Detox: Who, What, When , Where, and Why

[air_n_darkness]

beckyh2112 asked me "What does detoxing entail?" Her question plus a few other comments and questions have prompted me to make this entry to explain that, what my detox will entail, and the purposes behind my going through the process.

A detox can mean a variety of things to different people, and often has negative connotations in a person's mind, since it does often involve radical changes, deprivation, and other unpleasantness. It can be taken to an extreme, like any eating or behavior, and if one does this, it can be harmful. Detoxing can cover everything from switching to a vegan or raw diet for a period of time, smoothie or juice fasts, or even water fasts. It can also simply involve removing an addictive substance from one's diet, such as caffeine, sugar, nicotine, alcohol, etc.

As for why I'm doing this- I'm not embarking on this journey for the purpose of a quick flush and fix. I'm looking to make some long term changes, not just in my eating habits, but in my life. It's not just about flushing the congestion out of my body; it's about clearing the congestion around me as well. That includes physical congestion such as clutter, as well as mental, spiritual and emotional congestion. This is not going to be something that happens overnight; I'll be making baby steps. One positive change at a time.

For me, this is a Life Detox.

Some of what I will be doing as far as my body detox is concerned is as follows:

- making sure to drink plenty of water, at least 6-8 glasses/portions per day
- shifting away from refined sugars, not just in cooking but in prepared foods
- decreasing and eventually hopefully eliminating my consumption of prepared/processed foods
- increasing my intake of veggies, fruits, lentils, and non-wheat grains
- decreasing my sodium intake
- decreasing my intake of OTC medicines.
- beginning an exercise regime, centering around core strength and flexibility.

Other items on my Life detox list:

- decreasing clutter, and hopefully my dependence on Stuff
- establishing a cleaning routine that is easy to upkeep, versus having to spend one whole day cleaning a week.
- setting aside a period of time each week to make art
- getting finances back in order
- switching away from chemical household cleaners and utilizing more natural cleansers. This will be difficult, since I always associate the smell of Clorox with Clean, since that's what we used when I was a kid.
- establishing a sleeping routine
- reading every day
- reconnecting with friends
- reconnecting with family

That's the overview. Those lists aren't all inclusive, of course, but that should give y'all an idea of what I'm aiming for with the process. I'm hoping to start the first of September with the food/body detox. I'm already starting on some of the other aspects.

Questions? Comments? Smart remarks?

Comments

[moonstone-fae.livejournal.com]

This sounds very interesting. I've been making a lot of these changes myself. I never thought of it as a detox. That is a wonderful way to put it. Mind if I use the word?

[air_n_darkness]

gopher it!

[iflie.livejournal.com]

Well first of all Good Luck! You are bound to feel better even by doing just a few things on your lists.

I have cut out sugar (bar a few fruits) many times and after a little while your cravings just go away and you feel more in control. I think is because your bloodsugar stabilises throughout the day so your energy and mood is more equal too.

Cutting the salt was never one of my favorites. If you cut out processed foods you will already automatically cut a lot of salts. If you switch to eating more vegetables and lentils you need salt to make you enjoy eating them. And with drinking so much you might start to feel weak with too little salt in your diet.

Wheat has a bad name in some places these days but they are a great source of slow carbs. If you are allergic to wheat it's a bad idea to use yes but most people can digest prepared whole grains just fine. Maybe switching to biological bread (home made?) or sour dough is an option, additives in store bought breads are common.

Have you thought about set eating times too? That will help your body digest better and more smaller meals during the day will help you feel better. Even an aversion to breakfast can be overcome.

I know you have weight_slasher on your flist but I am not sure if you have been keeping an eye on it. For easy exercise in your own home I gave some video links. it focuses on your core and is low impact so good for starting out. It will help with getting a sleeping pattern too, I sleep very well since I started doing to Bellyfit.

~Iflie

[uglygrandmother.livejournal.com]

Sounds like you have a good plan. I know you will have success.

Although it seems ironic, I do have some suggestions for de-cluttering and would be willing to share if you like. I, too am addicted to "stuff," but I am better than I was. Unfortunately, it is an ongoing battle rather than a one shot deal, but I promise, it gets easier. LOL!

[lunatron.livejournal.com]

That seems like a good list!

[syrinakintari.livejournal.com]

Me, me reconnect with me!

Speaking of which is caffeine totally out of your life or can you have an occasional coffee, or at least hot tea or something. I'm asking b/c there's this little coffee shop that's opened up at the corner of Overton Park and Watkins that I think you just might be interested in shooting pool at. (I'll give you a hint; I met you at an earlier incarnation of said coffee shop.)