Have you ever considered doing something healthy and then along come the nay-sayers? Not to worry, here are the 5 biggest myths about doing a seasonal cleanse debunked. If you are ready to get back on track after the winter, want a diet or metabolism re-set or a jump start to eating healthier, a cleanse could be perfect for you. In addition, done right, a cleanse can help you identify any food sensitivities causing you symptomes that you had not been aware of. 

The ancient wisdom teachings of Ayurveda recommend a seaonal cleanse for everyone who wants to experience optimal health. It also suggest a cleanse should be nourishing as well as support your body in eliminating any toxins. Basically, you are giving it the healthiest foods, giving your body a break and supporting it in doing it’s job of elimination, rejuvenation and providing you with optimal health and vitality.

The Truth About Seasonal Cleanses:  The five biggest myths debunked

Thanks to much of what we hear in the media, seasonal cleanses, aka detox, have earned a reputation for being unhealthy and even unsafe, not to mention uncomfortable. When you hear the words “cleanse” or “detox,” do you immediately think of all-liquid diets, expensive supplements and short-term deprivation for short-term gains? Sounds like just another new fad, right? Well … done that way, yes maybe … but done correctly …  

The truth is, doing a seasonal cleanse doesn’t have to involve any of the above—and if you cleanse in a healthy, supportive manner, you can achieve lasting results in weight loss, energy gain and full-body health.

 The following are five myths you may have heard about seasonal cleanses (aka detoxes). Understandably, these myths may cause you to be  hesitant to try a cleanse.

Keep reading to find out the truth behind these myths and why a seasonal cleanse might be just what your body is craving.

Myth # 1: Cleansing and Detoxing is just a fad

The idea of doing a seasonal cleanse to promote optimal health and well-being has been around for thousands of years. Ayurveda, a holistic health tradition more than 5,000 years old, recommends routine cleanses for optimal health. Most often they are done at the change of the seasons with natures natural rhythms. It is a time to give your body a rest, allow it to release what it no longer needs, and receive nourishment for renewal.

Myth # 2: You won’t enjoy anything you’re eating while on a detox.

While you might have to eliminate certain foods that you enjoy, detoxing isn’t all about eating lettuce with a drizzle of olive oil. There are many delicious recipes that can be prepared using healthy ingredients that not only taste amazing, but nourish and detox your body.

The best part is, many of them don’t involve any fancy ingredients and can be prepared even by a cooking novice. In fact, my cleanse participants always discover new foods and recipes that they absolutely love that have become staples in their diets long after the detox ends.

Myth #3:  You’ll constantly be hungry while detoxing.

While you might end up consuming fewer calories while following a detox, you shouldn’t feel deprived or hungry. Going on an extremely low-calorie diet can actually disrupt your hormones and metabolism, making your body less efficient in the long run.

Everyone’s caloric needs are different, so a detox should never dictate how many calories you consume. By consuming whole foods that provide you with the right nutrients, you help detox your body while feeling satisfied.  My participants are always amazed that they never feel hungry during my detoxes.

Myth #4:  You need to do an all-liquid detox to remove toxins from your body.

Liquid-only detoxes have had more than their fair share of popularity. These types of detoxes can backfire: Not only do people often gain the weight back as soon as the detox ends, but such restrictive eating for several days can be detrimental to your health. An effective detox will include a variety of whole foods to help nourish your body and produce long-term results.

Myth #5: Detoxes are just a way for people to make money on expensive supplements.

Supplements involved in a detox should be just that, a supplementary part of the program, not the primary source of your nutrition.  While on a detox, you get most of your vitamins and minerals from whole-food sources.

Supplements may be recommended to help your body make the most of the nutrients it receives from these foods.  For example, by including probiotics in your diet, you help your body produce vitamins, absorb minerals and remove toxins from the body.

Aside from the benefits discussed above, a cleanse is an incredibly effective way to identify if you have any food sensitivities, balance your hormones, and establish healthy habits for the long term.

I’ve worked with nutrition clients who not only have lost weight and kept it off, but who have also seen their energy level skyrocket, their skin clear up and even their allergies disappear. 

Spring Cleanse starts Monday, March 23, 2020.Register by March 19 for Early Bird Savings.

What questions or concerns do you have about participating in a seasonal cleanse?

Before you try something new, like a cleanse, it’s normal to feel hesitant.  I want to hear from you. Submit a comment below, messages me on Facebook or email me at kay@kayrice.com. I read every email that comes into my inbox and I promise to email you back personally.