Do you feel tired all the time – not just tired, but exhausted? When you look in the mirror, do you see dark circles under your eyes? Is your skin drier than usual? Well, you’re not alone.
In today’s fast-paced world, almost constant physical and mental stress is the norm. Add to this the typical Western diet that is devoid of most nutrients and high in trans fats and countless harmful chemicals and you have a recipe for disaster.
Toxic overload
Your body is designed to be the perfect machine. In fact, it’s one of the most complicated machines in the world. But like any sophisticated machine, if you don’t take care of it, it will eventually break down.
The main detoxifying organs in your body are your kidneys, liver, lungs, skin, and intestines. The lymphatic system also plays a huge role in removing waste and toxins, and if any of these organs are overwhelmed or simply not functioning properly, toxins can start to build up. Exhaustion, dark circles under the eyes and excessively dry skin are key signs of the body experiencing toxic overload.
The other problem with toxic overload is a weakened immune system. When your body is busy trying to get rid of excess waste, it can’t effectively fight viruses, infections, and other illnesses, such as simple colds and flu. The good news is that once you eliminate the accumulated waste, your body can get back to doing its job of keeping you healthy, strong, and energized.
Weekend detox
Just the thought of doing a detox can turn some people off. They imagine horrible green dishes that taste more like weed than food. But body cleanses have come a long way over the years and require much less effort than before.
This cleanse is worth doing at least twice a year. Although you can keep it for up to 10 days, you can also do it only for two days, over the weekend. And when you’re done, you’ll feel like a new you!
The best thing about this cleanse is that you don’t have to feel like you’re depriving yourself of anything. If you want to make the most of this weekend’s detox cleanse, you should also add detoxifying teas, which help draw out toxins from your body.
Weekend detox
Be sure to drink 250ml of warm water every morning on an empty stomach throughout the cleanse. This procedure stimulates digestion and triggers the detoxification process.
It’s also important to keep your stress levels low, get plenty of sleep, exercise and watch the amount of processed foods in your diet, including yoghurt, pickles, almond milk, and seeds. Although they may seem innocent enough, these foods may contain food colorings, preservatives, and flavorings. If possible, buy organic food for best results.
Saturday
Breakfast:
8 ounces of warm water
A cup of oatmeal with a tablespoon of flax seed
8 ounces of green tea
½ cup blueberries
200 ml plain yoghurt or 200 ml unsweetened almond milk
Lunch:
8 ounces filtered water
2 cups salad (tomatoes, arugula, or other greens) with a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon juice
250 grams of grilled lean fish
250 grams of bite with olive oil and potatoes
1 small banana
1 slice of melon
Snack:
8 ounces of filtered water
1 apple
180 ml / 6 ounces plain yogurt
¼ cup pumpkin seeds, raw or roasted
Evening meal:
8 ounces filtered water
2 cups lettuce with lemon juice and olive oil dressing
150 grams of grilled tuna cooked in foil or grilled
½ cup steamed green vegetables (spinach or broccoli)
Aniseed tea
A small slice of sourdough bread
Sunday
Start the morning with 8 ounces of warm water.
Breakfast:
200 ml unsweetened almond milk or plain yogurt
A cup of oatmeal with a tablespoon of flax seed
1 medium-sized pear
1 cup of green tea
8 ounces filtered water
Snack:
1 medium grapefruit
8 ounces filtered water
Lunch:
Vegetable soup (beans, potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, and peppers) made with broth
200 grams grilled chicken breast
150 grams of pickles
8 ounces filtered water
Evening meal:
Beet and carrot salad with lemon dressing
A small slice of sourdough bread
8 ounces of filtered water
A cup of nettle tea