going to prepare healthy clean food. After finding out he had high cholesterol he agreed to a healthier eating habits but the end result was still bitter sweet. I gained over 20 pounds, and he fell in love with quinoa.
This year has been my year to balance and detox my body. I first did the Master Cleanse back in January (which really didn’t work for me personally). The most energy I had was allotted to meditating every morning, and crocheting for 7-10 hours, while watching Desperate Housewives. I don’t know how healthy it was, but I did lose some weight. Additionally, it was very inexpensive and not at all time consuming. Afterwards I ate raw for about 2 months, and that was amazing, and then I slowly started eating beans and grains. I felt amazing at this point, but still wanted to go deeper. In that time I started to connect the dots about not just detoxing and cleansing but more importantly balancing on every level (mind,body and spirit). I knew I wanted to do another intense cleanse but wanted this to be my focus and goal. I knew I wanted to embark on this when the weather got warmer, so I could spend as much time as possible in nature. I am currently on day 20 of my summer cleanse sponsored by Organic Avenue. Days 1-7 of my cleanse I went back to eating raw and incorporated two Organic Avenue cold pressed juices daily, to slowly and gently get my body ready for my 21 day all-juice goal. During this time I spent more time lounging in the park doing absolutely nothing but looking at trees. I started to limit my computer and Internet usage. I also communicated with my own personal cleanse concierge Ellie Scully. Ellie has a certificate from institute of Integrative Nutrition as a Holistic Health Counselor. Ellie has been amazing, and helped me to understand clear objectives. I wanted to do an all juice cleanse, but was worried about loosing muscle. She suggested that since I wanted to do a great deal of physical activity (like run and yoga) I supplement with a vegetable protein on those days. I’m understanding how to listen to my body, and emotions and not to look at my shortcomings on this journey but my strengths. Days 7-13 was all about delicious juice (fruit and vegetable). I thought I knew a lot of juice combinations but the blends by Organic Avenue blew my taste buds away.
Some of my favorites are Royal Red (organic carrot, pear, beet, ginger, Pineapple, Lemon, and orange) and Jalapina (Greens with a jalapeño & cilantro kick and a hint of pineapple). My favorite treat had been the Spicy Avocado Soup, which I make now myself and have it daily. It’s a nice treat at the end of the day to reward myself, and still give myself a nice dose of healthy fat. Days 14 to present have been a bit more challenging, as I am currently doing only green juices, avocado soup, and vegetable protein by Garden of Life called Raw Protein. The first day of this I wanted to curse everyone out and quit! What helped was drinking more water and breathing through it.
I should also add that since that day I drink a ton of water and unsweetened herbal teas. In addition to rejuvenating my body with juice, I’ve also done several colonics, and coffee enemas. (Again this is my journey not a recommendation). I’ve gotten several massages, and done dry brushing to stimulate my lymphatic system. I also took alot of baths using Red Bush and Sage Congestion Relief Dead Sea Salt Soak by Shea Moisture. Finally I met with a holistic chiropractor Dr Wil Schweigert who blew my mind about the importance of connecting mind and body, and that this is done through the spine. Together the brain and spine form the nervous system, and together they create most healing in the body. If you have misalignment of the spine your body can never really heal itself. Needless to say, I will now be seeing him on a regular basis. I honestly don’t think I would be having such an amazing experience had it not been for the team at Organic Avenue. The staff with their amazing smiles, and wealth of knowledgeable make me want to be successfully on my journey. They even have a community cleanse for people who are embarking on a cleanse, so they can meet and chat with others and have questions answered face to face.
As I stated in the beginning of this post, this cleansing process for me has been about connecting the dots, (mind, body, spirit). My new found mental focus has allowed me to think much more objectively about my life. I realize that stress comes from over thinking about what you want to happen, and what has not happened (or already happened) instead of staying in the moment. I have also had the physical energy to do do yoga, run on the beach and ride my bike. I now do this 3 times a week. This is my balance (In the beginning I thought I was going to do this every day. HA!) This has been my cleanse so far. It has not been perfect, but it has been a blessing!
Stay tuned for the conclusion of this experience in two weeks. In the meantime please follow my daily detoxing tweets on Twitter @karimorange
Karim Orange is a nationally known natural cosmetics expert, celebrity personal care products artist and two-time Emmy Award nominee whose work graces the faces of countless stars in television, music, movies and the theater. If you have specific questions about nontoxic beauty products and routines that you would like to see answered in this column, please email me at karim@betterorganicchoice.com. If you would like me to green your beauty routine please visit www.karimorange.com
Tags: coffee and nutrition, lowfat, organic, studies and research, superfood
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